Rakuten Referral

Join Rakuten through this Rakuten referral link HERE and complete qualifying purchases totalling £50 within 90 days, and you’ll receive a £30 cash bonus on top of whatever cashback you earn on those orders. New members only. Click through Rakuten before you shop, use the listed codes only, and watch your bonus move from pending to payable in your account. Cash out to bank or PayPal when ready.

Rakuten Cashback in the UK: The Complete Guide

Rakuten runs a UK cashback portal and app that pays you a percentage of your online purchases when you click through Rakuten to participating retailers. You’ll find hundreds of brands across fashion, travel, tech, beauty, food delivery, and groceries. In many cases you can combine cashback with valid voucher codes listed on Rakuten’s page for that retailer, so you save twice when the merchant allows stacking.

How Rakuten works (step by step)

1. Create a free account. Sign up on web or in the mobile app.
2. Choose a retailer. Check the live cashback rate and the fine print (exclusions like VAT, delivery, gift cards, or third-party sellers).
3. Activate and shop. Click “Shop Now” on Rakuten (or use the browser extension) so your visit is tracked. Complete your order in the same session.
4. Track your earnings. Purchases usually show as pending first, then change to payable after the returns window and the merchant’s validation period.
5. Cash out. Withdraw to PayPal or bank transfer once your balance is payable.

Why tracking sometimes fails

Cashback relies on cookies. Ad-blockers, switching tabs to another deal site mid-journey, using unlisted voucher codes, or declining marketing cookies can break tracking. A simple rule: start at Rakuten, activate cashback, finish checkout without opening competing cashback or coupon tabs.

Is it worth using in the UK?

Yes—especially if you shop online regularly or time bigger purchases around boosted rates (Rakuten often runs “Super Cashback” promotions at selected brands). New users sometimes see limited-time boosts inside the app. Because rates move frequently, it pays to check Rakuten’s rate on the day you’re buying.

Rakuten UK referral code: how it works, who’s eligible, and how to activate the £30 offer

Here’s a clear, copy-and-paste section you can drop into your guide or landing page. I’ve written it so it stands alone and converts.

What the Rakuten “refer a friend” bonus is

Rakuten’s UK referral programme pays a cash bonus to new members who join via a referral link and make a qualifying purchase within a set window. As of now, the welcome bonus is £30 for the new member (the person being referred). The amount is a promotion and can change, so the figure shown on the landing page during sign-up is the one that applies.

The Rakuten referral link to use

Join here: www.rakuten.co.uk/r/FAS963

Open the link on the same device you’ll use to shop, and keep that device/browser for your first purchases so tracking stays clean.

Step-by-step: activate the £30

1. Click the referral link: www.rakuten.co.uk/r/FAS963. You should see a page that mentions the referral bonus (e.g., “£30 bonus”); if you don’t see the amount, continue—the correct figure will still be tied to your signup session.
2. Create your account
   Use an email that hasn’t been used at Rakuten UK before (the referral is for new customers only). Add your payout method (bank transfer or PayPal) now so you’re ready when the bonus becomes payable.
3. Make a qualifying purchase
   Within the stated window (typically 90 days), place qualifying orders totalling at least £50 (ex-VAT, excluding delivery and any ineligible items/categories) at retailers accessed through Rakuten. You can usually reach £50 over multiple orders and even across multiple retailers, as long as each shop was clicked/activated via Rakuten first.
4. Wait for tracking → pending → payable
   Orders first appear as pending cashback in your Rakuten account. After the retailer’s returns/validation period, the referral bonus moves to payable and you can cash out.

Rules that matter (read once, save headaches)

• New member only: If you’ve held a Rakuten UK account before (under the same email), you generally won’t qualify.
• Click and stick: Start at Rakuten (or use the Rakuten browser extension), click Shop Now/Activate, and complete checkout in the same tab. Other deal/cashback tabs or unlisted codes can overwrite tracking.
• Use approved voucher codes only: Codes shown on Rakuten’s retailer page are usually safe; student/employee/newsletter codes often void tracking.
• Category exclusions apply: Gift cards, marketplaces/third-party sellers, and VAT/delivery are commonly excluded. Each retailer’s page spells out the fine print.
• Amounts can change: If Rakuten adjusts the referral amount, the amount you see at sign-up (and in your dashboard) is the governing one.

Quick Rakuten Referral FAQ

Do I need to spend the £50 in one go?
Usually no—you can hit the threshold over multiple eligible purchases within the time limit, provided each purchase was activated via Rakuten.

How long until I get paid?
Retailers approve after their returns window; it’s common for the bonus to become payable a few weeks to a few monthsafter you qualify. You can then withdraw to bank or PayPal.

Can I refer others after I join?
Yes. Once you’re in, grab your own link from the Refer a Friend area and earn for each friend who qualifies. Rakuten occasionally runs booster promos for referrers—keep an eye on your dashboard/app.

