Rakuten: User Guide

What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a “shopping portal” that gives you additional points for online shopping. Previously, Rakuten was strictly a “cash-back” website. But they partnered with American Express so users can now earn valuable AmEx Membership Rewards points rather than cash.

Instead of going directly to a retail website, use Rakuten’s website or smartphone app to link to that website instead. Taking this extra step, you will earn a wide-ranging amount of bonus points on every dollar you spend.

Sign-up through this LINK to get started on Rakuten!

How can I set up my account to earn AmEx Membership Rewards instead of cashback?

1. Log into your new or existing Rakuten account on a desktop or laptop computer. In the top right-hand corner, click on your username so the menu drops down, and select "My Account”

2. On the left hand sidebar, select “Account Settings”

3. Under the section "How would you like to get paid?" American Express should be an option listed. Select Amex and follow the prompts to link your Rakuten account to your Amex account.

Note: If you have not selected a current payment method (either “Big Fat Check” or PayPal), you may need to select one of those options first before being able to select American Express.

With that, you are all set to earn points instead of cash. Anywhere you see a percentage of cash-back, you will instead earn 1 Membership Rewards point for each penny of cash-back you would earn (e.g. 4% cash-back = 4x Membership Rewards points per $ spent).