Yes, you can refer a Chase checking account, and Chase pays you for successful referrals
Chase runs a referral program that lets you earn money when someone you know opens a new checking account using your referral link or code. The person you refer also gets a bonus. Both bonuses land in the checking account after the new customer meets Chase's requirements — usually opening the account and making a direct deposit or debit card purchase within a set timeframe.
The exact bonus amounts and requirements change throughout the year and vary by account type. Chase advertises current offers on their website and in their app, so you'll see what you and your referral will earn before you share your link.
Key Takeaways
- Chase referral bonuses go to both you and the person you refer once they complete the account opening and meet activity requirements like a direct deposit.
- You generate a unique referral link through your Chase app or online banking, and the person you refer uses that link to open their account.
- Bonus amounts vary by promotion and account type — check your app or Chase.com to see what's currently offered.
- The referred person must be new to Chase checking (or meet other may be able to access rules Chase sets) for the bonus to count.
- Bonuses typically appear within one to two weeks after the referred person completes all requirements, though timing can vary.
How to find and share your referral link
Log into your Chase mobile app or Chase.com and look for a "Refer a Friend" or "Referrals" section — the exact location and name shift with app updates, but it's usually in the menu or account settings. Tap or click it, and Chase will show you your unique referral link or code.
You can copy that link and send it directly to friends, family, or colleagues via text, email, or social media. When they click the link and open an account, Chase tracks that they came from you. Some people prefer to share the code instead of the link — both work the same way.
Chase does not limit how many people you can refer, so you can share your link as many times as you want. Each successful referral earns you the bonus shown in the program details.
What the referred person needs to do
The person you refer must use your link or code when they sign up for their new Chase checking account. If they open an account without using your referral, Chase won't connect it to you, and neither of you will get the bonus.
After opening the account, they need to complete an activity requirement within a certain window — usually 30 to 60 days. Common requirements include receiving a direct deposit, making a debit card purchase, or transferring money in from another bank. Chase specifies exactly what counts before the promotion starts.
The referred person must also be new to Chase checking or meet other may be able to access rules Chase sets for that promotion. If they've had a Chase checking account in the past, they may not may have access to, depending on how long ago they closed it.
When the bonus hits your account
Once the referred person completes all the requirements, Chase processes the bonus within one to two weeks in most cases. The money lands directly in your checking account as a deposit — you don't have to do anything else.
If the referred person doesn't complete the requirements by the deadline, neither of you gets the bonus. Chase will not refund a bonus if the referred person closes their account shortly after opening it, though the exact policy depends on the promotion terms.
may be able to access and limits you should know
You must have an active Chase checking account to refer someone. Chase also reserves the right to exclude people who have received a referral bonus recently or who appear to be opening accounts primarily to collect bonuses rather than use the accounts normally.
The referred person cannot have had a Chase checking account within a certain period — often the past 90 days or past year, depending on the promotion. Chase checks this when the account is opened, so if the person you refer doesn't meet this requirement, the account will still open, but the bonus won't trigger.
Chase may also limit the number of bonuses you can earn in a calendar year or require that referred accounts stay open for a minimum period. Check the current promotion terms in your app or on Chase.com to see what restrictions apply right now.
What happens if something goes wrong
If the referred person opens an account with your link but doesn't complete the activity requirement, you won't receive a bonus. Chase sends notifications when the requirement is met, so you can track progress if you want to follow up with the person you referred.
If you believe a bonus should have posted but didn't, contact Chase customer service through your app, by phone, or in a branch. Have the referred person's name and account opening date ready. Chase can investigate whether the account met all the requirements and reissue the bonus if there was an error.
If the referred person closes their account shortly after opening it, Chase may claw back the bonus from your account. The exact policy varies by promotion, so read the terms before you refer someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refer someone who already banks with Chase?
No. The person must be new to Chase checking or meet Chase's definition of a new customer for that promotion. If they've had a Chase checking account in the past year or past 90 days (depending on the offer), they won't may have access to. Chase checks this automatically when the account opens.
What if my referral doesn't complete the activity requirement in time?
Neither of you gets the bonus. The deadline is usually 30 to 60 days from account opening. If the person you referred misses it, you can share your link again with someone else, and that referral can earn you a bonus if they meet the requirements.
Can I refer multiple people at once?
Yes. Chase doesn't limit the number of people you can refer. Each person who opens an account using your link and completes the requirements earns you a separate bonus. However, Chase may have annual limits on how many bonuses you can earn in a calendar year.
Do I have to be a Chase customer to get referred?
No. The person being referred doesn't need to be a Chase customer yet — that's the whole point. But the person doing the referring (you) must have an active Chase checking account to generate and share a referral link.
How long does it take for the bonus to show up?
Usually one to two weeks after the referred person completes all the requirements. Chase sends a notification when the bonus is posted. If you don't see it after two weeks, contact Chase customer service to check the status.