Let’s face it. Online shopping is a staple in our lives. From replacing household essentials to snagging that perfect gift, it’s fast, convenient, and endlessly rewarding. But here’s the kicker: are you getting paid to shop? If not, let me introduce you to Rakuten, which is the cashback platform that turns everyday purchases into an opportunity to earn rewards, and I’ll show you exactly how to unlock its full potential.
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cashback website that partners with thousands of popular online retailers to give you a percentage of your purchase back in cash. The best part? It costs nothing to use! For instance, if you shop at Macy’s, Aesop, Kiehl’s or buy flowers at Teleflora through Rakuten, you might earn from 4% to $15% cashback. Spend $100? That’s $10 back in your pocket for 10% cashback. Sounds simple, right?
But Rakuten isn’t just about cashback! It has a hidden superpower. When you pair it with an American Express (Amex) credit card, it becomes a tool to earn Amex Membership Rewards (MR) points, which can deliver exponentially higher value than plain cash.
Why Choose Rakuten Over Other Cashback Platforms?
Rakuten isn’t the only cashback platform out there. Competitors like TopCashback often advertise slightly higher cashback rates. For example:
TopCashback: 11.11% cashback at L’OCCITANE
Rakuten: 10% cashback at L’OCCITANE
At first glance, it seems like TopCashback offers better value. But when you factor in Rakuten’s Amex MR points earning ability, things get interesting.
Why Are Amex MR Points So Valuable?
By linking your Rakuten account to your Amex account, you can convert your cashback earnings into MR points at a rate of $1 = 100 points. And here’s why MR points are such a game-changer:
- Pay off your Amex statement balance: 100 points = $0.60
- Redeem for Amex Travel website purchases: 100 points = $1
- Get even more value on airfare: With certain Amex charge cards, 100 points can be worth up to $1.53 for airfare.
- Convert to airline miles: Depending on the airlines, 100 MR points can translate into $1.20 ~ $1.80 (or more!) in value.
A Real-Life Example: The Power Of Amex MR Points
Let’s break this down with a real-world scenario. Recently, I booked two business-class tickets using my Amex Business Platinum charge card through Amex Travel website.
Here’s how it went:
- The total airfare cost was $4,736
- I paid for the tickets entirely with 473,622 Amex MR points
- Thanks to the Business Platinum’s special rebate, Amex refunded 35% of the points, which is 165,768 points, after the purchase.
This reduced the effective cost to 307,854 MR points for two tickets.
The Value Breakdown:
- $4,736 divided by 307,854 MR points = 1.538 cents per point value
- Because this was a revenue ticket, I also earned 40,000 airline miles (20,000 miles per ticket)
When you factor in the miles earned, the effective value of each point gets even better.
How To Use Rakuten Like A Pro
If you’re intrigued by Rakuten’s ability to amplify your rewards, here’s how to get started and make the most of it:
- Create An Account On Rakuten
First, create an account on Rakuten. (Pro tip: Use the referral link below to unlock a special sign-up bonus!)
- Browse Participating Stores
Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers, from fashion brands like Under Armour, home improvement giant like Lowe’s to warehouses like Sam’s Club.
- Activate Cashback Offers
Once you’ve chosen a store, click through Rakuten’s link to start shopping. This step ensures your purchases are tracked for cashback rewards.
- Switch To Amex MR Points
By default, Rakuten rewards you with cashback via a check. So you need to switch to earning Amex MR points by linking your Amex account (your Amex credit card) as follows:
- Go to your Rakuten account settings
- Select MR Points as your cashback preference
- Log into your Amex account to link the two
From now on, every dollar of cashback will automatically convert to 100 Amex MR points. If you’re already an Amex cardholder, or aspire to be one, Rakuten is the perfect complement. It turns routine shopping into an opportunity to earn premium rewards, unlocking experiences like luxury travel, elite airfare, and more.
Maximize Your Rakuten Sign-Up Bonus [ Updated: April 2025]
Rakuten regularly offers enticing sign-up bonuses, and right now, they’re running their best-ever deal:
- From April 21, 2025 to May 12, 2025, sign up by using the referral link below.
- Make a $40 purchase at any participating store (e.g. Best Buy, GAP, Old Navy).
- Earn a $40 bonus – or 4,000 Amex MR points for free!
It’s essentially like getting $40 just for trying out Rakuten. Sign up for Rakuten and earn your $40 bonus now!
Final Thoughts
With Rakuten, shopping becomes more than just spending, it’s a chance to earn and save strategically. Whether you’re dreaming of business-class flights, luxury hotel stays, or simply more value from your purchases, Rakuten gives you the tools to achieve it. So why not make your next online purchase a step toward something bigger? Sign up for Rakuten today, activate your rewards, and start turning your everyday spending into extraordinary opportunities.
Join Rakuten via our referral links, enjoying $40 sign-up bonus today!
Maria’s referral link
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