How to Request Missing Cash Back from Rakuten (Step‑by‑Step Guide)

Rakuten Missing Cash Back

Even the savviest travel hackers run into hiccups. Sometimes Rakuten doesn’t track a purchase correctly, leaving you without the cash back you expected. The good news? You can request missing points and get them credited to your account with just a few steps. I will be honest, this extra step is totally annoying, but I have to do this pretty much on all the shopping portals one time or another. All the free flights and hotel rooms I get each year are worth the time to make sure I get all my points. My goal is to Leave No Point Left Behind after all.

How to Request Missing Cash Back on Rakuten: Go to your Rakuten account → open “Shopping Trips” → find the purchase → select “Report Missing Cash Back” → upload your receipt → submit the claim. Rakuten typically responds within a few days.

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🌍Check out my Stack and Save strategy -> Stack and Save: Booking Strategy for Maximum Travel Value 

New to Shopping Portals? This is a great way to earn extra points. Learn more here;

Shopping portals

Why Rakuten Cash Back Sometimes Doesn’t Track

  • Ad blockers or privacy settings blocked tracking

  • You used a coupon code not approved by Rakuten

  • You clicked another site after Rakuten (breaking the tracking cookie)

  • The retailer marked the purchase as ineligible

New to points and miles or want to learn more? Check out my Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Travel Hacking

Ultimate Travel hacking guide

Before You Submit a Rakuten Claim

  • ☐ Screenshot your order confirmation

  • ☐ Save your receipt

  • ☐ Check store exclusions

  • ☐ Confirm you clicked through Rakuten

  • ☐ Verify the purchase date

How to Request Missing Cash Back on Rakuten

Step 1: Collect Your Proof

  • Save your order confirmation email (with order number, date, and total).

  • Take screenshots if you clicked through Rakuten before checkout.

  • Note the store name, purchase amount, and date.

👉 Where I Travel on Points

Step 2: Log Into Rakuten

  • Head to Rakuten.com and sign in.

  • Navigate to Account → Shopping Trips to confirm Rakuten tracked your click.

Step 3: Submit a “Missing Cash Back” Claim

  • Go to Help → Missing Cash Back.

  • Fill out the form with:

    • Store name

    • Order number

    • Purchase date

    • Purchase amount

  • Attach your proof (confirmation email or screenshot).

Step 4: Wait for Verification

Rakuten contacts the retailer to confirm your purchase. This can take up to 10 business days (sometimes longer depending on the store).

Rakuten missing cash back screenshot showing pending points

The 3 pending points I had to submit requests for - yes its extra work but so worth it. These points will add up!

Step 5: Follow Up

If you don’t hear back, reply to Rakuten’s support email or resubmit with additional documentation. Keep your message polite and concise—support teams respond faster to clear claims. I’ll be honest, mine have always been resolved by step 4. However, you can continue to follow up if needed.

Rakuten Missing Cash Back FAQ

How long does Rakuten take to credit missing cash back? Rakuten typically takes up to 10 business days to verify your purchase with the retailer.

Why didn’t my Rakuten cash back track? Common reasons include ad blockers, switching tabs after clicking Rakuten, or using unapproved coupon codes.

Can I submit a missing cash back claim on the Rakuten app? Yes — the process is the same as on desktop.

Does Rakuten deny missing cash back claims? Yes, if the retailer reports the purchase as ineligible, but you can resubmit with more documentation.

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✨ Travel Hack Tip

Always check your Rakuten account after shopping. I have all my shopping reciepts since to one folder in my email, so it is easy to track my purchases to make sure I get all my points. If points don’t show up, submit a Missing Cash Back claim right away. It’s a quick fix that ensures you never leave money or points behind. Sometimes when they are processed as ineligible, I will go through this process and get my points. It is a super-easy process to get valuable points toward your next adventure.

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