Tools that help you earn more

• Browser extension. Prompts you to activate cashback when you land on a participating store, which prevents the “I forgot to click” problem.
• Mobile app. Activate rates, view limited-time boosts, and withdraw earnings on the go.
• Emails and push alerts. Opt in for reminders about rate increases on your favourite retailers.

Example UK categories and typical use cases

• Fashion & beauty: Everyday orders that add up—look for seasonal boosts during sales.
• Travel: Hotels and package sites frequently appear; expect longer validation times.
• Tech & electronics: Handy for accessories and peripherals; big-ticket items are ideal to time with a rate boost.
• Groceries & delivery: Availability varies; when listed, these can be easy wins on purchases you’d make anyway.

Tip: If you’re planning a big buy (e.g., luggage, trainers, small appliances), watch rates for a week or two. A short-term boost can double—or more—the cashback you earn.

Current Rakuten UK offers (examples)

Super Cashback spotlight (rotating):
Rakuten’s Super Cashback hub highlights short-term boosts across marquee brands. Recent examples on the UK hub include LEGO (up to 11% cashback), Sainsbury’s (up to 7.5% cashback), and lookfantastic (10% cashback). These promos tend to be time-boxed and can change mid-week, so it’s worth checking the hub before larger purchases.

lookfantastic — beauty & grooming:
The lookfantastic merchant page shows a standing cashback offer (with free UK delivery often promoted). Expect rate bumps during seasonal events (Singles’ Day, Black Friday, Boxing Day) and brand-specific exclusions in the fine print.

Agoda — hotels:
Agoda’s UK page lists around 5% cashback with important caveats: non-Rakuten voucher codes typically void tracking, and cashback is added within ~3 months after travel (not at booking). That longer validation window is standard for travel partners. 

Viagogo — tickets:
Live events appear periodically; the Viagogo page currently shows ~6% cashback provided you start the journey via Rakuten and avoid non-Rakuten codes. As with other ticketing sites, inventory and eligibility can shift by category.

QVC — shopping/TV retail:
QVC is typically available with a modest base rate (e.g., ~1% on the merchant page). Look out for “extra cashback” spikes around product days or seasonal sales. 

App-only perks & first-week boost:
Rakuten’s app store listing (UK experience) advertises an extra 10% cashback boost for your first seven days after joining—useful if you’re planning a few purchases close together. Enable push notifications to catch short-lived increases.

Welcome/“cap” note:
Rakuten UK’s legal/help pages clarify that some welcome/extra-cashback promos aren’t universal to every merchantand may be capped (for example, a £40 cap on certain welcome offers). The offer text on the merchant or promo page is the governing source. 

How to make the most of these offers

• Start at the Super Cashback page before expensive shops (toys, beauty devices, hotels) and time your purchase when rates spike.
• Read the merchant T&Cs each time (exclusions on VAT, delivery, gift cards, or third-party sellers are common). 
• Avoid unlisted codes and price-comparison hops mid-checkout; they can overwrite your Rakuten click and kill the cashback. 

If you want, tell me the retailers you shop most (e.g., trainers, beauty, hotels, groceries), and I’ll map a “watch list” with likely boost windows and the steps to stack legit voucher codes without breaking tracking.

Rakuten Browser Extension: What It Does and How to Install It (UK)

The Rakuten browser extension is the easiest way to stop missing cashback. When you visit a participating retailer, it pops up with an “Activate Cashback” prompt (or auto-activates on some stores), then keeps your session tracked so purchases move to pending and later payable. It also surfaces eligible voucher codes shown on Rakuten’s retailer page so you can stack savings where allowed.

Key benefits

• Automatic reminders: A banner or badge appears on supported stores—no more forgetting to click through the Rakuten website first.
• One-click activation: Turn on cashback directly on the retailer page.
• Code compatibility: Surfaces Rakuten-listed promo codes that won’t void tracking (unlisted codes can).
• Fewer tracking errors: Keeps your referral click “clean,” reducing the risk of another tab overwriting it.

Installation (step-by-step)

The extension works on major desktop browsers. Steps below cover Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. For other Chromium browsers (Brave, Opera), use the Chrome Web Store route.

Google Chrome (Windows/macOS)

1. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for “Rakuten” (look for the official Rakuten cashback/Rewards extension).
3. Click Add to Chrome → Add extension.
4. Pin it: click the Extensions puzzle icon → Pin next to Rakuten so the logo stays visible.
5. Click the Rakuten icon and sign in to your UK account (or create one).
6. Optional: in chrome://extensions you can toggle “Allow in Incognito” if you shop in private windows (keep in mind cookies/trackers must be allowed for cashback to work).

Microsoft Edge (Windows/macOS)

1. Open Edge and visit edge://extensions → Open Microsoft Edge Add-ons.
2. Search “Rakuten” and select the official listing.
3. Click Get → Add extension.
4. Pin it via the Extensions menu and sign in.
5. If prompted, allow the requested permissions so the extension can detect participating stores and show activation banners.

