How to easily earn $40 (or 4,000 Amex points) by joining or referring friends to Rakuten

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with the latest information.

One of the easiest ways to get the most out of your online purchases is to take advantage of online shopping portal. Some of these sites even offer one-time bonuses to new members and allow you to refer your friends and family members for additional rewards as an existing customer.

And one of TPG’s favorite portals just launched a limited time price increase offer.

if you join Rakuten today and spend at least $40 within 90 days, you’ll take home a one-time $40 bonus.

If you are an existing Rakuten member, you can also join the action. All but what you have to do refer a friend; when your friend joins and spends $40 within 90 days you both get $40 bonus.

If inflation is taking up a big chunk of your budget these days, this is a great way to lessen the impact of higher prices. Or, you can even choose Bonus points for American Express members instead as you prepare for your next trip.

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Normally, Rakuten offers $25 per referral with no cap on how much you can earn, as long as the new member meets the spending requirements, although the most recent offer is $30 . However, if you join without a referral, you are usually limited to a one-time reward of only $10.

This is a great way to get more rewards – and get your friends and family members in on the action.

Read more: How to earn cashback bonus or Amex points on your online shopping with Rakuten

In case you are not familiar with the site, Rakuten is an online shopping portal that used to be called Ebates. It partners with hundreds of online retailers, from home brands like Target and Nike to smaller merchants like Ball box. By starting your purchase at Rakuten and clicking through to a seller from there, you’ll receive a home reward for every qualifying purchase you make – in addition to the credit card earnings you use to Purchase.

To make things easier, you can Download Rakuten plugin and go directly to the seller’s website. The browser extension will then notify you if a discount is available:

This friendly reminder helps you earn more rewards as online shopping becomes simpler.

Related: Don’t want to miss out on earning bonus points? There is an extension for that

You may be wondering how this is possible. Rakuten signs marketing agreements with individual retailers, then pays a commission to the site on purchases initiated there. In return, Rakuten then transfers a portion of that commission to the customer. The retailer gets more business, and both you and Rakuten enjoy a cut of those purchases – win-win.

Although Rakuten is advertised as a cashback portal, you can take your rewards to the next level by switching your earning preferences to Bonus points for American Express members. In the example above, that means you’ll take home 1 Amex point for every dollar you spend at Target. Since we Amex point value at 2 cents per person, thanks to array valuable redemption options, that can make your online purchases even more profitable. If you choose to earn Membership Rewards points, TPG values ​​the new customer 4,000 point bonus at $80.

Note that using Rakuten for your online purchases may mean you are sacrificing higher rewards through Airline shopping portal – especially if any offer bonuses through those sites. However, with the introductory offer now available, Rakuten could be a good choice.

Not a member? Join Rakuten today to earn $40 bonus.

If you’re shopping online, be sure to keep an eye out for any potential bonus categories. However, your best bet may be to use a card that offers Solid value for everyday purchasesinclude the following:

Remember that any cashback or Amex points you take home through Rakuten are added to your credit card earnings. You can even arrange a Offers of Amex or Pursuit offer at select sellers, so be sure to check those out now for Avoid leaving money on the table.

For example, Saks Fifth Avenue is currently offering 1% cash back (or 1 Membership Rewards point) for every dollar you spend by making a purchase through Rakuten.

Owner of Platinum Card® from American Express interesting up to $100 statement credits at Saks per calendar year ($50 January through June and another $50 from July through December – enrollment is required). Since Amex applies these credits on the back end – rather than through a promo code at the time of purchase – you should still earn cashback or Amex bonus points on the subtotal of your entire purchase by how to start at Rakuten and click through Saks.

Read more: 10 Gifts You Can Buy With $50 Saks Fifth Avenue Amex Platinum Credit

This new customer offer is a simple one that anyone can use, so don’t miss out on $40 or 4,000 easy points to shop online. Registration for Rakuten today, or start refer your friends and family members to reap rewards for their online purchases.