Credit Cards with Referral Bonus: A Guide to Maximizing Your Earnings

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Referral bonuses can significantly boost your earnings, but to maximize them, you need to understand how they work. Some credit cards offer up to $200 in referral bonuses for each new account opened through your unique referral link.

To get started, look for credit cards that offer referral bonuses, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers $100 per referral. You can also consider the Discover it Cash Back Card, which offers $50 per referral.

The number of referrals required to earn the bonus varies by card, with some cards requiring just one referral to earn the maximum bonus. For example, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card requires just one referral to earn $200 in referral bonuses.

To maximize your earnings, focus on referring friends and family who are likely to use the credit card regularly. This will not only increase the chances of them opening a new account but also help you earn the maximum referral bonus.

What Are Credit Card Referral Bonuses?

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A credit card referral bonus is essentially a reward you get for inviting friends or family to apply for a credit card. Some credit cards offer referral bonuses in the form of points or cashback rewards.

These bonuses can be a great way to earn extra rewards, but the catch is that the person you're inviting must actually apply for the card and be approved. If they're not approved, you might not receive the bonus.

The amount of the referral bonus can vary depending on the credit card issuer and the specific card being offered. For example, some cards offer a flat rate of $50 or $100 for each successful referral.

What Is a Bonus?

A credit card referral bonus is an incentive offered by credit card issuers to cardholders who invite friends to apply for a card. It usually comes in the form of cash back, points, or miles.

The average credit card referral bonus is worth between $50 and $150. You can often earn multiple bonuses for multiple credit card referrals.

Most credit card issuers cap the number of bonuses you can earn in a calendar year, often limiting you to $500 in referral bonuses annually.

Why Do Companies Provide?

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Companies provide referral bonuses because it's a cost-effective marketing strategy. It's a way for them to acquire new customers without breaking the bank on expensive advertising.

Referral programs are often cheaper than launching large-scale advertising campaigns. This makes them an attractive option for businesses looking to save money.

People trust recommendations from friends and family more than traditional marketing tactics. This is because they feel like their friends and family have their best interests at heart.

It's a win-win situation for the company and the person referring friends. The company gets a new customer, and the referrer gets a little bonus for their help.

Types of Credit Card Referral Bonuses

Credit card referral bonuses come in various forms, often tied to specific card programs.

Chase offers referral bonuses on several popular cards, allowing you to earn points that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card are two examples, offering referral bonuses that can be quite valuable.

Co-Branded and Retail

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Co-branded and retail credit cards often have referral bonus programs that reward cardholders for successfully referring a card to someone they know. These programs can be a great way to earn extra rewards.

Some co-branded credit cards offer referral bonuses, including retail credit cards. These programs are usually limited-time offers, so it's essential to keep an eye out for them when you first sign up for the card.

You may receive notifications about referral bonuses via email or in your online account or app. This is a good way to stay informed about available programs and take advantage of them.

Citi offers credit card referral bonuses on select cards, such as the Citi Premier Card. This card is a versatile travel card that allows you to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners.

Membership Rewards

Membership Rewards are a type of credit card referral bonus offered by American Express. These rewards can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or even statement credits.

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Referral bonuses for Membership Rewards typically range from 10,000 to 30,000 points per approved referral, with some promotions offering up to 60,000 points. For example, the American Express Refer a Friend Program offers 60,000 Membership rewards points after spending $5,000 in 3 months.

These points can be redeemed for valuable rewards, making them a worthwhile incentive for both the referrer and the new cardholder. The American Express Membership Rewards program allows cardholders to refer friends to various cards, including the American Express Gold and Platinum Card.

Here's a breakdown of the Membership Rewards offered by American Express:

Keep in mind that the points offered may vary depending on the specific referral program and card being referred.

Refer

You can earn credit card referral bonuses by sharing a unique referral link or code with friends and family, and they'll earn a bonus reward after meeting specific spending requirements. Most credit card issuers give current cardholders this link or code in their online account or mobile app.

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The new cardholder typically unlocks the bonus after spending a certain amount within a set timeframe, which can vary from card to card. These bonuses can include points, miles, cash back, or statement credits.

You can earn extra rewards like points, miles, or cash back without extra spending, and new cardholders can benefit from welcome bonuses, potential credit card referral bonuses, and access to the card's perks and benefits.

Some co-branded and retail credit cards offer referral bonuses for cardholders who successfully refer a card to a friend, family member, or coworker. These referral bonus programs are often limited-time offers, so keep an eye out for them when you first sign up for the card.

You can earn up to 20,000 points per referral with Chase, up to 30,000 points per approved referral with American Express, and up to 10,000 ThankYou Points per referral with Citi.

How to Access and Maximize Referral Bonuses

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To access each issuer's referral bonus program, head to the Amex Refer a Friend Program and log in to see your offers. Send your customized referral link to friends and family via email or text.

Most credit card issuers give current cardholders a unique referral link or code to share with friends and family, which can be found in your online account or mobile app. This link or code is usually in your online account or mobile app.

To maximize your referral bonus earnings, consider sharing your referral link with friends and family who will likely be approved for the card and meet the spending requirements. You can also track your referrals to ensure you receive the correct bonuses.

