Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details.
Hands-down, Rakuten is the best way to save money on outdoor gear from outfitters you already shopping with. It’s also one of the simplest ways to save! Rakuten gives you Cash Back, applies all available online coupons, and gives you money for referring others.
Referral fees are paid all over the internet to influencers like myself. Like I mentioned in the affiliate disclosure above, I get paid when you make purchases through many of the product links I provide.
What if you could get those referrals instead of me?
You can with Rakuten!!!
Yep, by signing up for a FREE Rakuten account, you can bypass me and get a referral fee or as they call it Cash Back on all outdoor gear purchases. Well, not only on outdoor gear, your everyday purchases too. During certain special promotions, it’s possible to earn Cash Back that exceeds my affiliate earnings.
Why Would I Give Up Product Referral Fees?
You may be wondering. What’s the catch? Why would Steve give up referral fees on products sold through OtterBee Outdoors? Three reasons…
- Trust: I want to help you where I can. If I can win your trust, you might come back and visit again.
- Advertising Revenue: I can earn money not only through affiliate revenue but more so through advertising. The more traffic generated by OtterBee Outdoors the more advertising revenue earned. This is where winning your trust helps my bottom line. Well, one way…
- Rakuten Referral: I do get a one-time referral fee if you join through my Rakuten link and make a qualifying purchase.
It’s a win-win for both of us! We both get extra money.
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten (RACK-uh-ten) is a Japanese affiliate marketing company. One of the largest internet marketing companies in the world.
Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing where one or more affiliates earn a commission for the promotion sale of other company’s products.
In the case of Rakuten, they’ve partnered with over 2500 stores. Many are outfitters like Backcountry, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s.
When you shop at one of these stores through a link on Rakuten.com, the Rakuten browser extension, or Rakuten app, the store pays Rakuten a referral fee. Rakuten then splits the payout with you.
The store wins. Rakuten wins. You win. Everyone wins!
Rakuten not only pays you the Cash Back referral. You can earn referrals when friends and family sign up through your Rakuten link.
Oh! Rakuten also applies any available online coupons automatically for extra savings.
Shouldn’t all business be done this way? It’s like that famous Zig Ziglar quote…
You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want. ~ Zig Ziglar
Is Rakuten Legit?
Skeptical? Why shouldn’t you be? Sounds a little too good to be true and that would make anyone leery.
What’s the catch with Rakuten? Is Rakuten a ripoff? I assure you it is not! Totally legit!
Rakuten’s reputation:
- Do you remember Ebates? In 2014, Ebates was acquired by Rakuten, Inc., one of the most highly reputable internet marketing companies in the world. In April 2019, Ebates was fully integrated into Rakuten.
- Ebates was founded in 1999 and Rakuten in 1997. They’ve been around a long time.
- Rakuten has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Check out the hundreds of positive reviews on the BBB website.
- More than 12 million Rakuten members in the U.S. have earned over $1 billion in Cash Back.
Rakuten is definitely doing something right!
They’ve done right by me and my wife, Ashley. My wife got me saving and making money through Rakuten. Let me tell you more about our experience. It’s downright shocking!
My History with Rakuten
For years, my wife had heard people talking about Ebates. She passed it off as some annoying scam and I did too. Fast forward to 2017. A coworker talked Ashley into signing up with the promise of a $10 bonus for making a purchase of $25 or more.
My wife’s thoughts on her decision to join?…
All I can say is WOW!!! I wish I would’ve signed up years ago! ~ Ashley Hood
To date, we’ve earned over $4,000.00! Cha-Ching!!
Shocking right?
Not too shabby for simply clicking a button while shopping online and helping others save money.
The Rakuten Sign-Up Process
Before you can get the Cash Back referral savings and referral bonuses, you need to sign up for your FREE Rakuten account through our sign-up link.
Let me stress, use our Rakuten sign-up link. (Which are any of those on this page.) By using our sign up link, you’ll earn the Rakuten sign-up bonus I mentioned earlier. When Ashley signed up, the sign-up bonus was $10. Over the last year, we’ve seen bonuses as high as $40.
