Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Rakuten vs RetailMeNot

Rakuten 4.8★ · Free to download 75
Winner Rakuten
RetailMeNot 4.8★ · Free to download 55

Rakuten is generally more reliable for cash back, despite recent complaints about slower payouts, while RetailMeNot struggles with coupon codes not working and inconsistent cash back tracking.

Full reviews: Rakuten · RetailMeNot

Rakuten consistently delivers cash back for online purchases, though users report longer waiting times for payouts. RetailMeNot, while offering both coupons and cash back, faces significant user frustration with non-functional coupon codes and issues with cash back tracking and redemption.

Head to head

Cash Back Earning & Reliability edge: RakutenR2R4R8R11
Rakuten Many Rakuten users praise its effectiveness in earning cash back, with some reporting hundreds or even thousands of dollars earned over time R2R11. However, recent reviews highlight increasing inconsistency in tracking purchases and significantly longer wait times for cash back verification, sometimes up to 14 weeks R4R8R17. Some users also report issues with large purchases not being credited or referral bonuses disappearing R4.
RetailMeNot RetailMeNot users frequently report issues with cash back not tracking or being denied, often requiring follow-up with support . There are also complaints about not receiving cash back for months and minimum redemption amounts preventing users from accessing small balances .
Coupon & Deal Effectiveness edge: RakutenR9R19R29R31
Rakuten Rakuten primarily focuses on cash back, with some users mentioning good deals R29R31. There are specific complaints about certain store percentages not matching others R9 and some extended cashback offers not loading R19.
RetailMeNot RetailMeNot users widely report that coupon codes frequently do not work, are expired, or seem made up R63R75R76R82. Some users express frustration that the app's primary function, providing working codes, is failing .
Ease of Use & Features edge: RakutenR2R3R6R8
Rakuten Rakuten is generally considered easy to use for online shopping and earning cash back R2. However, some users wish for features like nicknaming credit cards R3, automatic pop-ups when not in the app R6, and more gift card options for faster payouts . In-store cash back with linked cards is reported to be unreliable R8.
RetailMeNot RetailMeNot is described as easy to use by some , but others find it complicated with too many 'hoops' . There are reports of the app crashing and issues with accessibility for screen readers . Users also desire more updated and in-store coupons .
Customer Support & Payouts edge: RakutenR1R13R17R18
Rakuten Rakuten users report issues with gift card errors and no resolution R1, difficulty getting support for missing checks , and being ghosted after emailing about missing cash back . There are also complaints about referral bonuses not being honored and accounts being deleted or history lost . Payouts, while eventually received by many R11, are increasingly slow, taking months to confirm R13R17R18R21.
RetailMeNot RetailMeNot users report difficulty logging in to withdraw money and issues with customer service requiring a lot of documentation . The policy of only accepting missing cash back claims within 90 days is considered unacceptable by some . There are also complaints about a new minimum reward for cash out and a $2 'maintenance fee' for inactive accounts, leading users to feel their money is being stolen .
Pick Rakuten if

You prioritize consistent cash back on online purchases and are willing to wait longer for payouts, or you want the option to earn American Express Membership Rewards points .

Pick RetailMeNot if

You are looking for a combination of coupons and cash back and are prepared to frequently verify codes and track your cash back manually, and you appreciate finding occasional significant savings .

Evidence note: Both apps have a high volume of positive lifetime reviews, but recent negative reviews for both indicate declining user satisfaction, particularly regarding cash back reliability and payout speed. RetailMeNot's negative reviews are heavily skewed towards non-working coupon codes and cash back tracking issues.

Frequently asked

Is Rakuten cash back reliable?
Rakuten cash back is generally reliable for online purchases, with many users reporting successful earnings over time, but recent reviews indicate increasing inconsistency in tracking and significantly longer wait times for payouts, sometimes up to 14 weeks R2R4R11R17.
Do RetailMeNot coupons actually work?
Many RetailMeNot users report that coupon codes frequently do not work, are expired, or seem made up, leading to frustration and a perception that the app is unreliable for finding working discounts R63R75R76R82.
How long does it take to get cash back from Rakuten?
While some users report timely deposits, recent reviews indicate that cash back verification and payouts from Rakuten can take a long time, with some users waiting 14 weeks or more for rewards to post R13R17R18R21.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] Rakuten 5/5 · US Easy way to earn money: I have been using this app for a couple years now and I’ve made over $1000. It really is as easy as going through the app first before I make a purchase or book some travel.
  2. [R4] Rakuten 1/5 · US Money back: Seams that every time is a big purchase the money back is not added to the account and even when you follow up with them they will give you a bull… excuse
  3. [R8] Rakuten 4/5 · US Cash back is great WHEN ot works.: Shopping with the app is a breeze. Quick updates on cash back earned. However, shopping in-store with a linked card is another story, it never gives credit for in-store purchases at approved stores.
  4. [R11] Rakuten 5/5 · US Cash back is real!: I’ve made hundreds of dollars back, just from shopping for the things that I need and want. It’s always deposited into my PayPal account, when it’s supposed to be. Great application/ and website. 🤩
  5. [R9] Rakuten 3/5 · US QVC % should match HSN: I would give you 5 stars if HSN and QVC had the same cash back %
  6. [R19] Rakuten 1/5 · US Doesn’t load the websites when there’s an extended Cashback: This is an ongoing issue, e.g. today Nike had extended cashback of 10% instead of 2%, but it just wouldn’t load. So frustrating
  7. [R29] Rakuten 5/5 · US Love this Site !!!: The Deals are great~ free money!
  8. [R31] Rakuten 5/5 · US Good deals: Always use this app when I can.
  9. [R3] Rakuten 3/5 · US Not great: Should be allowed to nickname cards we put on the account or atleast show last 4 or 5 numbers of credit cards so we know what card is what especially AMEX as they have 5 digits at end n can’t see all just shows middle 3 numbers
  10. [R6] Rakuten 3/5 · US Should improve: I find that it doesn’t automatically pop-up when you are not in the app and I think it should when you are a Rakuten member
  11. [R1] Rakuten 1/5 · US Gift cards: Frequent submission for gift card errors no resolution at all.
  12. [R13] Rakuten 1/5 · US What a joke!: Rebate that takes 4 months to confirm. I use programs that post my rebate instantly. Not worth the effort.
  13. [R17] Rakuten 4/5 · US Slow pay back: I understand there’s a time period to give for returns and etc but now it can take 14 weeks or more to post the rewards this is sad I have some pending from April which is more than 14 weeks.
  14. [R18] Rakuten 3/5 · US Not what it used to be: I have been using this app for a long time, and always enjoyed receiving some big checks every quarter. But now it takes so long for the cash back to be verified. The cash back used to be verified within 24 hours, or at most within a week. Now you have to potentially wait 14 weeks for your cash back!
  15. [R63] RetailMeNot 3/5 · US Doesn’t always work: There are times I try to use the codes and they don’t work. But, sometimes they do. Hit or miss.
  16. [R75] RetailMeNot 3/5 · US Most Don’t Work: Used for years and early on the codes mostly were legit. For many months now, the codes don’t work and see made up; like a person’s name plus a number. Very disappointing.
  17. [R76] RetailMeNot 1/5 · US Codes don't work: They don't
  18. [R82] RetailMeNot 1/5 · US What’s the point?: None of the codes work. Not a single one!
  19. [R21] Rakuten 3/5 · GB How long to get cash back??: Another cash back app that takes forever to get anything.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store