Chase's referral program pays you and the person you refer when they open a new account
Chase runs a referral program where you can earn cash or bonus rewards when someone you know opens a new checking account using your referral link. The person you refer also receives a bonus. The exact amount varies by account type and changes periodically—Chase advertises current offers on their website and in your online banking dashboard.
You do not need to be a Chase customer to refer someone, though most people who do this already bank there. The referral process itself is straightforward: you generate a unique link or code, share it with the person, and they use it when opening their account. Chase tracks the referral and credits both accounts once the new account meets certain conditions.
Key Takeaways
- You can find your referral link in the Chase mobile app or online banking portal under a section labeled "Refer a Friend" or similar.
- The person you refer must open a new Chase checking account and meet deposit or activity requirements within a set timeframe to trigger the bonus.
- Both you and the person you refer receive a bonus, though the amounts and account types may be able to access vary by promotion.
- Chase referral bonuses are not the same as sign-up bonuses—you may be able to stack them if the person meets all conditions for both.
Where to find your referral link
Log into your Chase online banking account or open the Chase mobile app. Look for a menu option labeled "Refer a Friend," "Share and Earn," or "Referrals"—the exact wording changes. This section displays your unique referral link and shows you how much you can earn per successful referral.
If you cannot locate the referral section, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. They can provide your referral link over the phone or email it to you. Some Chase branches also have printed referral cards you can pick up in person.
How to share your referral link
Once you have your link, you can share it by email, text, social media, or any other method. The person you refer clicks the link and begins the account opening process. Chase tracks the referral automatically through the link, so you do not need to tell Chase separately who you referred.
The link usually remains active for a set period—often 30 to 90 days—so the person should open their account within that window. If the link expires, you can generate a new one from your referral dashboard.
What the person you refer needs to do
The person opens a new Chase checking account by clicking your referral link and completing the online process. They will need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and make an initial deposit. Chase typically requires the new account to remain open and active for a certain period—often 60 to 90 days—and may require a minimum deposit or a set number of debit card transactions.
The exact requirements depend on the current promotion. When the person receives their referral link from you, they should check the terms to see what they need to do to earn their bonus. If they do not meet the requirements, neither of you receives the bonus.
When you receive your bonus
Chase credits your account with the referral bonus after the new account holder meets all the promotion's conditions. This usually takes a few weeks after the account is opened and the requirements are satisfied. You can check your referral status in your online banking portal to see whether the referral is pending, completed, or did not may have access to.
The bonus appears as a deposit to your checking account. It is treated as regular income for tax purposes, so Chase may send you a 1099 form if your total referral bonuses exceed a certain threshold in a calendar year.
Limits and restrictions on referrals
Chase limits how many people you can refer in a given year, though the cap varies. You also cannot refer someone who is already a Chase customer or who has been one within a recent period—usually the past 90 days to one year, depending on the account type. The person you refer must be opening a new account, not upgrading an existing one.
If you refer someone who does not meet these conditions, the referral will not may have access to for a bonus. Chase's referral terms page lists the full restrictions for the current promotion.
Referral bonuses versus sign-up bonuses
A sign-up bonus is money Chase offers directly to someone who opens a new account, regardless of whether they were referred. A referral bonus is money you earn for referring them. These are separate promotions, and in many cases both can explore to the same account opening—the person you refer gets their sign-up bonus, and you get your referral bonus.
However, some Chase promotions exclude people who have received a sign-up bonus in the past year or two. Check the terms of both the referral program and any current sign-up offer to see whether they stack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refer someone who already has a Chase savings account but no checking account?
No. Chase considers someone ineligible for referral bonuses if they have held any Chase account within the past 90 days to one year, depending on the account type. A savings account counts as an existing relationship. The person would need to wait until they fall outside that window before you can refer them.
What if the person I referred does not meet the deposit or activity requirements?
If they do not satisfy the promotion's conditions—such as maintaining a minimum balance or making a certain number of debit card transactions—neither of you receives a bonus. The referral straightforward does not may have access to. You can refer someone else instead.
Do I have to be a Chase customer to refer someone?
Most Chase referral programs require you to have an active Chase checking account. If you do not bank with Chase, you cannot generate a referral link. However, you can always open a Chase account yourself and then begin referring others.
How much can I earn from referrals in a year?
Chase caps the number of successful referrals you can make per year, though the limit varies by promotion—often between 10 and 30 referrals annually. The total amount you can earn depends on how many people you successfully refer and the bonus amount per referral at the time.
Is the referral bonus taxable?
Yes. Referral bonuses are treated as income. If your total referral bonuses exceed $600 in a calendar year, Chase will send you a 1099-MISC form for tax reporting purposes. Keep records of all referral bonuses you receive.