What the Rakuten Credit Card is and who it's for
The Rakuten Credit Card is a cash-back rewards card issued by Rakuten, a shopping platform and rewards service. You earn cash back on purchases made through the Rakuten website and app, and also on everyday purchases made with the card itself. The card has no annual fee.
This card works best if you already shop online regularly or are willing to use the Rakuten platform to find deals before you buy. The cash-back rate varies depending on which store you shop through Rakuten, and what category you're buying in. If you rarely shop online or prefer to earn rewards through a single flat rate, a different card might suit you better.
The card is issued by Rakuten Credit Card, a subsidiary of Rakuten Inc., and is a Visa card, meaning it works anywhere Visa is accepted. You can hold the card alongside other rewards cards — many people do, to maximize cash back across different spending categories.
Key Takeaways
- The Rakuten Credit Card earns cash back both through the Rakuten shopping platform and on card purchases, with rates that vary by retailer and category.
- There is no annual fee, and cash-back earnings are deposited into your Rakuten account, where you can transfer them to a bank account or use them as a statement credit.
- To use the card effectively, you need to shop through the Rakuten website or app before making purchases at partner retailers, or use the card directly for everyday spending.
- The card requires a credit check and is issued based on your credit history, income, and other factors that the issuer evaluates.
- Cash-back rates and participating retailers change regularly, so the rewards you earn on a specific store may differ from month to month.
How cash back works on the Rakuten card
Cash back is earned in two separate ways. First, when you shop through the Rakuten website or mobile app and click through to a partner retailer, you earn cash back on that purchase. The rate depends on which store you're shopping at — some offer 1% cash back, others offer 5%, 10%, or higher. Rakuten negotiates these rates with each retailer, and they change frequently.
Second, you earn cash back directly when you use the Rakuten Credit Card to pay for anything, anywhere Visa is accepted. This is a flat rate that does not change by retailer. The exact rate varies depending on which version of the Rakuten card you hold, but typically ranges from 1% to 3% on most purchases.
Cash back is not automatically sent to you. Instead, it accumulates in your Rakuten account. You can transfer it to a linked bank account, use it as a statement credit on your card bill, or in some cases donate it to charity. Rakuten typically allows transfers once per quarter, though this timing can vary.
What you need to know before you get the card
You will need to pass a credit check to be issued this card. Rakuten pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. The issuer looks at your credit score, payment history, income, and existing debt to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer.
There is no annual fee, but the card does have a standard interest rate (APR) that applies if you carry a balance. This rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. If you pay your full balance each month, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount.
You also need a Rakuten account to use this card. Creating an account is free and takes a few minutes online. Your Rakuten account is where your cash-back earnings live, and where you manage transfers and redemptions.
How to understand the cash-back rates you'll actually earn
The cash-back rate you see advertised for a retailer is not may provide. Rakuten updates rates regularly, sometimes weekly. A store that offers 5% cash back one month might offer 2% the next month, or stop participating altogether. The Rakuten app and website show current rates before you click through, so you can see what you'll earn before you shop.
Some retailers offer bonus cash back during certain seasons or sales events. For example, a store might offer 10% cash back during the holiday shopping season, then drop to 2% in January. Rakuten sends email notifications about high-paying offers, but you can also check the app yourself.
The flat cash-back rate you earn by using the card directly (not through Rakuten's website) is more stable. This rate is set by Rakuten and does not change based on where you shop, but it may change over time as Rakuten adjusts its card benefits.
How to maximize rewards with this card
The most effective strategy is to check the Rakuten app before making any online purchase. Search for the retailer you plan to buy from, confirm the current cash-back rate, and click through to their site. This takes 30 seconds and ensures you earn the advertised rate. If you forget to click through Rakuten first, you earn no cash back on that purchase, even if you use the card.
Stack the card with other rewards programs. Many retailers offer their own loyalty programs that give points or discounts in addition to cash back. You can earn both the Rakuten cash back and the retailer's rewards on the same purchase. Some credit cards also offer bonus cash back in specific categories — you might use the Rakuten card for general spending and a different card for groceries or gas, depending on which offers better rates.
Pay attention to seasonal offers. Rakuten often increases cash-back rates during major shopping events like Black Friday, back-to-school season, and the holiday season. Planning larger purchases around these periods can significantly increase your earnings.
What happens when you're approved and how to use the card
Once you're approved, Rakuten mails the physical card to your address. This typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a digital card number when ready after approval, which you can use for online purchases right away while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
When the card arrives, set up it through the Rakuten app or website. You'll link it to a bank account for bill payments and cash-back transfers. Set up automatic payments if you want to avoid missing due dates and paying interest.
To earn cash back on online purchases, always go through the Rakuten app or website first. Search for the retailer, check the current rate, click through to their site, and complete your purchase. The cash back will post to your Rakuten account within a few days, though some retailers take longer. To earn cash back on in-store or everyday purchases, straightforward use the card like any other credit card.
Comparing the Rakuten card to other rewards cards
The main advantage of the Rakuten card is the combination of platform-based rewards (through the website) and card-based rewards (using the card directly). If you shop online frequently, the platform rates can be higher than what you'd earn with a flat-rate card. The lack of an annual fee also makes it accessible to people who want rewards without paying to hold the card.
The main limitation is that the platform rewards require extra steps. You have to remember to click through Rakuten before shopping, and rates vary by retailer. If you prefer simplicity and a single consistent rate, a flat-rate cash-back card might feel easier to use. Some cards also offer higher cash back in specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining, which might beat Rakuten's rates if those are your main spending areas.
Rakuten also offers a shopping portal for in-store purchases through its mobile app, which uses geolocation to track when you shop at partner stores and automatically credits cash back. This feature works only at participating locations and requires you to have the app open when you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the Rakuten website to earn cash back?
No. You earn cash back in two ways: through the Rakuten platform (by clicking through before you shop online) and by using the card directly for any purchase, anywhere. You don't have to use the platform at all if you don't want to — the card earns a flat cash-back rate on all card purchases regardless of where you shop.
What happens to my cash back if I don't transfer it?
Cash back stays in your Rakuten account indefinitely. It does not expire. You can let it accumulate and transfer it whenever you want, or use it as a statement credit on your card bill. Some people save it up for a larger transfer or redemption.
Can I use this card internationally?
Yes, it's a Visa card and works anywhere Visa is accepted. However, Rakuten typically charges a foreign transaction fee (usually around 3%) when you use the card outside the United States. Check your card agreement for the exact fee, as this can change.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Rakuten does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, the card is available to people with fair to good credit, but approval depends on multiple factors including your credit history, income, and existing debt. The best way to know if you'll be approved is to submit an process — the hard inquiry happens only once.
Can I earn cash back on bill payments or balance transfers?
No. Cash back is earned only on regular purchases made with the card. Payments to other credit cards, balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not earn cash back.