Browser extensions that automatically find coupons and cashback have become a staple for online shoppers. But did you know that both Honey and RetailMeNot also offer referral programs that can turn your shopping habits into a side income? In this 2026 comparison, we'll break down exactly how much you can earn from each, the fine print, and which one is better for casual users vs. active promoters.
Whether you're a bargain hunter, a content creator, or just looking to earn a few extra dollars a month, understanding the differences between Honey (owned by PayPal) and RetailMeNot (part of the Ziff Davis family) will help you maximize your earnings.
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📋 Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Honey vs RetailMeNot (2026)
Here's a snapshot of how the two referral programs stack up against each other. We'll dive into details later.
| Feature | Honey | RetailMeNot |
|---|---|---|
| Referral Bonus (Referrer) | $10 (in Honey Gold points) | $5 (cash via PayPal) |
| Friend's Bonus | Varies (often $5–$10 off first purchase) | Varies (often 10% cashback or $5 bonus) |
| Payout Method | Honey Gold (redeemable for gift cards) | Cash via PayPal or gift cards |
| Minimum Payout | Usually $10 (1,000 points) | $5 (no minimum for PayPal? Often $5 threshold) |
| Referral Limit | Unlimited? (terms may apply) | Unlimited |
| Cookie Duration | 30 days | 30 days |
| Countries Available | US, Canada, UK, Australia, etc. | US, Canada, UK (varies) |
| Browser Extension | Yes (automatic coupon finding) | Yes (coupons + cashback offers) |
| Cashback on Purchases | Honey Gold (points back) | Cash back (actual money) |
Honey Referral Program Deep Dive (2026 Update)
Honey, acquired by PayPal in 2020, remains one of the most popular browser extensions for finding coupon codes. Its referral program rewards you with Honey Gold points when your friends install the extension and make a qualifying purchase.
How Honey's Referral Works
Points-BasedEach successful referral (friend signs up via your link, installs the extension, and shops at a Honey partner store) earns you 1,000 Honey Gold points (worth roughly $10). Your friend also gets a discount or bonus on their first purchase (e.g., $5 off).
📊 Real Example:
Sarah shares her Honey referral link on Twitter. Five friends sign up and each make a $50 purchase at stores like Sephora and Nike. Sarah earns 5,000 Gold points ($50 value) which she redeems for an Amazon gift card. Each friend got $5 off their first order.
Key Terms & Restrictions (2026)
- Qualifying purchase: The friend must make a purchase at a Honey partner store within 30 days of signing up. Not all stores count; typically ones that offer Honey Gold.
- One referral per friend: Each new user can only be referred once.
- Points redemption: 1,000 points minimum to redeem. Gift card options include Amazon, Starbucks, Target, and more. Points can also be used to get cashback on purchases via "Pay with Gold".
- No cash: Honey does not offer PayPal or direct bank transfer; it's all points/gift cards.
💡 Pro Tip:
Honey Gold points can be combined with coupon codes and cashback from other sites (like Rakuten) for extra savings. When you redeem points, you're essentially getting double-dip discounts.
RetailMeNot Referral Program Deep Dive (2026)
RetailMeNot is a well-known coupon and cashback platform. Its referral program is more straightforward: you get real cash when friends sign up and make a qualifying purchase.
How RetailMeNot's Referral Works
Cash-BasedWhen you refer a friend, they get a bonus (often 10% cashback on their first purchase or a $5 sign-up bonus). Once they make a qualifying purchase, you receive $5 cash (or sometimes a higher bonus during promotions).
📊 Real Example:
Mark shares his RetailMeNot referral link in a Facebook group for deal hunters. Ten friends sign up, each using the site to buy from stores like Macy's and Best Buy. Mark earns $50 in his PayPal account within a few weeks.
Key Terms & Restrictions (2026)
- Qualifying purchase: The referred friend must make a purchase through RetailMeNot (either using a coupon or clicking a cashback offer) within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days).
- Referral tracking: Uses cookies; if the friend doesn't buy within the cookie window, you may not get credit.
- Payout: $5 minimum for PayPal. Can also redeem for gift cards.
- Promotional periods: Occasionally RetailMeNot runs double referral bonuses (e.g., $10 per referral).
