How the Chase referral program works
Chase's referral program lets you send a friend or family member a unique link or code that tracks whether they open a new checking account. When your referred person opens an account and meets the requirements—usually making a direct deposit or spending a certain amount within a set timeframe—you both receive a cash reward. The specific reward amount and account requirements change periodically, so the terms you see today may differ from what was offered last month.
The referral link is personal to you and tied to your Chase online banking login. When someone uses your link to open an account, Chase's system records that you sent the referral. You do not need to do anything else after sending the link; Chase tracks the rest automatically.
Not every Chase checking account qualifies for referrals. Premium accounts like Chase Sapphire or business accounts have their own separate programs. The referral program typically applies to standard personal checking accounts like Chase Total Checking or Chase Secure Banking.
Key Takeaways
- You find your referral link in Chase's mobile app or online banking under a section labeled "Refer a Friend" or "Rewards"—the exact location varies by app version.
- Your friend must open a new checking account using your link and complete the account requirements (usually a direct deposit or spending threshold) within a stated window, often 60 to 90 days.
- Both you and your referred friend receive the reward only after the account is opened and the requirements are met; the reward does not appear immediately.
- There is no limit to how many people you can refer, but each person can only be referred once and must be a new Chase customer or someone who has not held a Chase checking account recently.
- Rewards are typically deposited as a statement credit or direct deposit into your Chase account within one to two billing cycles after the requirements are satisfied.
Finding your referral link in the Chase app or website
Log into your Chase account on your mobile app or at chase.com. In the mobile app, look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap it and scroll through the options until you see "Refer a Friend," "Rewards," or "Invitations"—the exact wording depends on your app version and whether you have a rewards-linked account.
On the Chase website, log in and look for a similar section in the main menu or under your account settings. Some accounts show the referral option on the account dashboard itself. If you cannot find it after checking both the app and website, it may mean your account type does not participate in the current referral program, or the program is temporarily paused.
Once you locate the referral section, you will see your unique referral link or code. You can copy the link, share it via text, email, or social media, or generate a QR code that your friend can scan. Chase provides all of these options in one place.
What your friend needs to do to complete the referral
Your friend must click your referral link or enter your referral code when opening a new Chase checking account. The link must be used before they submit the application; using it after the account is already open will not register the referral.
After opening the account, your friend has a specific timeframe—usually 60 to 90 days—to meet the account requirements. These requirements typically include receiving a direct deposit of at least a certain amount (often $500 or more) or making a set number of debit card purchases. The exact requirement is shown in the referral offer details before your friend applies.
Your friend should keep their account open and active during this period. Closing the account or falling below a minimum balance before the requirements are met may disqualify both of you from the reward. Once the requirement is satisfied, Chase's system automatically records it, and the reward is processed in the next billing cycle.
When the reward appears in your account
Rewards are not instant. After your referred friend completes the account requirements, Chase typically takes one to two billing cycles to verify the information and deposit the reward. This means you might wait anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on when the requirement was met and when your billing cycle closes.
The reward appears as either a statement credit (reducing your account balance by the reward amount) or a direct deposit into your checking account. Check your recent transactions or account statements to confirm it has posted. If you do not see the reward after two full billing cycles have passed, contact Chase customer service with your referral code and your friend's account information.
Restrictions and limits on referrals
Your friend must be a new Chase checking customer or someone who has not held a Chase checking account within the past 12 months (the timeframe varies by offer). If your friend already has or recently had a Chase checking account, they will not be able to use your referral link, even if they close the old account and try to open a new one immediately.
Each person can only be referred once across all Chase referral programs. If your friend was already referred by someone else, they cannot use your link. Similarly, your friend cannot refer themselves using a different link or code.
There is no stated limit on how many people you can refer in a given month or year, but Chase reserves the right to end or modify the program at any time. If the program is paused or the offer changes, your existing referrals that have not yet been completed may still may have access to under the original terms, but new referrals will follow the updated rules.
What happens if the referral does not go through
If your friend opens an account but the referral does not register, the most common reason is that they did not use your link before submitting the application. Referral links must be clicked or the code entered during the account opening process, not after. If this happened, your friend cannot retroactively add the referral to an account that is already open.
If your friend used your link but did not meet the account requirements within the timeframe, neither of you will receive the reward. For example, if the offer requires a $500 direct deposit within 60 days and your friend only receives $300, the requirement is not met. Check the offer details carefully before your friend applies so they know exactly what is needed.
If you believe the referral should have gone through but the reward did not appear, contact Chase customer service. Have your referral code and your friend's account number ready. Chase can review whether the referral was properly recorded and whether the requirements were actually met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refer someone who already banks at Chase?
No. Your friend must be new to Chase checking accounts or have not held one for at least 12 months (the exact timeframe depends on the current offer). If they currently have a Chase checking account or opened one within the past year, they cannot use your referral link.
What if my friend does not meet the requirements in time?
If the requirement is not met within the stated window—usually 60 to 90 days—neither of you receives the reward. The referral does not carry over to the next month or extend the deadline. Your friend would need to complete the requirement before the deadline to trigger the reward.
Can I share my referral link on social media or a public website?
Yes, you can share your link anywhere. However, anyone who clicks it and opens an account will count as your referral, so you will receive a reward for each person who completes the requirements, regardless of how you shared it. Chase does not restrict where or how you distribute your link.
How long does it take to receive the reward after my friend opens the account?
Your friend must first meet the account requirements (usually within 60 to 90 days), and then Chase takes one to two additional billing cycles to verify and process the reward. In total, expect four to five months from the time your friend opens the account until the reward appears in yours.
What if I do not see the referral section in my app?
Not all account types or app versions display the referral option. Update your Chase app to the latest version first. If the section still does not appear, your account may not be enrolled in the referral program, or the program may be temporarily paused. Contact Chase customer service to confirm whether your account is may be able to access.