SHEIN is one of the most popular online fashion stores in the world, known for its huge range and low prices. But even when prices are already low, there are easy ways to save more. One of the simplest is to shop SHEIN through Rakuten, so you get cash back on top of any coupon or sale.
In this guide, we explain how Rakuten works with SHEIN, how much cash back you can earn, how to use coupons without losing your cash back, and a few tips to get the most out of every order.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a free cash back site and app. When you click through Rakuten to a store’s website and shop as normal, the store pays Rakuten a commission. Rakuten then shares part of it with you as cash back.
You don’t pay anything extra. Prices are the same as shopping on the store’s website directly. The only difference is that you start your shopping trip at Rakuten.
New members can also get a welcome bonus, typically $10, after meeting the terms. Check the current offer when you sign up.
How much cash back does Rakuten give on SHEIN?
At the time of writing, Rakuten offers 2% cash back on SHEIN purchases in the US. That means $2 back for every $100 you spend.
Rakuten’s rates change often. During holiday sales and special events, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, Rakuten sometimes raises the cash back rate for SHEIN and other stores. Always check the SHEIN page on Rakuten for the current rate before you shop.
Cash back is calculated on the price you pay for your items, not including tax, shipping or other fees.
Does Rakuten have SHEIN coupons?
Rakuten’s SHEIN page lists current deals and sales alongside the cash back rate. Recent examples have included sales on top-selling items and free shipping on orders over a set amount.
These offers change regularly, and specific promo codes are not always listed. When Rakuten does show a SHEIN code, you can use it and still earn cash back.
SHEIN also runs its own offers, such as first-order discounts for new customers, flash sales and points in its own rewards program. Many of these work alongside Rakuten cash back.
The coupon rule you need to know
This is the most important thing to understand: using a coupon code that isn’t listed on Rakuten can cancel your cash back.
Stores pay Rakuten based on their agreements, and many don’t allow cash back on orders that use codes from other coupon websites. If you find a code on another site and use it, your order may be marked as ineligible.
To stay safe:
- Use codes shown on the SHEIN page on Rakuten.
- Use SHEIN’s own on-site sales and automatic discounts, which don’t require a code.
- Avoid codes from random coupon sites or other browser extensions.
How to use Rakuten with SHEIN: step by step
- Sign up for a free Rakuten account if you don’t have one.
- Search for SHEIN on Rakuten’s website or app, and check the current cash back rate and deals.
- Click “Shop Now” to go to SHEIN through Rakuten. If you use the Rakuten browser extension, you can activate cash back when you land on SHEIN’s site.
- Start with an empty cart, then add the items you want.
- Apply a Rakuten-listed code or SHEIN’s own sale price, if available.
- Check out in the same browser tab.
- Check your Rakuten account. Your order should appear as Processing within a day or two, then Pending.
How to stack savings on SHEIN
“Stacking” means combining several savings on one order. With SHEIN and Rakuten, you can often combine:
- SHEIN sale prices. Many items are already discounted, especially during flash sales.
- Rakuten-listed coupons or free shipping offers.
- Rakuten cash back on what you pay.
- Credit card rewards. Pay with a card that earns points or cash back on online shopping.
- Credit card offers. Some cards, such as American Express, offer card-linked deals with specific stores from time to time. Check your card’s offers before you buy.
For example, on a $100 SHEIN order at 2% cash back, you’d earn $2 from Rakuten. Add a card that earns 2% back and you’re at $4 back in total, plus any sale or coupon savings.
Can you earn Amex points instead of cash?
Yes. If you have an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, such as the Amex Gold or Platinum Card, you can choose to receive Rakuten rewards as Membership Rewards points instead of cash. The rate is about 1 point for every cent of cash back. So 2% cash back becomes 2 points per dollar.
For travelers, this can be worth more than cash, because Amex points can be transferred to airline and hotel programs.
Does Rakuten cash back work in the SHEIN app?
Cash back usually tracks best when you shop on SHEIN’s website after clicking through Rakuten. Purchases made directly in the SHEIN app may not track, because the app doesn’t know you came from Rakuten. If you prefer your phone, start in the Rakuten app and follow its link to SHEIN, and check the store’s terms for app purchases.
Tips to make sure your cash back tracks
- Click through Rakuten right before you shop, every time.
- Turn off ad blockers and VPNs while shopping.
- Don’t use other coupon or cash back extensions at checkout.
- Don’t switch tabs or browsers mid-purchase.
- Keep your order confirmation email until your cash back is confirmed.
If your cash back doesn’t appear, you can report it with Rakuten’s Missing Cash Back form in the Help Center.
What doesn’t earn cash back?
Check SHEIN’s terms on its Rakuten page, but these usually don’t qualify:
- Gift card purchases, or paying with gift cards
- Tax and shipping charges
- Orders using coupon codes not listed on Rakuten
- Returned or canceled items
If you return part of an order, your cash back will be reduced to match what you kept.
When do you get your cash back?
SHEIN purchases usually show as Pending for a few weeks while the store’s return window passes. Once confirmed, Rakuten pays you on its regular payment dates: February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, as long as you have at least $5 in confirmed cash back. You can choose PayPal, a check, Bilt Points, or Amex Membership Rewards points with an eligible card.
Is it worth using Rakuten for SHEIN?
Yes, especially if you shop at SHEIN regularly. The cash back rate may seem small, but it costs you nothing and takes just a few seconds. Over a year of orders, it adds up, and during Rakuten’s bonus events the rate can be noticeably higher.
The key is to follow the coupon rule. A code from another website might save you a little more today, but it can cost you your cash back. Compare both options before you check out.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to click through Rakuten. If you go straight to SHEIN, Rakuten can’t track your order.
- Adding items to your cart first. Add items only after you’ve arrived at SHEIN from Rakuten.
- Mixing in other coupon tools. Another extension can replace Rakuten’s tracking at checkout.
- Ignoring the return window. Your cash back stays pending until SHEIN’s return period ends, so don’t be surprised if it takes a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Does Rakuten give cash back on SHEIN?
Yes. Rakuten currently offers 2% cash back on SHEIN in the US, though rates change often.
Can I use a SHEIN coupon and still get Rakuten cash back?
Yes, if the coupon is listed on Rakuten’s SHEIN page. Codes from other websites may cancel your cash back.
Does Rakuten cash back work on the SHEIN app?
Tracking works best on SHEIN’s website after clicking through Rakuten. App purchases may not track.
How long does SHEIN cash back take on Rakuten?
Orders usually appear within 24 to 48 hours and stay Pending for several weeks before they’re confirmed.
Can I get Amex points for SHEIN purchases through Rakuten?
Yes, if you have an Amex card that earns Membership Rewards points and choose points as your Rakuten payout method.
Conclusion
Shopping SHEIN through Rakuten is an easy way to get a little back on every order. Check the current cash back rate, use only Rakuten-listed coupons or SHEIN’s own sales, and click through Rakuten before you shop. Stack it with a rewards credit card, and your SHEIN haul can quietly help pay for your next trip.
