BeFrugal vs. Rakuten: The Ultimate Cashback Showdown

[Robin Osteen]

Are you tired of leaving money on the table when you shop online? If you're not using a cashback portal, the answer is a resounding "yes." In the world of online shopping, two names consistently stand out: BeFrugal vs Rakuten. Both promise to put money back in your pocket, but which one is truly the best?

In this detailed, head-to-head comparison, we'll dive deep into BeFrugal vs. Rakuten, breaking down everything from cashback rates to user experience. We’ll help you decide which platform is the perfect fit for your shopping habits, so you can maximize your savings effortlessly. Let’s find out who wins the cashback crown.

BeFrugal vs. Rakuten: At a Glance

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's start with a quick overview. Think of it as a first impression. While both are fantastic cashback services, they each have their own unique strengths.

• Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is the household name. It’s famous for its simple, straightforward model and for sending you a "Big Fat Check" every quarter. It’s incredibly user-friendly and partners with a massive number of top-tier retailers. Click here to join Rakuten and get your $40 sign-up bonus!

• BeFrugal is a savings powerhouse that often flies under the radar. It's known for its incredibly competitive cashback rates and a unique rate-match guarantee. For the serious, deal-stacking shopper, BeFrugal is a hidden gem. Click here to join BeFrugal and start earning + $10 bonus!

Both platforms are entirely free to use and make their money through commissions from retailers, passing a portion of that commission back to you. Your savings are their business model!

How Each Platform Works: The Basics of BeFrugal and Rakuten

The mechanics of earning cashback with both services are very similar, making it easy to switch between the two if you're chasing the highest rate.

Step 1: Get the App or Browser Extension Both BeFrugal and Rakuten offer a website, a mobile app, and a browser extension. The extension is a game-changer. When you're browsing a website, a small pop-up will appear, notifying you if cashback is available. This prevents you from ever forgetting to activate a deal.

Step 2: Shop and Earn Once you activate the cashback offer (either by clicking through the portal's site or via the browser extension), you simply shop as you normally would. Your transaction is tracked, and the pending cashback is added to your account.

Step 3: Get Paid Once the retailer confirms your purchase (typically after the return window has closed), the cashback becomes "payable." Both services have different schedules and payment methods, which we'll cover in a moment.

This simple process is why cashback portals are so popular. It's passive income from shopping you were already going to do!

Cashback Rates and Deals: Who Offers More?

This is where the competition gets fierce. When a penny saved is a penny earned, finding the highest cashback rate is paramount.

While rates fluctuate daily, BeFrugal consistently stands out for having some of the most generous cashback percentages. A key differentiator for BeFrugal is its 125% Rate Guarantee. If you find a higher cashback rate on a competitor's site, BeFrugal will match it and give you an extra 25% of the difference. This commitment to having the best rates makes it a go-to for savvy shoppers.

Rakuten, on the other hand, is famous for its "Double Cashback" events. These are limited-time promotions where a retailer's cashback rate is temporarily doubled. These events can offer incredible value, often putting Rakuten ahead of BeFrugal for a brief period. This is why many people use both services; they can quickly check which one has the best deal before making a purchase.

Pro Tip: Before you buy, open both BeFrugal and Rakuten. Compare the current cashback rates for your desired store. The few seconds it takes could save you serious money!

Payouts and Payment Options: Getting Your Money

Earning cashback is great, but getting paid is what it's all about. This is a key difference between the two platforms.

Rakuten's "Big Fat Check" is its claim to fame. Rakuten pays out quarterly (every three months) via PayPal or a physical check, as long as your balance is over $5.01. This set schedule means you might wait a while to get your money, but the lump sum can feel like a bonus.

BeFrugal offers more frequent and flexible payment options. You can request a payout as soon as your "payable" balance reaches just $1. This makes it a great option for those who want their cashback more quickly. BeFrugal also offers more payout methods, including:

• PayPal

• Direct deposit

• Physical check

• A variety of gift cards (often with a bonus, like an extra 1% on an Amazon gift card)

This flexibility gives BeFrugal a significant edge for anyone who prefers to access their funds more often.

