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Referral bonuses: code, purchase, and payout conditions

A referral link or code can be only the first step. Understand who receives the reward and what the referred person must complete.

1Correct recipient
2Code or link accepted
3Qualifying action and deadline
Save proofChoose the exact route
Check statusFollow its conditions
Ask supportWait for approval

Read both sides of the bonus

Some promotions pay the new member, some pay the referrer, and some pay both. Confirm the reward relevant to your account. Do not assume the referrer’s advertised payout is the amount a new member will receive.

Apply the code at the right time

Check whether the referral must be used during registration or before a qualifying purchase. Save enrollment confirmation. If the platform does not show the code, ask support before performing the paid action rather than assuming it can be added later.

Complete the qualifying action

Minimum spend, first purchase, account verification, and confirmation periods can apply. Keep those conditions separate from the ordinary cashback offer. Read whether a platform allows the referral incentive alongside other advertiser promotions.

WORKED EXAMPLE

Illustration: a $20 new-member reward requiring a first eligible purchase is not an instant $20 registration payment. Approval may depend on the store confirming that purchase.

Keep exploring

TroubleshootingCashback not tracking: what to check first →TroubleshootingPending cashback: what the status means →TroubleshootingMissing game rewards: document the exact goal →

Before you commit

Correct recipient

Some promotions pay the new member, some pay the referrer, and some pay both. Confirm the reward relevant to your account. Do not assume the referrer’s advertised payout is the amount a new member will receive.

Code or link accepted

Check whether the referral must be used during registration or before a qualifying purchase. Save enrollment confirmation. If the platform does not show the code, ask support before performing the paid action rather than assuming it can be added later.

Qualifying action and deadline

Minimum spend, first purchase, account verification, and confirmation periods can apply. Keep those conditions separate from the ordinary cashback offer. Read whether a platform allows the referral incentive alongside other advertiser promotions.

Sources and terms: TopCashback explanation · Rakuten tracking guidance · CFPB bank account guidance. Advertiser-specific conditions take precedence.