If you’re a Caribbean Carnival chaser, you know that the costs can add up quickly—from flights and accommodations to costumes and fetes. What if I told you there’s an easy way to turn your everyday spending into major savings that can fund your next Carnival adventure? Enter Rakuten, a cash-back and points-earning powerhouse that every Carnival enthusiast should have in their travel rewards toolkit.
In this guide, we’ll break down how Rakuten works, the benefits of linking it to an American Express (AMEX) card, how to maximize its potential even without AMEX, and some tips to keep in mind to avoid common pitfalls. Ready to turn your daily expenses into Carnival magic? Let’s dive in.
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten is an online shopping portal that offers cash back and rewards for purchases you’d be making anyway. Think of it as a gateway to your favorite retailers, from big names like Macy’s, Sephora, and Walmart to travel platforms like Expedia and Booking.com. When you click through Rakuten before making a purchase, you earn cash back or, even better, American Express Membership Rewards (MR) points if you link an eligible AMEX card.
How Does Rakuten Work?
Rakuten partners with thousands of online and in-store retailers and earns a commission when you shop through their links. Instead of keeping all the commission, they share a portion with you as cash back or rewards points. It’s a win-win!
Rakuten is completely free to join and use. No hidden fees, no gimmicks—just pure rewards for your everyday shopping.
Why Carnival Chasers Need Rakuten
Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or even buying Carnival accessories, Rakuten can help you earn rewards that directly fund your Carnival experiences. Imagine your quarterly Rakuten earnings covering your fete tickets or contributing to your next flight to Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, or Grenada. It’s like getting paid to plan your next wine.
Turn Everyday Expenses into Carnival Gold
•Flights: Book flights through travel portals like Expedia via Rakuten to earn significant cash back or points.
•Hotels: Reserve accommodations through Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Marriott’s website (when available) to stack your hotel loyalty points with Rakuten rewards.
•Carnival Essentials: From costumes to makeup, earn rewards on everything you need to shine on the road.
Quarterly Payouts = Carnival Savings
Rakuten pays out earnings quarterly, just in time to cover Carnival-related expenses like costume balances, fete tickets, and whatever you might need to make your trip epic.
Benefits of Using Rakuten with an AMEX Card
Linking Rakuten to a non-branded American Express card (like the AMEX Gold or Platinum) supercharges your earnings. Instead of receiving cash back, you earn Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to travel partners for flights, hotel stays, and more.
How to Set Up Your AMEX with Rakuten:
1. Sign Up for Rakuten: Sign up for Rakuten Here – Creating an account is quick and easy. This referral link alows you to earn an additional $30 on your first eligible purchase.
2.Go to Account Settings: Under “Account Settings,” choose “Membership Rewards” as your earning preference.
3. Link Your AMEX Card: Add your eligible AMEX card to start earning MR points seamlessly with your purchases.
Important: Once you switch to earning AMEX Membership Rewards, this choice is permanent. If you revert to cash back, you can’t ever go back to earning MR points. Make sure this is the right move for your long-term travel goals.
Why Link Rakuten to AMEX?
Linking your Rakuten account to an American Express (AMEX) card, like the AMEX Gold or Platinum, is one of the smartest moves you can make if you love to travel—especially for Carnival. It transforms your everyday spending into travel rewards that can help you wine in new destinations without breaking the bank.
When you link Rakuten to your AMEX card, instead of earning basic cash back, you earn Membership Rewards (MR) points. The best part? These points are incredibly flexible. You can transfer them to a wide range of airline and hotel partners. This means your points can cover flights, hotel stays, seat upgrades, and more. Imagine booking your next Carnival trip with points you earned just by shopping online for things you were going to buy anyway!
Why MR Points Are Better Than Cash Back
While cash back is great, MR points often have more value when used for travel. For example, $100 in cash back is just that—$100. But 10,000 MR points can sometimes be worth much more if you transfer them to an airline program during a promotion. Its like turning $100 into $150 or even more, depending on how you use your points.
Double the Rewards
Here’s the real magic: you earn twice. You get MR points from Rakuten and points from your AMEX card for the same purchase. That’s double the rewards without any extra effort.
Benefits of Rakuten Without AMEX
Don’t have an American Express (AMEX) card? No worries! Rakuten is still an amazing tool that can help you save for your next Caribbean Carnival adventure. Even without the AMEX Membership Rewards partnership, Rakuten offers plenty of benefits that can turn your everyday spending into Carnival cash.
• Costume Deposits: Use Rakuten earnings to cover Carnival costume payments.
• Flight Upgrades: Apply cash back toward seat upgrades for more comfort.
• Fete Tickets: Use your earnings to cover entry fees to popular events.
• Travel Insurance: Reduce out-of-pocket costs for insurance.
Cash Back That Feels Like a Bonus
When you shop through Rakuten without an AMEX card, you earn straight cash back on your purchases. It’s simple: buy what you need from thousands of partnered stores, and Rakuten gives you a percentage of your money back. This cash adds up over time and can be sent to your PayPal account or as a check. It’s like getting a surprise bonus every quarter for shopping you were going to do anyway.
