Sarah Hostetler Contributor Katie Genter Katie Genter Lead writer Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories. also contributed to this story Oct. 06, 2026 • 5 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Editor's Note This is a recurring post that is regularly updated. Rakuten's biggest cash-back event of the year — the Big Stack Event — is back, running now through Oct. 7. And there are some pretty legit offers you don't want to accidentally miss during early holiday sales.
Right now, Rakuten is offering elevated cash-back bonuses for purchases at retailers such as PetSmart, Macy's, Gap, Nike, Sam's Club, Carter's and many more.
With Rakuten, you can also earn American Express Membership Rewards points or Bilt Points instead of cash back if you want. So, instead of getting 10% cash back, you could earn 10 Amex Membership Rewards points or Bilt points per dollar spent. This can yield a significantly higher overall value if you maximize points with Amex or Bilt travel partners.
Plus, while the Big Stack Event advertises 10% cash back, we've found some offers as high as 15% or 20%.
Those new to Rakuten can get an even better deal right now and layer on a $50 bonus on their first $50 spent at an eligible retailer. This is higher than the normal $30 referral bonus for new users.
Here's what you need to know about increased cash-back opportunities with Rakuten.
To earn cash-back rewards or Membership Rewards points 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 couple of days.
Here are some of the retailers offering 10%-20% cash back through Rakuten through Oct. 7 during the Big Stack Event:
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While Target does participate in Rakuten, it's not offering an increased Big Stack Event bonus during its Target Circle Deal Days sale, which is also running this week through Oct. 7. That said, it's still worth clicking through Rakuten before shopping the Target sale to get an additional 1% cash back on whatever deals you buy there this week.
Related: Amazon, Target and Walmart all have big October sales, but which one is the best?
Rakuten users will earn cash back and any rewards credit card earnings at the selected retailers. At most merchants participating in the…