***If you don’t use our sign-up link, you will only get the standard $10 sign-up bonus. ***
At the time of this article, when you sign up and spend $40 within 90 days, you get a sign-up bonus of $40!
What Does the Rakuten Sign-Up Process Look Like?
When you go to Rakuten, you’ll see the following sign-up box:
Sign-up bonuses over the last year have ranged from $10 to $40!
Woohoo!!! FREE money right out of the gate!
As a new member, you qualify for the Rakuten sign-up bonus when you make qualifying purchases of a specific dollar amount within the first 90 days. The dollar amount of qualifying purchases varies with the bonus amount.
To be upfront, Rakuten will send us a referral when you qualify for your welcome bonus.
When Ashley signed up, the friend who introduced her to Rakuten received $25. After you’re a qualified member, you can refer and earn referral bonuses too!
Referrals are usually $25. Over the last year, referrals have been as high as $40.
Pretty cool, huh?! Help others get Cash Back for shopping and you get money too!
What Outdoor Stores Can You Shop at Through Rakuten?
Rakuten has over 2500 affiliate stores many are outfitters like Backcountry, Outdoorplay, Bass Pro Shop, and Cabela’s. Others like Walmart offer outdoor gear too.
There are over 270 stores listed in Rakuten’s Sports & Outdoors section. Check them out!…
- Academy Sports & Outdoors
- adidas
- Aeropostale
- AliExpress
- All Volleyball
- Allied Shirts
- Alo Yoga
- Alternative Apparel
- Altra Running
- ASICS
- Athleta
- Auburn University Anders Bookstore
- Austin Canoe & Kayak
- Backcountry.com
- BANDIER
- Baseball Savings
- BaseballMonkey.com
- Bass Pro Shops
- Beachbody
- BFR Bands
- Black Diamond
- Blain’s Farm and Fleet
- BodyBoss
- Bogner
- Bowflex Shop
- BowlersMart
- Brooks Running
- Bugatchi
- bulldog yoga
- Burton Snowboards
- Cabela’s
- Cairn
- Callaway Apparel
- Callaway Golf
- Callaway Golf Preowned
- Camp Chef
- Camping World
- CarCovers.com
- Carhartt
- Carl’s Golfland
- Champion USA
- Champs Sports
- Christy Sports
- Chrome Industries
- Columbia Sportswear
- Competitive Cyclist
- Compex
- Cotopaxi
- Crocs
- Crossrope
- Cutters Sports
- DailyBurn
- Danskin
- Deep Discount
- DeMarini
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Discount Ramps
- DonJoy Performance
- Duluth Trading Company
- E-Z UP
- Eagle Creek
- Eastbay
- Eastern Mountain Sports
- Easy Spirit
- eBags
- eBay
- Eddie Bauer
- Engel Coolers
- ENVE Composites
- Equestrian Collections
- Everlast
- EvoShield
- ExOfficio
- Fairway Golf
- Fanatics
- FansEdge
- Fathead
- Field & Stream
- Field Supply
- Final Score
- Finish Line
- FishUSA
- fitbit
- FOCO
- Foot Locker
- Footaction
- FootJoy
- Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
- Fox Racing
- FSA Store
- G-Form
- Gaia
- Gaiam
- Gander Outdoors
- Garmin
- GearBest
- Getzs
- GiftCardMall.com
- Golf Apparel Shop
- Golf Galaxy
- Good Sam Club
- GUNNAR Optiks
- Harbinger
- Hertz
- High Sierra
- HockeyMonkey.com
- Hoka One One
- Holabird Sports
- Horizon Fitness
- HorseLoverZ.com
- The House
- HSN
- Hurley
- Hydrow
- Inline Skates
- JackRabbit
- JanSport
- Jockey
- Joe’s New Balance Outlet
- JumpSport
- K-DEER
- Keen Footwear
- Kids Foot Locker
- Koral
- KT Tape
- KUIU
- L.L.Bean
- LacrosseMonkey.com
- Lakeside Collection
- Lands’ End
- LARQ
- Leatherman
- Lids.com
- LivingSocial
- Louisville Slugger
