LushDollar.com
Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash

The 50+ Best Referral Programs to Make Money

Some of the links may be from a sponsor. Advertising Disclosure

One of the greatest ways to make money online is via your referrals.

What are referrals, you’re wondering?

In short, you refer someone with your special link, and whenever that referral clicks on it and takes action, such as spending money on the website or even just signing up, you can get rewarded in doing so.   For example, did you know Sam’s Club will give you a free $10 gift card if you refer a new member?

Similar to MLM schemes, which I highly do not recommend, referring people to actual legitimate ways to make money can put some money in your pocket for essentially doing almost nothing.  And, what you find out is that you’re already a member of many of these programs I’m about to list.  If not, it’s quite easy to sign up for many of them.

Sure, you have to work to find these referrals, but once you get a handful referred, they can really start to make you a few extra bucks a month.

Now, before you get excited, you often need a lot of referrals to start seeing some real cash, but nonetheless, even a few friends could make you a few extra bucks a month.  It really depends on which program you promote and how often they use the company you push.

As yet another way to make money in life, let’s jump in and see which referral programs are worth your time.

50+ Best Referral Programs to Make Money

What you’re going to find out is that there are a TON of ways to refer your friends, so to make it easier, I’m going to break it down into categories.  It’s then up to you to decide which company you feel comfortable promoting.

Do keep in mind that all of these companies are 100% legitimate, and I would promote them in a heartbeat.

Research/Survey Company Referral Programs

Swagbucks

Out of all the ways to make money online, Swagbucks is an awesome way to not only make money yourself but make money in referring your friends.

For every referral you make, Swagbucks will give you 10% of what your referrals make for life.  But not only that, you can get a bonus if your friends make a certain amount with 30 days.  So if you have 10 friends making $1,000 a month in total, that’s $100 for you!  It really does add up and isn’t that hard to reach.

If you’re not familiar with Swagbucks, the company basically pays you to complete surveys, try out products and so much more.  It’s 100% free and you can start within minutes.  I easily earn $150+ a month, and I don’t see why you can’t if you make it an effort to sign up every day.



Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost focuses mostly on surveys, making for another great opportunity to make a few extra bucks a week if you don’t mind answering questions for research companies.  It’s one of the many companies I reviewed in-depth to see how much I could make.

As a perk, the company will also send you $1 for every person you refer who at least completes one survey.  Again, it could add up if you know a lot of people who may be interested in making a few bucks.

InstaGC

InstaGC kind of sits under the radar, but I like them for a few reasons.

For one, they offer quite a few offers, even though many come from multiple third-party offer wall services, and, secondly, they offer a wonderful referral program, giving you 10 points for each valid referral and 10% of what they earn, regardless of where they are from.

PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel, much like instaGC, will pay you 20% of your referral’s earnings, making this one of the highest rates in the industry.

And if you’re unfamiliar with the company, they are no different than the others mentioned here.  In short, they pay you to complete surveys, offers, etc.  Another great program to promote if you know of people who want to make some cash on the side.

MyPoints

MyPoints, owned by the same company as Swagbucks, offers a similar referral program, but I would say the referral program is a smidge better.

There are three tiers to the program, but basically, you will receive 25 points when your friend accepts your invitation, another 750 points when your friend spends $20 or more and you will earn 10% of whatever they earn as long as they stay active.

Like Swagbucks, there are quite a few things to keep you busy and make you some cash, including surveys, games, offers and much more.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars is almost identical to Swagbucks, wherein you can make money completing surveys, trying out products and much more.  It’s one of the largest “make money” websites in its space and only takes minutes to sign up.

Like many of these companies, InboxDollars will pay you bonuses and even 30% of your friends’ earnings as long as they are active.  This is one of the highest rates on the market right now.

As you can imagine, this has the potential to earn you quite a bit if you’re able to refer a ton of friends.

FusionCash

FusionCash works a lot like Swagbucks, offering survey opportunities and much more.  You can read more about the company in my detailed review that I wrote in the past.

While you can make money on the platform, they will also pay you a flat $1 for every referral you send their way.



GrabPoints

Out of all the make money-like websites, GrabPoints seems to be one of the highest paying in regards to its offers, but I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite.  Nonetheless, it’s one to consider if you want a lot of options.

GrabPoints pays you to answer surveys, watch TV, download apps and will even pay you to refer friends, up to 250 points per member.

SlicethePie

SlicethePie will pay you to write reviews on everything from music to videos.  Basically, if you like to write, it may be something to consider.  I wrote about them in the past if you want to learn more about them.

