Online rebate websites are an excellent way to get cashback for your online purchases. But with the slew of options available these days, how do you know which one will work best for you?

Today, we’ll be exploring two of the most popular online rebate websites: Ebates (now Rakuten) and Mr. Rebates.

Understanding Ebates (now Rakuten)

Rakuten Ebates started in 1998 to give its members the opportunity to earn cash back from their online purchases. In 2014, it was acquired by Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce firm, for $1 billion.

Since its founding, the platform has helped shape the way people shop online. They offer cash back, deals, and shopping rewards on the world’s largest selection of products and services. To date, their 12 million members in the U.S. have earned over $1 billion in cash back at their favorite stores.

They cover a wide range of stores including Amazon, Best Buy, JCPenny, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Priceline, Target, and more.

Members of this platform get their cash rebates through a check mailed to them or through a PayPal payment. Plus, Ebates also offers coupons to its customers on various items.

You can cash out once every quarter as long as you have a minimum balance of $5.01 in your account. If your balance is below this amount, then you’ll have to wait until the next quarter to be able to cash out.

Pros and Cons of Ebates:

• Multiple payout methods (PayPal, a physical check via mail, or a donation to a charity of your choice)
• Cashback for over 1,700 online retailers
• iOS and Android app for mobile users
• Has a very clean interface and is very easy to use
• Special holiday promotions
• Sign-up bonus of $5 to $10
• A referral program that lets you earn $60 for getting three friends to sign up
• Convenient browser plugin
• Amazon has cashback limitations

Mr. Rebates at a Glance

On the other hand, Mr. Rebates is a similar platform that started in 2002 as an inventive way to save money via cashback rebates while shopping online.

In the years that have followed, they have added thousands of stores, supplied the best deals and coupons, added new innovative shopping features and awarded millions of dollars in cashback to their savvy members.

To get a cashback rebate, click on your desired store link and make your purchase in that same click session.  Your click-through from Mr. Rebates activates a code in the store’s shopping cart that will make sure that you are credited with the rebate.

Each order from a participating store requires a unique click-through from Mr. Rebates.  If you are making multiple orders then make sure you have a separate store click for each corresponding order.

Please note that rebates do not show up in a store’s shopping cart.  Rebates are credited a few days later in your Mr. Rebates’ account and are then sent either through mail or through PayPal.

Unlike Ebates, Mr. Rebates lets you cash out monthly with a minimum amount of $10.

Pros and Cons of Mr. Rebates

• Multiple payout methods (PayPal or a physical check via mail)
• Cashback for over 2,000 online retailers
• Referral program lets you earn extra cashback from your friends’ purchases
• Special bonuses on special weeks
• Highest payout in the industry
• Sign up bonus of $7.50
• No iOS or Android app
• Clunky website interface

Which One is Right for You?

Both sites offer great cashback deals for its members. Because of this, you can definitely use both and earn more cashback.

However, if you prefer to receive higher bonuses during holidays, a cleaner interface, and a dedicated iOS and Android app, then Ebates might be a better option for you.

If you want better deals for everyday purchases, you’re better off using Mr. Rebates more.

No matter which one you choose, you win because you are saving money. Both have been around for a long time and are very reputable. You definitely can’t go wrong with either one of them.

Do you use a cash back site for your online purchases? Which do you use? Do you prefer Mr. Rebates or Rakuten? Leave your comments below.