Today, I opened the mailbox and found a cheque waiting for me.
It wasn’t a refund, a rebate I had applied for or money I was expecting from a return. It was cash back from Rakuten Canada—earned from purchases I was already making online.
Let’s be honest: between groceries, gifts, school essentials, travel and all the everyday things a family needs, expenses can add up quickly. While I love finding a good sale, I’ve also learned that saving money doesn’t always mean changing where you shop. Sometimes, it’s simply about getting a little more value from purchases you already planned to make.
That’s where Rakuten comes in.
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cash-back shopping website that partners with hundreds of retailers. When you begin an eligible purchase through Rakuten, the retailer pays Rakuten a commission—and Rakuten shares part of it with you as cash back.
You still shop directly on the retailer’s website, pay the retailer and receive your order from them. The only extra step is starting your shopping trip through Rakuten.
How It Works
- Create a free Rakuten account.
- Search for the store where you want to shop.
- Check the current cash-back offer and any conditions.
- Select Shop Now to visit the retailer.
- Complete your purchase during that shopping session.
- Eligible cash back will be added to your Rakuten account.
Depending on your selected payment method, you can receive your cash back through Interac e-Transfer, PayPal or—as I received today—a cheque in the mail.
The Key Is to Shop Intentionally
Cash back is helpful, but it is only a saving if you were already planning to make the purchase.
Before checking out, I still ask myself:
- Was this purchase already on my list?
- Have I compared the price elsewhere?
- Is there a sale or coupon available?
- Does the purchase qualify for cash back?
- Am I buying it because I need it—or only because there is a promotion?
A few dollars back from one purchase might not feel like much, but those small amounts can quietly add up. Then one day, you might open your mailbox and find a little reminder that being intentional with your spending really can pay off.
Want to Give It a Try?
If you’re new to Rakuten Canada, you can sign up using my referral link:
Join Rakuten Canada and Start Earning Cash Back
Any current welcome offer and its qualifying purchase requirements will appear when you follow the link. Offers can change, so be sure to review the details before signing up or shopping.
Saving money doesn’t always have to mean giving up the things we enjoy. Sometimes, it’s simply about making the purchases we already need work a little harder for us.
Here’s to celebrating everyday—and enjoying those little surprises that arrive in the mail!
Disclosure: This post contains a Rakuten referral link. If you sign up and complete the applicable qualifying purchase, you may receive a welcome bonus and I may also receive a referral bonus, at no additional cost to you. Offers and eligibility requirements are determined by Rakuten and may change.