I’m far from an expert when it comes to maximizing points with credit cards and loyalty programs, but listening to the All The Hacks Podcast and following The Points Guy for a while now has taught me a thing or two. Plus, having like-minded friends who are all for strategically deploying funds helps (thank you, Drew!).

There’s a way to earn cash back on the spending that you’re already doing. 

Let me introduce you to Rakuten. 

I’ve earned over $800 within the last 8 months just by doing my normal shopping.  Sound too good to be true? Feel like there’s a catch? I thought so too, but I assure you, there is no catch. 

So here’s the deal. Rakuten gets a commission from stores when you make a purchase, and they share this cash back percentage with you. Each quarter you get a “big fat check” in the mail or a payment via PayPal. There are no hidden fees. There are no extra hoops to jump through (hello, Menards rebate forms). 

I use the free browser extension, so when I pull up a website that’s partnered with Rakuten, I’ll know exactly how much cash back I’m getting. Get it here.

I also put together a quick 45-second video showing you what the extension looks like in action. Check it out here. 

There are daily and weekly deals where a store may offer 10% cash back instead of the standard 1-1.5%. All you have to do is sign up. Once you have an account, YOU can refer friends and get cash back as well.

Use my referral link to sign up. If you spend $30, you get $30. I also get $30. Everyone gets money back.

And like I said, once you have a Rakuten account, YOU can refer friends and family too! Cheers to getting more money back in our pockets!