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 American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.