- LTD Commodities
- lululemon
- Man Crates
- Manduka
- Marika
- Marmot
- Matrix Fitness
- McDavid
- Merrell
- Mizuno
- MLB Shop
- Moosejaw
- MotoSport
- The Mountain
- Mountain Gear
- Mountain Hardwear
- Mountain Warehouse
- MountainSteals.com
- MPG
- MyEvergreen
- Myprotein
- NASCAR.com Store
- Natchez
- Nathan Sports
- NBA Store
- New Balance
- NFL Game Pass
- NFL Shop
- Nike
- Nomadik
- Nordstrom
- The North Face
- O’Neill
- Oakley
- OlympiaSports
- Onnit
- Openfit
- OpenSky
- Orion Telescopes and Binoculars
- Orvis
- Outdoorplay
- Overstock.com
- Overton’s
- Paragon Sports
- Patagonia
- Petco
- Peter Millar
- Power Systems
- prAna
- The Pro’s Closet
- ProBikeKit.com
- Proviz
- PUMA
- Putterball
- QVC
- Rapala
- Rawlings Sporting Goods
- Reebok
- Reef.com
- Rheos
- Rhone
- Road Runner Sports
- Rock Bottom Golf
- Roller Skate Nation
- Running Room
- Ryka
- S’well
- Sam’s Club
- Sanuk Footwear
- Saucony
- Sears
- SeatGeek
- Seavenger
- Shock Doctor
- ShoeMall
- Shoes.com
- Shop.NHL.com
- Sierra
- Skis.com
- SKLZ
- SLEEFS
- SmartWool
- Soludos
- Sorel
- Speedo USA
- Splits59
- Sportsman’s Guide
- SportsMemorabilia.com
- Spy Optic
- Stanley
- State Line Tack
- Steepandcheap.com
- Steve Madden
- Stio.com
- Stitch Golf
- StubHub
- Summit Sports
- SuperStar.com
- Takeya
- Target
- TaylorMade Golf
- Teva
- Ticket Club
- TicketsNow
- Tilley Endurables
- TinyDeal.com
- Titan Fitness
- Titan Great Outdoors
- TOMTOP
- Topman US
- Total Gym
- Totes
- TriggerPoint
- TRX Training
- U.S. Outdoor
- Unbeatable Sale
- Under Armour
- University of Florida Bookstore
- University of Michigan Ulrich’s Bookstore
- University of South Carolina Bookstore
- Vans
- Virginia Tech Hokie Shop
- Vision Fitness
- Volcom
- Waders.com
- Walmart
- Warriors Shop
- Water Outfitters
- Wiggle
- Wilson Sporting Goods
- Woman Within
- woot!
- WWE Shop
- Xtratuf
- YCMC
- 2xist.com
- 4 Wheel Drive Hardware
- 5.11 Tactical
How Does Shopping with Rakuten Work?
You’ve signed up for your free Rakuten account… Now you’re ready to save money on your outdoor gear. Head on over to Rakuten.com and check out the deals. There’s Cash Back, daily deals, coupons, and promo codes at many favorite outfitters.
When shopping through Rakuten.com, click on the outfitter you want to activate. Let’s say you want to shop at Backcountry. Click on Backcountry’s link to be taken to a Coupons, Promo Codes & Cash Back page.
Always go to your desired store through Rakuten before making a purchase. It’s how your purchases are tracked and how your Cash Back is calculated.
If you don’t go through, Rakuten.com, the browser extension, or the app you won’t earn the Cash Back reward. There’s no scanning a receipt after the fact.
Check out the discounts for extra savings on your outfitter’s Coupons, Promo Codes & Cash Back page and click through one of the “Shop Now” buttons to activate your savings and Cash Back rewards. A verification page like the one below will come up before you’re taken to your store. There’s nothing more you need to do. Just buy your gear as normal.
Rakuten Can Save You Money on Outdoor Gear
Rakuten also saves you money by finding your best deal, coupons, discounts, and promotions.
Daily Deals, Coupons, and Promo Codes
When shopping through Rakuten, you can still use coupons, promo codes, and discounts. No need to scour the web to find them. Rakuten has done it for you.
