Rakuten vs. Honey: Which One Actually Saves You More Money?
When it comes to saving money while shopping online, two names always pop up: Rakuten and Honey. Both promise to help you score discounts and get the best deals, but they work in totally different ways. So, which one should you use? Or better yet—should you use both? Let’s break it down.
What is Honey?
Honey is all about finding you instant savings. It’s a browser extension (and an app) that automatically applies coupon codes at checkout. Instead of searching for discount codes yourself, Honey does it for you in seconds.
On top of that, Honey has a feature called Honey Gold, which is kind of like cashback. When you shop through Honey at certain stores, you earn points that you can later redeem for gift cards.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is all about cashback. Instead of applying coupon codes, Rakuten gives you a percentage of your purchase back in cash when you shop through their links. You just activate Rakuten before you buy, and they send you a payout (via PayPal or check) every few months.
Rakuten also sometimes offers promo codes, but its main focus is getting you money back after you buy rather than saving upfront.
Key Differences: Honey vs. Rakuten
| Feature | Honey | Rakuten |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Finds and applies coupons | Earns cashback on purchases |
| How It Saves You Money | Discount codes at checkout | Cashback after purchase |
| Payout Method | Gift cards via Honey Gold | PayPal or check |
| Ease of Use | Automatic at checkout | Must activate before shopping |
| Best For | Instant discounts | Long-term cashback |
So… Which One is Better?
Honestly? Both.
If you love instant savings, Honey is perfect because it finds you coupon codes right away. But if you don’t mind waiting to get some money back, Rakuten can earn you solid cashback over time.
The best strategy? Use both together! Start by activating Rakuten to get cashback, then let Honey check for any extra coupon codes at checkout. That way, you’re saving money twice—once through cashback and again with a discount.
Final Thoughts
Rakuten and Honey work differently, but they’re both great tools for saving money online. If you want instant discounts, Honey’s your best bet. If you’re patient and like getting cashback, go with Rakuten. And if you want maximum savings, why not use both?
At the end of the day, free money is free money—and these two apps make sure you’re not leaving any on the table.