Here are some savvy strategies to help you maximize your referral bonus earnings:

  • Target the Right People – Share your referral link with friends and family who will likely be approved for the card and meet the spending requirements.
  • Promote Responsibly – Explain the benefits of the credit card and emphasize responsible credit usage.
  • Track Your Referrals – Keep tabs on your referral activity to ensure you receive the correct bonuses.
  • Stay Informed – Regularly check for updated offers and referral program terms.

How to Access Each Issuer

To access each issuer's referral bonus program, you'll need to follow these steps.

First, head to the issuer's website and log in to see your available offers. For example, the Amex Refer a Friend Program requires you to log in to see your offers.

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To get started with the Amex program, you'll need to send your customized referral link to friends and family via email or text. This will give them the opportunity to sign up and earn rewards.

By following these simple steps, you can take advantage of each issuer's major referral bonus program and earn rewards for yourself and your friends.

Maximizing Your Earnings

To maximize your referral bonus earnings, you need to target the right people. Share your referral link with friends and family who will likely be approved for the card and meet the spending requirements.

You should also promote responsibly by explaining the benefits of the credit card and emphasizing responsible credit usage. This will help ensure that your referrals understand the value of the card and are more likely to meet the spending requirements.

Keep tabs on your referral activity to ensure you receive the correct bonuses. This can be done by tracking your referrals and staying informed about the referral program terms.

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If you're eager to earn more points, figure out which of your cards offer referral programs and how much you could earn. Here's a rundown of the major card issuers and their referral programs:

By following these strategies and staying informed, you can maximize your referral bonus earnings and get the most out of your credit card's referral program.

To send a unique referral link, you can follow these steps. Select your participating card on the Chase Refer-a-Friend page to generate your unique referral link. Enter your last name, zip code, and the last four digits of your card to see if you’re eligible to participate.

If you’re eligible, the site will create a unique URL to copy and paste into a text message or social media post. You can also access this unique referral link through your Chase mobile app. After you’ve logged in, select your card and tap the Refer-a-Friend link, which will present your URL.

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For privacy reasons, Chase won’t disclose which of your referrals apply for a credit card or their application status. If they successfully open a new card using your referral link, you’ll receive the referral bonus within eight weeks of their account approval, marked on your statement as a Refer-a-Friend bonus.

Here are the steps to access your unique referral link through Chase:

  • Log in to your Chase account on a computer
  • Look for the Refer friends section on your account home page
  • Generate your unique referral link

Keep in mind that you might not be able to refer a friend to Chase if they’ve opted out of Chase marketing emails or already have the card.

Popular credit card referral bonuses can be quite enticing. Some credit card issuers, like Chase and American Express, offer referral bonuses ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 points per approved referral, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or statement credits.

The Discover Referral Reward is another option, offering a $50 statement credit when you become a Discover cardmember and make your first purchase within three months. This can be a great way to earn some extra cash back without any additional spending.

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Here are some popular credit card referral bonuses:

These are just a few examples of popular credit card referral bonuses. Be sure to check with your credit card issuer for specific details on their referral programs.

Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards offers referral bonuses on several popular cards, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card.

You can earn up to 20,000 points per referral, with a maximum limit of 100,000 points per year. These points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners or redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more.

If you're looking to maximize your rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards is a great option. With the ability to earn up to 100,000 points per year, you can redeem them for some amazing rewards.

Here's a breakdown of the rewards you can earn with Chase Ultimate Rewards:

Keep in mind that these points are valuable assets that can be used in a variety of ways, making them a great addition to your rewards portfolio.

Citi ThankYou Rewards

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Citi ThankYou Rewards offers credit card referral bonuses on select cards, such as the Citi Premier Card. These cards are versatile travel cards that transfer points to various airline and hotel partners.

Cardholders can earn up to 10,000 ThankYou Points per referral, making it a valuable reward program.

The maximum limit for referral bonuses is 50,000 points per year, allowing you to earn a significant amount of rewards.

CHASE

CHASE offers a referral program that rewards cardholders with points, cash back, or miles for each approved referral. You can refer a maximum of 5 people in a year with most Chase cards, although some cards allow 10 referrals. The Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card is one of the many Chase credit cards that have a referral program.

You can earn a significant number of points or miles through Chase's referral program, depending on the card you have. For example, the Chase United Card offers 60,000 United Miles with its refer a friend program.

CHASE's referral program is a great way to earn rewards and benefits with your existing credit card. By referring friends and family, you can earn points, cash back, or miles that can be redeemed for travel, cash, or other rewards.

Capital One

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Capital One offers a variety of referral bonuses, but be aware that they're only available if the person you refer is a new Capital One cardholder.

To earn a referral bonus with Capital One, you'll need to visit their Refer a Friend Program page and log into your account. If you're eligible, you'll get a personal referral link to share with friends and family.

The bonus amount depends on the credit card you have, and it's a one-time payment. Capital One referral bonuses aren't available if the person you refer already has a Capital One credit card.

You can earn a $200 cash bonus with the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards Card by spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

If you open a CapitalOne 360 Checking or Savings account, you'll get a $25 bonus when you deposit $250 initially.

