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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. 

If you’re looking to make some purchases before your summer travel plans, there’s a big online shopping event this week to maximize your spending. Plus, you can use these promotions to score some big deals and stack up the savings.

Rakuten is one of the most popular online shopping sites that awards cash back for shopping online, and it has some very increased earning rates at popular retailers running from May 6-13. It’s the online shopping platform’s “Big Give Week” event.

This is how you take a good deal to a great one: Layering a hefty side of cash back on already discounted prices.

Remember, with Rakuten, you can choose to earn American Express Membership Rewards points instead of cash back if you want. So, instead of getting up to 15% cash back in the examples below, you could earn 15 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent; this can yield a significantly higher value overall if you maximize the points with travel partners.

Here’s what you need to know about increased cash-back opportunities with Rakuten.

Increased cash back with Rakuten

To earn cash-back rewards or Membership Rewards when shopping online, begin your shopping trip on the Rakuten website. Once there, search for your desired store and click to be redirected to the retailer’s website. After you make a qualifying purchase, Rakuten will track your transaction and add bonus rewards to your account — generally within a day or two.

Here are some of the stores we see with increased cash back right now. Each of these retailers is offering 15% cash back or 15 points per dollar from May 6-13 through Rakuten. However, some are offering 20% off.

• Adidas
• Dyson
• E.l.f. Cosmetics
• Ulta Beauty
• Expedia
• Groupon
• Hertz
• Sunglass Hut
• DSW
• Staples
• Office Depot
• Hotels.com
• Viator (20% cash back or 20 points per dollar)
• Neiman Marcus (up to 20% cash back or 20 points per dollar)
• Bergdorf Goodman (up to 20% cash back or 20 points per dollar)

You’ll earn the cash back in addition to any earnings on the credit card you swipe. At most merchants participating in these promotions, you’ll want to pay with a credit card that earns bonus points and miles on everyday purchases. Or, use one where you’ve added a Chase or Amex Offer for that retailer to stack your savings.

Related: How to earn more points and maximize elite status benefits by double dipping

Bottom line

The summer holiday shopping season is upon us. Even if you only use this time of year to get better deals on the things you would buy anyway, note that the increased cash-back deals are in full effect. To ensure you choose the right option with the best rewards for your planned purchase, compare all the different cash-back sites before you buy.

Note, too, that if you are a new Rakuten shopper, you can earn a $40 cash bonus when you spend at least $40 on a qualifying purchase within the first 90 days. If you join Rakuten by May 13, you can also earn an extra 10% cash back boost (up to $50) to shop on the platform.

Many eligible merchants for these promotions also participate in credit card merchant offers. So, it’s smart to check whether a merchant has an offer through Amex Offers, Chase Offers, Citi Merchant Offers and American Airlines AAdvantage’s SimplyMiles program before making your purchase.

The best credit cards for Online Purchases in 2024

• Chase Freedom Flex℠: Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in quarterly rotating categories (that you must activate to benefit from), including Amazon this quarter.
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn 3% back on online purchases from U.S. retailers (on the first $6,000 spent in each category during a calendar year, then 1% until the following year).
• Citi Double Cash® Card: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases (see rates and fees).