If you do decide to join the platform, the company will pay you 10% of all of your friends’ earnings as long as they use your special link.

Shopping Referral Programs

Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates)

There’s a good chance many of your friends are already shopping online, but there’s even a better chance that they aren’t getting paid in doing so.

If you’re unfamiliar with Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, they will pay you a certain percentage back as long as you click on their special link; that’s it!   In doing this, you can often get up to more than 10% back on your purchases, including powerhouses like Amazon.  If you’re going to shop online, you may as well get money back.

As one of the best referral programs on this list, Ebates will pay you $25 after they make their first purchase!  Refer, push them to make a purchase and you get $25 in your Ebates account.

Mr. Rebates

I wrote about Mr. Rebates in the past, another cashback shopping portal like Rakuten.

While Rakuten gives you a flat fee whenever you refer a friend, Mr. Rebates will give you 20% of their earned cash back for as long as a member.  This could really add up if they continue to use the portal any time they make a purchase!

Dosh

Dosh is a cashback app that gives you a certain percentage back on your purchases with certain retailers whenever you use a linked card that’s on your profile.  It’s as easy as linking a credit card and forgetting about it.  Anytime you swipe and it’s a partnered retailer (there are a lot), you get paid.

Refer your friends to the app and you can earn $5 for anyone who signs up and just links their credit card.  No purchase will be necessary!

Drop

Drop is an app that’s almost identical to the Dosh app, wherein you link your credit cards and shop as you normally would.  If you shop at any of the retailers partnered within the app, then you can get X% back.  It’s another just set and forget app, making you money for doing nothing.

If you share the app with others, you will get a cool $1 added to your account after they link a card.  That’s it.

Groupon

The very popular coupon discount website, Groupon, will pay you $10 in Groupon credits for every friend you refer.

Again, it’s not cash, but if you buy heavily discounted coupons, these $10 vouchers can add up.

Grubhub

Grubhub delivers hundreds of restaurants straight to your door.

And by using your personal link, both you and your friend will receive $12 off their next food purchase.  A lot of people don’t know about Grubhub, so it doesn’t hurt to spread the word!

Vimbly

Vimbly is similar to that of Groupon, only that it focuses more on experiences rather than discounts.

If you refer a friend, you will both get $10 off to use toward a future activity!  And, if you haven’t joined just yet, refer to the link below for a free $10!

Raise

There’s a good chance you will need a gift card in the future, right?

This is where Raise can come into the picture, essentially offering you heavily discounted gift cards, sometimes by as much as 50% off!

For every person you refer, Raise will give you $5 in credits that can be applied toward a future purchase.  Terms apply.



Sam’s Club

Invite a friend to join Sam’s Club and not only will they get a $20 eGift card in doing so, but you will get a $10 eGift card as well!  Did you know you can also shop at Sam’s without a membership?

To get your link, it’s as easy to following the link below to create it.

BJ’s

BJ’s Wholesale, just like Sam’s Club, will give you both a $25 gift card for every referral you send their way.

Just follow the link below and be sure to fill out the registration form.

Shipt

Shipt will deliver groceries right to your doorstep from many of your favorite grocery store chains.

For every person you refer, Shipt will give you $50 in credits and even give your referral $50 off their annual membership.

If you haven’t signed up yet, I highly recommend you at least look for a referral link to at least save your membership for the year.

Walmart Grocery Shopping

If you have a Walmart Grocery account, you can earn a $10 promo code for every person you refer and makes an online pickup or delivery purchase.

Even if you haven’t done so yourself and are interested, follow the link below to claim your $10 promo code.

Boxed.com

Boxed.com is said to be the online equivalent of Costco and Sam’s Club, where you can purchase items in bulk.

If you do become a member, you can refer friends and get a $15 credit.  Your friends will also get a $15 off $60 coupon.

Decluttr

I have mentioned Decluttr quite a few times on this blog, particularly my how to make $10 fast and what to do with old textbooks posts.

In short, it’s a company that will instantly buy back your DVDs, CDs, books, cellphones and more.  Just enter the information and they will offer you an instant quote, all of which you can accept or reject.  If you like the quote you see, ship it in for free and get paid via PayPal.

Once you’re a member, the company will pay you an extra $5 on top of what they already quoted you.

Honest Company

The very popular Honest Company will credit your account $20 for every friend that makes a purchase.

As long as they are a new customer and click on your link, which you can create below, then you will receive the credit.

Ibotta

Ibotta is an awesome app that basically pays you to upload your shopping receipts and link your shopper cards.  As long as you purchase what’s on the app, you will get a certain percentage back.

For every friend you invite, the company will send you $10 after your friend downloads and uses it.