To apply available discounts to your order, just click the “Shop Now” button next to the discount you want! (See the Backcountry Coupons, Promo Codes & Cash Back page pictured above.)
Have a discount to apply that’s not listed on Rakuten? Just enter it at your store’s checkout like normal.
Discounts on Outdoor Adventures
It’s not gear but may save you a lot on your next adventure. Rakuten has a “Travel and Vacations” section where they have partnered with travel companies, airfare, hotels, car rentals, and much more.
Comparison Shopping with Rakuten
I like caparison shopping before I buy my outdoor gear, especially anything more expensive like a kayak. Comparison shopping is simple with Rakuten. Enter the item you’re looking for in the search bar and they’ll give you a list of stores and available discounts. Crazy easy, right?! Saves a ton of time!
Check out my search for a “Sea To Summit Big River” dry sack…
In-Store Pick-Up and Site-to-Store
Want to save on shipping costs? Many of the outfitters that partner with Rakuten offer free in-store pick-up and site-to-store. It’s just another way to save money on outdoor gear.
Refer & Earn
With Rakuten, you can refer others and earn. They’ll get $10+ and you’ll get $25+! The amount varies.
Once you are paid, you can use the referral money to buy more gear.
At the time of this article, when your friend signs up and spends $40 within 90 days, you get a sign-up bonus of $40 and your friend gets $40!
Rakuten Shopping Tools
You don’t always have to go to Rakuten.com before making outdoor purchases. You can use the Rakuten Button or the Rakuten App instead.
Rakuten Button
Rakuten has a free browser extension that adds a Rakuten button to notify you if there’s an offer on a site you’re visiting. Just click the button to activate savings.
Rakuten App
If you use your phone to shop online, be sure to get the Rakuten App. There are exclusive app features like…
- Mobile Exclusive Flash Sales
- App-Only Deals
- Push Notifications that let you know about deals, Cash Back alerts, and payment alerts.
- Geo-Push Notifications for in-store savings and Cash Back. The app lets you know if you are at a store that offers in-store rewards.
Rakuten In-Store Shopping Rebates
Rakuten is primarily known for online shopping, but there are in-store shopping rebates to save money on outdoor gear. Check out the “In-Store Cash Back” menu link at Rakuten.com.
When you find an in-store offer you like, click “Link Offer” to link the purchase to a credit or debit card. When you make the purchase in-store using your chosen card, Rakuten automatically applies the offer and Cash Back reward!
If you happen to be in a store that offers in-store Cash Back, you can use the Rakuten app to link your card to the offer while in the store!
Special Debit Card Instructions
There are special debit card instructions for in-store purchases. Always run the debit card as a credit. Don’t use your PIN! If you do, Rakuten with not receive notification of your purchase and you won’t earn your Cash Back.
How Do You Get Cash Back From Rakuten?
There are three options for receiving money from Rakuten:
- PayPal
- Check
- American Express Membership Rewards points
Your rewards are disbursed on a 3-month schedule… February 15th, May 15th, August 15th, and November 15th.
As long as your Cash Back has added up to at least $5 it will be cashed in. Less than $5 will be carried over to the next pay period.
Rakuten’s Payment Schedule
| Purchases Posted | Payment Sent |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 – March 31 | May 15th |
| Apr 1 – Jun 30 | Aug 15th |
| Jul 1 – Sep 30 | Nov 15th |
| Oct 1 – Dec 31st | Feb 15th |
Save Money On Outdoor Gear With Rakuten
Rakuten is a hassle-free way to save on outdoor gear. You can earn money by helping others save too! Love it!
- Rakuten is FREE!
- It’s easy to use.
- Saves me money on outdoor gear at stores I already shop at.
- Helps my friends and family save money too.
- Rakuten is the best way I know to save on hiking gear, camping gear, paddling gear, and more!
- And we have received over $4,000.00 in rewards. That’s huge!
Why wait? Get signed up for your Rakuten account and get your $40 signup bonus and Cash Back rewards for purchasing the gear you love at your favorite outfitters.
Shopping doesn’t get any better than with Rakuten!!!
