Just because you aren't getting a monthly transfer from your rakeback provider doesn't mean that you aren't getting money back in exchange for paying rake. Pokerstars' VIP program hinges on FPP's. Rakeback is in the form of their VIP store. One of the better values for your FPP's is the $4000 cash bonus for 250,000 FPP's. It comes to 1.6 cents per FPP.
Pokerstars has a very unique program with a top heavy reward system. Players who put in lots of volume will have a much higher rakeback equivalent. Pokerstars keeps track of your volume on a system that resets yearly and counts VPP's (see FPP's vs. VPP's). As you put in volume and move up the VIP ranks (see VIP Ranks), you will be given an FPP multiplier, milestone bonuses, freerolls, and access to cash bonuses with better FPP value.
A table is included below with very approximate rakeback percentages for different VIP Ranks at PokerStars. The first column is VIP Level, the second is the rakeback equivalent for tournaments and short handed cash games, the third is the rakeback equivalent for full ring cash games.
| VIP Level | SNG/MTT/SH | FR |
| Bronze Star* | 8.8% | 9.6% |
| Silver Star* | 13.2% | 14.4% |
| Gold Star* | 17.6% | 19.2% |
| Platinum Star* | 22.0% | 24.0% |
| Supernova | 37% | 41% |
| SN, 200k VPP | 41% | 45% |
| SN, 300k VPP | 43% | 47% |
| SN, 400k VPP | 44% | 48% |
| SN, 500k VPP | 45% | 49% |
| SN, 600k VPP | 46% | 50% |
| SN, 700k VPP | 47% | 51% |
| SN, 800k VPP | 48% | 52% |
| Supernova Elite | ~63% | ~69% |
*Due to the Stellar Milestones, rakeback for low volume players may fluctuate greatly. Use this calculator for more accurate numbers. The posted percentages are for FPP value only (no Stellar Milestones have been taken into account).
These were calculated by assuming you would purchase the $4000 cash bonus (250,000 FPP's). Using your FPP's for satellites, gift cards, etc. may give a slightly better value (see Best FPP Value). Buying smaller cash bonuses or items with worse FPP values would decrease these numbers. For Supernova+ rakeback equivalents, it is assumed that you are already a Supernova VIP. The weekly Supernova Freeroll ($75,000) is not included in these numbers. Over 52 weeks and assuming 1800 players, these freerolls are worth slightly more than $2200 and would add 1-5% to the above numbers.
Once you reach 200,000+ VPP's, rakeback equivalent percentages fluctuate depending on how far you get between milestones (see the graph below for a visual representation). Numbers were rounded to the nearest whole percent. See the SNE/VIP Value Calculator for a more detailed analysis.
The graphs below show the Rakeback Equivalent vs. VPP's Earned at Pokerstars with a comparison to rakeback offers at Full Tilt Poker and Cake Poker. The Pokerstars rakeback equivalent line assumes a Supernova player who is purchasing $4000 Bonuses with their FPP's. (Click for full size)
Not enough Rakeback at Pokerstars?
You can get rakeback on new poker accounts at Rake Brain. Their current offers are below:
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