What happens when you refer someone to a Chase checking account

When you refer someone to open a Chase checking account using your referral link or code, Chase pays you cash if they meet the bank's requirements. The person you refer also gets money. Both of you receive the reward only after the new account holder completes the steps Chase sets — usually opening the account and making a deposit or setting up direct deposit within a certain timeframe.

The exact reward amount and the requirements to earn it change depending on which checking account you're referring for and what Chase is currently offering. Chase runs different promotions at different times, so the offer available today may not be the same next month. You can see the current offer on your account dashboard or by asking a Chase representative.

The referral process itself is straightforward: you share a unique link or code with someone, they use it to open an account, and if they complete the required steps, both of you get paid. Chase deposits the reward directly into your account — usually within 10 business days after the requirements are met, though this can vary.

Key Takeaways

  • Both you and the person you refer receive a cash reward if they open a Chase checking account and complete the bank's requirements, which typically include a deposit or direct deposit setup.
  • The reward amount and the specific requirements vary by account type and change with Chase's promotions, so check your current offer before you share your referral link.
  • You find your unique referral link in your Chase online account or mobile app under the referral section, and you can share it by email, text, or social media.
  • Chase deposits your reward into your account within about 10 business days after the new account holder meets all requirements, though timing can shift based on when they complete their steps.
  • The person you refer must be new to Chase and cannot have had the same account type within the past 12 months to be may be able to access for the reward.

Finding your referral link in your Chase account

Log into your Chase online banking account or open the Chase mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Refer a Friend," "Referrals," or "Share & Earn" — the exact name depends on which version of the app or website you're using, but it's usually in the main menu or under account settings.

Once you're in the referral section, you'll see your unique referral link. This is a URL that starts with a Chase domain and includes a code specific to your account. Copy this link exactly as it appears — don't shorten it or change any part of it, because the code is what tells Chase which account to credit when someone signs up.

If you can't find the referral section in your app or online account, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. They can provide your referral link over the phone or send it to you by email.

How to share your referral link with someone

You can share your referral link through email, text message, social media, or any other way you normally communicate with people. There's no limit to how many people you can refer, and Chase doesn't restrict which platforms you use to share the link.

When you send the link, it helps to tell the person what account you're referring them for and what the current reward is. For example: "I'm referring you to Chase's Total Checking account. If you open it using this link and set up direct deposit within 30 days, we both get $200." This gives them context and makes it clear what they need to do to earn the reward.

The person you refer clicks your link and starts the account opening process. They'll be asked to provide personal information, choose a branch or open the account online, and then complete whatever requirement Chase has set — usually a deposit of a certain amount or setting up direct deposit from an employer or government benefit.

What the person you refer needs to do to earn the reward

The requirements change with each promotion, but they typically fall into one of these categories: making a deposit of a specific amount (often $500 or $1,000), setting up direct deposit, or both. Chase will show these requirements clearly when the person opens the account using your link.

The person you refer must complete the requirement within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days from when they open the account. If they don't complete it in time, neither of you receives the reward. Chase tracks this automatically, so there's nothing you need to do to verify it.

The new account holder also has to meet Chase's may be able to access rules: they must be new to Chase (or new to that specific account type), have a valid Social Security number, and pass Chase's identity verification process. If they've had the same type of account with Chase within the past 12 months, they won't be may be able to access for the referral reward, even if they meet all the other requirements.

When you'll receive your referral reward

Chase deposits your reward into the account you used to generate the referral link. The timing is usually 10 business days after the person you referred completes all the requirements, but it can take longer depending on when they finish their part and how busy Chase's processing is.

You'll receive a confirmation in your Chase account or by email when the reward has been deposited. Check your account balance or transaction history to confirm the deposit went through. If you don't see it within 15 business days of the person completing their requirements, contact Chase customer service to ask about the status.

The reward is treated as regular income for tax purposes. Chase will not send you a 1099 form unless the total referral rewards you receive in a calendar year exceed $600, but you may still owe taxes on smaller amounts depending on your situation.

Restrictions and rules for Chase referrals

You can refer as many people as you want, and there's no cap on how much you can earn from referrals. However, the person you refer must meet Chase's may be able to access requirements, and they can only earn the referral reward once per account type. If they've already opened a Chase Total Checking account and earned a referral reward for it, they won't be able to earn another reward for that same account type.

Chase reserves the right to cancel the referral program or change the terms at any time. The offer you see today might not be available next month. If you're planning to refer multiple people, check your account regularly to see if the promotion is still active and what the current reward is.

You cannot refer yourself or use your own referral link to open a second account and earn the reward. Chase's fraud detection systems catch this, and you'll lose the reward if you try. The referral must be a genuine new account opened by someone else using your link.

What to do if the referral reward doesn't appear

If 15 business days have passed since the person you referred completed all the requirements and you haven't received your reward, log into your Chase account and check the referral section. It should show the status of each referral — whether it's pending, completed, or if there's an issue.

If the status shows "pending" or "in progress," wait a few more days. If it shows "completed" but you haven't received the money, or if it shows an error or declined status, contact Chase customer service. Have the person's name and the date they opened the account ready, so the representative can look up the referral in their system.

Common reasons a referral doesn't pay out include: the person didn't complete the requirement within the timeframe, they didn't meet Chase's may be able to access rules, or they already had that account type within the past 12 months. Chase customer service can tell you which of these applies and whether there's anything you can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refer someone who already banks with Chase?

Only if they're opening a different account type than they currently have, and only if they haven't had that specific account type within the past 12 months. For example, you can refer someone with a Chase savings account to open a Chase checking account, but you cannot refer someone who already has a checking account to open another checking account.

What if the person I refer doesn't complete the requirement in time?

Neither of you receives the reward. The requirement — usually a deposit or direct deposit setup — must be completed within the timeframe Chase sets, typically 30 to 90 days. If they miss the important date, the referral expires and you can't earn money from it.

Do I need to be a Chase customer to refer someone?

Yes, you need an active Chase checking account to generate a referral link and receive the reward. If you don't have a Chase account, you cannot participate in the referral program.

How much can I earn from referrals?

The reward per referral varies depending on which account you're referring for and what Chase's current promotion is. Rewards typically range from $50 to $300 per person, but this changes. There's no limit on how many people you can refer or how much total you can earn.

Is the referral reward taxable income?

Yes, referral rewards are considered taxable income. Chase will send you a 1099 form if your total referral rewards in a calendar year exceed $600, but you may owe taxes on smaller amounts depending on your tax situation. Keep records of your referral rewards for tax filing purposes.