BeFrugal vs. Rakuten: Which Cash Back Site is Better for You?

Explore the differences between BeFrugal and Rakuten to determine which cash back site offers the best rewards for your shopping habits.

Introduction: Cash Back Showdown

If you’re like me, you love snagging deals and earning cash back on your purchases. Two big players in this game are BeFrugal and Rakuten. But which one truly delivers the best rewards? Let’s dive in and find out!

Read our detailed review of BeFrugal

Read our detailed review of Rakuten

Key Takeaways

• Cash Back Rates: BeFrugal often offers higher cash back percentages than Rakuten, especially for certain retailers.
• Payout Options: Both platforms provide multiple payout methods, but BeFrugal has a lower minimum payout threshold.
• User Experience: Rakuten boasts a larger user base and a more established reputation, while BeFrugal is known for its generous rates and user-friendly interface.

Cash Back Rates: Who Pays More?

When it comes to cash back rates, BeFrugal frequently outshines Rakuten. For instance, while Rakuten offers up to 2% cash back at Walmart, BeFrugal provides up to 15% cash back, depending on the category of items purchased.

I remember a few months ago when I was doing some back-to-school shopping. I needed a new laptop for my daughter, and both BeFrugal and Rakuten were offering cash back at Best Buy. Rakuten had a steady 2%, but when I checked BeFrugal, I found a special offer of 10% (the value of the laptop was $1499). I ended up earning about an extra $120 just by checking both platforms before making my purchase!

It was a small but satisfying win. The difference in rewards can be huge, so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. In fact, it might be wise to sign up for multiple cash back shopping sites to find the one that will give you the highest reward for a given purchase.

[LEARN HOW TO EARN A $30 SIGN UP BONUS FROM BEFRUGAL]

[LEARN HOW TO EARN A $30 or $40 SIGN UP BONUS FROM RAKUTEN]

Payout Options and Minimum Thresholds

Both BeFrugal and Rakuten offer various payout methods, including PayPal and gift cards. BeFrugal stands out with a lower minimum payout amount, allowing you to cash out your earnings sooner.

I’ve personally found BeFrugal’s lower payout threshold to be a game-changer. A few months back, I was able to cash out my $10.50 in earnings after a big shopping spree, while Rakuten requires a minimum of $25 before you can cash out. It was nice not having to wait as long to enjoy my cash back!

User Experience: Which is More User-Friendly?

Rakuten has been around since 1998 and has built a solid reputation with a vast user base. Its browser extension and mobile app are intuitive, making it easy to earn cash back on the go.

On the other hand, BeFrugal, founded in 2009, offers a user-friendly interface with features like automatic coupon application and a browser extension that alerts you to cash back opportunities.

I’ve used both apps, and I have to say, Rakuten’s interface is sleek, and it’s easy to navigate through different categories. That said, I’ve had great experiences with BeFrugal’s browser extension. I’ve had moments where I was just about to buy something online, and the extension popped up to let me know I could get an extra 7% cash back from a store I hadn’t even considered before. Little surprises like that keep me coming back!

Our Take: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re aiming to maximize your cash back earnings, BeFrugal’s higher rates might be more appealing. However, if you prefer a platform with a long-standing reputation and a larger user community, Rakuten could be the way to go.

For me, I’ve ended up using both platforms, comparing rates for specific retailers to ensure I’m getting the best deal. I tend to check BeFrugal first for higher cash back offers, but when I’m looking for something Rakuten-specific, I know where to go.

Ultimately, it’s about what fits best with your shopping habits. I recommend just signing up for all of these cash back shopping platforms, earn the sign up bonuses, and compare which ones give you the best rates for a particular purchase.

Dive deeper with our Guide to Integrating Cash Back Shopping Apps Into Your Financial Strategy.

[GET $30 SIGN UP BONUS FROM BeFrugal]

[GET A $30/$40 SIGN UP BONUS FROM RAKUTEN]