You can also earn a $100 or airline miles bonus, depending on the card you choose, by using someone's referral link.

Getting Started with Referral Bonuses

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To get started with referral bonuses, you'll need to have a credit card account that offers this benefit. Most credit card issuers give current cardholders a unique referral link or code to share with friends and family.

This link or code is usually found in your online account or mobile app, so be sure to check those first. You and the new cardholder will earn a bonus reward when someone applies for the card using that link or code and gets approved.

To unlock the bonus, the new cardholder typically needs to meet specific spending requirements, such as spending a certain amount within a set timeframe. These requirements vary from card to card, but often include points, miles, cash back, or statement credits.

For example, with Discover, you can earn $50 Cashback Bonus for each friend that becomes a cardmember, up to 10 new cardmembers a year. Your friends also get $50 Cashback Bonus after their first purchase within 3 months.

To get started with Discover, it's a simple 5-minute process. Click their referral link, sign up for a Discover credit card, make any purchase with your new card, and you'll get $100 Statement credit deposited directly into your account.

Understanding Referral Bonus Offers

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Referral bonus offers can change at any time, so it's essential to check the current offers before referring friends and family.

The type of rewards you'll earn will be the same currency you'd normally earn with your card, such as Ultimate Rewards points on an Ultimate Rewards-earning card.

Chase offers various referral bonus offers for its Chase-branded and co-branded cards, with different limits and maximum rewards.

Here are the current referral bonus offers for Chase cards:

It's also essential to note that referral bonus offers can change or expire, so act quickly if you find a deal that interests you.

How Do Bonuses Function?

Referral bonuses are earned through a unique referral link or code, which is usually found in your online account or mobile app. This link or code is used to track the new cardholder's application and approval.

You and the new cardholder earn a bonus reward when someone applies for the card using that link or code and gets approved.

Rules

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Referral bonus offers come with their own set of rules and considerations. It's essential to familiarize yourself with these details to avoid disappointment and ensure you earn your bonuses successfully.

Most credit card issuers impose annual limits on the number of referral bonuses you can earn. This means you can't keep referring friends and family indefinitely, so plan accordingly.

Some issuers require your referrals to meet specific credit score and income requirements for approval. This is a crucial factor to consider, especially if you're referring someone with a lower credit score.

Referral bonus offers can change or expire, so act quickly if you find a deal that interests you. Don't wait too long, or you might miss out on the opportunity.

In some cases, referral bonuses may be considered taxable income. If you have questions, consult a tax professional to ensure you're in compliance with all tax regulations.

Here are some key rules to keep in mind:

  • Referral Limits: Most credit card issuers impose annual limits on the number of referral bonuses you can earn.
  • Eligibility Requirements: Your referral must meet specific credit score and income requirements for approval.
  • Changing Offers: Referral bonus offers can change or expire, so act quickly if you find a deal that interests you.
  • Tax Implications: In some cases, referral bonuses may be considered taxable income.

Core Drawbacks and Considerations

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Referral bonuses can be a great way to boost your points or cash back, but it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks. Not everyone will be approved for the credit card, so it's crucial to inform referred individuals about the potential effects on their credit.

You should also be aware of the annual limits imposed by many issuers, which can limit the number of referral bonuses you can earn. Applying for multiple credit cards can impact your credit score, so it's vital to be mindful of this when referring friends.

Here are the key potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

  • Approval Criteria – Referral bonuses are contingent upon the referred individual’s approval for the credit card.
  • Annual Limits – Many issuers impose yearly limits on the number of referral bonuses you can earn.
  • Impact on Credit – Applying for multiple credit cards can impact your credit score.

Current Offers

The Capital One Quicksilver Rewards Card offers a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

You can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus with the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards Card by meeting the spending requirement.

The Chase referral bonus offers vary by card, but you can earn up to 100,000 bonus points with certain cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card.

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The Chase Freedom Line cards offer up to 10 referrals with a maximum cash back reward of $500.

Some Chase cards, like the Disney Visa Card, offer a maximum reward of 500 Disney Rewards Dollars.

Here are some current Chase referral bonus offers by card type:

You can access each issuer's referral bonus program, including American Express, by following the steps outlined in the article.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best credit card for referral bonus?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the top credit card for referral bonuses, offering up to 75,000 bonus points worth around $900 per year. Get the details on how to maximize your rewards with this top referral bonus credit card.

How do you get the $500 from Capital One for referral?

To earn the $500 bonus, sign in to your Capital One account to access your personal referral link and share it with friends who are new cardholders. Get approved through your link and earn a bonus for each friend who becomes a new cardholder.

How to get the $200 from a Bank of America credit card?

To receive the $200 online cash rewards bonus, make at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card account. This bonus is a great incentive to get started with the card.

Tommy Weber

Lead Assigning Editor

Tommy Weber is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With extensive experience in assigning articles across various categories, Tommy has honed his skills in identifying and selecting compelling topics that resonate with readers. Tommy's expertise lies in assigning articles related to personal finance, specifically in the areas of bank card credit and bank credit cards.

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