Stop Paying Full Price for Pickleball Gear: How to Use Rakuten to Get Cash Back on Every Paddle [2026]
Welcome back to the kitchen line. The Deal Dinker here.
Pickleball is an incredibly addicting sport, but let’s be honest with ourselves: it can get expensive. Between cracking outdoor balls in the winter, buying new overgrips every few weeks, and eyeing that shiny new $200 raw carbon fiber paddle, the costs add up quickly.
I am constantly hunting down the best Amazon flash sales and promo codes for you, but today, I am going to share the ultimate “insider secret” to stacking discounts. I am talking about getting actual, cold, hard cash deposited back into your bank account every time you buy pickleball equipment online.
The secret weapon is Rakuten. If you aren’t using Rakuten when you buy your gear, you are literally leaving free money on the table. Today, we are breaking down exactly how it works, which major pickleball retailers are on the platform, and how you can get a massive cash bonus just for signing up.
What is Rakuten and Why Do You Need It?
Rakuten is a free Cash Back portal. Instead of going directly to a store’s website (like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Academy Sports), you click through the Rakuten app or website first. Rakuten gets a small commission for sending you to that store, and they split that commission with you in the form of Cash Back.
It costs you absolutely nothing. You still get the store’s sale prices, you can still use your credit card rewards, and a few weeks later, Rakuten sends you a “Big Fat Check” (either physical or via PayPal) with your Cash Back.
It is the easiest life hack in the world, and it applies perfectly to the pickleball ecosystem.
The Best Pickleball Stores on Rakuten Right Now
Amazon isn’t the only place to buy gear. Here are the top sporting goods stores on Rakuten where you can score Cash Back on premium pickleball equipment:
1. Dick’s Sporting Goods (Up to 2% Cash Back)
Dick’s has massively expanded its pickleball section in the last year. They carry all the heavy hitters.
- What to buy here: This is the perfect place to buy your high-end professional paddles (like the JOOLA Perseus or Selkirk Vanguard) because getting 2% back on a $250 purchase is a nice chunk of change! They also carry the premium to keep your ankles safe.
2. Academy Sports & Outdoors (Up to 2% Cash Back)
Academy is the absolute king of budget-friendly outdoor sports gear.
- What to buy here: Academy is fantastic for high-volume consumables. You can buy buckets of Selkirk Hybrid balls, Tourna outdoor balls, and beginner . Getting Cash Back on items you have to buy repeatedly throughout the year adds up fast.
3. SCHEELS (Up to 3% Cash Back)
If you haven’t shopped at SCHEELS online, you are missing out. They are an employee-owned sporting goods behemoth with a legendary pickleball department.
- What to buy here: Because they frequently offer a higher 3% Cash Back rate, this is where you should buy your bulky, expensive items—like a heavy-duty or a massive case of Franklin X-40s.
🚨 Do Not Buy Your Next Paddle Without Doing This 🚨
If you are planning on buying any pickleball gear this month, you need to sign up for Rakuten first. It takes 30 seconds.
Right now, if you use my personal referral link, Rakuten will give you a massive sign-up bonus (usually between $10 and $30) after you make your first qualifying purchase. Think about that: you can buy a 12-pack of balls, get your Cash Back on the balls, and get a free $30 bonus just for using the link. It effectively makes your first purchase free.
How to Claim Your Free Cash Back:
- Click My Referral Link: DEAL DINKER GETS YOU CASH FROM RAKUTEN
- Create a Free Account: Just drop in your email and create a password.
- Search for Your Store: Type “Dick’s Sporting Goods” or “Academy” into the Rakuten search bar.
- Shop Normally: Click the link to the store, add your paddle or shoes to your cart, and check out.
- Get Paid: Watch the Cash Back and your massive sign-up bonus hit your Rakuten account!
Stop paying full retail price when you don’t have to. Click the link above, get your account set up, and start getting paid to play the sport you love!
More From Third Shot Finds
Already have your Rakuten account set up and ready to buy? Make sure you know exactly what gear to hunt for! Check out our deals and reviews as they are posted!
