What Is Cashback Shopping?
Cashback platforms earn a referral commission from retailers every time a customer shops through their portal. They share that commission back with you as real cash. You pay the same price. They keep a slice. You keep the rest.
The Affiliate Model
When you click through a cashback portal to a retailer, a tracking cookie records your session. If you complete a purchase, the retailer pays the platform a referral fee, the same model used by coupon sites and price comparison tools. That fee is already baked into the retailer's marketing budget.
Real Cash, Not Points
Unlike loyalty programmes that lock you into points redeemable only in specific places, Rakuten Rewards and TopCashback pay you in actual US dollars, via PayPal, bank transfer or check. No expiry dates and no redemption hoops to jump through.
Same Price Every Time
You pay exactly the same price you would visiting the retailer directly. There is no markup, no subscription and no hidden fee. The retailer's commission exists in their marketing budget regardless, cashback platforms redirect it to you instead of keeping it all for themselves.
How to Earn Cash Back in 6 Steps
Create a Free Account
Sign up to Rakuten Rewards or TopCashback using a referral link, ideally both. Registration is free and takes under two minutes. Using a referral link is what triggers your welcome bonus.
Install the Browser Extension
Both platforms offer free extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge. Once installed, the extension automatically detects participating retailers and prompts you to activate cashback before you start browsing.
Compare Rates Before You Buy
Before any online purchase, check the current cashback rate on both Rakuten Rewards and TopCashback for that retailer. Rates change frequently, the platform with the better rate this week may not be the same one next month.
Click Through and Shop Normally
Click the store link from within the cashback portal or activate it via the browser extension. Shop as you normally would, add items to your cart and check out. You pay exactly the same price as going directly to the retailer.
Wait for Cashback to Confirm
Cashback appears as pending immediately after purchase. It stays pending for 30 to 90 days while the retailer's return window is open. Once confirmed, it is available to withdraw.
Withdraw Your Cash
Rakuten Rewards pays quarterly in February, May, August and November via PayPal or check. TopCashback lets you withdraw on demand once your balance hits $10, via PayPal, bank transfer or a gift card with a 5% top-up bonus.
From Click to Cash
What happens behind the scenes after you activate cashback.
You Click Through
Visit the store via the portal or extension. Affiliate tracking activates.
You Make a Purchase
The retailer records the sale and links it back to the platform via your cookie.
Purchase Confirms
After the return window closes, the retailer releases the commission.
You Get Paid
Real dollars hit your account. Withdraw via PayPal, bank or check.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus
The fastest way to earn your first cashback reward is to claim these bonuses on day one.
New members earn a $50 bonus after their first qualifying purchase of $25 or more. Paid alongside your regular cashback at the next quarterly payment date.
Claim $50 Bonus →
New members earn a $10 welcome bonus on their first qualifying purchase. Smaller bonus but consistently higher ongoing rates, the better long-term earner for regular shoppers.
Claim $10 Bonus →