Chase does offer referral bonuses for some checking accounts, but the offer changes and not all accounts may have access to
Chase runs referral programs on certain checking products, usually their premium accounts like Chase Sapphire or Chase Premier Plus. The bonus amount and which accounts participate shift throughout the year—sometimes Chase pauses referral offers entirely for weeks or months. You cannot assume a bonus exists right now; you need to check your specific account or call Chase directly to see what is currently running.
When a referral program is active, you typically get a bonus when someone you refer opens a new account and meets a minimum deposit or activity requirement. The person you refer may also receive a bonus. Both bonuses usually land in your account within 30 to 60 days after the referred person completes the requirements, though Chase can take longer to verify the referral was valid.
Key Takeaways
- Chase referral bonuses for checking accounts are not permanent—they start and stop throughout the year, so you must check your account or call 1-800-935-9935 to see if one is running now.
- Premium checking accounts like Chase Sapphire and Chase Premier Plus are more likely to have referral programs than basic Chase checking products.
- Both you and the person you refer usually receive a bonus, but the referred person must open a new account and meet a minimum deposit requirement to trigger it.
- Bonuses typically appear in your account 30 to 60 days after the referred person completes all requirements, though verification can add time.
- You can find referral links or codes in your Chase online banking portal under "Refer a Friend" or by asking a Chase representative.
How to learn about a referral bonus is active on your account
Log into your Chase online banking account and look for a "Refer a Friend" or "Referral Program" link, usually in the account dashboard or under promotions. If you see it, the program is active for your account and the page will show the exact bonus amount and what the referred person needs to do to trigger it.
If you do not see a referral option in your online portal, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask whether a referral bonus is currently running on your account. A representative can tell you immediately whether your specific checking product qualifies and what the current bonus is. Do not assume that because a friend received a bonus last month that one is available to you now—Chase changes these offers frequently and they vary by account type.
What the referred person must do to earn the bonus
The requirements depend on which account you are referring someone to and which promotion is running. Typically, the new customer must open a checking account in their name, deposit a minimum amount (often $500 to $1,500, but this varies), and keep the account open for a set period, usually 30 to 90 days. Some promotions also require a certain number of debit card transactions or direct deposits within that window.
Chase will not pay the bonus until all conditions are met and verified. If the referred person closes the account early, makes a withdrawal that drops the balance below the minimum, or fails to complete the activity requirement, the bonus may not post. Make sure the person you refer understands the full requirement before they open the account, because Chase does not always clearly explain these conditions upfront.
When the bonus appears and what to do if it does not
After the referred person completes all requirements, Chase typically processes the bonus within 30 to 60 days. The money lands as a deposit into your checking account—it is not a credit or a promotional code. You can use it immediately like any other deposit.
If 60 days have passed and you do not see the bonus, log into your account and check the "Refer a Friend" section to see whether Chase shows the referral as complete. If it shows as pending, wait a few more days. If it shows as complete but the money has not arrived, or if it shows as declined or invalid, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 with the referral details. Have the referred person's name and account opening date ready. Chase can investigate whether there was a processing error or whether the referred person did not meet all the requirements.
Referral bonuses versus other Chase checking promotions
Chase sometimes runs different promotions at the same time: a referral bonus for existing customers, a sign-up bonus for new customers opening an account directly, and a bonus for opening multiple products together. These are separate offers and do not stack. If you are thinking about opening a new Chase account yourself, compare the direct sign-up bonus against the referral bonus to see which is larger—often the direct offer is better.
Chase also occasionally runs limited-time bonuses that are higher than the standard referral amount. These appear in your online banking portal with an end date. If you see one, use your referral link before that date expires, because the bonus amount will drop when the promotion ends.
Tax reporting for referral bonuses
Chase reports referral bonuses to the IRS on Form 1099-INT if the total bonus you receive in a calendar year is $10 or more. This means the bonus counts as taxable income on your federal tax return. You do not owe taxes on the bonus itself—you owe taxes on the income it represents. Keep records of when you received each bonus and the amount, because you will need that information when you file your taxes.
If you receive multiple referral bonuses throughout the year, add them together to see whether the total reaches $10. If it does, expect a 1099-INT in January of the following year. Chase will send it to the address on file for your checking account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refer someone who already has a Chase account?
No. The referred person must open a new Chase checking account to trigger the bonus. If they already have any Chase checking account, they do not may have access to as a new customer. Some promotions allow referrals to different account types (for example, referring someone from basic checking to premium checking), but Chase will specify that in the promotion details.
What if the person I refer does not meet the deposit requirement?
The bonus will not post. Chase verifies that the referred person completed all requirements before paying you. If they deposit $400 when the requirement is $500, or if they withdraw money and drop below the minimum before the 30-day window closes, Chase will not pay the bonus. You cannot claim it or ask Chase to make an exception.
Can I refer multiple people and get multiple bonuses?
Yes, as long as each person opens a new account and meets the requirements. There is no stated limit on how many people you can refer, but Chase reserves the right to stop honoring referrals if it detects abuse. Referring friends and family is normal; referring dozens of people in a short time may trigger a review.
Do I need a special referral code or link?
Chase provides a unique referral link or code through your online banking portal when a referral program is active. The referred person should use your specific link or code when opening the account so Chase knows the referral came from you. If they open an account without using your link, Chase will not connect it to your referral and neither of you will receive a bonus.
What happens if Chase changes the bonus amount after I refer someone?
The bonus amount that applies is the one in effect when the referred person opens the account, not when you send them the referral link. If the bonus drops from $200 to $100 between when you refer someone and when they open the account, they will receive the lower amount. This is why it helps to refer people quickly if you see a high bonus offer.