Rakuten Vs. Fetch Rewards: Maximizing Cash Back

If you frequently shop online and in-stores, cash back apps like Rakuten and Fetch Rewards let you earn money back on purchases. But how exactly do these apps work, and which one is better?

Let’s compare the key features, pros and cons of using Rakuten versus Fetch Rewards so you can maximize your cash back earnings.

A Brief Comparison Table

Category	Rakuten	Fetch Rewards
How it Works	Get cash back for shopping online	Scan receipts for points
Best For	Online shopping	In-store purchases
Rewards	1-20%+ cash back	2,000 pts = $2
Supported Retailers	2,500+ online stores	300+ CPG brands
Top Retailers	Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy	Walmart, Target, General Mills
Earnings Potential	$30 average annually	$60 average annually
How to Earn	Shop through portal	Upload receipts
Bonuses	Referrals, status levels	Referrals, streaks, status
Redemption	Quarterly PayPal or check	Instant gift cards
Pros	Higher cash back, automatic	Quick scanning, any receipt
Cons	Delayed payouts	Small rewards per receipt

Overview of Rakuten

Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten is one of the most popular cash back shopping portals. Here’s an overview:

• Members earn cash back by shopping online via Rakuten site/browser extension
• Over 2,500 retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
• Cash back rates from 1-20%+ on purchases
• Payments issued quarterly via check or PayPal
• Additional coupons, promos and bonuses
• Free to join and use

Rakuten works directly with major online stores to offer cash back that users earn when shopping through their portal.

Overview of Fetch Rewards

With Fetch Rewards, you earn rewards by scanning grocery and retail receipts via mobile app. Key details:

• Scan receipts from any store to earn points
• Over 300 supported brands like Walmart, Target, Amazon
• Status levels earn bigger bonuses and perks
• Points redeemable for gift cards or PayPal
• Refer friends for extra points
• Free app for iOS or Android

Fetch Rewards tracks your spending across any store to reward you for purchases from partner brands.

Key Differences Between Rakuten And Fetch

Now let’s compare Rakuten and Fetch Rewards across some key factors:

1. Rakuten Vs. Fetch Rewards: Cash Back & Rewards

• Rakuten – Earn 1-20%+ cash back through online shopping portal
• Fetch – Get points for any receipt; 2,000 pts = $2 off
• Rakuten – Bonuses for referrals, activations, shopping trips
• Fetch – Bonuses for status levels, referrals, streaks
• Rakuten – Big quarterly payouts via check or PayPal
• Fetch – Redeem for gift cards or PayPal as soon as reach threshold

Rakuten offers higher rates for online shopping while Fetch provides small rewards for all receipts.

2. Rakuten Vs. Fetch Rewards: How it Works

Here’s an overview of how you earn with each app:

Rakuten

• Install browser extension or go through Rakuten site
• Shop online as usual and get cash back
• Cash back automatically tracks in account
• Receive quarterly payout

Fetch Rewards

• Download mobile app for iOS or Android
• Scan grocery/retail receipts using phone camera
• Earn points for purchases from supported brands
• Redeem points anytime for gift cards

Rakuten tracks your online orders automatically while Fetch requires uploading receipts to get credit for purchases.

3. Rakuten Vs. Fetch Rewards: Supported Stores

• Rakuten – 2,500+ online stores including all major retailers
• Fetch – Any in-store receipt; partners are 300+ CPG brands
• Rakuten – Biggest retailers include Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
• Fetch – Top brands are General Mills, Kraft, PepsiCo, Mars, Unilever

Rakuten covers online shopping at almost any major retailer. Fetch focuses on big consumer product brands from receipts.

4. Rakuten Vs. Fetch Rewards: Savings Potential

Let’s compare the potential cash back and savings from using these apps:

• Rakuten – Earn average of $30 back annually; up to 5-10% on big retailers
• Fetch – Users earn avg of $60/year; up to 2,000 pts/$2 per receipt
• Rakuten – Big quarterly payouts, though must wait for them
• Fetch – Smaller but more frequent rewards
• Rakuten – Score bonuses for referrals and achieving higher status
• Fetch – Refer friends and level up for bigger bonuses

For online shopping, Rakuten offers greater back since rates are higher. But Fetch provides steady earnings on all your receipts.

5. Rakuten Vs. Fetch Rewards: Ease of Use

How easy are they to use in real life?

• Rakuten – Effortless to shop through portal; cash back tracks automatically
• Fetch – Requires uploading every receipt which can take time and effort
• Rakuten – Browser extension makes it seamless
• Fetch – App is user friendly with helpful scanning tool
• Rakuten – Linking accounts can require sharing passwords
• Fetch – Just scan receipts; no linking financial accounts

Rakuten makes online shopping simple while Fetch demands more receipt scanning and tracking.

Also Watch This Review Video:

Rakuten Vs. Fetch Rewards: Pros and Cons

Rakuten Pros

• Large cash back percentages, especially at major retailers
• Automatic earnings just for shopping online
• Big payouts issued quarterly
• Wide variety of online stores participate

Rakuten Cons

• Must wait months for payouts rather than instant rewards
• Can be confusing to figure out exact cash back amount
• Security risks if linking financial accounts

Fetch Rewards Pros

• Earn rewards for receipts from any store, not just online
• Frequent small payouts keep you engaged
• Receipt scanning is quick and easy
• Works for both in-store and online purchases

Fetch Rewards Cons

• Smaller rewards per receipt/purchase
• Must manually scan every receipt
• Limited mainly to big CPG brands
• Fewer bonus opportunities than Rakuten

Rakuten Vs. Fetch Rewards: User Reviews

Here’s what actual users say about these cash back apps:

• Rakuten – Generally positive feedback on cash back amounts and rates. Some complaints of unclear earnings and slow payments.
• Fetch – Users like how easy scanning is but feel points accumulate slowly. Some get frustrated submitting every receipt.

Reviews indicate Rakuten delivers on cash back while Fetch provides a seamless scanning experience. But both have room for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Takeway

Rakuten is the winner for serious online shoppers who want to maximize cash back from web purchases. Install their extension and watch the savings accumulate automatically.

Fetch Rewards appeals to bargain hunters who value getting rewards for everyday brick-and-mortar purchases. It takes a bit more effort but provides steady earnings.

Ultimately, use Rakuten when you shop online and Fetch for scanning in-store receipts. Combining these two apps adds up to big cash back potential.