Update 12/7/23: Deal is back, this time it’s a bit higher at 2.5% or 2.5x. I’m not sure if there are any limits this time. (ht jerseyguy195)
Update 9/21/22: MEAB points out that new terms were added yesterday: Maximum $20 back per transaction, and a maximum of 10 transactions are eligible.
The Offer
- Rakuten in-store cashback is offering 2% back or 2x at participating Safeway grocery stores.
The Fine Print
- Earn Cash Back when you shop in-store with your linked card at all participating Safeway grocery stores.
- Other Albertson company brands are not eligible for Cash Back on this offer.
- Offer not valid for gift card purchases.
- Purchases are subject to applicable store policies.
- Debit card purchases must be processed as credit in order to be eligible for Cash Back. When using your debit card, do not enter your PIN.
- Only US-issued payment cards are eligible to enroll and earn Cash Back.
- In-Store offers not valid for online purchases and may not be combined with other Rakuten rewards.
- US stores only. Offer not valid at locations in US territories.
- Offer may be displayed on multiple websites but is redeemable only once per qualifying transaction. If you link to the same offer on more than one site, your qualifying transaction will only be eligible for rewards or benefits associated with the offer through the most recently linked site. A linked offer is good for 1 hour after initial redemption. After such time the offer must be re-linked prior to your next purchase. A linked offer that has not been redeemed will automatically expire 10 days after it is linked or on the date the offer itself ends, whichever is sooner. Cash Back earned will be paid with your next eligible Rakuten Big Fat Check!
Our Verdict
Grocery store deals are always user-friendly since we all shop there anyway and can easy rack up some free rewards in the process. There are lots of other in-store cashback deals on Rakuten as well.This offer is not valid on gift cards, per the terms.
Reports are this is valid through November 1st (though I can’t find where it says that). Unlimited uses, just be sure to relink the offer before each use. Best stacked with a card that earns a bonus at the grocery store.
“Other Albertson company brands are not eligible for Cash Back on this offer.“ Damn. I didn’t know there was a safeway store. I figured Vons was included because it’s part of Safeway
Friendly reminder that when Rakuten had this in 2022, it launched with no caps. Then, mid-stream, they imposed caps of $20/transaction, 10 total transactions. The 2023 edition has also launched with no caps. Make of that what you will.
Stacks with Lolli crypto 2.5% at Safeway too.
Ah, I See You’re a Man of Culture As Well
I didn’t even realize you can get in store cash back… Only one I know of is ibotta. What other apps are people checking for in store cash back?
In case anybody misses it… Once you add an Offer, you may make qualifying transactions for up to 1 hour after initial redemption before needing to re-add the Offer.
I accidentally bought some VGCs before the offer, added it as I was leaving the store, and the transaction never showed in Rakuten even after it posted to the card. When added well-before a purchase it posts shortly after you leave the store…
Looks like Safeway and Albertsons but their subsidiaries don’t have in store cash back listed. I linked the card I use at Jewel-Osco and will test out.
I just discovered that the new Albertson’s GCs work at self checkout so I’ve been using those but a quick test tomorrow won’t hurt 🙂
Which ones are the new GCs for you ? With the QR code instead of the bar code or do you mean the plastic ones ?
Thanks, I’ll have to try. About 30% of cashiers at my local stores are plain afraid of these printed-out giftcards and another 30% look at me like I am a thief. Plus there are usually no lines at the self-checkout.
Exactly the reason I hated using the egift cards 🙂
My store’s registers were updated some time ago, not sure if that makes a difference. Annoys me that I have to hit total to see the clipped coupons come off now, but if the update opened this avenue up, I can live with that.
Now I wonder what other POS changes have been made. Albertsons-owned stores were always good for the occasional gift card upgrade. I wonder whether they have finally hard-coded that out. Will have to check.
I’ve tried using the QR coded eGCs for self-checkout at a dozen different Albertsons and Safeways in the PNW. No go. They require scan with a handheld gun (which is stated in the eGC instructions), and the stores I’ve been to in the region don’t have handhelds. However, the self-checkout “supervisor” registers (which do have wands) don’t work either… which seems to indicate it is a PoS programming issue.
Handheld scanners are a requirement, yes, though they didn’t accept the egift cards until the POS was upgraded more recently. Jewel got handhelds quite a while ago, cheaper than people constantly putting cases of water on the scanner I suppose 🙂
I’m constantly surprised at how the main company stores and their affiliates vary.
the new Albertson’s e-GC’s work at self checkout?
Tested this morning with a small purchase. No notification from Rakuten.
Totally sucks Vons is not included.
Only safeway or other brands owned by safeway too?
Yup came here to post the same question.
I have got Acme markets nearby
Good catch. I see the same offer for Albertsons but not for Vons.
Just received the rebate
The Safeway in-store cash back is no longer available in my account. Anyone else?
Same for me and my last few purchases have not tracked either
same
Yes it’s gone. However I just shopped at Safeway and received the email from Rakuten tracking the cash back.
I just received credit for my 11th transaction.
credit: Amex, Visa, Mastercard
I have no problem with Amex tracking multiple times. After a transaction, wait for it to unlink, and then link again before the next transaction. Debit would not work unless you use it as credit (no PIN).