Soft Hustle Win: How I Earn Cashback From the Sofa With Rakuten
Intro:
If you’ve been around here a while, you know I’m all about finding ways to make money without burning out. I live with chronic illness, and let’s be honest — some days, just getting out of bed feels like a full-time job.
That’s why I’m always looking for soft, low-effort wins.
And one of my all-time favourites? Rakuten.
What Makes Rakuten Different
I’ve talked before about how Rakuten pays you cashback for online shopping (you can read my full intro to Rakuten [here →] But this time, I want to show you why it’s a total game-changer for chronic illness warriors, stay-at-home mums, or honestly anyone who’s flat-out tired.
Rakuten:
- Works with major UK retailers (Boots, Argos, ASOS, and more)
- Requires zero tech know-how
- Can be used with a browser extension that literally does the work for you
- Pays out in real money (not vouchers or points!)
Soft Hustle Tip: How the Rakuten Referral Bonus Works in the UK
If you’re in the UK like me, Rakuten currently offers a £15 cashback bonus when you sign up through a referral link and spend £20 or more within 30 days.
And the best bit? I get £15 too — so it’s a win-win for both of us.
The cashback usually lands in your account within 90 days, as long as your purchase isn’t returned or cancelled. You’ll need to link your bank account to receive it, but the whole process is simple and totally free.
So if you’re going to be shopping anyway — whether it’s a new moisturiser, birthday gift, or something for the kids — you might as well make money doing it. That’s what soft hustling is all about. 🧡
✈️ What If You’re Not in the UK?
If you’re reading this from the US or Canada, Rakuten works almost exactly the same way — just with slightly different bonuses.
Right now, new US members can earn a $30 cashback bonus (sometimes even more during promotions) after making a qualifying purchase of $30 or more within 90 days of signing up. You’ll get paid via PayPal or a cheque, just like we do here.
So wherever you’re based, Rakuten is still one of the easiest soft hustles to start with — no special skills, no pressure, just cashback from shopping like you already do.
👉 Click here to sign up for Rakuten and get your £15 bonus
My Soft Hustle Rakuten Routine
Here’s exactly how I use it:
- I activate the Rakuten browser extension when I’m online shopping
- It tells me if cashback is available — I click once, and done
- The money adds up quietly in the background
- I get paid into my PayPal account, no stress
It’s passive income in its purest form.
Turning Rakuten Into an Actual Income Stream
If you’re building your own gentle affiliate blog or Pinterest account, Rakuten is a great first affiliate program to sign up for. It’s beginner-friendly, free, and your readers will genuinely benefit from it.
Plus, you can earn extra through their referral program — every time someone signs up with your link and shops, you get a bonus.
Want to try it for yourself?
👉 Sign up for Rakuten here to get a welcome bonus after your first purchase.
Then go treat yourself to something cosy — you’ve just made money from the sofa. ✨