As of February 2026, Chase's Refer-a-Friend program lets existing cardholders earn between $50 and $100 per approved referral, depending on the card. According to Chase's official Refer-a-Friend page, the program covers most Chase consumer credit cards including Freedom, Sapphire, and United co-branded cards.
JPMorgan Chase is the largest bank in the US by assets ($3.9 trillion as of Q4 2025) and the largest credit card issuer by purchase volume. Their referral program is one of the most generous in the industry — and you can earn an extra $25 from Referral.ink on top.
Chase Referral Bonus by Card (2026)
| Card | You Get (Referrer) | Friend Gets | Annual Fee | Max/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Unlimited® | $50 cash back | Standard signup bonus | $0 | $500 (10 referrals) |
| Freedom Flex® | $50 cash back | Standard signup bonus | $0 | $500 (10 referrals) |
| Sapphire Preferred® | 15,000 points ($188 value*) | Standard signup bonus | $95 | 75,000 pts/year |
| Sapphire Reserve® | 15,000 points ($225 value*) | Standard signup bonus | $550 | 75,000 pts/year |
| United Explorer | 10,000 United miles | Standard signup bonus | $95 | 100,000 miles/year |
*Point values based on Chase Ultimate Rewards redemption. 1 UR point = ~1.25¢ (Preferred) or ~1.5¢ (Reserve) when transferred to travel partners. Source: Chase Refer-a-Friend, NerdWallet point valuations.
How Chase Refer a Friend Works
Here's the step-by-step process, according to Chase.com:
- Log into Chase: Go to creditcards.chase.com/refer-a-friend or the Chase mobile app
- Get your unique referral link: Chase generates a personalized URL tied to your account
- Share the link: Send it via email, text, social media, or any other method
- Friend applies and is approved: They must apply through your exact link and be approved for the card
- You earn the bonus: Cash back or points are credited within 6–8 weeks
Why Chase Freedom Unlimited Is the Best Referral for New Users
If someone asks "which Chase card should I get through a referral?", the Freedom Unlimited is the clear winner for most people. Here's why:
- $0 annual fee — no cost to hold the card, ever
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no categories to track
- 5% on travel through Chase Travel℠
- 3% on dining and drugstores
- Signup bonus — typically $200 after $500 spend in 3 months
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
According to NerdWallet's 2026 rankings, the Freedom Unlimited consistently ranks among the top 3 no-annual-fee cash back cards in the US.
Get an Extra $25 from Referral.ink
When you apply for a Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex through our referral link, you get Chase's full signup bonus plus an additional $25 from Referral.ink. Here's the total value breakdown:
| Source | Value |
|---|---|
| Chase signup bonus | ~$200 (after $500 spend) |
| Referral.ink bonus | $25 cash (no spend required) |
| Total | $225+ |
→ Get the Chase Freedom deal on Referral.ink
Chase Refer a Friend FAQ
Does Chase refer a friend work for checking accounts?
Yes, but it's a separate program. Chase checking account referrals (typically $200 for the referee, $50 for the referrer) are managed through Chase Banking Refer-a-Friend, not the credit card program. The two programs are independent.
How long does the Chase referral bonus take?
According to Chase's terms, referral bonuses are credited 6–8 weeks after the friend is approved. Cash back appears on your statement; points are deposited into your Ultimate Rewards balance.
Is there a limit on Chase referrals?
Yes. Chase limits referral bonuses to approximately $500/year for Freedom cards (10 referrals × $50) and 75,000 points/year for Sapphire cards (5 referrals × 15,000 points).
Does applying through a referral affect my credit score?
Chase performs a hard inquiry when you apply for any credit card, regardless of whether you use a referral link. According to Experian, a single hard inquiry typically lowers your score by 5–10 points temporarily. Referral.ink does not perform any credit checks.
Can I refer myself to a Chase card?
No. Chase's terms explicitly prohibit self-referrals. If detected, the referral bonus will be revoked.