2 September 2023
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
One of our favorite online shopping portals is back with Labor Day weekend promotions. From Sept. 2 to 4, Rakuten is offering triple cash back on purchases with more than 100 merchants. Plus, Rakuten is offering 15% cash back on purchases with select merchants on Sept. 4.
However, some travelers might opt to earn American Express Membership Rewards points instead of cash back through Rakuten. So, these Labor Day promotions would offer triple points and 15 points per dollar, respectively, if you’re earning Membership Rewards through Rakuten instead of cash-back rewards.
Here’s what you need to know about these Labor Day weekend promotions.
Increased cash back with Rakuten
ROCKAA/GETTY IMAGES
To earn cash-back rewards or Membership Rewards when shopping online, begin your shopping trip on the Rakuten website. Once there, search for your desired store and click to be redirected to the retailer’s website. After you make a qualifying purchase, Rakuten will track your transaction and add bonus rewards to your account — generally within a day or two.
Here are some of the stores participating in the triple cash-back promotion from Sept. 2 to 4:
Academy Sports & Outdoors
Ace Hardware
Adidas
Advance Auto Parts
American Eagle
Best Western International Inc.
Bloomingdale’s
Bose
Columbia Sportswear
Dell Outlet
Goodyear Tire
GoPuff
Harley-Davidson
Jared – The Galleria of Jewelry
Kay Jewelers
Lenovo
Lowe’s
Macy’s
Mattress Firm
Nike
Rack Room Shoes
Samsonite
StubHub
The North Face
TripAdvisor Inc.
Under Armour
Viator
Victoria’s Secret
Zales
The triple cash back with participating merchants during the long weekend (or 15% cash back with select merchants on Monday) will be in addition to any earnings on the credit card you swipe. At most merchants participating in these promotions, you’ll want to pay with a credit card that earns bonus points and miles on everyday purchases. However, consider using one of the best credit cards for general travel purchases for Viator purchases.
Related: How to earn more points and maximize elite status benefits by double dipping
Bottom line
This Labor Day weekend, you can earn triple cash back on purchases with more than 100 merchants. Plus, Rakuten is offering 15% cash back on purchases with select merchants on Monday, Sept. 4.
If you are a new Rakuten shopper, you can earn a $30 cash bonus when you spend at least $30 on a qualifying purchase within the first 90 days.
Many eligible merchants for these promotions also participate in credit card merchant offers. So, it’s smart to check whether a merchant has an offer through Amex Offers, Chase Offers, Citi Merchant Offers and American AAdvantage’s SimplyMiles program before making your purchase.
Additional reporting by Andrew Kunesh, Katie Genter, Ehsan Haque, Summer Hull, Kyle Olsen and Ryan Smith.