Earnings Potential & Payout Speed
Which program pays more over time? It depends on your audience and whether you prefer cash or gift cards.
| Metric | Honey | RetailMeNot |
|---|---|---|
| Average payout per referral | $10 (gift cards) | $5 (cash) |
| Payout threshold | $10 (1,000 points) | $5 |
| Typical time to first payout | 1–2 months (depends on friend's purchase) | 1–2 weeks after friend's qualifying purchase |
| Ease of reaching threshold | Need 1 referral to cash out | Need 1 referral to cash out |
| Long-term earning potential (100 referrals) | $1,000 in gift cards | $500 cash |
Verdict: Honey pays twice as much per referral in gift card value, but you're limited to spending at specific retailers. RetailMeNot pays cash, which is more flexible, but half the amount. If you're a frequent Amazon shopper, Honey's gift cards might be just as good as cash.
How to Share Your Referral Links (Without Getting Banned)
Both Honey and RetailMeNot have terms of service that prohibit spammy sharing. Here are safe, effective ways to promote your links:
Social Media (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok)
Post about a great deal you found using the extension, then casually mention that new users can get a bonus via your link. Use appropriate hashtags and be transparent that it's a referral.
Blog/Website
Write a short review or tutorial about the extension and include your referral link in the content (with disclosure). This can generate passive referral income for years.
YouTube
Create a video showing how you save money with Honey or RetailMeNot. Include your referral link in the description and mention it in the video (with disclosure).
Deal Forums & Communities
Participate in communities like Reddit's r/Frugal or Slickdeals. Share genuinely helpful deals, and if relevant, mention the cashback or referral bonus. Be careful not to spam or you'll be banned.
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes:
- Buying traffic or using bots: Both Honey and RetailMeNot can detect fraudulent referrals and will ban your account.
- Sharing in irrelevant places: Posting your link in unrelated Facebook groups or subreddits will get you banned and hurt your reputation.
- Not disclosing: In many countries (and per FTC guidelines), you must disclose when you use affiliate/referral links.
Which One Is Better for You?
Your choice depends on your goals and how you plan to use the earnings.
- You prefer gift cards (especially Amazon) over cash.
- You want a higher per-referral value ($10 vs $5).
- You frequently shop online and want to earn Honey Gold on your own purchases (stacking rewards).
- Your audience is primarily in the US, Canada, UK, or Australia.
- You want cash via PayPal.
- You prefer a lower payout threshold ($5) and faster payments.
- You are targeting an audience that prefers cashback over coupons.
- You want to combine cashback with coupons (RetailMeNot does both).
Our take: For most casual users, Honey's $10 gift card per referral is more lucrative. But if you're building a serious referral income stream and want the flexibility of cash, RetailMeNot is a solid option. Many savvy earners use both and share links depending on the context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The extensions can work together. Honey finds coupon codes, and RetailMeNot provides cashback offers. However, some stores may not allow stacking, so check the terms. Using both can maximize savings.
As of 2026, Honey Gold points do not expire as long as your account remains active. However, if your account is inactive for a long period (years), points may be forfeited. It's best to redeem periodically.
Yes, RetailMeNot has a browser extension that automatically applies coupons and notifies you of cashback offers. It works similarly to Honey.
Both platforms have a referral dashboard. Honey shows your pending Gold points; RetailMeNot shows pending referrals. If a friend makes a qualifying purchase, it should appear within a few days. If not, you can contact support.
Yes! Popular alternatives include Rakuten (formerly Ebates), Capital One Shopping, CouponCabin, and TopCashback. Each has its own referral program. Check out our comparison of Rakuten vs Honey for more.
Final Verdict: Honey or RetailMeNot in 2026?
Both Honey and RetailMeNot offer legitimate ways to earn passive income from your referrals. Honey's $10 gift card per referral is attractive if you don't mind the points system, while RetailMeNot's $5 cash is immediate and flexible.
The best strategy? Use both and share the appropriate link based on your audience's preferences. If someone loves Amazon, Honey is a no-brainer. If they prefer cashback, send them to RetailMeNot.
Remember, successful referral marketing is about providing value first. Share genuine savings tips, and your referrals will follow naturally.
🚀 Ready to start earning?
Grab your unique referral links from your Honey and RetailMeNot accounts, and start sharing them with friends and followers. Even a few referrals a month can add up to a nice side income.