If you’re looking to maximize your credit card rewards, referral bonuses are a smart way to earn extra points, miles, or cash back. Many banks and issuers offer attractive referral programs for cardholders, allowing you to earn bonuses by inviting friends or family to apply for a card through your referral link. Here’s everything you need to know about referral bonuses and some of today’s best options.
What is a Credit Card Referral Bonus?
A credit card referral bonus is a reward offered by card issuers to encourage current cardholders to refer new applicants. When someone applies for a card using your referral link and gets approved, you earn a bonus, often in the form of points, miles, or cash back. These bonuses vary by card and issuer and are subject to caps or annual limits. Additionally, some banks offer higher bonuses or promotions for targeted customers to incentivize more referrals.
Top Credit Cards With Referral Bonuses in 2024
1. American Express Platinum and Gold Cards
These are premium rewards cards from American Express, offering amazing travel perks, Membership Rewards points, and exclusive access to airport lounges.
- Bonus: Up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points per referral (max 55,000 points/year).
- Best For: Travelers and rewards enthusiasts.
- Details: Referrals apply across most Amex cards like the American Express Blue Cash Preferred, regardless of the product referred from.
- Learn more about Amex referrals here.
If you are interested in applying for the American Express Blue Cash Preferred card or any Amex card offering, please use my referral link and find out if you’re approved with no credit score impact.
The application is quick and easy to complete online. Plus, you can earn a $300 statement credit after spending $3000 on your new Card in the first 6 months.
Benefits:
- Cash Back at Amazon.com checkout
- Send & Split®: Allows you to send money to and split purchases with friends and family who have Venmo or PayPal accounts from the American Express® App.
- Pay it Plan it®: Two features on your Amex card that provide additional ways to pay off purchases.
2. Chase Southwest Credit Cards
Chase offers co-branded credit cards with Southwest Airlines, granting points that can be redeemed for flights and other travel benefits.
- Bonus: 20,000 points per referral (up to 100,000 points/year)
- Best For: Southwest Airlines travelers
- Details: Referrals work across multiple Southwest cards
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Card is a premium travel credit card from Capital One that offers flexible miles redeemable for flights, hotels, and travel transfers.
- Bonus: 25,000 miles per referral (max 100,000 miles/year)
- Best For: Frequent flyers and travel lovers
- Details: A premium card with flexible travel rewards
If you are interested in applying for a Capital One card, please use my referral link to see what cards you’re eligible for with no impact on your credit score. Plus, no credit score is required to apply.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
This no-annual-fee card offers unlimited 1.5% cash-back on every purchase.
- Bonus: $150 cash-back per referral (max $500/year)
- Best For: Cash-back seekers.
- Details: Great for flat-rate rewards with no annual fee
5. Amex Delta SkyMiles Cards
These are co-branded credit cards with Delta Airlines, offering miles for flights, upgrades, and in-flight discounts.
- Bonus: Up to 25,000 SkyMiles per referral (max 55,000 miles/year)
- Best For: Delta Airlines loyalists
- Details: This applies across Delta’s co-branded Amex cards
6. Discover it® Cash Back
A popular cash-back card with rotating categories offering 5% rewards plus no annual fee.
- Bonus: $50 statement credit per referral (up to $500/year)
- Best For: Everyday spenders
- Details: No annual fee and rotating 5% cash-back categories
7. Chase Disney Premier Visa® Card
The Chase Disney Premier Visa Card is a Disney-branded rewards card offering special discounts, park benefits, and Disney Rewards Dollars on purchases.
- Bonus: $100 Disney Rewards Dollars per referral (max $500/year)
- Best For: Disney lovers
- Details: Rewards are redeemable at Disney parks and stores
BONUS: Capital One Spark Cash Plus (Business)
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a business credit card offering cash-back rewards specifically designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- Bonus: $200 per business referral (max $1,000/year)
- Best For: Business owners that want cash rewards
How to Access Each Referral Bonus Program
Below, you’ll find quick guides on how to access each referral bonus.
1. American Express Referral Program
- How to Access: Visit Amex’s referral portal. Log in to your account, select the card, and generate a personalized referral link to share.
- Bonus: Points or cash rewards per approved referral, depending on the card.
2. Chase Southwest Credit Cards
- How to Access: Visit Chase’s Refer a Friend site. Provide your card details to generate a referral link. Send it via text, email, or social media.
- Bonus: 20,000 points per referral, up to 100,000 points annually.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Card
- How to Access: Log into your Capital One account and navigate to the Refer a Friend section. Generate your referral link and share it.
- Bonus: 25,000 miles per referral, with an annual cap of 100,000 miles.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
- How to Access: Use the Refer a Friend section within the Capital One app or website. Share the referral link with friends and track their status.
- Bonus: $150 cash-back per referral, capped at $500 annually.
5. Amex Delta SkyMiles Cards
- How to Access: Visit Amex’s referral page, log in, and select a Delta SkyMiles card. Share the referral link with your contacts.
- Bonus: 15,000–25,000 SkyMiles per referral, up to 55,000 miles annually.
6. Discover it® Cash Back
- How to Access: Sign in to your Discover account online or via the app. Look for the Refer a Friend section to generate a referral link.
- Bonus: $50 statement credit per referral, with a $500 annual limit.
7. Chase Disney Premier Visa® Card
- How to Access: Use Chase’s referral site. Enter your card details to generate a referral link. Send the link to friends and monitor approvals.
- Bonus: $100 Disney Rewards Dollars per referral, capped at $500 annually.
8. Capital One Spark Cash Plus (Business)
- How to Access: Log into your Capital One business account, access the referral section, and create a personalized referral link to share.
- Bonus: $200 per referral, up to $1,000 annually
Tips for Maximizing Referral Bonuses
- Eligibility Check: Ensure your credit card is eligible for referral bonuses and that your account is active and in good standing.
- Referral Cap: Pay attention to annual limits on referral bonuses to avoid missed rewards.
- Compare Public Offers: Always compare referral offers with other public bonuses to ensure you’re giving your friend the best deal.
- Tax Considerations: Referral bonuses may be taxable and reported on a 1099 form, so plan accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Credit card referral bonuses offer an excellent opportunity to maximize rewards with minimal effort. So if you’re looking at points for travel, cash-back, or special perks like Disney dollars, the right card can make a big difference.
However, managing your referrals strategically is important—keeping track of caps, eligibility, and bonus conditions to get the most out of each program.
Referral programs like American Express, Chase, and Capital One stand out due to their generous bonuses and flexible redemption options. With some planning, you can easily rack up hundreds of dollars or thousands of points annually through referrals alone.
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