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Rakuten American Express® Card Review 2025: Is 4% Cash Back Worth the Trade-offs?
July 1, 2025
The information for the Rakuten American Express® Card has been collected independently by JoinKudos. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Quick Take
Rakuten's new Amex partnership, Rakuten American Express® Card, offers extra rewards for loyal Rakuten shoppers, but restrictive caps and a modest welcome bonus limit its broader appeal. Most consumers will find better value elsewhere.
Key Features
- Welcome bonus: $25
- Annual fee: $0
Rewards Breakdown
- Rakuten purchases: Regular Rakuten rate + extra 4% (capped at $7,000/year)
- Rakuten Dining restaurants: Regular dining rate + extra 5% (up to 10% total)
- Groceries: 2% cash back
- Restaurants (non-Rakuten Dining): 2% cash back
- All other purchases: 1% cash back
- Foreign transactions: No fees
Main Limitations
1. Low Spending Cap
The extra 4% rewards cap out at $7,000 in annual spending—just $280 in additional cash back. Frequent shoppers will quickly exceed this limit.
2. Tracking Challenges
Rakuten's system occasionally struggles with:
- Purchase tracking accuracy
- Processing delays
- Inconsistent merchant rates
- Customer service response times
3. Modest Welcome Bonus
At $25, the welcome offer falls well below the $150-$500 range offered by competing cards.
4. Limited Dining Network
While Rakuten Dining promises 10% back at partner restaurants:
- Coverage varies significantly by location
- Not all transactions track reliably
- Traditional dining cards offer broader acceptance
Best Fit For
This card works for those who:
- Shop frequently through Rakuten
- Already maximize other credit card categories
- Prefer no annual fee cards
Consider Instead
- Citi Double Cash® Card: 2% on all purchases, no caps
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "580", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Everyday Spenders", "headerHint": "No Annual Fee"} ]]
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: 1.5% minimum plus $200 bonus
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "Fantastic Cash Back Card"} ]]
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: 2% everywhere, $200 bonus
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2894", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "0 Annual Fee"} ]]
Bottom Line
The Rakuten American Express Card serves a specific niche: dedicated Rakuten users who can work within its limitations. For most consumers, cards with higher welcome bonuses and fewer restrictions offer better overall value.
Rating: 5/10 - Works for its target audience but lacks broad appeal.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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