Swagbucks Vs Rakuten: Which Offers The Better Rewards?

In the world of online rewards programs, Swagbucks and Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) have gained significant popularity for helping users earn cashback and rewards while shopping online. While both platforms aim to put money back in your wallet, they have different approaches and features that cater to diverse user preferences.

In this article, we will compare Swagbucks and Rakuten across various aspects to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your needs.

Earning Opportunities:

Swagbucks: Swagbucks offers a wide range of earning opportunities. Users can earn points (known as SB) by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, shopping online through the Swagbucks portal, and completing various tasks. The versatility of earning options makes Swagbucks accessible to users with different preferences and time commitments.

Rakuten: Rakuten specializes in cashback rewards for online shopping. Users simply need to shop through the Rakuten portal or use the Rakuten browser extension to earn cashback on their purchases. While Rakuten is known for its simplicity, it doesn't offer as diverse a range of earning methods as Swagbucks.

Reward Options:

Swagbucks: Swagbucks provides several redemption options, including gift cards, PayPal cash, and even the option to donate to charity. This flexibility allows users to choose rewards that align with their preferences and needs.

Rakuten: Rakuten primarily rewards users with cashback, which can be received as a physical check or via PayPal. While the focus is on cashback, Rakuten does occasionally offer promotions where users can earn bonuses or receive gift cards.

Payout Thresholds:

Swagbucks: Swagbucks has a variable payout threshold depending on the reward you choose. For example, you can redeem a $3 gift card for as little as 300 SB, while larger rewards may require more points. The flexibility of reward options means users can cash out at different thresholds.

Rakuten: Rakuten has a straightforward cashback system. You receive your cashback earnings quarterly, as long as your cashback balance is $5 or more. The consistent threshold can be appealing to users who prefer a set payout schedule.

Ease of Use:

Swagbucks: Swagbucks has a user-friendly website and mobile app. Navigation is generally straightforward, and users can easily find earning opportunities, track their SB balance, and redeem rewards.

Rakuten: Rakuten's platform is equally user-friendly, with a clean interface that makes it easy to find cashback deals and track earnings. The browser extension simplifies the cashback process when shopping online.

Available in Your Region:

Both Swagbucks and Rakuten are available to users in the United States, but their availability may vary in other countries. Make sure to check whether these platforms operate in your region.

Choosing between Swagbucks and Rakuten ultimately depends on your preferences and goals. Swagbucks excels in offering a wide variety of earning opportunities and rewards, making it suitable for users who want a more diverse experience. Rakuten, on the other hand, specializes in cashback for online shopping, providing a straightforward way to earn money back on your purchases.

To make the most of your rewards, you can even use both platforms simultaneously. Shop through Rakuten when making online purchases, and use Swagbucks for additional earning opportunities like surveys and watching videos. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and maximize your reward potential.