Get Paid to Shop? A Deep Dive into Rakuten UK
You’ve probably heard of cashback apps and websites before, but Rakuten (UK) is one of the ones that feels like it’s getting it more right lately. If you’re already shopping online anyway, Rakuten lets you earn something back. And when promotional offers line up right, it can feel like free money with minimal effort.
Here’s what’s solid about it, what to watch out for, and how you can make it work for you
What is Rakuten (UK)?
Rakuten is a cashback platform where you shop through their site or app (or use their browser extension), and when you purchase at one of their partner retailers, you get a percentage back, in cash. In the UK, it covers 400+ retailers, big names (Boots, Currys, eBay, Sainsbury’s) and others.
You can claim the cashback via bank transfer or PayPal (once the cashback is confirmed).
They also run referral bonuses: new users signing up via my referral link HERE get a bonus once they spend a certain amount (totalling across retailers) within a given window.
How It Works (step by step)
- Sign up through my link HERE
- Link your bank account / PayPal so you can receive cashback.
- When you decide to shop somewhere, go through Rakuten first (search for the retailer in their app or site) and click through via their link.
- Shop as you normally would (add to cart, check out).
- The retailer confirms the order, and after any returns period, your cashback becomes confirmed and appears in your Rakuten “pending → available” balance.
- Once confirmed, you request a payout (to your bank or PayPal).
Pro tip: when you click through from Rakuten into the retailer’s site, make sure cookies are accepted and adblockers are off, otherwise the tracking might fail.
Why It’s Worth Signing Up (Pros)
- Earn on what you’d already buy– rather than chasing extra deals, you make your regular shopping more rewarding.
- Stacking potential– you can often combine Rakuten cashback with sales, discount codes, and loyalty programmes (so you’re not losing out by using it).
- Referral bonus perks– new signups often get extra cashback (e.g. “free £25 bonus” offers) when they reach the qualifying spend threshold.
- Big brand coverage– many of the retailers you might use are already in the Rakuten network.
- Flexibility in how you reach the qualifying spend– you don’t always have to spend it in one go; multiple purchases across retailers often count toward it.
Example Use Case (How to Make the Referral Offer Work for You)
Let’s say Rakuten is running a referral offer: sign up via link + spend £60 in 90 days and get £30 cashback (or whatever the offer is). That means:
- You shop for things you planned anyway, maybe a pair of shoes, electronics, or a household item.
- Ensure purchases are made through Rakuten’s link.
- Once you hit the £60 total across your spends, the bonus becomes payable (after waiting for confirmation).
- Then you use/apply cashback, refer others, etc.
When done right, it’s like lowering your effective cost and being rewarded.
Tips to Max Out Rakuten
- Always turn on or keep cookies enabled (especially when going from Rakuten → retailer).
- Use their browser extension– it often reminds you when you go to a retailer that has cashback.
- Stack offers- coupons + sale + Rakuten cash back.
- Plan your bigger purchases (tech, appliances) to route through Rakuten.
- Withdraw cashback regularly rather than leaving big balances idle.
- Check which retailers exclude certain categories (e.g. gift cards, digital content).
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For me, Rakuten is a smart way to make your online shopping work for you instead of just for the retailer. It’s not a get-rich scheme, but a way to build passive extra returns, especially on things you were going to buy anyway.
If you’re already online a lot, I’d say give it a go. Use it during your next purchase, see how the cashback tracks, and see if the referral bonus (when it’s active) makes it even sweeter. And of course, drop your app screenshots so people know what to expect when they sign up.
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Before you go, check out these related blog posts that offer valuable insights on additional sites you can explore.
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