Rakuten Travel Week is one of the easiest ways to stack extra points on flights, hotels, tours, and activities you were already planning to book anyway.

If you’ve only ever thought of Rakuten as a “cash back” site, this is where it gets interesting — because those percentages can actually be turned into points, and the earning potential gets very real, very fast.

For example:

• 14% back on Viator = 14x points
• 10% back on hotels = 10x points
• And that’s on top of your regular credit card points

Here’s exactly how Rakuten works, step by step.

Step 1: Sign Up for Rakuten (+ 5,000 Bonus Points)

If you’re new to Rakuten, start here:

👉 Sign up through this link

When you create an account and spend $50 within 90 days, you’ll earn a 5,000-point bonus (paid in points, not cash, once you switch your settings — more on that below).

Step 2: Switch Rakuten from Cash Back → Points

By default, Rakuten pays out in cash.
That’s okay, but points are where the real value is.

Inside your Rakuten account:

1. Go to Account Settings
2. Change how you get paid
3. Select American Express Membership Rewards or Bilt Rewards

Once you do this, every “% back” you see becomes X points per dollar instead.

So:

• 14% back → 14x points
• 5% back → 5x points

This alone turns Rakuten into one of the most powerful points-earning tools out there.

Step 3: Shop or Book Through Rakuten (Then Stack)

Now comes the easy part.

When you’re ready to book, start your booking by clicking through Rakuten first (or in the Rakuten app), then complete your purchase as normal.

You’ll earn:

• Rakuten points (x points per dollar)
• Plus your credit card points
• Sometimes a third layer, like hotel loyalty points or airline miles

Example:

• Book a Viator tour during Travel Week at 14x
• Pay with a card earning 3x on travel
• Total = 17 points per dollar on a single purchase

That’s the power of stacking.

Final Thoughts

Rakuten is one of those tools that feels almost too easy once you’re using it correctly.

Rakuten Travel Week is one of the lowest-effort, highest-return opportunities out there.

Just remember:

• Sign up
• Switch to points
• Always click through Rakuten before booking

That’s it.