Quick Points: How one Chrome plug-in can earn you extra points or cash back
Editor's Note
At TPG, we talk a lot about using shopping portals to earn extra rewards when you shop online. But if you constantly forget forgetting to use one, we get it. Sometimes, that one extra step doesn't seem worth it.
The great news is that one of our favorite portals, Rakuten, offers a Google Chrome plug-in that can help you earn thousands of extra American Express Membership Rewards points each month with a simple click of a button.
We especially love Rakuten allows you the option to earn either cash-back or Membership Rewards, and the plug-in means you won't miss a chance to earn your rewards when they're available — just in time for your holiday shopping.
Related: Earn a $30 bonus by joining or referring a friend to Rakuten for online shopping
How to earn Membership Rewards with Rakuten
Setting up the plug-in is easy. Here's a step-by-step tutorial:
Step 1: Sign up for an account
First, head to Rakuten.com and sign up for an account. You can sign up with your email or by using your credentials with Google, Facebook or Apple. Right now, you'll even get a $40 cash bonus if you sign up by Nov. 16 and make a $40+ purchase within 90 days.
Step 2: Go to settings and switch to Membership Rewards
Once you're logged in, go to "Account Settings." It's located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen under the drop-down menu next to your name and current balance.
From there, you can manage your account settings — login credentials, linked accounts and how you'd like to get paid. Options include a PayPal deposit, "Big Fat Check" and American Express Membership Rewards. After you link your Rakuten and Amex accounts, you'll be set to earn Amex points rather than cash back.
However, your initial bonus if you sign up today will still be paid in cash back. Only future earnings will earn Membership Rewards points.
In addition, if you later select a different payment method, you won't be able to select American Express Membership Rewards again.
Step 3: Add the plug-in to your browser
After you get all set up to earn Membership Rewards, add the plug-in to your browser. Head to rakuten.com/button.htm to add it to Chrome.
Step 4: Use it when you're shopping
Using the plug-in is easy. Anytime you're shopping on a site that earns rewards through Rakuten, a small pop-up will appear in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Click on the pop-up, and it'll do all the work for you. Once your rewards are activated, the pop-up will turn purple in confirmation before disappearing as you resume shopping.
Rakuten tracks your entire "shopping trip" with a certain site, so you won't have to reenter the portal as you scroll through the site and add things to your cart.
Related: Your guide to maximizing shopping portals for your online purchases
Bottom line
Add the Rakuten browser extension to Chrome today to ensure you never miss a chance to earn extra rewards on your online shopping. The plug-in is an easy (and free) way to rack up extra points on your online purchases with just the click of a button.
Not yet a member? Join today for a $30 bonus when you spend $30 in the first 90 days.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.