How Chase's referral program works
Chase offers a referral program that lets you earn a cash bonus when someone you know opens a new checking account through your referral link. You generate a unique link from your Chase account, share it with friends or family, and if they open an account within a set timeframe, you both receive a bonus. The bonus amount varies depending on which checking account they open and current promotion terms.
The person you refer must be new to Chase or meet specific account requirements to count toward the bonus. They open the account using your referral link, complete the account setup, and meet any deposit or activity requirements Chase lists for that promotion. Once those conditions are met, the bonus posts to your account within the timeframe Chase specifies.
Key Takeaways
- You find your referral link in the Chase mobile app or online banking under a rewards or referral section, then share it directly with the person you want to refer.
- The person you refer must open a new Chase checking account using your link and meet deposit or direct deposit requirements within the stated timeframe to trigger the bonus.
- Both you and the person you refer receive a bonus, but the amounts depend on which account they open and the current promotion running at that time.
- Bonuses typically post within 30 to 60 days after all requirements are met, though Chase may take longer to verify the account meets the terms.
Finding and sharing your referral link
Log into your Chase account through the mobile app or Chase.com. In the app, look for a menu option labeled "Refer a Friend," "Rewards," or "Promotions"—the exact label changes depending on which app version you have. On Chase.com, check the account dashboard or look for a link in the top navigation or account settings area.
Once you find the referral section, you'll see your unique referral link. You can copy it and paste it into a text, email, or social media message. Some versions let you share directly through the app; others require you to copy and paste manually. Make sure the person receives the full, correct link—if even one character is wrong, the referral won't connect to your account.
What the person you refer needs to do
The person you refer clicks your link and starts a new Chase checking account application. They'll need to provide personal information, choose which checking account product they want (such as Chase Total Checking or Chase Premier Plus Checking), and complete identity verification. Chase will ask for a Social Security number, date of birth, and address during this process.
After opening the account, they must meet the promotion's specific requirements—usually a minimum deposit within a certain number of days and sometimes a direct deposit or a set number of debit card transactions. These requirements vary by promotion and by account type. If they don't meet the requirements within the timeframe, neither of you receives the bonus.
Bonus amounts and timing
Chase does not publish a single fixed bonus amount; it changes based on the account type and the current promotion. A referral bonus for opening a basic checking account might be $50 to $100, while a premium account might offer more. Check the terms of the specific promotion before you refer someone, because the bonus you see today may not be the same next month.
After the person you refer meets all requirements, the bonus typically posts to both accounts within 30 to 60 days. Chase may take additional time to verify the account meets the terms before releasing the bonus. If you don't see the bonus within the stated timeframe, contact Chase customer service with the referral link and the date the account was opened.
Who can be referred and common restrictions
The person you refer must not have had a Chase checking account in the past 90 days (or sometimes longer, depending on the promotion). They also cannot be an existing Chase customer with an active account. Chase may exclude people who already have a business account or who have received a referral bonus from Chase in the past 12 months.
You cannot refer yourself using a second email address or a family member's account to generate multiple bonuses. Chase monitors for this and will deny bonuses if it detects abuse. Stick to referring people you actually know who genuinely want to open a Chase account.
What happens if something goes wrong
If the person you refer doesn't receive the bonus, the most common reason is that they didn't meet all the promotion requirements—for example, they opened the account but didn't complete a direct deposit within the deadline. Ask them to check their account to confirm they met every step. If they did, have them contact Chase with the referral link and account opening date.
If you don't receive your bonus after the person meets all requirements, log into your account and look for a referral history or status section. This shows which referrals are pending, completed, or denied. If a referral shows as denied, Chase usually provides a reason—often that the referred person didn't meet the requirements or that they already had a recent Chase account. Contact Chase support if the reason is unclear or if you believe it was an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refer multiple people and get a bonus for each one?
Yes. There is no limit to how many people you can refer, and you receive a bonus for each person who opens an account and meets the requirements. However, each person you refer must be a new Chase customer and must use your unique referral link.
What if the person I refer already has a Chase savings account?
They may still be able to open a checking account through your referral link and receive the bonus, depending on Chase's current terms. Some promotions allow it; others do not. Check the promotion details before you refer them, or have them contact Chase to confirm they're not excluded.
Do I need 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 don't have a Chase account, you cannot participate in the referral program.
How long does the referral link stay active?
Your referral link does not expire, but the promotion tied to it may change. If Chase ends a promotion, existing referral links may stop earning bonuses. The person you refer must open their account while the promotion is active to receive the bonus.
Can I refer someone who lives in a different state?
Yes. Chase checking accounts are available nationwide, so you can refer someone regardless of where they live. They'll open the account online and won't need to visit a branch.