Rakuten

Rakuten is a cash-back shopping platform where you make money by earning a percentage back on purchases you'd make anyway at 3,500+ partner stores — the stores pay Rakuten for sending shoppers, and Rakuten shares that as cash back with you. You start at Rakuten's site or click its browser-extension button before checkout, shop normally, and your cash back accrues, paid out quarterly via PayPal or check (the 'Big Fat Check'). Beyond cash back, Rakuten's referral program can be lucrative — you earn a bonus for each friend who signs up and shops, which is where some users make the most. Earnings depend on how much you shop online, realistically from a few dollars to $100+/month, plus referral bonuses. Frequent searches: Rakuten review, how does Rakuten work and is Rakuten legit. Best for online shoppers who want passive cash back on spending, plus a referral income angle.

• Cash back on online shopping
• browser-extension savings
• referral bonuses
• in-store cash back
• passive savings on everyday spending.