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"
