What is a referral code?
A referral code is a unique code or link that an existing customer shares with a friend. When the friend signs up or makes a first purchase using it, the new customer usually gets a reward such as a discount or credit, and the person who shared it often gets a reward too.
How referral codes work
- A brand gives each customer a unique referral code or link.
- The customer shares it with someone who is new to the brand.
- The new customer signs up with the code or link.
- Once the new customer meets the offer conditions, such as a first booking or purchase, the brand applies the reward.
Brands run referral programmes because a recommendation from an existing customer is a cheaper and more trusted way to find new customers than advertising.
Referral code vs promo code
A promo code is a general discount code a brand publishes for anyone to use. A referral code is tied to a specific existing customer and is usually limited to new customers.
- Who it is for: promo codes are open to everyone, referral codes are usually for new customers only.
- Who benefits: promo codes reward the buyer, referral codes often reward both the new customer and the person who shared them.
- Where it comes from: promo codes come from brand marketing, referral codes come from other customers.
How to find and use a referral code
- Find a referral code for the brand, from a friend, the brand's own referral page, or a directory such as Referral CodeFinder.
- Open the referral link, or have the code ready to enter at sign up.
- Create a new account. Apply the code during registration, because many programmes cannot add it afterwards.
- Check that the reward shows in your account or at checkout, and meet any conditions such as a minimum spend.
Every code listed on Referral CodeFinder has its own page with the exact offer, step by step instructions and terms. Start with the featured referral codes or read our guides on getting the most from referral bonuses.
Referral code FAQ
What is a referral code?
A referral code is a unique code or link that an existing customer shares with a friend. When the friend signs up or makes a first purchase using it, the new customer usually gets a reward such as a discount or credit, and the person who shared it often gets a reward too.
How does a referral code work?
The brand gives each customer a unique code or link. When someone signs up using it, the brand recognises who referred them and applies the reward once the new customer meets the offer conditions, such as completing a first purchase or booking.
What is the difference between a referral code and a promo code?
A promo code is a general discount code a brand publishes for anyone to use, while a referral code is tied to a specific existing customer and is usually limited to new customers. Referral rewards often benefit both the new customer and the person who shared the code.
Are referral codes free to use?
Yes. Using a referral code costs nothing extra. The reward is funded by the brand as a customer acquisition cost.
Can I use a referral code if I already have an account?
Usually not. Most referral programmes only reward new customers, and the code has to be applied when you sign up or at your first purchase. Check the terms of each offer.
Why did my referral code not work?
The most common reasons are that you already have an account, the offer has expired, you did not meet a minimum spend or other condition, or the code was entered after sign up when it needed to be applied during registration. Opening the referral link in a fresh browser session and re-reading the terms usually resolves it.
How do I find a referral code?
Ask someone who already uses the brand, look in the brand’s own referral or invite section, or browse a directory of verified referral codes such as Referral CodeFinder, which lists the offer, redemption steps and terms for each code.