Andrew Shafer - Editor

TLDR New Rakuten members get $5 Cash Back on each of their first three eligible Amazon orders, up to $15 total. Shop through the Rakuten browser extension or the Rakuten app, and you’re set. Orders must be placed within 60 days of signing up, and some exclusions apply.   OK, real talk: If you’re already shopping at Amazon (and who isn’t?), you might as well be getting paid to do it. That’s not a dream; that’s literally what Rakuten makes […]

TLDR Short on time? Here’s your at‑a‑glance road trip packing list. These are the 10 summer travel essentials you shouldn’t leave home without: Roadside safety kit Navigation apps Tech accessories Smart packing gear Car organizers Road trip snacks and cooler Entertainment Sun protection Hydration essentials AAA membership or roadside assistance   There’s something about a summer road trip that just hits different. The windows down, your favorite playlist queued up, snacks within arm’s reach and absolutely nowhere you have to […]

TLDR   Before your summer road trip, schedule a quick inspection, check tires and fluid levels, test your lights and battery, and pack an emergency kit. Make sure all your travel documents and navigation tools are up to date. With Rakuten, you can save on tires, auto accessories and road trip essentials while earning Cash Back for the miles ahead.   Summer’s open roads are calling, and nothing beats the feeling of hitting the highway with your windows down and […]

TLDR   Rakuten’s Refer-a-Friend program pays you a cash bonus each time a friend joins through your link and makes a qualifying purchase. There’s no cap on how many friends you can refer, which means bonuses stack indefinitely. This post covers how the program works, what you can realistically earn, how other members use it and the fine print worth reading before you start sharing your link.   Somewhere out there, a friend of yours is hoarding a secret. It’s […]

TLDR   The highlights of Cardholder Appreciation Month: a $100 referral bonus for every friend approved this month, a 15% Cash Back week at select stores (July 19 to 26), 35% Cash Back at PetSmart on July 29 and a permanent increase in the card’s annual earnings cap, effective July 15.   If you’ve been the quiet, responsible type, using your Rakuten American Express card, stacking Cash Back and saying nothing while everyone else debates which airline miles card has […]

TLDR July delivers deep discounts on appliances, mattresses, tech, fashion and outdoor gear, powered by midsummer clearance sales. Time your shopping: early July for outdoor items and summer apparel, mid‑July for electronics and late July for the deepest clearance deals. Use tools: Use the Rakuten browser extension to auto‑activate Cash Back and coupons, and pair it with store programs such as Target Circle and Kohl’s Cash.   July is one of the best months of the year to save money […]

TLDR   Not every sale deserves your money. Buy grills, outdoor furniture, swimwear, sports and recreation gear, and air conditioners during Fourth of July sales. That’s when prices on warm-weather stuff hit their lowest. Hold off on big appliances, laptops, mattresses, fall clothing and TVs until Labor Day, when those categories routinely see their best deals of the year.   You already know that summer sales are a big deal. And how could you not? Retailers put up banners, send […]

TLDR   Here are 10 Fourth of July party essentials under $100 each that are available at Rakuten partner stores such as Target, Lowe’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Gap, Best Buy and Instacart. Activate Rakuten Cash Back before you shop, and then stack it with coupons, store rewards and credit card points for maximum savings.   Fourth of July has a lot riding on it. You’re expected to produce great food, great vibes and at least one memory […]

TLDR Start every sandal shopping trip with Rakuten to stack Cash Back with coupons and sales. Browse these 10 retailers (from Hoka and Teva to DSW and Skechers) for stylish, comfy picks. Time your purchases around outlet and end-of-season markdowns to maximize savings.   Finding stylish, comfortable summer sandals shouldn’t mean overspending. Whether you’re grabbing brunch, hitting the beach, attending a backyard get-together or heading out on a summer travel adventure, the right pair can make all the difference. Especially […]

TLDR   Activate Rakuten to earn Cash Back on Skechers, and then stack with official promo codes and Skechers Plus points when allowed. Time your purchases around seasonal sales such as back to school and Black Friday, and consider buying online and picking up in store to save on shipping. Pay with a rewards credit card or discounted gift cards for extra savings.   If you love a comfy pair of Skechers, you’ll love them even more when you snag […]

TLDR   To find the best deals on your summer travel, plan smart and stack savings: Set a budget early, use price alerts, and book through Rakuten partners to earn Cash Back plus coupons.   Whether your summer travel dream is a family vacation, a weekend getaway or a bucket-list adventure, you don’t need to overspend to make it happen. The key to the perfect summer vacation is a little strategy and the right tools. From scoring hotel deals to […]