Rakuten Cash Back
At a Glance
Rakuten Cash Back is the rewards currency earned through the Rakuten shopping portal and the Rakuten American Express Card. While the default earning is straightforward cash back at 1.0 cpp, the program's conversion pathways add value for some members: Amex Membership Rewards at 1:1 for anyone with another Membership Rewards card (about 1.5¢ per point at our valuation), and Bilt Rewards at 50 points per $1 for Blue members or 100 per $1 from Silver status up. With an MR-earning Amex card, every 1% of Rakuten cash back becomes 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar.
Cards That Earn Rakuten Cash Back (1)
Rakuten Dining · by Rakuten (Rewards Network and Seated)
Earn 5% Rakuten Cash Back when you dine out
Join Rakuten Dining, link a credit card and pay as usual at participating restaurants. Members earn 5%, on top of what the card earns.
Recent Changes & News
Rakuten American Express Card launched, replacing the discontinued Rakuten Cash Back Visa. Issued by First Electronic Bank via Imprint with 4% Rakuten bonus, 2% grocery/dining, and no annual fee.
Grocery and dining bonus categories (2% each) added to the Rakuten Amex card, expanding value beyond portal-only purchases.
Bilt Rewards integration launched, letting members take Rakuten Cash Back as Bilt Points as an alternative to Amex MR conversion.
FAQs
How do I convert Rakuten Cash Back to Amex Membership Rewards points?
Go to your Rakuten account settings and change your earning preference from Cash Back to Membership Rewards points. You must have another Amex card enrolled in Membership Rewards (e.g., Amex Gold, Platinum, or Green); the Rakuten card itself doesn't qualify. Once enabled, all future earnings from both the portal and the Rakuten Amex card are deposited as MR points instead of cash.
When does Rakuten pay out cash back?
Rakuten pays out quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15. You need a minimum confirmed balance of $5.01 to receive a payout. Payment is via check or PayPal (your choice). Gift card redemption is available anytime via the Rakuten app with a $5 minimum.
Does the Rakuten Amex card 4% bonus stack with portal cash back?
Yes. When you use the Rakuten Amex card for purchases through Rakuten, you earn the store's portal cash back rate PLUS an extra 4% from the card. For example, if a store offers 5% via Rakuten portal, you'd earn 5% portal + 4% card = 9% total. The 4% card bonus is capped at $10,000 in Rakuten credit card spending per calendar year.
What is the $10,000 annual cap on the Rakuten Amex card?
The extra 4% cash back on Rakuten purchases applies to the first $10,000 in Rakuten credit card spending per calendar year. After reaching the cap, Rakuten purchases earn 1% from the card (portal cash back still applies normally). Rakuten Dining spend does not count toward this cap.
Can I convert Rakuten Cash Back to Bilt Points?
Yes, with a free Bilt Rewards account linked to Rakuten (no Bilt credit card required). The rate depends on your Bilt status on the payout date: Blue members get 50 Bilt points per $1 of cash back; Silver, Gold and Platinum members get 100 per $1. Link your Rakuten account in the Bilt app under Everyday Rewards.
Can I switch between cash back, MR points, and Bilt Points?
Yes, but only for future earnings. You can change your earning preference at any time in your Rakuten account settings. Already-earned cash back in your current quarter stays in its original form. The change applies to new earnings going forward.