User Review
( votes)Overview
Rakuten Advertising is the oldest name in this review set, tracing its roots back to 1997 as LinkShare before the Rakuten acquisition. It’s the preferred network for premium retail and travel brands – think Walmart, Best Buy, Macy’s – that want publisher relationships managed carefully rather than just volume. The trade-off is that payouts and decisions move slower than at scrappier CPA shops.
Key Details
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA |
| Verticals | Retail, E-commerce, Travel, Home |
| Payment Terms | Net-30 |
| Minimum Payout | $0.01 |
| Payment Methods | ACH, Wire Transfer, Check |
| Tracking Platform | Proprietary |
Offer Types
Rakuten Advertising provides a diverse range of offers across multiple verticals. The network specializes in retail, e-commerce, travel, home with commission structures ranging from CPA (Cost Per Action) to CPL (Cost Per Lead) and CPS (Cost Per Sale) depending on the advertiser and offer type. Strongest verticals tend to be in retail where the network maintains relationships with top-tier advertisers.
Tracking & Technology
The network utilizes a proprietary tracking platform to provide real-time reporting and conversion tracking. The dashboard offers comprehensive statistics, conversion data, and campaign performance metrics. Rakuten Advertising supports postback URLs for advanced tracking integration and API access for developers seeking automated solutions.
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Pros
- One of the largest affiliate networks globally
- Excellent support and account management
- Industry-leading retail and e-commerce offers
Cons
- Approval process can take time for new affiliates
- Requires consistent traffic quality to maintain good offers
How to Join
Joining Rakuten Advertising requires completing their affiliate application process. You’ll need to provide information about your traffic sources, marketing methods, and traffic volume. The approval process typically takes 1-3 business days. The network looks for affiliates with legitimate traffic sources and a clear understanding of compliance requirements. New affiliates are often assigned a dedicated account manager who can help identify high-converting offers suited to your specific niche.
Bottom Line
Rakuten Advertising is an excellent choice for affiliate marketers looking for reliable payouts and diverse offer opportunities. Excellent for content websites and retailers with established audiences. Overall, the network offers competitive commissions and strong support for serious publishers.
