Can I Apply My Purchase To Rakuten After Purchase?

Dr. Mac King III 19 Jun 2025

Shopping online has become a norm in today's fast-paced world, and Rakuten stands out as one of the leading platforms offering cashback rewards. If you're wondering whether you can apply your purchase to Rakuten after purchase, this article dives deep into the mechanics of Rakuten's cashback system and provides clarity on how you can maximize your earnings.

Whether you're a first-time Rakuten user or a seasoned shopper looking to optimize your rewards, understanding how Rakuten works is crucial. This article will guide you step by step, ensuring you don't miss out on potential cashback opportunities.

From eligibility rules to troubleshooting common issues, we'll cover everything you need to know about applying your purchase to Rakuten after the fact. Let's get started!

How Rakuten Works
Can I Apply My Purchase to Rakuten After Purchase?
Eligibility Requirements
Steps to Claim Cashback
Common Issues and Solutions
Tips to Maximize Your Cashback
Rakuten Partner Stores
Comparison with Other Cashback Platforms
Legal and Security Aspects
Conclusion

How Rakuten Works

Rakuten is an online shopping platform that offers cashback rewards for purchases made through its website or app. The concept is simple: when you shop through Rakuten, you earn a percentage of your purchase back as cash. This system incentivizes users to shop through Rakuten, which in turn generates revenue for Rakuten by directing traffic to partner stores.

Key Features:

Cashback rewards for online shopping.
Partnerships with thousands of retailers worldwide.
Exclusive deals and discounts for Rakuten members.

Rakuten's success lies in its ability to provide value to both consumers and retailers. Consumers benefit from cashback rewards, while retailers gain increased visibility and sales.

How Rakuten Generates Revenue

Rakuten earns revenue primarily through affiliate marketing. Retailers pay Rakuten a commission for every sale generated through its platform. This commission is then shared with users in the form of cashback, creating a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Can I Apply My Purchase to Rakuten After Purchase?

One of the most common questions among Rakuten users is whether they can apply their purchase to Rakuten after the transaction has been completed. Unfortunately, the answer is generally no. To earn cashback, you must initiate your purchase through Rakuten before completing the transaction.

Why Can't You Apply After Purchase?

Rakuten tracks transactions through unique cookies placed on your browser when you click on a retailer's link via Rakuten.
Without these cookies, Rakuten cannot verify the purchase or associate it with your account.

However, there are a few exceptions where you might still be able to claim cashback. For example, if you used a Rakuten promo code during checkout, you may still qualify for rewards even if you forgot to initiate the purchase through Rakuten.

What Happens If You Forget to Use Rakuten?

If you forget to use Rakuten for a purchase, you can try contacting their customer support team. While they cannot guarantee a resolution, they may assist in certain cases, especially if you have a history of using Rakuten regularly.

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure your purchase qualifies for cashback, it's essential to meet Rakuten's eligibility requirements. Below are the key criteria:

Registered Account: You must have an active Rakuten account to earn cashback.
Initiate Purchase Through Rakuten: Always start your shopping journey by clicking on the retailer's link through Rakuten.
Use Approved Payment Methods: Certain payment methods may not qualify for cashback, so it's important to check the terms and conditions.

Additionally, some retailers impose restrictions on cashback eligibility, such as excluding specific products or promotions. Always review the retailer's terms before making a purchase.

Checking Eligibility

To verify if a retailer or product is eligible for cashback, follow these steps:

Log in to your Rakuten account.
Search for the retailer in the Rakuten directory.
Review the cashback rate and any exclusions listed.

Steps to Claim Cashback

Claiming cashback through Rakuten is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth experience:

Create an Account: If you don't already have one, sign up for a Rakuten account.
Search for the Retailer: Use the Rakuten search bar to find the retailer you wish to shop with.
Click the Retailer's Link: Always initiate your purchase by clicking on the retailer's link through Rakuten.
Complete Your Purchase: Finish your transaction as usual, ensuring you use an approved payment method.
Wait for Confirmation: Rakuten will confirm your cashback once the retailer processes your order.

Once your cashback is confirmed, it will appear in your Rakuten account, typically within a few weeks.

Tracking Your Cashback

You can monitor your cashback status by logging into your Rakuten account. The "Earnings" section provides a detailed overview of pending and confirmed cashback.

Common Issues and Solutions

While Rakuten is a reliable platform, users occasionally encounter issues. Below are some common problems and their solutions:

Missing Cashback: Ensure you clicked on the retailer's link through Rakuten before completing your purchase. If the issue persists, contact customer support.
Eligibility Restrictions: Double-check the retailer's terms to confirm your purchase qualifies for cashback.
Technical Errors: Clear your browser cache or try using a different device if you experience technical difficulties.

Rakuten's customer support team is available to assist with any concerns you may have.

Contacting Support

To contact Rakuten's support team, follow these steps:

Log in to your Rakuten account.
Visit the "Help" section.
Submit a support request or chat with a representative.

Tips to Maximize Your Cashback

Here are some strategies to help you maximize your Rakuten cashback:

Shop During Peak Seasons: Retailers often offer higher cashback rates during holiday seasons or special promotions.
Use Rakuten Credit Card: If you have a Rakuten credit card, you can earn additional rewards on eligible purchases.
Combine Cashback with Discounts: Look for retailers offering both cashback and promotional discounts for maximum savings.

By implementing these tips, you can significantly increase your cashback earnings.

Exclusive Deals

Rakuten frequently offers exclusive deals and promotions to its members. Keep an eye on the "Deals" section for opportunities to save even more.

Rakuten Partner Stores

Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers across various industries. Some of the most popular partner stores include:

Amazon
Target
Walmart
Best Buy

Each retailer offers a different cashback rate, so it's worth comparing options before making a purchase.

Why Choose Rakuten Partner Stores?

Rakuten's partner stores are carefully selected to ensure quality and reliability. Shopping through Rakuten not only provides cashback but also access to exclusive deals and promotions.

Comparison with Other Cashback Platforms

While Rakuten is a leading cashback platform, it's important to compare it with other options. Below is a comparison of Rakuten with popular alternatives:

Platform	Cashback Rates	Number of Partners	Additional Perks
Rakuten	Up to 40%	2,000+	Rakuten Credit Card
Ibotta	Varies	1,000+	Grocery Cashback
Swagbucks	Varies	1,500+	Earn Points for Surveys

Rakuten stands out for its high cashback rates and extensive network of partner stores.

Legal and Security Aspects

Rakuten operates under strict legal and security guidelines to protect its users. All transactions are encrypted, and personal information is safeguarded using industry-standard protocols.

Privacy Policy:

Rakuten's privacy policy ensures that user data is collected and used responsibly. Users have control over their data and can opt-out of certain data-sharing practices.

Protecting Your Account

To protect your Rakuten account, follow these best practices:

Use a strong, unique password.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Avoid sharing your login credentials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rakuten offers a convenient and rewarding way to shop online. While you generally cannot apply your purchase to Rakuten after the fact, following the platform's guidelines ensures you maximize your cashback earnings. By understanding eligibility requirements, optimizing your shopping habits, and staying informed about promotions, you can make the most of Rakuten's cashback system.

We encourage you to share your Rakuten experiences in the comments below and explore other articles on our website for more tips and insights. Happy shopping!

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