Apps have become an essential part of everyday life, from how we shop and bank to how we work, eat, and even relax. With billions of downloads happening each year, the app industry continues to grow rapidly—and with it, new opportunities to make money.
One of the fastest-growing trends in this space is apps that offer referral bonuses. These programs reward you for introducing new users to their platform, often paying out in cash, credits, or gift cards. Some apps offer small bonuses, while others pay as much as $100 per referral. When you multiply that across multiple referrals, the potential earnings can add up quickly.
In fact, many people are now using referral apps as a steady side hustle. Whether you’re aiming for a few extra dollars each week, or want to scale up and earn hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars each month, referral bonuses can be a simple and realistic way to get there.
The best part? You don’t need any special skills to start. All you need to do is sign up, share your referral link with friends, family, or followers, and let the app handle the rest.
Below, I’ll walk you through 32 apps with referral programs that can help you turn your phone into an income source. Some will pay you in cash, while others offer credits or gift cards—but all of them give you the opportunity to earn real rewards by spreading the word.
Grocery Savings Apps
Grocery rebate and savings apps have become increasingly popular, helping shoppers stretch their budgets without clipping coupons. These tools provide cash back on brand-name items, rewards for scanning receipts, and discounts on products nearing expiration. By incorporating them into your regular shopping routine, you can save money on essentials and even earn extra rewards to use toward future purchases.
Ibotta: Save and Earn on Groceries
Ibotta is one of the most well-known grocery savings apps, offering users cash back on a wide variety of brand-name products. The app frequently runs seasonal promotions, including free meal bundles during the holidays, making it especially appealing for families.
One of Ibotta’s strongest features is its referral program. There is no cap on how many people you can invite, which means your earning potential can continue to grow over time. Once you reach $20 in rewards, you can cash out through PayPal, direct bank transfer, or gift cards.
Referral Program Details:
- $5 per referral
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout through PayPal, bank deposit, or gift cards
Fetch Rewards: Earn Free Gift Cards from Receipts
Fetch Rewards makes it simple to earn rewards by scanning everyday receipts. The app accepts receipts from grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants, and more. Once you collect 3,000 points, you can redeem them for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or charitable donations.
The referral program provides bonus points to both the new user and the referrer, which can add up quickly when paired with regular use of the app.
Referral Program Details:
- 2,000–4,000 points per referral (worth $2–$4)
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Rewards redeemed for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or charitable donations
Flashfood: Save on Groceries While Reducing Food Waste
Flashfood offers significant discounts on groceries that are approaching their sell-by date, with savings often ranging from 20% to 50%. Beyond helping customers save, the app promotes sustainability by reducing food waste. While availability is currently limited to select regions in the U.S. and Canada, it’s an excellent option for households in participating areas.
Flashfood’s referral program gives users credits when a friend makes their first purchase, creating a win-win situation for both new and existing customers.
Referral Program Details:
- $5 credit for each referral who makes a purchase of $7 or more
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout in Flashfood credits
Shopkick: Earn Rewards by Scanning and Shopping
Shopkick rewards users with points—called “kicks”—for completing in-store activities like scanning barcodes or submitting purchase receipts. These kicks can be redeemed for gift cards from popular retailers, making it a fun way to earn while running errands.
The referral program benefits both parties, as new users and referrers each receive a kick bonus. With a cap of 100 referrals, it provides a steady way to earn rewards over time.
Referral Program Details:
- 500 kicks per referral (about $2 in value)
- Up to 100 referrals (25,000 kicks maximum)
- Payout in gift cards at 60+ retailers
Receipt Hog: Turn Receipts into Cash and Rewards
Receipt Hog makes saving effortless by rewarding users for uploading receipts from everyday purchases at grocery stores, convenience shops, and other retailers. Each receipt earns “coins,” and once enough coins are collected, they can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. While it won’t replace a full income, the app is a simple way to supplement savings.
The referral program allows users to earn bonus coins for every friend who signs up, with no restrictions on the number of people you can invite.
Referral Program Details:
- 250 coins per referral
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout in Amazon gift cards, PayPal, or Visa gift cards
Shopping Cash Back and Rewards Apps
Cash back and shopping reward apps let you earn money on purchases you’re already making. By stacking these rewards with grocery savings apps, you can maximize your budget and keep more money in your pocket. Many of these platforms also provide referral programs, which can become a steady source of side income when shared with friends and family.
