Rakuten is offering as much as 100% cash back on select subscriptions from NordVPN, NordPass and NordProtect, with Surfshark close behind at 97%. For users who have linked Rakuten to American Express Membership Rewards or Bilt Rewards, that rebate can instead post as up to 100 points per dollar, turning a routine security purchase into a potentially outsized rewards play.
The offer lands at the intersection of consumer technology and travel safety. A VPN, password manager or identity-monitoring service is rarely exciting to buy, but these tools become more relevant when people are logging in from hotel, airport or café Wi-Fi, or trying to avoid account lockouts triggered by unusual locations.
Why these subscriptions matter beyond the rebate
A virtual private network encrypts internet traffic between a device and the VPN provider, reducing exposure on unsecured networks and making casual interception more difficult. That does not make a user anonymous or invulnerable, and it does not replace basic precautions such as strong passwords, software updates and multi-factor authentication. But for frequent travelers, remote workers and anyone routinely using public Wi-Fi, it is a practical layer of protection.
The same logic applies to password managers and identity protection products. Password managers help people avoid the common habit of reusing credentials across accounts, which remains one of the simplest ways a single breach can cascade into several. Identity-monitoring services serve a different purpose: they do not prevent all fraud, but they can help users spot problems earlier and respond faster.
Why points collectors may value this more than cash
The headline appeal is straightforward: a purchase that is close to free can become more attractive if the rebate is paid in transferable points rather than cash. In this promotion, Rakuten users who elect Membership Rewards or Bilt points can receive the equivalent of the cash-back rate as points per dollar spent. That means a 100% cash-back offer becomes 100x points, while a 97% offer becomes 97x points.
For readers who already redeem transferable points for flights or hotel stays, that structure may be more valuable than a statement of cash returned. The tradeoff is flexibility. Cash is simple and certain. Points can be worth more, but only to users who understand transfer partners, redemption options and the limits of their rewards program.
The fine print matters more than the headline number
Deals like this are most compelling when the purchase is one you were already considering. Subscription offers often apply only to new customers, specific plan lengths or first-time purchases made through the shopping portal. They can also exclude taxes, renewals or add-ons. Before checking out, buyers should confirm the exact eligible product, whether the rate is tied to annual or multiyear billing, and how Rakuten tracks purchases.
Bilt users should also pay attention to status rules. The context provided for this offer notes that after an introductory period, only Silver, Gold and Platinum members receive 100 Bilt points per dollar transferred from Rakuten, while Blue members receive less. That distinction can materially change the value of the promotion.
A strong deal, provided the product fits the need
This is a striking rebate for products that sit in the broad category of digital hygiene. For travelers in particular, buying a VPN or password manager through Rakuten may offer a rare chance to improve basic online security while also earning a large stash of rewards points. The best version of the deal is not “free internet privacy,” which no product can guarantee. It is a discounted entry into tools that can reduce risk, paired with a rewards structure generous enough to make the purchase hard to ignore.
