Rakuten is ending its $50 bonus referral offer on December 31st, but savvy shoppers can still take advantage. Here’s how to get a free $50 (or more) before the deal expires.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a shopping portal that earns you cash back or rewards points for purchases made at thousands of online stores. Think of it as a digital coupon system that pays you instead of the other way around. You can redeem rewards as cash, American Express Membership Rewards points, or Bilt Rewards points.
The $50 Bonus Trick: Gift Cards
The easiest way to claim the bonus is by purchasing a $50 gift card through Rakuten’s portal at GiftCards.com. Popular options include Uber, DoorDash, Southwest Airlines, or Delta. The $50 back effectively makes the gift card free, and with Bilt Rewards, the 5,000 points earned are often worth more than $50.
Other Travel and Loyalty News
Beyond Rakuten, other recent developments in the travel rewards space include:
- Air Canada Aeroplan: Expanded partnerships with airBaltic for even more redemption options.
- British Airways: Devalued its frequent flyer program, making redemptions on all routes more expensive.
- Airline Food Quality: United Airlines claims to be increasing spending on in-flight meals, while Southwest remains a budget-friendly option. American Airlines continues to prioritize cheap (but effective) short rib in pre-order meals.
- New Airport Service: McKinney, Texas, is getting its first airline: Avelo.
- Capital One Lounges: While the Capital One lounge at DFW has issues, the lounge at DC’s National remains a standout experience.
Why This Matters
These rewards and loyalty programs are becoming increasingly competitive. Airlines and banks are constantly adjusting rules, devaluing points, and launching new offers to attract customers. Staying informed about these changes can save you significant money on travel and everyday purchases.
The Rakuten offer is a quick win, but the broader trend is that maximizing rewards requires vigilance and adaptability.
The key is to understand the fine print, leverage bonus opportunities, and choose programs that align with your spending habits.
