Stacking Cash Back with the Rakuten Amex Card: A $100 Bonus and Up to 10% Rewards

If you're a fan of getting cash back when you shop online, you've probably heard of Rakuten. But what if you could layer on even more rewards every time you swipe? That's the idea behind the Rakuten American Express Card. It's not just another cash-back card; it's designed to work directly with your Rakuten account, potentially boosting your earnings into double-digit territory. Let's break down how it works and whether that welcome bonus is worth your time.

The Power of Stacking Your Rewards

This card's biggest selling point is its synergy with your existing Rakuten account. Here's how the 'stacking' works in practice. Let's say you buy a $100 item through the Rakuten portal when they're offering 5% cash back. You'd normally get $5 back from Rakuten. With this card, you'd also earn an additional 4% ($4) from the card itself, for a total of $9 back. That's a 9% return before you even consider the card's standard earning rate on the purchase category.

The real standout is Rakuten Dining, where the math gets even better. The program itself offers 5% back at participating restaurants. The card tacks on another 5%, bringing your total potential reward to 10%. If you eat out often at listed spots, that's a seriously competitive rate.

Is the $100 Bonus a Good Deal?

A $100 bonus for spending $1,000 in three months is a solid, straightforward offer. It's a 10% return on that spend, which is great. The spending requirement is moderate and should be manageable for most people, especially if you time it with planned larger purchases or shift your everyday spending onto the card.

Just remember, the bonus is cash back, not points or miles. It will be credited to your Rakuten account, typically in the form of a 'Big Fat Check' or PayPal payment according to their usual payout schedule. This is simple and useful, but don't expect the bonus to post to your Amex account directly.

What You Should Know Before Applying

This card shines brightest for a specific type of spender. To get the most value, you need to be someone who already uses Rakuten regularly or is willing to make it a habit. If you rarely shop through cash-back portals, the card's unique 4% and 10% bonus categories become much less relevant, and you're left with a card that offers a fairly standard 2% on groceries/dining and 1% elsewhere.

Also, a crucial first step: you must have a Rakuten account to apply for and use this card. If you don't have one yet, it's wise to sign up first, often through a referral, to snag a sign-up bonus for the account itself (like $10 or $30 after your first qualified purchase). That's free money on top of the card's bonus.

• Maximize the card by always starting your shopping trip at Rakuten.com or via their browser extension.
• The 2% back on 'groceries and restaurants' is broad, but note the 10% Rakuten Dining is for specific partner restaurants only.
• Enjoy standard Amex benefits like Amex Offers (extra statement credits), purchase protection, and extended warranty, which add nice value at no extra cost.

Who This Card Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a near-perfect fit for the dedicated Rakuten user. If you already check the portal before every online purchase and you dine at their partner restaurants, the card amplifies your existing strategy beautifully. The lack of an annual fee makes it an easy, risk-free addition to your wallet.

However, if you're a travel points enthusiast chasing premium flight redemptions, the cash-back focus might not align with your goals. Similarly, if you prefer a flat-rate cash-back card for simplicity, a 2% card on all purchases might serve you better overall, unless your Rakuten spending is significant.

Bottom Line

• The $100 bonus is a strong, easy-to-earn offer for moderate spenders.
• The card's true value is unlocked by actively using Rakuten for shopping and dining.
• With no annual fee and solid Amex network perks, it's a low-risk card for cash-back enthusiasts.

Common Questions