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Rakuten launches dining rewards, but iOS only for now

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October 4, 2019

Rakuten Inc. and Rewards Network have launched a dining discount program called Rakuten Dining. Those enrolling in the program are eligible to receive 5% cash back on meals at more than 10,000 U.S. restaurants, a news release said.  

Currently, Rakuten Dining is only available for Apple devices via the iOS version of the Rakuten app, but the company said it will later be accessible to Android users. Customers can earn the discount when they link and use a personal credit or debit card in the app at participating restaurants. The cash returned on purchases is automatically accrued and then paid out quarterly. 

"This collaboration will drive more visits to restaurants and create immediate scale for Rakuten Dining and our everyday rewards program," Rakuten Americas and Rakuten Rewards CEO Amit Patel, said in the release. 

Rakuten said in the release that over the past 20 years, it has paid out more than $1.5 billion in cash back on purchases from thousands of retailers and is the largest such loyalty program in existence.