Not All Referrals Work the Same Way
If you've spent any time browsing referral offers, you've probably noticed that they come in different forms. Some give you a code to type in during sign-up. Others provide a special link to click. And some require a direct invitation from an existing user before you can even create an account.
Understanding these different referral types helps you use them correctly — and if you're submitting your own referrals on EasyEarns, it helps you categorise and describe them accurately so other people know exactly what to expect.
This guide breaks down the three main referral types you'll encounter: referral codes, referral links, and invite-only programmes. We'll cover how each one works, when you'll encounter them, and how to handle them on EasyEarns.
Referral Codes: The Classic Approach
Referral codes are the most familiar type of referral. A referral code is a unique string of letters, numbers, or both that you share with someone. They enter the code at a specific point — usually during sign-up or checkout — to activate the referral reward for both parties.
How Referral Codes Work
- You receive a unique referral code from the brand (often found in your account settings or referral dashboard)
- You share the code with others — on EasyEarns, in conversation, or wherever the brand allows
- The new user enters the code during their sign-up or first purchase
- Once any conditions are met (e.g., minimum spend, first order completed), both of you receive the reward
Typical Examples
- Banking apps — "Enter code JOHN1234 when you sign up and we both get £5 after your first deposit of £50 or more"
- Food delivery — "Use code SAVE10 at checkout for £10 off your first order over £25"
- Subscription services — "Enter FRIEND20 during sign-up for 20% off your first month"
Advantages of Referral Codes
- Easy to share — You can paste them in a listing, text them, or even say them aloud
- User controls when to apply — The recipient enters the code at the right moment
- Often reusable — The same code usually works for multiple referrals (check the brand's terms)
- Simple to verify — Both parties can confirm the code was applied correctly
Things to Watch Out For
- Case sensitivity — Some codes are case-sensitive, so always specify the exact format
- Expiry dates — Codes can expire; always note the expiry if you know it
- Entry point matters — Some codes only work during initial sign-up, not after an account is created
- Character confusion — Codes with both letters and numbers can cause confusion (is that an O or a 0?). Be clear in your description
When submitting a referral code on EasyEarns, make sure you specify the exact code and clearly state where the user needs to enter it. For more submission tips, check our getting started guide.
Referral Links: Click and Go
Referral links are URLs that contain your unique referral identifier embedded within them. When someone clicks your link and signs up through it, the brand automatically tracks the referral and credits both parties.
How Referral Links Work
- You generate or copy your unique referral link from the brand's app or website
- You share the link — on EasyEarns, the recipient simply clicks through
- The link takes them to the brand's sign-up page with your referral tracked automatically
- Once the new user meets any conditions, both of you receive the reward
Typical Examples
- Investment platforms — A link like
brand.com/refer/yournamethat takes the new user to a sign-up page with your referral pre-applied - Utility providers — A personalised URL that attributes the referral when someone switches through your link
- Software subscriptions — A branded link that gives the new user a trial extension or discount, tracked to your account
Advantages of Referral Links
- Frictionless — No code to remember or type; one click starts the process
- Automatic tracking — The referral attribution happens behind the scenes
- Harder to mistype — Unlike codes, links don't suffer from character confusion
- Often more trustworthy — Users can see the destination URL before clicking
Things to Watch Out For
- Link rot — Referral links can change if the brand updates their referral programme
- Cookie duration — Most referral links work through browser cookies. If the user clears cookies or uses a different device to complete sign-up, the referral might not track
- Direct sign-up bypass — If someone clicks your link but then navigates away and signs up directly later, the referral may not be attributed
- Shortened URLs — Some brands issue shortened referral links that obscure the destination. On EasyEarns, it's good practice to mention the destination so users know where the link goes
When listing a referral link on EasyEarns, briefly note whether the user needs to complete sign-up in the same browser session for the referral to track properly.
Invite-Only Programmes: Exclusive Access
Invite-only referral programmes are different from standard codes and links. With these programmes, an existing user must directly invite a new user — usually by entering their email address or sending them a personalised invitation through the brand's platform.
How Invite-Only Programmes Work
- The existing user (referrer) enters the new user's email address into the brand's referral system
- The brand sends an invitation directly to that email address
- The new user signs up through the invitation they received
- Once conditions are met, both parties receive the reward
Typical Examples
- Exclusive banking products — Some premium accounts require an existing member to invite you directly
- Early-access platforms — Beta products that expand through user invitations
- Professional services — Platforms that use personal invitations to maintain quality and trust
Advantages of Invite-Only Programmes
- Higher trust — The personal invitation creates a direct connection between referrer and referee
- Often higher rewards — Because the barrier to entry is higher, brands frequently offer more generous rewards
- Quality control — The invite requirement helps brands manage growth and maintain service quality
- Exclusivity — Being invited to something can feel more valuable than simply using a public code
Things to Watch Out For
- Requires coordination — Unlike codes and links, the referrer needs the new user's email address before the referral can happen
- Limited invites — Some programmes cap the number of invitations you can send
- Privacy considerations — Sharing email addresses requires mutual consent and trust
- Slower process — The invitation needs to be sent and received before the new user can sign up
How to List Invite-Only Referrals on EasyEarns
Invite-only referrals require a slightly different approach when submitting on EasyEarns:
- Clearly state it's invite-only so users know they'll need to provide their email or contact you
- Explain the process step by step so there are no surprises
- Be responsive — If someone expresses interest, send the invite promptly
- Note any limits on how many invitations you can send
Comparing the Three Types
Here's a quick comparison to help you understand when you'll encounter each type:
Referral Codes:
- Best for: Widely shared referrals with no need for direct contact
- User effort: Low — just enter the code
- Tracking: Manual — user must enter the code correctly
- Common in: Banking, food delivery, retail, subscriptions
Referral Links:
- Best for: Seamless sign-up experiences
- User effort: Minimal — just click the link
- Tracking: Automatic — via URL parameters and cookies
- Common in: Investment platforms, SaaS, utilities, insurance
Invite-Only:
- Best for: Premium or exclusive services
- User effort: Medium — requires email exchange or direct contact
- Tracking: Managed by the brand through their invitation system
- Common in: Premium banking, beta products, professional networks
How to Choose the Right Type When Submitting
When you submit a referral on EasyEarns, selecting the correct type helps other users understand what to expect before they engage with your listing.
If you're unsure which type your referral falls under, ask yourself:
- Do you have a code the user types in? That's a referral code
- Do you have a URL the user clicks? That's a referral link
- Does the user need you to send them an invitation? That's invite-only
Getting this right improves your listing's credibility and reduces confusion. For more on creating effective listings, see our guide on what a referral programme actually is.
Understanding Referral Types Helps Everyone
When the community accurately categorises and describes referral types, the whole platform works better. Users know what to expect, successful referral rates improve, and everyone has a smoother experience.
Whether you're browsing referrals or submitting your own, understanding the mechanics behind each type makes you a more effective participant. Check out our how it works page for a broader overview of the platform, or head to the submit page to list your next referral with confidence.
The clearer you are about how your referral works, the more likely someone is to use it — and that's a win for everyone involved.
