Chase referral programs let you earn cash or bonus points when someone you know opens a new checking account
Chase runs a referral program that pays you when a friend or family member opens a may have access to checking account using your referral link or code. The reward varies by account type and changes periodically—Chase may offer $50, $100, or higher bonuses depending on the current promotion. Your referred person typically gets a bonus too, so both of you benefit. The process is straightforward: you share a unique link or code, they open the account, and Chase deposits the reward into your account once they meet the requirements.
The key requirement is that the person you refer must be new to Chase checking—they cannot have had a Chase personal checking account in the past 30 days. If they already bank with Chase or opened an account recently, they will not may have access to. Chase verifies this before paying out any bonus.
Key Takeaways
- You can find your referral link or code in the Chase mobile app or online banking under a "Refer a Friend" or "Referrals" section.
- The person you refer must open a new Chase checking account and complete any deposit or activity requirements within the timeframe Chase specifies—usually 30 to 60 days.
- Both you and the referred person receive a bonus once the account is opened and requirements are met, though the exact amounts depend on the current promotion.
- Chase verifies that the referred person has not held a Chase checking account in the past 30 days before paying your referral bonus.
Where to find your Chase referral link
Log into your Chase online banking account or open the Chase mobile app. Look for a menu option labeled "Refer a Friend," "Referrals," "Share & Earn," or similar language—the exact wording changes with Chase updates. Tap or click it to see your unique referral link and any current bonus offer details.
If you cannot find the referral section, it may not be active on your account type or your account may not be may be able to access. Some older account types or accounts with certain restrictions do not have access to the referral program. Contact Chase customer service to confirm whether your account can refer others.
How to send the referral to someone
Once you have your referral link, you can share it directly with the person. Copy the link from your Chase app or online banking and send it via text, email, or any messaging platform. The person clicks the link on their phone or computer, and it takes them to a Chase page where they can open a new checking account.
Some referral programs also let you enter the person's email address directly in Chase, and Chase sends them an invitation. Check your referral section to see if that option is available. Either way works—the link method is faster if you already know how to reach them.
What the referred person needs to do
The person you refer clicks your link and starts the account opening process on Chase's website or app. They will need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and choose which checking account type to open. Chase offers several checking accounts with different features and minimum balance requirements.
After opening the account, they usually need to complete a deposit or make a certain number of transactions within a set timeframe—often 30 to 60 days—to unlock both bonuses. Chase will specify these requirements when they open the account. If they do not meet them, neither of you receives the bonus.
When you receive your referral bonus
Chase deposits your referral bonus into your checking account once the referred person completes all requirements. This typically happens within 5 to 10 business days after the requirements are met, though Chase may take longer during high-volume periods. Check your account activity or transaction history to confirm the deposit arrived.
The bonus appears as a credit to your account, not as a separate transfer. You can use it immediately like any other deposit—there are no restrictions on how you spend it.
Limits on how many people you can refer
Chase does not publish a hard cap on referrals, but the program terms state that Chase reserves the right to limit referrals if it detects abuse. This means if you refer dozens of people in a short time or if Chase suspects the referrals are not genuine, they may stop paying bonuses or close the program on your account. Refer people you actually know and who genuinely want to open a Chase account.
Each person you refer must meet the same requirements: they must be new to Chase checking and complete the deposit or activity requirements within the timeframe. You cannot refer the same person twice, and they cannot refer themselves using your link.
What happens if the referral does not go through
If the person you refer does not receive their bonus or you do not receive yours, the most common reason is that they did not complete the deposit or transaction requirements in time. Ask them to check their Chase account to see if they met the terms. If they did, contact Chase customer service with the referral code or link you used and ask them to investigate.
Chase may also deny a bonus if the referred person already had a Chase checking account within the past 30 days, even if they closed it. If they had an old account, they may need to wait before opening a new one to may have access to for the referral bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refer someone who already banks with Chase?
No. The person must be new to Chase checking and cannot have held a Chase personal checking account in the past 30 days. If they closed an account recently, they may need to wait before opening a new one to may have access to for your referral bonus.
What if the person I refer does not meet the deposit requirement?
Neither of you will receive the bonus. The deposit or transaction requirement is mandatory to unlock the reward. Make sure the person knows what they need to do before they open the account so they can plan accordingly.
Can I refer someone who is not in the United States?
Chase checking accounts are only available to U.S. residents, so you can only refer people who live in the United States and can open a U.S. bank account. International customers cannot open Chase personal checking accounts through the referral program.
Do I have to be a Chase customer to refer someone?
Yes. You must have an active Chase checking account to access the referral program and generate a referral link. If you do not have a Chase account, you cannot participate in the referral program.
How long does it take for the bonus to show up?
Chase typically deposits the referral bonus within 5 to 10 business days after the referred person completes all requirements. During busy periods, it may take longer. Check your account activity to confirm the deposit arrived.