The previous article rounded up time-saving appliances for people living alone, but on Rakuten Ichiba, how you buy the same product can change how many points you actually get back. Here's how Rakuten's point-boost system works, and a look at the two services that tend to have the biggest effect on your rate.
How Rakuten Ichiba's point-back system works (SPU)
On top of the base point-back rate on Rakuten Ichiba (normally 1 point per ¥100 spent), your rate goes up depending on how many of Rakuten's other services you use. This is called "SPU" (Super Point Up Program) — the more qualifying services you're using, the bigger the boost to your point rate. The list of qualifying services and the exact boost amounts change from time to time, so it's worth checking the official Rakuten Ichiba page for the current terms before you rely on a specific number.
The main services that boost your rate
Several services count toward SPU, but the ones most commonly mentioned are:
- Paying with a Rakuten Card
- Using Rakuten Mobile
- Using Rakuten Bank
- Using other Rakuten Group services like Rakuten Books or Rakuten Travel
Of these, paying with a Rakuten Card and using Rakuten Mobile are commonly cited as having the biggest impact on your rate for most people. For anyone who shops on Rakuten Ichiba regularly, whether or not you've set up these two tends to make the biggest difference in how many points you actually collect.
Why this matters more for a bigger purchase like an appliance
Point-back is calculated as a percentage of what you spend, so the same 1% rate increase means a bigger difference in raw points on a ¥20,000 purchase than on a ¥1,000 one. A purchase like a home appliance, which tends to be a reasonably large amount, is exactly where boosting your rate ahead of time pays off the most.
Among the categories we compare here, mattresses, robot vacuums and dehumidifiers sit at the higher end of the price range. On a ¥50,000 purchase, a 1% difference in rate works out to 500 points. If you are looking at one of these, it is worth narrowing down the product first and then sorting out your point rate.
What changes if you get a Rakuten Card
A Rakuten Card has no annual fee, ever, and simply paying with it on Rakuten Ichiba gets you a boosted point rate. Rakuten Points can also be used outside of Rakuten Ichiba for everyday purchases, so once you have the card it tends to be useful in a lot of situations. For a closer look at the pros and cons, see the next article.
If you're also considering Rakuten Mobile
If you're already thinking about switching phone carriers, Rakuten Mobile is another one of the SPU qualifying services. Combined with a Rakuten Card, it adds an additional boost on top. Plan details and coverage area are worth checking on the official site before switching.
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