Imagine using your Rakuten cash back to cover Carnival expenses like costume deposits, fete tickets, or even your flight upgrades. It’s money you didn’t have to budget for because it came from purchases you were already planning to make!
Flexible, No Strings Attached
Unlike credit card rewards, Rakuten’s cash back doesn’t require any complicated transfer processes or loyalty programs. You can spend it however you like—whether that’s paying for travel insurance, booking a last-minute fete, or saving up for your next Carnival road experience.
Stack Your Savings
The best part? You can still stack your savings. Use Rakuten alongside any credit or debit card rewards you already have. This means you’re earning rewards from your card AND getting cash back from Rakuten—all from one purchase.
So, even without an AMEX card, Rakuten is a simple, powerful way to save for your Carnival adventures. It’s easy, flexible, and totally worth it!
How to Maximize Your Rakuten Earnings
1. Double Dip with Credit Card Rewards: Even without AMEX, you can stack Rakuten with your credit card rewards. Use a travel rewards card to pay for your purchase and earn points on top of Rakuten’s cash back. It’s like getting paid twice for the same purchase!
2. Shop Strategically: Look out for double or triple cash-back events, especially around holidays or back-to-school sales. These events can multiply your earnings significantly.
3. Refer Friends: Rakuten often offers referral bonuses. Share your link with fellow Carnival chasers, and you’ll earn extra rewards when they sign up and make their first eligible purchase.
4. Book Travel Through Rakuten: Flights, hotels, excursions, and rental cars can earn significant cash back, especially when booked through travel portals linked with Rakuten. Always compare cashback rates before booking.
How to Sign Up for Rakuten
How to Sign Up for Rakuten
1. Visit Rakuten: Sign up For Rakuten Here. This referral link allows you to earn an additional $30 on your first eligible purchase.
2. Create an Account: Use your email or sign in with Google.
3. Start Shopping: Activate cash back before making purchases.
4. Earn Rewards: Watch your rewards grow with every transaction.
Different Ways to Use Rakuten
One of the best things about Rakuten is how easy it is to use, no matter where or how you shop. Whether you’re a desktop devotee or someone who loves shopping from your phone, Rakuten has you covered. Let’s break down the different ways you can make sure you never miss a chance to earn cash back or rewards.
Rakuten Website Portal
If you prefer the classic approach to online shopping, the Rakuten website portal is straightforward and easy to use. Think of it as your central hub for all things cash back and rewards. Whether you’re planning a big Carnival trip or just stocking up on essentials, the website makes it simple to find the best deals.
How to Use the Rakuten Website Portal
1. Log In to Your Account: Start by visiting www.rakuten.com. If you don’t have an account yet, signing up is quick and easy—plus, you can score a welcome bonus after your first purchase. (Insert your referral link here!)
2. Search for Your Favorite Stores: Once you’re logged in, use the search bar to find thousands of partnered retailers. From travel sites like Expedia to fashion brands and even Carnival gear suppliers, Rakuten has it all.
3. Click Through to Shop: This is the key step! Click on the store link from the Rakuten portal. This redirects you to the retailer’s website, but with Rakuten’s tracking in place so you can earn cash back on your purchase.
4. Shop as Usual: Add items to your cart, check out, and complete your purchase as you normally would. Rakuten will automatically track your purchase and credit your account with the rewards.
5. Track Your Earnings: After your purchase, log back into Rakuten to see your pending cash back. It usually appears within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the retailer.
Rakuten Mobile App
If you’re always on the go, the Rakuten mobile app is your best friend. Available for both iOS and Android, the app lets you shop directly through Rakuten with thousands of partnered stores. You can also search for deals, activate cash back offers, and track your earnings—all from the palm of your hand. Plus, it’s perfect for booking travel while you’re out and about. Imagine securing your Carnival accommodations with a few taps and earning rewards at the same time!
Desktop Browser Extension
For those who prefer shopping on a laptop or desktop, the Rakuten browser extension is a game-changer. Once installed, it works silently in the background until you visit a website that partners with Rakuten. When that happens, you’ll get an automatic pop-up reminder to activate your cash back. No need to remember to visit Rakuten first—the extension has your back. It’s like having a personal savings assistant that taps you on the shoulder and says, “Hey, don’t forget to earn your rewards!”
Mobile Browser Extension
Even if you don’t want to download the app, you can still benefit from Rakuten while shopping on your phone. The mobile browser extension works similarly to the desktop version. Just open your browser, shop as usual, and the extension will alert you when cash back is available. It’s perfect for quick purchases when you’re on the move.
Never Miss a Savings Opportunity
No matter which option you choose, Rakuten makes it nearly impossible to miss out on rewards. The extensions and apps do the heavy lifting, flagging opportunities for you automatically. So whether you’re booking your next Carnival flight from your laptop or grabbing last-minute fete tickets on your phone, Rakuten ensures you’re always earning something back.
Happy Savings!
For Carnival chasers, Rakuten isn’t just a shopping tool—it’s a travel hack. Whether you’re using it with an AMEX card to rack up Membership Rewards points or earning cash back to fund your next adventure, Rakuten can turn your everyday spending into Carnival memories. Sign up today, start earning, and let your rewards take you to your next wine.
