Rakuten Launches Amex Card for US Shoppers

Rakuten, the leading platform for Cash Back shopping, has announced the launch of the Rakuten American Express Card, a new credit option exclusively for its US members. Powered by Imprint and backed by the American Express network, the card enables users to earn boosted Cash Back rewards with no annual fee—making shopping on Rakuten and at partner retailers even more rewarding.

Next-Level Cash Back—Online, In-Store, and Beyond

With the Rakuten Card, members receive:

• Extra 4% Cash Back on all Rakuten platform purchases (online or in-person), atop their standard rewards, up to the first $7,000 of card spending per calendar year.

• Extra 5% Cash Back at Rakuten Dining partner restaurants—stacked on top of the usual 5% for a total of 10% back at over 22,000 US dining locations.

• 2% Cash Back on groceries and restaurants everywhere else.

• 1% Cash Back on all other purchases outside the Rakuten ecosystem.

All these perks come with no annual fee, so cardholders get more without an added cost.

Executive Perspectives: Powering Rewards and Experience

Amit Patel, CEO and President of Rakuten said: “The Rakuten Card offers our members a new and rewarding way to shop and earn. The Card combines the power of Rakuten‘s Cash Back and rewards program with Imprint’s advanced technology and the unique benefits of the American Express network to bring even more value to our members.”

Will Stredwick, SVP and GM of Global Network Services for North America at American Express said: “Rakuten and American Express share a commitment to rewarding customers for how and where they spend. The Rakuten Card will bring the offers, experiences, and security benefits of American Express to even more rewards-savvy shoppers.”

Daragh Murphy, CEO of Imprint said: “In today’s market, we know that the most sought-after financial products are those that are truly digital-and customer-first. We’re proud to partner with Rakuten to deliver a best-in-class, intuitive cardholder experience with exceptional rewards opportunities.”

Rich Rewards, Amex Protections, and Digital Integration

Rakuten Card users access exclusive Amex Offers across shopping, dining, and travel, along with Amex ExperiencesTM spanning music, entertainment, and major events. The card also provides security with Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty retail safeguards.

The application and management process is built for ease—existing Rakuten members can easily sign up through the platform, while new users can join Rakuten’s free rewards platform via app, browser extension, or website, and begin stacking savings immediately.

Early-Bird Bonuses and Referral Rewards

To celebrate the launch, new cardholders receive a bonus $25 Cash Back after spending $500 in the first 90 days upon card acceptance. The Refer a Friend program continues: current Rakuten members who refer others get $30 Cash Back once the new member completes $30 in qualifying purchases in their first 90 days. (See the full Referral Program Terms and Conditions.)

Why This Matters: Shoppers Can Stack and Save

The Rakuten American Express Card is engineered for today’s rewards-focused, digital-first consumer:

• Stackable savings: Card Cash Back can be combined with in-store sales, retailer promotions, and coupons for maximum benefits.

• Seamless integration: Members can earn rewards whether shopping online, in-store at over 3,500 partner retailers, or at 22,000+ Rakuten partner restaurants.

• No annual fee: All benefits come without a recurring fee, amplifying the return for every dollar spent.

The launch reinforces Rakuten’s commitment to making rewards simple, adaptable, and valuable—giving members more ways to earn Cash Back with every purchase.