Fluz: Social Earning Through Shared Rewards
Fluz is a unique rewards app where users earn cash back by purchasing digital gift cards through the app. With more than 200 participating retailers, shoppers can find options for groceries, dining, clothing, and more.
What sets Fluz apart is its social component. In addition to cash back on your own purchases, you also earn a percentage from the purchases of people you’ve referred, as well as their referrals. This creates a compounding effect where rewards can grow significantly over time.
Referral Program Details:
- $5 for each person you refer
- Ongoing earnings from the purchases of referrals and their networks
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout to bank account, PayPal, Venmo, or gift card
Rakuten: Earn Cash Back Across Thousands of Stores
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is one of the largest and most recognized cash back platforms. With over 2,500 partnered retailers, users can earn anywhere from 1% to 40% back on purchases made through the Rakuten app or website.
The referral program is also generous, rewarding users with a cash bonus for every friend who signs up and makes a qualifying purchase. With no cap on the number of referrals, Rakuten has become a favorite among savvy shoppers looking to maximize their earnings.
Referral Program Details:
- $30–$40 per qualified referral
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout via PayPal, mailed check, or American Express points
Apps That Pay You for Gas Purchases
Gas reward apps are especially valuable for frequent drivers. With rising fuel costs, these platforms offer real savings at the pump while also providing referral bonuses when you share them with others.
GasBuddy: Find the Lowest Prices and Earn Rewards
GasBuddy is designed to help drivers locate the cheapest gas prices in their area. By enrolling in the “Pay with GasBuddy” service and linking your payment card, you can save up to $0.25 per gallon at participating stations.
Its referral program adds another way to earn, rewarding you with credits that apply to future fuel purchases. With no cap on how many people you can invite, the savings can add up over time.
Referral Program Details:
- $0.10 per gallon discount for each referral
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Rewards applied as credits to your GasBuddy account
Upside: Cash Back at Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, and Restaurants
Upside, formerly known as GetUpside, provides cash back not only on fuel but also at grocery stores and restaurants. Users simply claim offers through the app, pay with a credit or debit card, and then check in or upload a receipt to earn rewards.
The referral program is one of its strongest features, offering both a one-time bonus for each new user referred and ongoing cash back on their fuel purchases.
Referral Program Details:
- $0.15 per gallon bonus for each new referral
- Ongoing $0.01 per gallon from every gallon your referral purchases
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout to gift cards, PayPal, or bank account
Gig Apps That Pay You to Refer Friends
Gig apps allow users to complete small tasks for quick payouts. Jobs might include taking photos of product displays, checking store prices, or conducting mystery shopping. While the pay per task varies, these apps provide flexible ways to earn money in your spare time, with referral bonuses as an added perk.
Field Agent: Earn Cash for Small Jobs
Field Agent connects users with short-term tasks like photographing store shelves, auditing prices, or answering surveys. Payouts range from a few dollars to over $40 per assignment, and tasks typically take 5 to 45 minutes to complete.
Through its referral program, you can also earn a percentage of your referrals’ approved jobs, making it a worthwhile extra income stream if you invite active participants.
Referral Program Details:
- 10% of each approved job your referral completes (up to $10 per referral)
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout via direct bank deposit
Observa: Short Gigs with Cash or Cryptocurrency Payouts
Observa specializes in short observations, often involving product placement checks, mystery shopping, or inventory tracking at local stores. Most gigs take about 20 minutes and pay between $4 and $20.
The platform operates internationally in multiple countries, and it offers unique flexibility by allowing earnings to be withdrawn as cash or cryptocurrency. The referral program rewards users with a share of their referrals’ completed tasks.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn 25% of the first 4 successful tasks completed by each referral
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout via PayPal or Bitcoin (through Coinbase)
Survey Apps That Pay You
Survey apps are a simple way to earn extra cash or gift cards in your free time. While payouts per survey are generally small, they add up for consistent users. Adding referrals into the mix makes these apps even more rewarding.
Swagbucks: Surveys, Shopping, and More
Swagbucks offers multiple ways to earn, from taking surveys and watching videos to shopping online and completing special offers. Points earned, called SB, can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Its referral program is especially attractive, offering both a one-time bonus and a lifetime percentage of your referrals’ earnings, which can provide ongoing rewards with no extra work.
