Rakuten deal alert: Earn up to 15% cash back at major retailers when shopping online

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Whether you’re booking last-minute summer travels or getting a jump on early Memorial Day sales, there’s a big online shopping event this week to maximize your spending at travel sites like Sixt Rent a Car and retailers like Ulta and PetSmart. Plus, there are many discounts, deals and promotions to stack up the savings.

Rakuten, one of the most popular online shopping sites that awards cash back for shopping online, has increased earning rates at popular retailers to the tune of 15% during its “Big Give Week” event running from May 5 to 12.

With Rakuten, you can also earn American Express Membership Rewards points instead of cash back if you want. So, instead of getting up to 15% cash back in the examples below, you could earn 15 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent. This can yield a significantly higher value overall if you maximize the points with travel partners.

Those new to Rakuten can get an even better deal right now and layer on a $40 bonus (or 4,000 points) on their first $40 spent at an eligible retailer.

Here’s what you need to know about increased cash-back opportunities with Rakuten.

Increased cash back with Rakuten

To earn cash-back rewards or Membership Rewards when shopping online, begin your shopping trip on the Rakuten website. Once there, search for your desired store and click to be redirected to the retailer’s website. After you make a qualifying purchase, Rakuten will track your transaction and add bonus rewards to your account, generally within a day or two.

Here are some of the retailers offering 15% cash back through Rakuten from May 5-12 during “Big Give Week”:

Travel

• Expedia
• Hotels.com
• Sixt Rent a Car

General shopping

• Bluemercury
• Bombas
• Bose
• Carter’s
• CVS
• Dermstore
• DSW
• KitchenAid
• Lego
• LG Electronics Inc
• Mejuri
• PetSmart
• Ulta

The best credit cards for shopping online

Rakuten users will earn cash back and any earnings on the rewards credit card they use at the selected retailers. At most merchants participating in these promotions, you’ll want to pay with a credit card that earns bonus points and miles on everyday purchases, such as:

• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees): Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in quarterly rotating categories (that you must activate to benefit from), including Amazon and select streaming services.
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn 3% cash back on online purchases from U.S. retailers (on the first $6,000 spent in each category during a calendar year, then 1% cash back until the following year). Cash back is received as reward dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits or Amazon.com checkout.
• Citi Double Cash® Card: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases (see rates and fees).

Bottom line

Summer travel season is upon us. Whether you’re booking a last-minute trip or stocking up on essentials, the increased cash-back opportunities are in full effect. To ensure you choose the right option with the best rewards for your planned purchase, compare all the different cash-back sites before you buy, as Rakuten is not always the top choice.

Remember that new Rakuten shoppers can earn a $40 cash bonus when they spend at least $40 on a qualifying purchase within the first 90 days.

Many eligible merchants for these promotions also participate in credit card merchant offers. So, it’s smart to check whether a merchant has an offer through Amex Offers, Chase Offers, Citi Merchant Offers and American Airlines AAdvantage’s SimplyMiles program before making your purchase.