How to Earn Over $12,000 Through Referrals
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!
Business Services
From graphic design to freelance writers, you'll find a referral program for almost every business service you can think of.
99 Designs
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!
SmartSheet
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.
iContact
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.
FatCow
This web hosting and management service will give you $35 when your friends sign up! (iPage offers the same compensation plan.)
Shortstack
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.)
Digital Ocean
This cloud hosting service designed for developers will pay $25 when your referred friends spend $25.
Eventbrite
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.)
iStockphoto
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.
SmugMug
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.
Skimlinks
For friends who use this service for their website affiliate links, you'll get a generous 35% of their earnings when you refer them.
Upwork
This online staffing platform for freelancers pays $10 or 10 free credits to those sending over a "qualified referral."
Autotask
Automation isn't our thing, but if it fits your referral, you'll get between $250 - $1,000!
Finance
Earn money by helping your friends manage theirs.
You Need a Budget
This finance tool is currently offering $6 to customers who refer their friends (and the new customer gets $6, too!)
Discover
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.
Coinbase
This Bitcoin currency platform will give a $5 bitcoin bonus for purchases of $100 to both the referrer and the referral.
CapitalOne 360
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.
Food
Your friends feed their faces with delicious food you recommend, and you stuff your wallet with referral cash.
Seamless
Tell a friend about this restaurant delivery hub and you'll each get $7 to spend!
Delivery.com
This similar service gives a $5 bounty to both referrer and referral.
Technology
Most wireless and communications companies offer generous referral bonuses.
Verizon
Get a friend to sign up for service and you'll both get a $25 prepaid debit card.
Republic Wireless
Share this cell service and get $19 in statement credits (plus your friend will get one, too!)
AT&T
Both the referrer and the referral will get a $25 prepaid debit card upon a new sign up.
T-Mobile
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.
Travel
Word of mouth has always been important in travel marketing — so it's no wonder referral programs abound here, too.
Airbnb
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!
Uber
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."
Entertainment
Free TV for everyone (for a limited time only)!
Hulu Plus
Give your friend two weeks free to try, and you'll get two weeks free when they buy!
DirecTV
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.
Dish Network
This service offers a $50 statement credit to both the referral and referrer.
Shopping
Help your friends sign up to buy stuff, and you'll earn cash or credits to buy stuff, too.
Amazon Mom
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.
Amazon Student
Sign up a buddy and get $10 to spend at Amazon.
Groupon
If your friend is new to Groupon, you'll get $10 in "Groupon Bucks" when they sign up and buy!
Living Social
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!
ibotta
Skip coupons and save with the Ibotta smartphone app.
Sierra Trading Post
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!
Employment
Finally, help a friend land a job and you can get paid, too.
Hubspot
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!
Like this article? Pin it!
Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.
Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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?