This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.
If you want an easy way to earn cash back on online purchases, Rakuten should be on your radar. You may already shop through Rakuten to earn up to 20% cash back on online purchases at over 2,000 merchants, plus a host of local locations. A little-kept secret is the ability to earn Amex Membership Rewards® Points on Rakuten, allowing you to book award trips sooner.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
How Rakuten Membership Rewards Works
Rakuten is one of the best shopping rewards websites, as you can effortlessly earn cash back or American Express Membership Rewards on qualifying purchases. It’s free to join, and you won’t pay any hidden fees on purchases.
Sign up here.
Additionally, you can use your preferred payment method to complete the purchase. You will also earn the corresponding number of credit card points on the purchase. So, you can use your best rewards credit card to earn the most points on the purchase, plus the Rakuten rewards points.
Most Rakuten shopping trips earn 1-5 points (1-5% back). But, it’s possible to earn up to 20x points with participating brands.
Credit card shopping portals are easy ways to earn bonus points on online shopping trips to your favorite retailer. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying cooking, home improvement, tech, travel gear, or anything you can buy from home.
Some of the participating retailers include:
- Hotels.com
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Nike
- Priceline
- StubHub
- Target
- Walmart
Related: Best American Express Cards For Travel
How to Start Earning Rakuten Membership Rewards
The default earning method is cashback. You can redeem rewards through PayPal or as a “Big Fat Check” quarterly when your rewards balance reaches $5.01.
By switching your earning preference to Amex points, your shopping rewards deposit when your balance reaches 500 points. However, the quarterly payment frequency still applies.
If you’re an existing Rakuten shopper, you can follow these steps to start earning Amex points:
- Visit “Account Settings” in your Rakuten account
- Scroll to “How would you like to get paid?
- Switch to “Membership Rewards points.”
The platform will prompt you to link your Rakuten and American Express Membership Rewards accounts.
After making the switch, you may still see Rakuten offers listed as cash back. These rewards will convert into rewards points before depositing into your account.
Who Can Enroll?
You can enroll in this program if you have a U.S. Membership Rewards account. Consumer and American Express business credit cards that earn Membership Rewards are eligible.
Summary
In conclusion, online shopping through Rakuten provides two ways to earn Amex Membership Rewards with minimal effort. Whether you’re holiday shopping, booking a trip, or making a mundane purchase, don’t forget to activate a shopping session to maximize your earning potential.
