Comparison
Magic Lupa vs Rakuten
Honest comparison. We don't skew the criteria so we win.
What is Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) offers cashback when users buy through its tracking links. Revenue is entirely affiliate commissions; a portion is shared back as cashback. Pricing comparison is not its primary function — it operates as a portal that routes users to stores.
Official site: www.rakuten.com
| Criterion | Magic Lupa | Rakuten |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue model | User-paid search packs | Affiliate commission per purchase |
| Recommendation bias | None — no contracts with stores | Yes — recommendations influenced by commission |
| Result format | One result per search | Overlay on store |
| Countries covered | 29, with local stores and currencies | 30 |
| Discount stack | Coupons + cashback + shipping + taxes | Partial |
| User account | Not required | Optional |
| User tracking | Only signed pack-balance cookie | Tracking + affiliate cookies |
When each one is the right tool
Use Rakuten if: you already have its flow set up and only want to capture checkout coupons, or if its specific value (cashback site and browser extension for online shopping.) is exactly what you need.
Use Magic Lupa if: you want a verified, no-bias result with the total price already computed (product + shipping + taxes − legal discounts), in any of the 29 covered countries.
They're not mutually exclusive — many users combine both.