If you're looking to earn extra money through referral programmes, it pays to know which ones offer the best bonuses. Not all referrals are equal — some pay £5, others pay £100 or more.
We've rounded up the best referral bonuses available in the UK right now, ranked by category and payout. Amounts are accurate at the time of writing but can change without notice, so always check the latest terms before sharing.
Top UK Referral Bonuses at a Glance
| Programme | Referrer Bonus | Referee Bonus | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading 212 | Free share (up to £100) | Free share (up to £100) | Investing |
| Revolut | Up to £60 | Up to £60 | Banking |
| Octopus Energy | £50 credit | £50 credit | Energy |
| First Direct | Varies | £25 | Banking |
| Chase UK | £20 | £20 | Banking |
| Chip | £10–£20 | £10–£20 | Savings |
| Coinbase | £10 in BTC | £10 in BTC | Crypto |
| Monzo | £5 | £5 | Banking |
Banking Referrals
UK banks consistently offer the most generous referral bonuses because the lifetime value of a banking customer is high.
Chase UK — £20 Each
Bonus: £20 for both referrer and referee
Chase UK offers one of the most straightforward bank referrals in the UK. Open a current account using a referral link, make a qualifying transaction, and you both receive £20 cash. No minimum deposit, no monthly fees.
Chase's referral programme stands out because:
- The account itself is excellent — fee-free, great app, strong savings rates
- The sign-up process is quick and fully digital
- No awkward minimum spend requirement
- Both parties get the same amount
Monzo — £5 Each
Bonus: £5 for both referrer and referee
Monzo was one of the first UK challenger banks to popularise referral bonuses. The £5 bonus is paid when your friend makes their first card payment — as simple as buying a coffee.
Monzo's lower per-referral amount is offset by volume. Because the app is so popular and sign-up is so easy, many UK users refer large numbers of friends. Some have earned hundreds of pounds in Monzo bonuses alone.
Revolut — Up to £60 Each
Bonus: Up to £60 per referral
Revolut frequently runs promotional referral campaigns with higher-than-usual bonuses. During promotions, both parties can receive up to £60 each.
Revolut's programme tends to have more specific conditions — typically requiring three card purchases within 30 days. Make sure your friend knows the requirements upfront.
First Direct — £25 for New Customers
Bonus: £25 for the referee, plus referrer rewards
First Direct has long been rated one of the best UK banks for customer service. New customers who switch their current account receive £25, and First Direct regularly offers additional incentives for existing customers who refer friends.
The switching process uses the UK's Current Account Switch Service — guaranteed, hassle-free, completing within 7 working days.
Investment Platform Referrals
UK investment platforms have become fierce competitors in the referral space, often offering free shares or cash bonuses worth significantly more than banking referrals.
Trading 212 — Free Share Worth Up to £100
Bonus: A free share worth up to £100 for both parties
Trading 212 gives both the referrer and referee a random free share worth up to £100 when the new user opens an account and deposits at least £1. The average share value sits around £10–£20, but it could be significantly more.
Trading 212 is an excellent entry point for UK beginners — commission-free trading, a free Stocks and Shares ISA, and a clean app. That makes it an easy and honest recommendation for friends curious about investing.
Coinbase — £10 in Bitcoin Each
Bonus: £10 worth of Bitcoin for both parties
Coinbase offers £10 in Bitcoin to both parties when the new UK user buys or sells at least £100 of cryptocurrency. If your friend is already planning to buy crypto, this is essentially free money.
Always be upfront about the risks of cryptocurrency when making this referral — values can drop significantly and a responsible recommendation includes that context.
Energy Referrals
Octopus Energy — £50 Credit Each
Bonus: £50 account credit for both referrer and referee
Octopus Energy has one of the best referral programmes in the UK energy sector, offering £50 account credit to both parties. Given that energy bills are a major UK household expense, this is a genuinely useful bonus.
Octopus Energy consistently ranks among the highest-rated UK energy suppliers for customer service. The switching process is fully managed and typically takes a few weeks.
Savings and Fintech Referrals
Chip — £10–£20 Each
Bonus: Typically £10–£20 per referral
Chip is a UK automatic savings app that puts spare change into savings without any manual effort. Their referral bonus varies but typically sits around £10–£20 for both parties.
Chip is particularly easy to refer because it solves a problem most UK savers have — wanting to save more but struggling to do it consistently.
How to Maximise Your Referral Earnings
Stack Across Categories
Don't limit yourself to one type of referral. Combine banking, investing, energy, and fintech referrals to build earnings across multiple sources. A single friend could use your referral for their bank, investment platform, and energy provider — earning you bonuses from all three.
Prioritise High-Value, Easy-to-Convert Offers
The best UK referrals combine a high payout with a low barrier to entry. Chase UK is a prime example — £20 bonus, no fees, quick digital sign-up. Compare that with programmes that require a full bank switch and it's clear which one friends are more likely to complete.
Time Your Sharing
Many programmes run seasonal promotions with boosted bonuses. January (New Year financial resolutions) and September (back-to-routine) tend to be particularly active periods for UK referral bonuses.
List Your Codes on EasyEarns
Sharing referrals one-to-one limits your reach. Listing your codes on EasyEarns means people actively searching for referral links can find and use yours — earning you bonuses from people you've never met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are referral bonuses taxable in the UK?
HMRC generally treats cash referral bonuses as miscellaneous income. If your total earnings from referrals exceed £1,000 in a tax year, you may need to declare them via self-assessment. Free shares are taxed differently — you'd pay capital gains when you sell, not when you receive them. If you're earning significant amounts, consult a tax adviser.
How many referrals can I do?
It depends on the programme. Some cap referrals at a fixed number per year (commonly 5–10), while others are unlimited. Check the terms of each individual programme.
Do referral bonuses affect your credit score?
No. Receiving a referral bonus doesn't affect your credit score. However, applying for certain financial products (like credit cards or loans) as part of a referral programme may involve a hard credit check.
How long does it take to receive a referral bonus?
It varies by programme. Some pay instantly, others take 30–90 days after the qualifying action is completed. Always check the stated timeline in the terms — and contact support if a bonus is late.
Can I share someone else's referral link?
No — referral links are unique to the account holder. Sharing someone else's link means they get the referrer bonus, not you. You need to find your own referral link in your account settings.
What's the highest referral bonus available in the UK right now?
Trading 212's free share offer has the highest potential at up to £100 per person, though the value is random. For a guaranteed cash amount, Revolut's promotional offers (up to £60) and Octopus Energy's £50 credit are among the most generous. Browse current offers on EasyEarns for up-to-date amounts.
Are referral bonuses safe to claim?
Yes, when using legitimate programmes from established companies. Stick to well-known brands and verify any offer directly on the company's official website before signing up. Browse community-verified referral codes on EasyEarns to avoid expired or fake links.
