If you’re wanting to earn MORE points (or cash!!), without opening more credit cards, you’re going to want to read this.

           As a kid I remember my mom using a company called Rakuten (formerly named eBates) to earn cash back on her every day purchases. Teenage Amber probably rolled her eyes thinking “How much cash back will you really get? Is it worth the time?” And then I grew up. I now actually like Rakuten (and brussel sprouts)

Rakuten is a shopping portal that offers cash back or American Express Membership Rewards® Points for partners. Instead of shopping at oldnavy.com, you would go to rakuten.com (or the Rakuten app), and click on the Old Navy icon which would then take you to oldnavy.com. Then you would shop like normal. The beauty of Rakuten is that you can:

1. Link to an American Express Membership Rewards® earning credit card to earn points back BUT you can still shop with any credit card, as usual.
2. Take advantage of website sales PLUS get a % back through cash back or points.
3. Rakuten often has elevated percentages back allowing you to earn 10-20% back on purchases.

When you sign up through a referral link – there is an added perk. Right now, you can get an additional $40 or 4,000 Membership Rewards® Points after your first purchase of $40. To get started, create your Rakuten account HERE:

How to Link Your Rakuten Account to Your American Express Membership Rewards® Account:

Before we get started, I’ve had the greatest success doing this from a computer (or browser), not through the app. After you’ve created your account (or logged in if you already have one), go to Account Settings and find the section “How You’re Getting Paid.” Select Membership Rewards® Points then connect your American Express account by entering your username and password and you’re ready to go! (Keep scrolling to hear WHAT American Express cards you can connect to Rakuten).

Membership Rewards® Points Option:

This shows the Rakuten points appearing in my American Express account which I can then send to transfer partners like IHG, Hilton, Marriott, British Airways, Delta, Iberia, etc. 😊 

Cash Back Option:

If you prefer cash back, do nothing! At the end of the quarter, you’ll receive your Big Fat Check in the mail for the total cash back for all of your purchases. This is how your cash back will show up:

Here’s the cashback rewards I earned because I used Rakuten:

Take Note:

You can only make the switch from Cash Back to points once. If you opt out of points later, you won’t be able to opt in again.

American Express Cards that Link to Rakuten:

All American Express cards do not link to Rakuten. For instance, cobranded cards such as the Hilton Honors American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card cannot link to Rakuten because they do not earn American Express Membership Rewards® points.

Here are some of my favorite cards that DO:

My referral link for the American Express® Gold Card is currently showing higher than the public offer! I always share the absolute highest offer whenever possible. Contact me if your refer-a-friend link is showing higher than the public offers below, and I’ll be sure to share it.

When Will We See the Big Fat Check (or Points Deposit):

Purchased between January 1 – March 31 – Payment sent by May 15

Purchased between April 1 – June 30 – Payment sent by August 15

Purchased between July 1 and September 30 – Payment sent by Nov 15

Purchased between October 1 – December 31 – Payment sent by February 15

In Conclusion

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not opposed to opening up multiple credit cards each year to take advantage of huge welcome offers but I absolutely LOVE Rakuten because it allows me to earn even MORE points on everyday spending. Whether you value cash back or earn American Express Membership Rewards® points, Rakuten is a sweet spot for everyone. Let me know if you have any questions!

As always, thank you for using my links when you sign up for Rakuten or apply for a new credit card. It allows me to keep providing free content and I appreciate it more than you know!

xo Amber