Here’s a comprehensive guide explaining how to use Rakuten with American Express Membership Rewards to earn points (instead of cashback)— a powerful way to maximize value if you're part of the Amex ecosystem.
🔍 What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a free shopping portal that gives you cashback when you shop at over 3,500 stores. Instead of cashback, you can opt to earn Amex Membership Rewards points, which are often more valuable than cash.
🔁 How to Link Rakuten with Amex Membership Rewards
Step 1: Create or Log In to Rakuten Account
Visit Rakuten.com (this is my referral code, or just visit the website if you want!)
Log in or create a free account
Step 2: Link Your Amex Account
Go to “Account Settings”
Find the HOW YOU’RE GETTING PAID section
Select Membership Rewards® points
Follow the prompts!
📝 Only cards that earn Membership Rewards (like Amex Gold, Platinum, etc.) will work.
🛍️ How to Use Rakuten to Earn Amex Points
Option 1: Website
Log into Rakuten
Search for a retailer (e.g., Best Buy, Sephora, Lego, Dell)
Click “Shop Now” — Rakuten redirects you to the store
Make your purchase as usual
Option 2: Browser Extension
Install the Rakuten extension for Chrome, Safari, or Firefox
Get automatic alerts to activate point-earning on supported sites
Option 3: Rakuten App
Log in with your linked Amex account
Shop from the app to earn points from mobile purchases
💰 How Points Are Earned
You earn 1 Amex Point per $1 of cashback normally offered by Rakuten.
Example: If a retailer offers 10% cashback, you earn 10 Amex points per dollar.
Points post to your Amex account on a quarterly basis — same schedule as cashback payments:
Jan–Mar → Paid in May
Apr–Jun → Paid in August
Jul–Sep → Paid in November
Oct–Dec → Paid in February
📌 Points appear on your Amex card statement as "Rakuten" and count as Membership Rewards points — not cashback.
🔒 Tips & Best Practices
Use an eligible Amex card: Only those earning Membership Rewards will work.
Avoid switching tabs or using coupon extensions that might break the Rakuten tracking.
Stack with Amex Offers on your card for even more value.
Enable the Rakuten Extension to avoid missing out on point-earning opportunities.
Even though I don't shop much, I’m still able to earn around 20,000-30,000 extra Amex Membership Rewards points per year through Rakuten. In the future, I’ll be sharing Rakuten deals as well, so others can take advantage of some amazing offers!