Originally Posted by
Lemongrass
How are you able to tell if the pricing is different?
Normally I just go to website. Compare prices before activating Rakuten. Then I activate Rakuten when I'm ready to check out. The prices don't normally change when I do this.
I do occasionally see different prices if I use their respective mobile apps to search and book though.
The best way to know the price difference is to use a different device to check the price, then try again with the cashback site you plan to use. I have found that with Trip.com (and Agoda) it is almost always cheaper to book directly with them (especially with coupons) than with a cashback deal, unless you have a great promo above 7-8% CB.