Rakuten vs. Honey: What's the Difference?

Hey there! If you're into saving money while shopping online, you've probably heard of Rakuten and Honey. Both are awesome tools for getting deals, but they work a bit differently. Let’s break down what each one does and how they can help you save some serious cash.

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is all about cash back. Here’s how it works:

1. **Sign Up:** Create a free account on Rakuten.
2. **Shop Through Rakuten:** Before you buy anything online, go to Rakuten's website or use their app. Find the store you want to shop at and click through their link.
3. **Earn Cash Back:** After you make a purchase, Rakuten gives you a percentage of your spending back in cash. You can get your cash back via PayPal or a check.

Rakuten partners with thousands of stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. It’s like getting paid to shop!

 What is Honey?

Honey is a browser extension that helps you find coupon codes and discounts automatically. Here’s how it works:

1. **Install the Extension:** Add Honey to your web browser (it’s free!).
2. **Shop as Usual:** When you’re ready to check out, Honey will pop up and search the web for any available coupon codes.
3. **Apply Discounts:** Honey applies the best discount code for you, saving you money instantly.

Honey also has a feature called Honey Gold, which lets you earn points on purchases that you can redeem for gift cards.

 Key Differences

1. **Cash Back vs. Coupons:**
- **Rakuten:** Focuses on cash back. You shop through their platform, and they give you a percentage of your purchase back.
- **Honey:** Focuses on finding and applying coupon codes to your cart to save you money on the spot.

2. **How You Use Them:**
- **Rakuten:** You need to start your shopping trip on Rakuten’s website or app.
- **Honey:** Works automatically in the background when you’re shopping, so you don’t have to go anywhere special to use it.

3. **Payout:**
- **Rakuten:** Sends you cash back via PayPal or a check every few months.
- **Honey:** Saves you money immediately at checkout and offers gift card rewards through Honey Gold.

 Which One Should You Use?

Why not both? Seriously, they work great together. Use Rakuten to get cash back on your purchases, and then let Honey find you the best coupon codes to apply at checkout. Double the savings, double the fun!

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So there you have it! Rakuten and Honey are both fantastic tools for saving money while shopping online, but they each have their own unique benefits. Give them both a try and watch the savings add up. Happy shopping!