Referral Program Details:
- 300 SB ($3 value) per qualified referral
- Lifetime 10% of your referrals’ earnings
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout in gift cards or PayPal cash
Survey Junkie: Share Opinions for Rewards
Survey Junkie focuses exclusively on surveys, connecting users with opportunities to provide feedback on products and services. While most surveys pay around $1 each, the app’s straightforward interface makes it easy to consistently earn small amounts of cash or gift cards.
The referral program adds another layer of earning potential, offering cash bonuses for every new member who signs up through your link.
Referral Program Details:
- $1.25–$2.20 per referral
- Unlimited referrals allowed
- Payout in gift cards or PayPal
Finance Apps with Referral Rewards
As more people focus on investing, saving, and reducing debt, finance apps have become a powerful tool. Many offer referral bonuses in the form of free stock, in-app credit, or cash rewards, making them an attractive option for earning extra income.
Robinhood: Commission-Free Investing App
Robinhood is a stock trading and investment app known for pioneering commission-free trading. Today, it offers access to stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, making it popular among retail investors.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn fractional shares valued between $5 and $200 per referral.
- Referral must sign up, get approved, and link their bank account.
- Annual referral limit: $1,500 in free stock.
- Rewards are issued as fractional shares, which can be reinvested or sold.
WeBull: Suite of Investment Products
WeBull provides zero-commission trading across stocks, ETFs, options, fractional shares, and crypto. With advanced trading tools and research resources, it appeals to both beginner and experienced investors.
Referral Program Details:
- Receive one free stock valued up to $300 per referral.
- Occasional promotional bonuses throughout the year.
- No limit on referrals.
- Rewards are issued as stock that can be sold or transferred as cash.
Acorns: Micro-Investing and Savings
Acorns makes investing simple by rounding up everyday purchases and investing spare change into a diversified ETF portfolio. Its automated system is designed to help beginners grow wealth gradually.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $5 per referral after they make their first investment.
- Occasional limited-time promotions offer higher rewards.
- No referral cap.
- Bonuses are deposited into your Acorns investment account.
Brigit: Financial Wellness and Advances
Brigit helps members avoid overdraft fees by offering cash advances of up to $250. It also provides budgeting tools and financial insights. Premium features are available with a subscription.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $10 per referral after they qualify for an advance or pay their first membership fee.
- No referral limit.
- Payout deposited into your linked bank account within 5 business days.
Banking Bonus Referral Apps
Fintech banking apps are highly competitive, offering no-fee checking, high-yield savings, and fast direct deposits. To stand out, many offer sign-up and referral bonuses that can add up quickly.
Upgrade: Rewards Checking Account
Upgrade offers fee-free checking and savings accounts in partnership with Cross River Bank, FDIC insured up to $250,000.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $50 per referral who opens an account and qualifies.
- Referred users receive a $200 bonus.
- Limit of 10 referrals per year.
- Rewards are deposited into your Upgrade account.
Chime: Fee-Free Online Banking
Chime offers no-fee banking with features like early direct deposit and overdraft protection. Users receive a Visa debit card and manage their accounts fully via the app.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $100 per referral who deposits at least $200 via direct deposit.
- Referral limit: $1,000 per year.
- Rewards are paid in cash to your Chime account.
SoFi Money: FinTech Banking
SoFi Money combines checking and savings in one cash management account, with fee-free features and competitive interest rates.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $50 per referral who funds an account with at least $50.
- Referred users receive a $25 bonus.
- Annual cap: $10,000 in referral rewards.
- Rewards are deposited in cash to your SoFi account.
Netspend: Prepaid Card with Savings Feature
Netspend provides prepaid debit cards and a high-yield savings account option that pays up to 5% interest, significantly higher than many banks.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $20 per referral who activates and loads at least $40.
- No referral limit.
- Rewards credited to your Netspend prepaid card.
Varo Bank: Mobile-Only Banking
Varo is an online-only bank with no fees, early direct deposit, and credit-building tools through its secured card, Varo Believe.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $30 per referral who spends $20 within 30 days.
- Referred users also earn $30.
- Limit of 5 referrals per year.
- Rewards deposited into your Varo account.
Revolut US: Global Travel Card
Revolut is designed for travelers, offering real-time exchange rates, no foreign transaction fees, and premium travel benefits.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $60–$100 per referral who makes three purchases of $5 or more.
- Limit of 5 referrals.
- Rewards deposited in cash to your Revolut account.
