Rakuten
Rakuten is a cashback shopping portal (formerly Ebates) that pays cashback on purchases made through its links to over 3,500 online retailers. Cashback rates range from 1% to 15%+ depending on the retailer and promotion. Cashback pays quarterly via PayPal or check ("Big Fat Check"). For Amex cardholders: Rakuten offers an Amex-linked option that deposits cashback as Amex Membership Rewards points rather than cash (typically 1 MR point per cent of cashback earned, at ~2¢+ value). This makes Rakuten one of the best ways to boost Amex MR balances without spending on a new card. Best for: online shoppers who want to earn automatic cashback on purchases at major retailers (including Walmart, Macy's, Nike, Hotels.com, Expedia), and Amex cardholders who want to convert shopping cashback into Membership Rewards points.
Rakuten cashback pays quarterly: - Cash option: PayPal or paper check (February, May, August, November) - Amex MR option: credited to your linked Amex account the same quarter Minimum payout: $5.01 (check) or $1.00 (PayPal). Amex MR option has a 1,000-point minimum. For maximum value: choose Amex MR points over cash if you hold a premium Amex card (Gold, Platinum, Business Gold, Business Platinum). The 2¢+ per MR point effectively doubles your return.
How to use Rakuten: 1. Sign up at Rakuten.com (or install the browser extension) 2. Click through Rakuten before shopping at participating retailers 3. Cashback earned automatically on qualifying purchases Amex MR option: link your Amex card and earn Membership Rewards points instead of cash (1 MR per 1¢ cashback). Given MR's value at 2¢+/point, this effectively doubles the value of Rakuten cashback. Highest-earning categories: travel (Hotels.com, Expedia, Hilton), clothing, electronics. Rates fluctuate — check portal for current rates before purchasing. Browser extension highlights when a store has active Rakuten cashback as you browse.