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Rakuten vs. Capital One Shopping: Which Saves You More Money? (The Ultimate Showdown!)

Feb 19

3 min read

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Introduction


Looking to maximize your savings and get the most bang for your buck? In the world of online shopping, two names frequently pop up: Rakuten and Capital One Shopping. Both promise to help you save money through cashback, discounts, and rewards. But which one truly delivers the most savings? In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of Rakuten vs Capital One Shopping, exploring their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you decide which is the ultimate money-saving champion. Get ready to learn how to earn cashback, find the best online deals, and ultimately, save more money!


What Are Rakuten and Capital One Shopping?


Rakuten:


Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a well-established cashback platform that partners with thousands of retailers. When you shop through Rakuten's website or browser extension, you earn a percentage of your purchase back as cashback. This cashback can be redeemed via PayPal or check.


  • Key Benefits:

    • Wide range of partner stores such as Target, Macy's, Walmart, etc.

    • Consistent cashback percentages, typically between 4% and 20%.

    • Easy-to-use website and app.

    • Occasional double cashback offers.

    • Referral bonuses.



A screenshot of a webpage displaying four rectangular boxes, each representing a cashback offer from Rakuten. The boxes are arranged in a 2x2 grid. The first box, top left, is for H&R Block, showing a green square with the letters "H&R BLOCK" in white, and text stating "20% Online was 5%" and "$10 In-Store." The second box, top right, is for Agoda, showing a logo with the word "agoda" and colorful dots, and text stating "6% Online was 3%." The third box, bottom left, is for Visible, showing a logo with the letters "v's'ble" in blue, and text stating "$40 Online was $20." The fourth box, bottom right, is for HelloFresh, showing a green square with the words "HELLO FRESH" in white, and text stating "40% Online was 15%."

Capital One Shopping:


Capital One Shopping (formerly known as Wikibuy) is a browser extension that automatically searches for coupons and compares prices across different retailers while you shop. It also offers cashback at select stores and loyalty rewards. Note: While Capital One owns it, you don't need a Capital One card to use it.


  • Key Benefits:

    • Automatic coupon application.

    • Price comparison tool.

    • Cashback and loyalty rewards.

    • Alerts for price drops.

    • Universal product search.


A screenshot of the Capital One Shopping website dashboard. The top of the page features the Capital One Shopping logo, a search bar, and navigation menus for Brands, Products, Events, Hotels, and My Rewards & Savings. The main content area is divided into two sections: "Lifetime Stats" showing 11 transactions and $54.89 in lifetime rewards & savings, and "Available Rewards" showing $29.83 available in Shopping Rewards with a "Redeem Now" button. The background is a light blue gradient.

Comparison: Key Features & Differences


Now, let's break down the key differences between Rakuten and Capital One Shopping:


  • Cashback vs. Coupons:

    • Rakuten primarily focuses on cashback, while Capital One Shopping emphasizes automatic coupon application and price comparison.

    • Rakuten gives a higher cashback percentage in most cases.

    • Capital One Shopping may find you a coupon that gives you more savings than Rakuten in some cases.


  • Browser Extension:

    • Both offer browser extensions, but Capital One Shopping's extension is more proactive in finding deals.

    • Rakuten's extension is easier to activate cashback.


  • Ease of Use:

    • Both platforms are user-friendly, but Capital One Shopping's automatic features may appeal to those who prefer a hands-off approach.

    • Rakuten is very easy to understand how much you will get back.


  • Cashback Payouts:

    • Rakuten pays out cashback on a quarterly basis.

    • Capital One Shopping allows you to redeem rewards for gift cards.


  • Loyalty Programs:

    • Capital One Shopping has a loyalty rewards program.

    • Rakuten focuses on cashback.



Feature

Rakuten

Capital One Shopping

Primary Focus

Cashback

Coupons & Price Comparison

Browser Extension

Cashback Activation

Automatic Coupons & Price Checks

Cashback Payout

Quarterly (PayPal/Check)

Gift Cards

Loyalty Program

No

Yes

Price Comparison

Limited

Extensive


How to Earn Money


Ready to start saving? Here's how to get started with both platforms (and support this blog!):



Personal Experience & Recommendations


In my experience, I find that using both platforms in tandem yields the best results. I use Rakuten for consistent cashback on my online purchases and Capital One Shopping to ensure I'm getting the lowest price and applying available coupons. For big purchases, I always check both.


If you are someone that wants the simplest way to get cashback, Rakuten is for you. If you are someone who wants to find the best possible price, and let the software do the work, Capital One Shopping is for you.


Conclusion: Which One Wins? (It Depends!)


Ultimately, the 'winner' depends on your shopping habits and preferences. If you prioritize consistent cashback, Rakuten is a strong choice. If you want automatic coupon application and price comparison, Capital One Shopping is a valuable tool. The best strategy? Use both to maximize your savings!


What are your experiences with Rakuten and Capital One Shopping? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below! Don't forget to share this article with your friends and family so they can start saving too!









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