UPDATE: Rakuten is offering a limited time $40 Sign Up bonus. That translates into 4,000 free Amex points!
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Click here to get the $40 bonus offer.
What if you could book a round-trip business-class flight to Paris, Tokyo, or Cozumel—without ever paying for the ticket just by using Rakuten? It might sound impossible, but there’s a hidden world of savvy travelers who jet-set for nearly free, using strategies that most people don’t know about. Joining this underground network is simpler than you think, especially when you know where to look for tips and tricks. Communities like Reddit’s r/Churning, The Points Guy, and AwardTravel are filled with insiders who’ve turned travel hacking into an art form.
Recently, I stumbled into this world myself, and I have to admit, I’m hooked. Using these techniques, I’ve already booked four business-class flights for practically free—to Cozumel, Paris, Japan, and Madrid. I’ll go into all the details in Part 2 of this series, but for now, let’s talk about one tool that has made all this possible and can do the same for you: Rakuten.
Rakuten: The Secret Weapon for Earning Massive Travel Rewards
Rakuten is far more than a cashback site; it’s your key to effortlessly stacking rewards on purchases you’re already making. Imagine this: by signing up today, you could get an instant $30 bonus (or up to 3,000 Amex Membership Rewards points) when you use this referral link and make your first purchase. With Rakuten, the opportunities for free travel points are nearly endless, and they even have a mobile app and browser extension to ensure you never miss a single reward.
How Rakuten Supercharges Your Rewards: Real-Life Scenarios
Let’s break it down with some real-world examples, so you can see how powerful Rakuten is for racking up travel rewards:
- Double-Dipping on New Bank Accounts: Right now, Rakuten offers $150 cash back for opening accounts with Alliant or Sofi Bank and funding them with $500. That’s a quick, effortless 30,000 Amex points for free with very little effort—enough to cover part of a flight or even upgrade your seat. Think of it as free travel points just for setting up a bank account.
- Stacking Points on Hotel Bookings: Dreaming of a getaway? Book your hotel through Rakuten and get up to 10% cash back at major chains like IHG, Marriott, and even Airbnb. On a $1,000 hotel stay, that’s an easy 10,000 points for a vacation you were already planning.
- Rewarding Everyday Shopping: Rakuten offers up to 10% cash back at stores like Walmart, Old Navy, and PetSmart. So, whether you’re buying groceries, holiday gifts, or pet supplies, every dollar spent brings you closer to your next free flight.
- In-Store Cash Back: Love shopping in person? Link your Amex, Visa, or Mastercard to Rakuten, activate in-store offers, and enjoy extra cashback on purchases at physical stores like CVS, ASICS, and Carhartt. It’s as easy as swiping your card, and the rewards stack up.
- Get Cash Back on Travel Gear: Need luggage or rental cars for your next adventure? Book through Rakuten for cash back at places like Samsonite, Hertz, and Priceline. You’ll be funding future trips with every step of the journey.
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Earning Rakuten Rewards Today
Ready to dive into the world of travel hacking with Rakuten? Here’s how simple it is:
- Sign Up Today: Use this exclusive referral link for an instant $30 cash back bonus or up to 3,000 Amex Membership Rewards points on your first qualifying purchase. This bonus is the quickest way to get your rewards journey underway.
- Link Your Amex Membership Rewards Account: In your Rakuten settings, connect your Amex account so that your cash back converts directly into Amex points. These points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more.
- Download the Rakuten Mobile App and Browser Extension: Available on iOS, Android, and your browser, these tools make it easy to catch cashback opportunities as you shop. Just browse, buy, and watch the rewards roll in.
- Activate In-Store Cashback Offers: Link any eligible credit card to earn cashback at physical stores. No need to upload receipts; Rakuten automatically applies rewards when you swipe. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution to turning daily purchases into future travel.
- Shop, Earn, and Enjoy: Whether you’re shopping online, in-store, or booking travel, Rakuten makes it easy to rack up rewards that take you closer to your dream destinations.
Picture Your Next Trip: Business-Class Flights Funded by Rakuten Points
Just imagine reclining in a business-class seat, sipping champagne, while others in economy have paid full fare. That could be you—all by tapping into Rakuten’s simple, automated system for turning everyday spending into exceptional rewards.
Don’t wait to get started. Join Rakuten today, unlock the $30 bonus, and start building a treasure trove of travel points. It’s not just smart—it’s a no-brainer.