Checkout51

Checkout51 is another app that works just like Ibotta, wherein you can make money by uploading your receipt after each shopping trip.  The great thing about these apps is that you can sign up for as many as you like and there’s really no limit as to how much you can make.  To know of all the great receipt uploading apps, I did write about many of them in my apps that earn you money post.

For every person you refer, the app will give you $0.50.   They just need to download and you get the credit!

Fetch Rewards

Yet another company similar to that of Ibotta and Checkout51, Fetch Rewards will also pay you to upload your receipts.

For every friend you refer, Fetch will give you $2,000 points.



Other Cashback Shopping Websites

I mentioned Rakuten and Mr. Rebates, some of the most popular websites in this niche, but there are even more, most of which work in the same way.  Just click on a retailer’s shopping link and get a certain percentage back.  Instead of talking about each one in-depth, I figured I would just link to them, along with what you could make…

  • Be Frugal ($15 after friend spends $25)
  • GivingAssistant ($5 after friend spends $25)
  • TopCashback ($10 when friend earns $10)

Driving for Work Referral Programs

DoorDash

If you don’t like the idea of driving people around, this is where DoorDash can come into the picture.

In short, you sign up, and as long as you pass your background check, you can start delivering.  It takes about a week to get approved.  It’s as easy as opening the app, scheduling yourself and following the prompts (where to pick up food, drop off, etc) and get paid.

Not only can you sometimes make up to $20+ an hour working DoorDash, but they often pay $100s in referral money, all dependent upon where you live.  This can be a wonderful program if you know of anyone who may need to make some money in their free time using their car.

Postmates

Postmates doesn’t work in every city, but if they do operate in yours, they work similar to that of UberEats or DoorDash, wherein you pick up food or even items at just about any local store.  Consider yourself a courier on demand.  You never need to schedule a shift and can work whenever you want.

Like all of these money-making apps, you can make up to $200+ per referral, but they will have to make a certain amount of deliveries before you get paid.

Uber

There’s probably a good chance you have heard of Uber, the massive ridesharing platform that delivers both food and people, essentially.

Just like DoorDash and its competitors, you, too, can earn referral cash, sometimes in the tune of $250+ per signup.  Of course, they do need to complete a certain amount of trips, but this greatly depends on where your referral lives.

This makes for yet another great option if you know of someone who needs to make some side cash and has a car.  Plus, seeing Uber is in almost every mid to large-sized city, there’s a good chance your referral can start working.

Lyft

Lyft, working just like Uber, with the exception of no food delivery, will also pay you a hefty referral fee, again, dependent upon where your referral lives.

Your referral will have to meet certain guidelines before it pays out, but I have seen payouts north of $250.  Refer a few friends and it can become a quick $1,000.

Travel Referral Programs

Airbnb

The very popular Airbnb will give your friends up to $55 off their first booking and you will get $20 for every person that completes a qualifying stay.

I contemplated posting this here since you don’t get cash per se, rather a credit, but nonetheless, it’s free credits if you find yourself using Airbnb occasionally.

Getaround

Getaround is a lesser-known car-sharing service that lets you rent a car from someone else, not a company.  Picture it as the Airbnb for cars.

If you sign up and refer one of your friends, the website will give you and your referral a $20 credit.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com quite possibly has one of the best refer a friend program on this list, offering $50 for both you and your friends whenever you refer someone who completes their booking.

An eligible referral must have never used Hotels.com before and the booking must be more than $200.  All in all, it’s still a great deal, seeing no travel referral programs even come close.

HotelTonight

HotelTonight, as the name implies, offers hotels for tonight at a steep discount.   It’s a great app if you’re looking for a last-minute hotel deal.

If you refer your friends, the app will give you and your friend $25 off their next booking.  It’s not cold hard cash in your hand, but hey, if you’re going to book a hotel, it’s nice to save $25.

Marriott

Any time you refer a friend to the Marriott hotel chain, the hotel will give you 2,000 bonus points for each stay your referral makes, up to five stays per referral.

That’s 50,000 points, which is more than enough for a few free hotel nights.



Travelzoo

Travelzoo, the very popular online travel deals website, will send you a $50 code to use toward your next deal when you refer two friends.

All you need to do is send out an email using the link below and encourage them to sign up.  That’s it.

Uber

Refer a friend as a passenger and Uber will give you $2 off each of their first three rides.  Once they take their first right, you will get $5 off your next ride.

You can find the referral link directly inside your Uber app.

Zipcar

Tell your friends about Zipcar, the car-sharing company billable by the minute, and you and your friend can get a $25 driving credit.

