Rakuten TOS Changed

What changed

The new version rebrands the rewards program from 'Cash Back' to a broader 'Rewards' framework that now includes cash back, bonuses, and partner points, while also introducing new rules around partner points conversion, gift card redemption limits, and personalized reward rates that may vary by member.

Details

• •The terminology 'Affiliate Stores' has been replaced throughout with 'Brands,' and 'Cash Back' has been expanded into a broader 'Rewards' category that encompasses cash back, bonuses, and partner points (such as airline miles or loyalty points from third-party partners).
• •A new option has been introduced allowing members to convert Cash Back into Partner Points issued by third-party partners. The terms clarify that once converted, these points are no longer redeemable in U.S. dollars from Rakuten, may not be reversible, and are subject to the partner's own terms including expiration and fees.
• •Reward rates are now explicitly described as personalized and potentially varying by member based on account history, shopping behavior, and membership status, meaning different members may receive different reward rates for the same brand or product.
• •Rakuten's compensation from partners is now described in more detail, including referral fees, marketing funds, cost-per-click fees, commissions on gift card redemptions, and other forms of consideration.
• •Gift card redemption rules have been expanded: members can now redeem confirmed rewards balances in partial amounts, and redemptions are subject to a maximum of $2,000 per day, with any remaining balance redeemable in subsequent transactions.
• •The section title changed from 'Payment of Cash Back and Other Rewards' to 'Payout of Rewards,' and the minimum payout threshold of $5.01 now applies to all Rewards rather than just Cash Back. Gift cards are now listed as a standard payout option alongside check and PayPal.
• •The arbitration opt-out address in Section 3.13 was updated to include 'Attn: Rakuten Rewards Legal,' aligning it with other legal notice addresses in the document.
• •Section 20.2 listing which sections survive termination was updated to add sections 4.2, 10.4, 10.5, 11.3, and 14, while removing the previous broader references, expanding the list of provisions that remain in effect after account termination.
• •The reward exclusions section (formerly Section 7) now specifies that reward amounts vary not only by brand and product category but also by member and by surface (i.e., where the offer is accessed).