Want to earn some extra cash or points just by sharing a good thing with your friends and family? Chase Bank's Refer-A-Friend program allows existing customers to do just that! It's a fantastic way to spread the word about a bank you trust while also getting a little something back for yourself.
But how exactly does it work? Don't worry, we're here to break it down for you with a very lengthy, step-by-step guide. Let's get started!
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Let's Find Out Together!
Before you get too excited about those referral bonuses, the very first thing you need to do is confirm your eligibility. Not all Chase accounts are automatically part of every referral offer, and there are some basic requirements you'll need to meet.
Understanding Eligibility for Referrers
Existing Chase Customer: This is the most fundamental requirement. You must already have an eligible Chase personal checking account. Common eligible accounts include Chase Total Checking®, Chase College Checking℠, Chase Premier Plus Checking℠, Chase Sapphire® Checking, Chase Private Client Checking℠, and Chase Secure Banking℠.
Account in Good Standing: Your Chase account needs to be active and not closed or restricted. If you're behind on payments or have a negative balance, you likely won't be eligible.
Specific Product Eligibility: While many Chase products offer referral bonuses, the specific cards or accounts you can refer might depend on the products you currently hold. For instance, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can typically refer someone to that card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card.
Employee Restrictions: Employees of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and its affiliates are generally not eligible for the Refer-A-Friend program.
How to Confirm Your Eligibility and Find Your Offer
The easiest way to check is directly on the Chase website.
Navigate to the Refer-A-Friend Page: Open your web browser and go to the official Chase Refer-A-Friend page. You can often find this by searching "Chase Refer-A-Friend" or directly through links on the Chase website.
Enter Your Information: You'll be prompted to enter some personal details for verification. This usually includes:
Your Last Name
Your 5-digit ZIP Code
The Last 4 Digits of your Chase Debit Card or Checking Account
See Your Available Offers: Once you've entered the correct information, Chase will display any referral offers you are currently eligible for. This page will show you:
Which Chase products you can refer (e.g., specific checking accounts or credit cards).
The bonus amount you can earn for each successful referral.
Any maximum annual limits on referral bonuses for that specific product.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for special promotions! Chase sometimes offers enhanced referral bonuses for limited periods. It's always a good idea to check the Refer-A-Friend page periodically.
Step 2: Generating Your Unique Referral Link – Your Key to Rewards!
Once you've confirmed your eligibility and seen the offers, the next crucial step is to get your personalized referral link. This link is essential because it's how Chase tracks that a new customer came from your recommendation. If your friend applies without using your specific link, you won't receive the bonus.
Accessing and Copying Your Link
Log In (If Prompted): After entering your information in Step 1, you might be asked to log in to your Chase online banking account for added security.
Locate the Referral Section: On the Refer-A-Friend dashboard, you'll see a section for each eligible product you can refer.
Click "Copy Link" or "Share Now": For the specific checking account you want to refer, look for a button that says "Copy link," "Refer friends now," or similar. Clicking this will automatically copy your unique URL to your clipboard.
Using the Chase Mobile App: You can also generate and share referral links directly from the Chase Mobile App!
Log in to the app.
Scroll through your accounts and tap on the relevant Chase checking account.
Look for a "Refer friends" or "Refer a friend" option.
You'll then be able to copy your unique URL or choose to share it directly through various apps.
Important Considerations for Your Link:
Accuracy is Key: Double-check that you've copied the entire link correctly. Even a small error can invalidate the referral.
One Link Per Product: Typically, you'll generate a separate referral link for each specific Chase product (e.g., one for Chase Total Checking, another for a Chase Freedom credit card, etc.).
Privacy Reminder: When generating your link, you might see a checkbox confirming that your friend knows they are being referred. This is a good practice to ensure transparency.
Step 3: Sharing Your Referral Link – Spreading the Word Responsibly
Now that you have your unique referral link, it's time to share it with friends, family, and anyone else who might benefit from opening a Chase bank account! Remember, the goal is to help them, not to spam them.
Effective Ways to Share Your Link
Personal Email: This is often the most direct and personalized approach. Write a brief email explaining why you like your Chase account, the benefits of the current offer, and include your referral link.
Example: "Hey [Friend's Name], I've been really happy with my Chase Total Checking account, and I saw they have a great bonus offer right now if you open one. I thought you might be interested! Here's my referral link if you want to check it out: [Your Referral Link]"
Text Message: For closer friends and family, a quick text message can be effective. Again, be clear about what you're sending.
Social Media (with Caution): You can post your referral link on platforms like Facebook or Twitter. However, be mindful of your audience and avoid spamming. A brief, genuine recommendation often works best. For example, "Loving my Chase account! If anyone is looking for a new bank, they have a great sign-up bonus right now using my referral link: [Your Referral Link]."
Direct Conversation: If you're talking to someone in person about banking, you can offer to send them your link via email or text right then and there.
What to Emphasize to Your Referred Friend:
The Benefit for Them: Crucially, your friend also receives a welcome bonus when they use your link and meet the qualifying activities. Make sure to highlight their potential earnings or benefits!
The Importance of Using Your Link: Stress that they must use your specific link to apply for both of you to receive the bonus.
Qualifying Activities: Briefly mention any requirements they'll need to meet for their bonus (e.g., setting up direct deposit, making a certain number of transactions, maintaining a minimum balance). These are usually clearly outlined on the offer page accessible through your referral link.
New Customer Status: Remind them that the offer is typically for new Chase checking customers, or those who haven't had an account closed within a certain timeframe (e.g., 90 days or 3 years with a negative balance).
Step 4: Your Friend's Application Process – What Happens Next
Once you've shared your link, the ball is in your friend's court. For you to receive your bonus, your friend needs to successfully apply and meet certain criteria.