Mozilla Firefox (Windows/macOS/Linux)

1. Open Firefox Add-ons (addons.mozilla.org) and search “Rakuten”.
2. Choose the official extension and click Add to Firefox → Add.
3. Click the Rakuten icon in the toolbar and sign in.
4. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security and ensure Enhanced Tracking Protection isn’t breaking affiliate cookies on retailer domains (you can set it to “Standard” or add site exceptions while you shop).

Safari / iOS note: Rakuten primarily supports desktop browsers. If you see a Safari option, it’s typically delivered via the App Store and enabled in Safari → Settings → Extensions; behaviour and availability can vary by region and macOS/iOS version.

Using the extension (so you always earn)

1. Browse as normal. When you land on a participating retailer, a Rakuten banner or icon badge appears.
2. Activate. Click Activate Cashback. Wait for the confirmation tick or “Activated” state before adding items to your basket.
3. Shop and checkout in the same tab/session. Avoid opening other cashback or coupon sites—those clicks can overwrite tracking.
4. Use listed codes only. Apply promo codes shown by Rakuten on that retailer’s page. Unlisted/student/employee codes can void cashback.
5. Verify tracking. After purchase, check Rakuten → Account → Activity for a pending entry (sometimes takes hours or a couple of days). It will move to payable after the retailer’s validation window.

Recommended settings (to reduce missed cashback)

• Allow cookies for retailers and Rakuten during checkout; decline-all or strict blockers can break tracking.
• Disable ad-blockers or add allow-lists for: the retailer domain, rakuten.co.uk (or the UK Rakuten domain you use), and the extension.
• One-tab rule: Start at the product page, activate cashback, and complete payment in that tab without comparison-site detours.
• VPN caution: If you use a VPN, keep your location set to the UK and don’t switch servers mid-checkout.

Payouts, timing, and thresholds

Cashback typically tracks within hours or days. Payout timing depends on the retailer—often a few weeks (sometimes longer) because merchants wait out returns and fraud checks. Once your status is payable, you can withdraw via PayPal or bank transfer. If something doesn’t track after a reasonable window, you can submit a claim with order details.

Stacking savings the right way

• Use listed codes. Voucher codes shown on the Rakuten retailer page are the safest way to stack with cashback.
• Be cautious with unlisted codes. Student, employee, or newsletter codes can void tracking.
• Avoid price-comparison hops. Clicking out to other affiliate sites mid-checkout can overwrite Rakuten’s tracking and forfeit cashback.

How Rakuten compares to other UK cashback sites

Savvy shoppers keep accounts with multiple portals and check who leads today. Rakuten’s advantages are the clean extension workflow, regular boosted rates, and simple cash-out options. Even if another site sometimes edges the rate, Rakuten is worth keeping in the rotation for those promo spikes and app-only boosts.

Advanced strategies

• Build a shortlist. “Heart” your top 10 retailers in the app so you’ll notice boosts quickly.
• Batch purchases. When a store’s rate jumps, clear your basket in one go to maximise the uplift.
• Use separate browsers. Keep one browser just for cashback shopping with ad-blockers disabled and privacy features relaxed during checkout.
• Track big orders. Screenshot the offer page and save your order confirmation—handy if you ever need to file a missing-cashback claim.
• Plan around returns. If you might return items, consider separate orders so unaffected items move to payable sooner.

FAQs

Is Rakuten free to use?
Yes. Rakuten earns an affiliate commission from retailers and shares a portion with you.

What is The Rakuten Referral Link?
Use the following link HERE to sign up for a free £30 bonus cashback

Can I use Rakuten on mobile?
Yes. The iOS and Android apps let you activate rates, browse promos, and cash out.

Why didn’t my order track?
Common reasons: ad-blockers, cookie consent declined, unlisted voucher codes, switching to another cashback site mid-journey, or ordering from excluded categories. Try again with the extension active and cookies allowed, or submit a claim with the order number and timestamp.

How long until I’m paid?
It varies by merchant—often a few weeks to a few months—because retailers validate transactions after the returns period. You’ll see pending → payable before you can withdraw.

Can I use Rakuten for travel bookings?
Often yes, when travel partners are listed. Expect longer validation times after your stay or travel date.

Does cashback apply to VAT and delivery?
Usually not; most retailers calculate cashback on the pre-VAT, item-only subtotal. Check each retailer’s terms.

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Bottom line

Rakuten is a straightforward way for UK shoppers to earn real money back on everyday purchases. Activate cashback via the extension or app, shop normally, and withdraw once your balance is payable. Combine that with short-term boosts and smart timing, and your savings can stack up fast—without changing where you shop.

Join Rakuten through our Rakuten referral link here, make qualifying purchases totaling £50 within 90 days, and get a £30 cash bonus— on top of the cashback you earn at hundreds of UK retailers.