DCU: Digital Federal Credit Union
DCU is a nationwide credit union offering high-yield savings, retirement accounts, and no-fee checking.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $10 per referral who becomes a member and completes a qualifying activity.
- Referred users receive $20.
- No referral cap.
- Rewards credited to your DCU account.
Mobile Payment Apps That Pay to Refer
Payment apps make it simple to send and receive money between friends or at participating merchants. Many also provide referral bonuses, making them worth considering.
Venmo: Fast, Social Payments
Venmo allows users to send, receive, and spend money quickly with added social features for transactions.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $10 per referral who sends $5 within 14 days.
- Referred users also earn $10.
- Limit of 10 referrals.
- Rewards credited to your Venmo account.
PayPal: Global Payment Platform
PayPal is one of the most widely used payment apps for sending and receiving money worldwide.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $10 per referral who spends $5 within 30 days.
- Limit of 10 referrals.
- Rewards deposited in cash to your PayPal account.
Cash App: Peer-to-Peer Payments
Cash App, developed by Block Inc., offers payments, banking, and investing features within one app.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $5 per referral who qualifies.
- No referral cap.
- Rewards credited in cash to your Cash App account.
Credit Card Mobile App Referral Programs
Credit card referral programs can be some of the most profitable, since card issuers value long-term customers highly.
Chase Freedom Credit Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex cards both offer generous cash back and referral bonuses.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn 10,000 points ($100 value) per referral.
- Annual cap of 50,000 points ($500 value).
- Rewards issued as Chase points, redeemable for cash back.
Capital One Credit Cards
Capital One offers referral bonuses for select cards, including the VentureOne, SavorOne, and Platinum cards.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $100 per referral who is approved.
- Annual cap: $500 in referral rewards.
- Rewards issued as points, redeemable for cash back.
Food and Delivery Apps
Food-related apps have become a staple in the gig economy and consumer rewards space. Whether you’re looking to save money on dining out, earn cash back on takeout orders, or supplement your income through grocery delivery gigs, these apps offer plenty of opportunities. By sharing them with friends, you can also earn referral bonuses that add up over time.
Seated: Restaurant Dining, Takeout, and Delivery
Seated rewards users for dining out, ordering takeout, or using delivery services. Depending on the restaurant and offer, rewards range from 5% to 30% cash back on eligible meal receipts.
While currently available only in select U.S. cities—including New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia—the platform is expanding into new markets. For regular diners in supported locations, Seated provides a valuable way to earn rewards on meals you’re already purchasing.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $10–$15 per referral.
- After five referrals, unlock partner status to earn 5% of Seated’s earnings on your referrals’ meals.
- No referral limit.
- Rewards are paid in gift cards.
Instacart: Grocery Shopping and Delivery
Instacart connects customers with personal shoppers who pick up and deliver groceries from local stores. The convenience of having someone else handle weekly shopping has made Instacart a leader in the grocery delivery space.
The platform also supports gig workers, many of whom use it as either a side hustle or full-time income source. With increased demand for at-home grocery delivery, Instacart has become one of the most widely used food delivery apps.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $10 in Instacart credit per referral.
- Limit of five referrals ($50 total).
- Rewards applied directly as Instacart credit.
Green Chef: Organic Meal Kit Subscription
Green Chef specializes in delivering organic meal kits with recipes designed for a variety of diets, including keto, paleo, and plant-based plans. As a USDA-certified organic meal kit company, Green Chef emphasizes sustainability by partnering with farmers and suppliers who use eco-friendly practices.
Meal kits typically take about 30 minutes to prepare, making them ideal for busy individuals and families who want healthy, home-cooked meals without the stress of planning and shopping.
Referral Program Details:
- Earn $25 per qualified referral.
- No referral limit.
- Rewards applied as credit toward future meal deliveries.
Turning Apps into Income
Referral programs across grocery, finance, delivery, and payment apps offer a simple yet powerful way to generate extra income. By sharing apps you already use and trust with friends, family, or your audience, you can earn gift cards, cash bonuses, or credits toward services you value.
Over time, these small earnings can grow into a steady side income. Many people already use these apps in their daily lives—whether for shopping, dining, banking, or gig work—so leveraging referral programs is a natural way to maximize value.
If you’re consistent about stacking rewards, exploring multiple platforms, and sharing referral opportunities, you could turn these apps into a reliable income stream this year and beyond.