Stores and Brands: Which Has Better Selection?

Both services partner with thousands of retailers, so you'll rarely find a major brand that isn't on one of them.

• Rakuten boasts a list of over 3,500 stores, including big names like Macy's, Target, and Sephora. It’s also well-known for its partnerships with travel sites like Expedia and Hotels.com.

• BeFrugal claims to work with over 5,000 stores, a higher number than Rakuten. This includes a vast selection of smaller, more niche retailers. This larger network is where BeFrugal truly shines, as you might find a deal on a store you didn’t expect.

For most mainstream shopping, you'll find both platforms cover the same ground. However, if you shop at a wide variety of places, BeFrugal’s broader network might be a better fit.

Ease of Use: Website, App, and Browser Extension

Both platforms are incredibly user-friendly, but there are subtle differences in their design and functionality.

• Rakuten is celebrated for its clean, simple interface. The app and website are straightforward, making it easy for anyone to find a store and activate a deal. The "Big Fat Check" concept is easy to understand, and the whole experience feels very polished.

• BeFrugal has a slightly more "frugal" feel, but don't let that fool you. The platform is powerful. It’s designed for the deal hunter, with easily accessible coupon codes, special deals, and its rate-guarantee details front and center. The interface is intuitive, but a little less streamlined than Rakuten's.

For the casual shopper who wants a set-it-and-forget-it solution, Rakuten is a smooth ride. For the coupon-stacking enthusiast who loves digging for the best deal, BeFrugal's more robust features will feel like a gold mine.

Customer Service and Support: A Key to Trust

In the event that a transaction doesn't track correctly, having reliable customer support is crucial.

• Rakuten has a solid reputation for its customer service. Users generally report quick and effective resolutions when they need to file a missing cashback ticket.

• BeFrugal also provides strong support. You can submit a "missing cashback" ticket directly through their site. Their customer service team is known for being responsive, especially given their 125% rate-match guarantee.

Both platforms are trustworthy, with long-standing reputations. The key is to always follow the rules—don't use other extensions or coupon codes—to ensure your cashback tracks properly.

Referral Programs and Bonuses: Earning More

Looking to get a nice bonus just for signing up? Both services offer lucrative referral programs.

• Rakuten typically offers a generous sign-up bonus (often $30 or more) when you make a qualifying purchase. They also give you a bonus for each friend you refer who makes their first qualifying purchase.

• BeFrugal also has a great referral program. Their bonuses are often similar in value to Rakuten’s. The key difference is that the referred person usually needs to hit a certain cashback threshold to trigger the bonus, whereas Rakuten's is tied to a single, specific purchase.

These bonuses are a great way to kickstart your savings, and it's a smart idea to take advantage of them when you first join.

The Verdict: Which Cashback Site is Right for You?

So, after this deep dive, which platform should you choose? The truth is, there's no single "best" option. It all depends on your shopping style.

• Choose Rakuten if:

  • You prefer a simple, clean, and user-friendly experience.

  • You love the idea of a "Big Fat Check" every three months.

  • You primarily shop at large, well-known retailers and want to take advantage of their "Double Cashback" events.

  • Ready to start? Click here to join Rakuten and get your $40 sign-up bonus!

• Choose BeFrugal if:

  • You are a dedicated deal-hunter who wants the absolute highest cashback rates.

  • You appreciate the flexibility of more frequent payouts and a low payout minimum.

  • You shop at a wide variety of stores, including smaller, more niche online shops.

  • Ready to start saving more? Click here to join BeFrugal and start earning + $10 bonus!

The savviest shoppers often do what we suggested earlier: use both. Keep the browser extensions for both BeFrugal and Rakuten installed. Before every purchase, check which one offers the higher rate and activate that one. This simple habit ensures you're never leaving money on the table.

In the end, whether you choose BeFrugal or Rakuten, you're making a smart financial move. Happy shopping—and happy saving!