Businesses are scrambling to get new customers. The result is competitive pricing for many of the services we've come to enjoy, and a chance to earn freebies and cash like never before. The art of earning perks by having your friends and family namedrop or use your special "sign up" link is officially called a "referral program," but I've seen it online named all kinds of things (including "referraling.") (See also: Ultimate Guide to Cash Back Shopping)
Regardless of how you label it, the chance to get something merely for sending a business new customers can be a big money maker for some. Here is a list of some of the best programs, including plenty that pay cold, hard cash!
From graphic design to freelance writers, you'll find a referral program for almost every business service you can think of.
This crowdsourcing service that lets you get graphic designs for far less than hiring an agency is giving customers a $50 refund when they refer a paying friend. Plus the friend gets a $99 bonus on their first campaign!
A snappier version of the familiar spreadsheet, this project management tool rewards referrers with between $15 - $500 in cash paid via Paypal upon referral signup.
If your friend is looking for a web-based email service, they can get a $50 account credit for signing up through you; you'll get a $50 gift card for making the connection.
This web hosting and management service will give you $35 when your friends sign up! (iPage offers the same compensation plan.)
This service allows you to build social media campaigns, online contests, and more. When a referral signs up through your unique link, you'll earn a 30% cash commission on services sold, plus 10% commission for each month after. (Minimum payout is $20.)
This cloud hosting service designed for developers will pay $25 when your referred friends spend $25.
If your friend is organizing a ticket-selling event in the future, you can cash in with 25% of their ticket fee sales when they sign up through your link! (This deal is valid for one year after sign up.)
This stock photography service sells pictures by the credit or as a monthly subscription service. Sell either to your friend and get 20% commission, 20 credits (worth $30 at the site), or a flat $20 fee.
Photos are to be shared, and so is photo hosting! Get your friend to sign up, and get 20% off for yourself via an account credit.
For friends who use this service for their website affiliate links, you'll get a generous 35% of their earnings when you refer them.
This online staffing platform for freelancers pays $10 or 10 free credits to those sending over a "qualified referral."
Automation isn't our thing, but if it fits your referral, you'll get between $250 - $1,000!
Earn money by helping your friends manage theirs.
This finance tool is currently offering $6 to customers who refer their friends (and the new customer gets $6, too!)
Active cardmembers can get a $50 Cashback Bonus for every friend who signs up for an account; the friend will get a $50 Cashback Bonus after their first purchase within three months.
This Bitcoin currency platform will give a $5 bitcoin bonus for purchases of $100 to both the referrer and the referral.
Formerly ING Direct, this bank will pay a hefty bonus of $20 per friend who signs up for a new online account (and your friend gets $25). Look for a double offer of $50 in fees during certain times of the year.
Your friends feed their faces with delicious food you recommend, and you stuff your wallet with referral cash.
Tell a friend about this restaurant delivery hub and you'll each get $7 to spend!
This similar service gives a $5 bounty to both referrer and referral.
Most wireless and communications companies offer generous referral bonuses.
Get a friend to sign up for service and you'll both get a $25 prepaid debit card.
Share this cell service and get $19 in statement credits (plus your friend will get one, too!)
Both the referrer and the referral will get a $25 prepaid debit card upon a new sign up.
Your friend will get the termination fee from their current cell provider paid by T-Mobile (up to $650), and you'll get a $25 credit, when a successful contract is signed.
Word of mouth has always been important in travel marketing — so it's no wonder referral programs abound here, too.
If your friends and family travel a lot, you can rake in the credit with this generous program that pays you a $25 coupon when they travel with a $25 credit, or $75 when they host!
This new app-based driver referral service is offering existing customers the chance to earn credits for every new customer they refer. To see the current offer, sign into your account and click "refer friends."
Free TV for everyone (for a limited time only)!
Give your friend two weeks free to try, and you'll get two weeks free when they buy!
Sign up a friend (using your customer code) and you'll get a $100 credit payable as $10 off your statement for 10 months. Your friend will get the same.
This service offers a $50 statement credit to both the referral and referrer.
Help your friends sign up to buy stuff, and you'll earn cash or credits to buy stuff, too.
Get a friend to sign up through your link, and they'll get $5 to spend at Amazon (plus the benefits of the program, which includes 15% savings on baby items). You'll get a $15 credit.
Sign up a buddy and get $10 to spend at Amazon.
If your friend is new to Groupon, you'll get $10 in "Groupon Bucks" when they sign up and buy!
If you've already made a purchase on this daily deal site, you can share it with friends to earn your purchase amount back. It only takes three to make it free!
Skip coupons and save with the Ibotta smartphone app.
Have your friend sign up for the deals newsletter and they'll get $10 to spend on their first purchase. When they do this, you'll get a $10 egift card!
Finally, help a friend land a job and you can get paid, too.
Have a good program developer friend who needs work? Let Hubspot know, and if they get hired, they'll pay you $10,000!
Any referral programs we've missed? Please share in comments!
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You forgot Ebates
I did VERY well the the eventbrite referral program. I wrote about it and I guess someone saw it and hosted a major paid event...my referral payout was over $900!
Instacart also has a great referral program for delivery groceries.
does it work in Nigeria?
I love referral programs because of their win-win situation for both me and my friends! I think that very good Paperhelp.org Referral program is not indicated here, but it is worth your attention!
Well, I found a good way to get free signups, I made over $300 since last night! If anyone is interested try viewchoob. I think it's worth sharing as the more users the merrier.
Ok good
I'm from Australia and have earnt over $15,000 simply referring people for solar through www.solarrefer.com.au where you simply input their details and if that person buys they pay minimum $100 usually as a visa gift card for each sale!!
If you get a friend to sign up for Wonolo you and your friend will both receive $25. If refer a business, you'll receive $250
How sure is this?