The holiday season is here, and like most of us, I’ve got a long shopping list. Gifts for family, treats for myself (because why not?), and everything in between add up fast. A few years ago, I realized I was spending way more than I needed to during the holidays. That’s when I discovered Rakuten, and let me tell you—it’s been a game-changer for my budget and my peace of mind.
Let me walk you through how I use Rakuten to save money and stretch every dollar further.
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cashback platform that partners with thousands of retailers. When you shop through Rakuten, you earn a percentage of your purchase back as cash. It’s as simple as clicking a button and letting those savings roll in.
I’ll admit, at first, I thought it sounded too good to be true. But after my first “Big Fat Check” showed up in my account, I was hooked. Last year alone, I saved over $200 during the holidays—money that I was able to put towards other priorities (like paying off my credit card bill from all that shopping!).
How to Use Rakuten for Holiday Shopping.
Here’s my personal step-by-step routine for making the most of Rakuten during the holidays:
1.Sign Up (If You Haven’t Already):
If you’re new to Rakuten, sign up is free and takes only a few minutes. Plus, Rakuten often offers a welcome bonus when you make your first purchase. Last year, I got $30 just for signing up!
2. Download the Browser Extension:
The Rakuten browser extension is a lifesaver. It automatically alerts you when you’re shopping on a participating retailer’s website and reminds you to activate cashback. This has saved me countless times from missing out on deals.
3.Plan Your Shopping List:
Before I dive into holiday shopping, I make a list of everything I need and check Rakuten’s website or app to see which retailers are offering the best cashback deals. Pro tip: Rakuten often runs double or even triple cashback promotions during the holiday season, so keep an eye out for those!
4.Stack Savings:
One of my favorite things about Rakuten is that you can stack savings. I combine cashback with retailer-specific sales, promo codes, and credit card rewards. For example, last year I bought a winter coat from Macy’s during their Black Friday sale. I used Rakuten for 10% cashback, applied a promo code for an extra 20% off, and earned credit card points. The coat was practically free by the time I was done!
5. Refer Friends for Extra Bonuses:
Don’t forget about Rakuten’s referral program. I’ve shared my referral link with friends and family, and every time someone signs up and makes a purchase, I get a bonus. It’s an easy way to earn even more while spreading the savings love.
Why Rakuten Is My Holiday Secret Weapon.
Using Rakuten has completely changed the way I shop. Not only do I save money, but I also feel more in control of my spending. Every time I see those cashback emails roll in, it’s like a little holiday gift to myself.
Plus, it’s not just about saving on gifts. I’ve used Rakuten to earn cashback on holiday travel, decorations, groceries, and even subscriptions like Hulu and Audible. It’s truly a one-stop shop for saving money.
My Final Tip: Start Early!
One thing I’ve learned is that the earlier you start using Rakuten, the more you save. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin your holiday shopping. By planning ahead and leveraging Rakuten, you’ll maximize your savings and avoid the stress of overspending.
This holiday season, I challenge you to try Rakuten for yourself. Sign up, install the browser extension, and watch the savings pile up. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your holiday shopping more affordable—and trust me, your wallet will thank you.