Updated: April 10th, 2025

Initial Comparison Snapshot:

  • Cashback: Both Swagbucks and Rakuten offer cashback on purchases. Swagbucks, however, widens its scope to include earnings from surveys, games and more.
  • Earning Methods: Swagbucks presents a variety of earning streams including surveys, video watching, and shopping. Rakuten concentrates solely on shopping rewards.
  • Payout Frequency: Rakuten pays quarterly via check or PayPal (‘Big Fat Check’). Swagbucks enables you to redeem anytime after reaching the minimum limit, either via gift cards or PayPal.

Finding it hard to decide between Swagbucks and Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) for cash back while shopping online? This guide will help you weigh the strengths of each platform and determine which can offer you more value.

Who doesn’t like extra money in their bank account? If you’re one of those people who do, there are a couple of websites that could be perfect for you. Both Swagbucks and Ebates put money back in your wallet when you shop online. But they’re not the same, and one has a clear edge over the other. In this guide, we compare Swagbucks vs Ebates to help you decide where to invest your time and efforts to make a quick buck.

 

Swagbucks vs. Rakuten Explained

Rakuten, previously Ebates, is essentially a cash-back website. It provides cashbacks every time you make a qualifying purchase, turning your online shopping into savings. Over the years, Rakuten has solidified its status among cash-back enthusiasts despite certain constraints.

Swagbucks, on the other hand, offers cashbacks too, but brings a lot more to the table. By completing surveys, playing games, or just shopping, you earn SB points, which you can later exchange for real money or gift cards.

Cash Back Opportunities

Swagbucks 

With unbeatable cash-back offers ranging from 1% to 8% or more available on the Swagbucks mobile app or website, you can increase your savings on every purchase. Swagbucks goes beyond online shopping, providing opportunities to earn points even when shopping in grocery stores. All you have to do is scan your receipts and see how much you’ve earned.

Rakuten

Rakuten offers a variety of cash-back shopping deals. However, the major drawback of Rakuten’s cashback program is its limitation to online retailers only — in-store shopping doesn’t qualify for cashback.

Brands and Retailer Discounts

Swagbucks

Swagbucks not only saves you money through cashbacks but also offers promo codes for extra online savings. You can find offers offering up to 60% off for online and in-person purchases. To find offers on your favorite products, brands, and stores, just use the Swagbucks search engine.

Rakuten

Rakuten also features online coupons alongside cash-back offers. You may even find discount codes up to 30% with careful browsing.

Making Money Online

Swagbucks

Swagbucks allows you to earn money through:

  • Encuestas remuneradas
  • Playing online games
  • Compras
  • Referidos
  • Sorteos

The Swagbucks rewards program is simple: 1SB (or 1 point) equals 1 cent, and 100SB equals $1, redeemable for gift cards or PayPal money.

Rakuten

The only way to earn rewards through Rakuten is via friend bonuses, where you receive $30 if your referred friend spends $30 on a merchant via the Rakuten website.

Swagbucks or Rakuten: Which Is Better?

Choosing between Swagbucks and Rakuten boils down to your personal preferences:

  • Casual online shoppers may find value in both Swagbucks and Rakuten.
  • In-store shoppers may prefer Swagbucks, as it is the only option offering cash back for offline purchases.
  • If you wish to earn extra cash, especially if you have free time, Swagbucks presents multiple opportunities for you.

With its multitude of features and earning options, Swagbucks tends to offer more than Rakuten. However, Rakuten’s unique offers and appealing sign-up bonus shouldn’t be overlooked.

So, if your aim is to gain cashback solely from shopping, Rakuten might be your best bet. For those looking for a more multifaceted approach towards earning, including surveys and other side hustles, Swagbucks could be the preferred choice.

Ultimately, the decision lies in your hands, in line with your shopping habits and earning aspirations. So, which free account will you create today?

 

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