For a percentage-based portal offer, apply the rate to eligible spending. Start with the qualifying items after allowed discounts, then check how the offer treats shipping, tax, fees, credits and excluded products. If different items earn different rates, calculate each group separately.
Find the eligible amount
Rakuten defines rewards using the net purchase amount and lists exclusions including tax, shipping, fees and discounts. TopCashback also explains that its reported amount generally excludes taxes, shipping and the value taken off by coupons. Store-specific terms can add excluded categories, sellers or payment methods. Rakuten rewards exclusions · TopCashback on lower reported amounts
- Check each item against the store terms, including the seller and product category.
- Use the net eligible item prices after allowed discounts. Check whether your coupon code itself is allowed, since an incompatible code can affect eligibility.
- Leave out charges the offer excludes. Read the payment rules separately if you’re using gift cards or store credit.
- Multiply each eligible amount by its category rate, then add the results. If there’s a reward cap, apply it as described in the offer.
A $100 checkout that earns $3.50 at 5%
| Line on the order | Amount | Effect on the reward |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible item | $80 | Start here |
| Allowed coupon on that item | −$10 | Reduces the eligible item price to $70 |
| Excluded item | $15 | Zero reward on this line |
| Shipping and tax | $15 | Excluded in this example |
| Checkout total | $100 | $70 eligible × 5% = $3.50 |
The same checkout could earn less if the $70 is split between two eligible categories. If $50 earns 5% and $20 earns 1%, the estimate is $2.50 + $0.20, or $2.70. The store price is unchanged in the example, but the rate for one category is different.
Does every cashback app use a percentage?
Many item offers use a fixed amount or a points target. A hypothetical $2 rebate for buying a specific detergent is calculated under that offer’s item and quantity rules. For a spend-based points offer, check how the program defines qualifying spend. Fetch says its points are based on the pre-tax total after discounts and coupons. Fetch earning guidance
What to check when the reward is smaller than expected
Match the portal entry to the final invoice, especially if items shipped separately or some were canceled. Compare the eligible subtotal and category rate you captured when shopping. If the difference remains unexplained, follow the provider’s claim instructions and send the order information and the amount you believe is missing.
How we checked
We reviewed official provider guidance on November 7, 2026. The order totals and rates above are illustrations. A merchant’s actual reporting and the offer terms control the reward.