The Friend's Journey:
Click Your Link: Your friend must click on the unique referral link you provided. This directs them to a special Chase landing page associated with your referral.
Review the Offer: On this landing page, they will see the current welcome bonus offer available to them as a new Chase customer. They should review the terms and conditions carefully.
Apply for the Account: They will complete the online application for the qualifying Chase checking account (e.g., Chase Total Checking®).
Meet Qualifying Activities: To earn their welcome bonus (and for you to get your referral bonus), they will need to fulfill the specific requirements outlined in the offer. For a checking account, this often includes:
Setting up a qualifying direct deposit: This typically means electronic deposits of paychecks, pensions, or government benefits.
Maintaining a minimum balance for a certain period.
Making a specified number of debit card transactions.
Important Note: The exact requirements vary by offer and account type, so advise your friend to read the terms carefully.
Account Approval: Their application must be approved by Chase.
What You Won't Be Notified About:
Due to privacy reasons, Chase will not notify you when your friend applies for an account, nor will they inform you if their application is approved or denied. This is confidential information between Chase and your friend.
Step 5: Receiving Your Bonus – The Rewarding Payoff!
This is the moment you've been waiting for! After your friend successfully opens their account and meets their qualifying activities, Chase will process your referral bonus.
When to Expect Your Bonus:
Timing: Chase generally states that the referral bonus will be deposited into your primary checking account within 30 days after your referred friend has opened their qualifying Chase checking account and fulfilled their requirements.
Verification: Both your account and your friend's account must be open and not restricted at the time of payout.
How it Appears: Your referral bonus will typically appear as a distinct deposit in your Chase checking account, often labeled something like "$50 Refer a Friend bonus" or similar.
Annual Limits and Tax Implications:
Annual Cap: Be aware that Chase usually has a maximum annual limit on the number of referral bonuses you can earn. For personal checking accounts, this is often up to 10 referrals, totaling $500 per calendar year. If you refer more than this, you won't receive additional bonuses for that calendar year from that specific product.
Taxes: Referral bonuses are generally considered taxable income. Chase may issue you a Form 1099-MISC (or Form 1042-S, if applicable) for the cash value of any rewards you earned from referrals. It's important to report this on your taxes. Always consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
Step 6: Maximizing Your Referral Potential – Be a Smart Referrer!
Now that you understand the process, here are some tips to become a more effective referrer and potentially earn more bonuses.
Tips for Success:
Refer People Who Need a Bank: Don't just send links randomly. Think about friends or family members who are genuinely looking for a new bank, moving to a new city, or are unhappy with their current banking situation.
Highlight Specific Benefits: Beyond just the bonus, explain why you like Chase. Is it the mobile app, customer service, branch accessibility, or specific features?
Be Available for Questions: Your friend might have questions about the account or the process. Be ready to help or direct them to Chase's resources.
Understand Different Offers: Chase often has various promotions running concurrently (e.g., bonuses for opening a checking and savings account, or different credit card offers). Make sure you're referring your friend to the most suitable offer for their needs.
Don't Overdo It: While you can refer many people, avoid overwhelming your contacts with constant referral requests. Quality over quantity!
Check for Multiple Eligible Cards/Accounts: If you have multiple Chase credit cards or checking accounts, check if each of them offers a referral bonus. You might be able to refer different products and earn separate bonuses, up to their individual annual caps.
By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to successfully referring new customers to Chase and enjoying the rewarding benefits of their Refer-A-Friend program!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find my Chase referral link?
You can find your Chase referral link by visiting the official Chase Refer-A-Friend page online (e.g.,
How to know if I am eligible for the Chase referral program?
To know if you are eligible, visit the Chase Refer-A-Friend page and enter your verification details. The system will then display any active referral offers you qualify for. Generally, you must be an existing Chase personal checking account holder in good standing.
How to send a Chase referral link to a friend?
After generating your unique link on the Chase Refer-A-Friend page or app, you can copy it and send it via personal email, text message, or even by posting it on social media platforms. Always emphasize the benefits for your friend and the importance of using your specific link.
How much can I earn by referring a Chase bank account?
For personal checking accounts, you can typically earn $50 for each friend who opens a qualifying Chase checking account through your referral. There is usually an annual maximum limit, often up to $500 per calendar year (which means up to 10 successful referrals).
How long does it take to receive a Chase referral bonus?
Chase generally deposits the referral bonus into your primary checking account within 30 days after your referred friend opens their qualifying account and completes their initial qualifying activities (e.g., setting up direct deposit).
How will I know if my friend opened an account using my Chase referral link?
Due to privacy reasons, Chase will not notify you directly when your friend applies for or opens an account. Your only indication will be the bonus appearing in your account once all conditions are met.
How to track my Chase referral bonuses?
Chase does not provide a real-time tracker for individual referrals. You can typically track your earned bonuses by reviewing your bank statements, where the referral bonus will appear as a distinct deposit, usually labeled "$50 Refer a Friend bonus."
How many friends can I refer to Chase?
You can refer as many friends as you like to Chase. However, there's an annual cap on the number of bonuses you can earn for a specific product. For checking accounts, this is often limited to 10 successful referrals per calendar year, totaling $500.
How does the referred friend benefit from the Chase referral program?
When your friend uses your referral link and meets the specified requirements for a new account, they will also receive a welcome bonus. This bonus amount is clearly stated on the offer page they access through your link and is a significant incentive for them to open an account.
How are Chase referral bonuses taxed?
Referral bonuses from Chase are generally considered taxable income. You may receive a Form 1099-MISC (or Form 1042-S) from Chase for the year in which you received the bonuses, and you should report this income on your tax return. It's always advisable to consult with a tax professional for personalized tax advice.