Rakuten gives you cashback when you start an online shop from its website or browser extension. New members who join through an invitation can also get a £25 bonus after making their first qualifying purchase.
Referral link: we may receive a bonus if you qualify. Your bonus is not reduced.
Rakuten welcome offer at a glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Welcome reward | £25 cashback on the offer checked |
| Who can use it? | New Rakuten UK members joining through an eligible invitation |
| What must you do? | Make the qualifying purchase shown when you join |
| Extra saving | The retailer’s normal cashback rate |
| Payment | Add your UK bank or supported payment details |
| Waiting time | Cashback is paid after the retailer approves the purchase |
Choose a purchase you already need. Buying an unwanted item simply to earn a bonus is not a saving.
How Rakuten cashback works
Retailers pay Rakuten a commission for sending them customers. Rakuten shares part of that money with you as cashback.
The important step is starting your shop through Rakuten. Search for the retailer, click Shop now, then finish the order on the retailer’s website. Rakuten records the visit and adds the expected cashback to your account.
You can find well-known shops for fashion, travel, beauty, technology, homeware and food delivery. Rates change, so compare Rakuten with other cashback sites before buying.
How to get the Rakuten new user bonus
- Join through the invitation.
Open the referral link and note the bonus, spending target and deadline displayed.
- Choose a participating retailer.
Pick a shop where you already planned to spend enough to meet the offer.
- Activate cashback.
Click from Rakuten to the retailer before adding or paying for the final basket.
- Complete the order in one visit.
Pay normally without opening another cashback or voucher website.
- Check that it tracked.
Look in your Rakuten account for the purchase and welcome bonus.
- Wait for approval.
The retailer confirms that the order was kept, then Rakuten pays according to its payment schedule.
Simple ways to help cashback track
- Accept the cookies needed for cashback tracking.
- Turn off ad blockers and automatic coupon extensions for the purchase.
- Empty an old basket, then begin again from Rakuten.
- Finish the purchase in the same browser session.
- Do not use a voucher that Rakuten has not listed as compatible.
- Keep the order confirmation until the cashback is paid.
Is Rakuten worth using?
The welcome bonus is the biggest short-term saving, but Rakuten can remain useful whenever it offers the best cashback rate for a shop you use.
Pros
- A strong £25 starting bonus on the offer checked.
- Normal cashback is added to the welcome reward.
- Free to join and simple to use.
- Many familiar UK retailers and travel brands.
Cons
- Cashback is not instant.
- Returned or cancelled orders do not qualify.
- Tracking can fail if another website or extension takes the credit.
- Another cashback site may sometimes have a better rate.
Rakuten questions
How much do I need to spend?
Use the amount shown on the referral page when you create your account. Rakuten has tested different campaigns, commonly with qualifying spends around £30 or £50. Delivery, taxes or excluded products may not count.
When will the £25 arrive?
The purchase normally appears first as pending. It becomes payable after the retailer confirms that the order was not cancelled or returned. This can take several weeks and sometimes up to around 90 days.
Can an existing Rakuten member get the bonus?
No. The invitation bonus is intended for a genuinely new Rakuten UK member. Creating duplicate accounts can lead to the reward being removed.
What if my order does not track?
Keep the order email and use Rakuten’s missing cashback process. Provide the retailer, order number, date and eligible basket value.