Beauty/Clothing Referral Programs

Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway is a service that lets you rent a designer dress for much less than what you would buy it for.  Rent it, wear it and then return it.

When you refer a friend, the company will give you and your friend $30 off your next purchase.

Swap.com

One of the internet’s largest consignment shop, Swap.com, will send you $10 after your friend makes their first purchase.

Your friend will also get a 20% off coupon on their first purchase.

Ulta

If you refer someone to the “Ultamate Rewards Program,” Ulta will reward you with a $15 off coupon your first $30+ salon purchase.

It’s not the greatest referral program on the list, but it could be one to consider if you shop here.

Zulily

For every friend you refer, Zulilly will add $15 to your account, only after their shipment ships.

Unfortunately, there are no bonuses available for your friends to use.

Banks/Finance/Credit Card Referral Programs

If you have a credit card and/or bank with anyone, there’s a very good chance they will pay you a hefty amount to refer your friends.  In turn, when your friends deposit a certain amount, you can get a certain amount, sometimes up to $1,000+.  It greatly depends on your bank and the restrictions.

I won’t go into detail for each one since they all work the same, but rather, I will list the most popular banks and financial referral programs…

  • Acorns ($5)
  • American Express Credit Card (depends on your eligibility)
  • Alaska Airlines Credit Card (5,000 bonus points)
  • Aspiration ($25)
  • Capital One 360 (up to $100)
  • Charles Schwab (up to $100)
  • Chase Bank (up to $50)
  • Chase Credit Cards (depends on the card, but up to 20,000 points)
  • Chime Bank ($35)
  • Citizens (up to $25)
  • Discover Credit Cards ($50 statement credit)
  • Huntington (up to $400)
  • Payoneer ($25)
  • PNC (up to $300)
  • Robinhood (free stocks)
  • SmartyPig ($10 each)
  • Stash ($5)
  • TD Ameritrade (up to $1,000)
  • Turbotax ($10 Amazon gift card)

I tried to include most of the nationwide bank options, but let it be known that there are 100s of local credit unions that offer great referral bonuses as well.

Seeing it would be hard to update this constantly, I highly recommend this HustlerMoneyBlog bank referral page that appears to be updated frequently.

Regardless, there’s a very good chance your bank has a referral program, so I would at least encourage you to call or check out the bank’s website for more information.

TV Referral Programs

Dish Network

Today, most people want to cut the cord, but it doesn’t mean some may want to still sign up for satellite service.

Dish, being one of the major cable satellite TV carriers, will pay you 100 points, which equals $100 in bill credits, when you refer your friends and family.

Sling TV

If you’re already a Sling TV customer, you can refer a friend and you will both get $5 off your bill for the next three months.

Follow the link below to see how you can refer your friends.

Gym/Health Referral Programs

HealthyWage

In short, HealthyWage will pay you to lose weight and will even pay you to invite people to join your challenge, up to $40.

As long as you check in and follow your tournament rules, you can take home a piece of the jackpot, all while getting healthy.  It’s a great concept!



Gyms

Almost all gyms will pay you a hefty referral fee whenever you refer a new member.  While most of these gyms offer credits on your bill, you can almost consider it as cash if you’re going to go to the gym and pay the bill anyway.

All of these programs work the same, wherein you will be asked to refer a friend/family member and get X in return…

  • 24-Hour Fitness ($20 MyStore Coupon or free 50-minute personal training session)
  • Anytime Fitness (one free month)
  • Crunch Fitness ($50 credit)
  • Equinox (Earn a gift card)
  • Gold’s Gym ($25 gift card of choice)
  • HealthWorks ($50 club cash)
  • LA Fitness (1,000 points)
  • Orangetheory Fitness (varies on location but usually includes gift cards)
  • Planet Fitness (500 points)
  • Snap Fitness (50% off a month)

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re already a customer of the many companies I mentioned or maybe you’re intrigued as to some of the referral programs posted, let it be known that there are a ton of ways to make money in referring your friends.

No, you won’t get rich nor will you turn it into a full-time job, but it can be a nice way to earn $5, $10 or maybe $50+ a month.  It really depends on how often you promote and how many friends you can reach out to.

Now, there are many more referral programs out there, but for now, I tried to only post the most popular programs you may have heard of.  If I’m missing any big ones that are worthy of being added to this list, then feel free to post about it in the comments below.

For now, get out there and start promoting your favorites to see how many people you can get to sign up!

Want $5 free?



Try out Swagbucks, the most popular reward program I make the most money with. Simply answer survey questions and get paid!

Join Now to Get $5!

Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

1 comment