The Revolut referral bonus remains one of the most popular ways to earn easy cash in the UK. In 2026, Revolut continues to offer generous rewards (typically £35–£50 per successful referral) for bringing friends onto its platform. But many users miss out because they don't understand the exact qualification steps or get stuck waiting for their bonus to arrive.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully claim your Revolut referral bonus in 2026: eligibility rules, step-by-step claiming, payout timelines, and proven tips to get paid faster. We've also compared Revolut's offer with other top UK bank referrals so you can maximize your earnings.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. What is the Revolut Referral Bonus?
- 2. Eligibility Requirements (UK 2026)
- 3. Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Your Bonus
- 4. How Long Does It Take to Get Paid?
- 5. 5 Proven Tips to Get Paid Faster
- 6. Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny Bonuses
- 7. Revolut vs Other UK Bank Referrals (2026)
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Revolut Referral Bonus?
Revolut's "Refer a Friend" program rewards existing customers (referrers) with a cash bonus when they invite a friend to join Revolut and that friend completes a set of qualifying actions. In 2026, the standard offer is £35 per successful referral, though occasionally Revolut runs limited-time promotions offering up to £50. The referred friend usually also receives a small bonus (e.g., £5–£10) once they meet the requirements.
💡 Key Points for 2026:
- Bonus amount: Typically £35 (may vary during promotions)
- Referrer requirement: Active Revolut account in good standing
- Referred friend must: Sign up via your link, order a physical card, and make a first payment (or top up, depending on terms)
- Payout: Bonus is credited to your Revolut account, usually within 14–30 days after friend qualifies
Eligibility Requirements (UK 2026)
Before you start sharing your referral link, make sure you and your friend meet Revolut's eligibility criteria. Missing even one can result in no bonus.
Referrer Eligibility
- You must be a UK resident (based on registered address).
- Your Revolut account must be open and active (not restricted or blocked).
- You must have verified your identity (completed KYC).
- Some offers require that you've made at least one transaction with your Revolut card.
Referred Friend Eligibility
- Must be a new Revolut customer who has never held an account before.
- Must sign up using your unique referral link (not a code entered later).
- Must be a UK resident (as per Revolut's terms for UK promotions).
- Must order a physical Revolut card (some promotions may also require a first payment or top-up of at least £10).
- The friend must complete the qualifying actions within a specific timeframe (usually 30 days from sign-up).
⚠️ Important:
Revolut's terms can change. Always check the latest details in your app under "Refer a friend" before sharing links. Also, each referrer may have a maximum number of successful referrals per year (often 20–50).
Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Your Revolut Referral Bonus
Find Your Referral Link
Open the Revolut app, go to the "Refer a friend" section (usually in the "Rewards" or "Profile" tab). Tap on the referral banner and you'll see your unique referral link or code. Copy the link to share.
Share Your Link
Send the link to friends via WhatsApp, Messenger, email, or social media. Make sure they know they must use your link to sign up – not just download the app from the store.
Friend Downloads Revolut & Signs Up
When your friend clicks your link, they'll be directed to download Revolut. They need to complete the registration with their personal details, verify their identity, and accept the terms.
Friend Orders Physical Card
Most UK Revolut referral offers require the friend to order a physical debit card. There is usually a small delivery fee (around £4.99), but sometimes Revolut waives it during promotions. The friend must complete the card order within the app.
Friend Makes First Payment or Top-Up
After receiving the card, the friend must activate it and make a first transaction. This could be a contactless payment in a shop, an online purchase, or sometimes just a top-up of at least £10 into their Revolut account. Check the specific offer terms.
Bonus Tracks & Credits
Revolut will track the friend's progress. Once all steps are completed, you'll receive a notification that the bonus is pending. The actual credit usually appears within 14 days, but may take up to 30 days in some cases.
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid?
One of the most common questions is: "Where's my bonus?" Revolut's typical payout timeline is as follows:
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Friend completes actions | Immediate to 1 day |
| Bonus shows as "Pending" | Within 48 hours of completion |
| Bonus credited to your account | 7–30 days after pending status |
| Bonus becomes withdrawable | Immediately upon credit (no extra hold) |
If you haven't received your bonus after 30 days from the friend's qualifying actions, contact Revolut support via in-app chat. Have the friend's name and approximate sign-up date ready.
5 Proven Tips to Get Paid Faster
Ensure Friend Uses Your Link Correctly
CriticalMany referrals fail because the friend downloads Revolut directly from the app store instead of using your link. Emphasize that they must click your link before downloading.
Friend Should Order Card Immediately
Speed upThe physical card order is usually the trigger. Encourage your friend to order the card right after sign-up. Some promotions have a time limit (e.g., 30 days) so delaying risks missing the bonus.
Use the Card Quickly
Speed upOnce the card arrives, the friend needs to activate it and make a small payment. This can be as simple as buying a coffee. The faster they do this, the sooner the bonus tracks.
Avoid "Testing" with Small Top-Ups
WarningSome users try to game the system by topping up and then withdrawing immediately. Revolut may flag this as suspicious and delay or deny the bonus. Encourage genuine usage.
Monitor the Referral Status
ProactiveIn the Revolut app, you can see the status of each referral (pending, completed, etc.). If it's stuck on "pending" for more than two weeks after the friend has done everything, contact support.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny Bonuses
⚠️ Avoid These Pitfalls:
- Friend already had a Revolut account – even if they never used it, they are ineligible.
- Friend used a different referral link – only the last clicked link before sign-up counts.
- Friend didn't verify identity (KYC) – incomplete verification means no bonus.
- Friend ordered a virtual card only – physical card is almost always required.
- Referrer's account has restrictions – e.g., if your account is limited due to compliance issues, referrals may not pay out.
- Exceeding referral limits – Revolut caps the number of successful referrals per user (often 20–50 per year).
Revolut vs Other UK Bank Referrals (2026)
Revolut isn't the only game in town. Here's how its referral bonus compares to other popular UK banking apps:
| Platform | Typical Bonus | Requirements | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | £35 | Order physical card + first payment | 7–30 days |
| Monzo | £5 | Friend spends £1+ | Immediate |
| Starling | £10–£20 | Friend funds account with £20+ | 14 days |
| Chase UK | £20 | Friend uses card 3 times | 30 days |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | £30–£50 | Friend deposits £10,000+ (savings) | 30 days |
Revolut offers one of the highest bonuses among everyday spending accounts, making it a top choice for referral income. However, the physical card fee (around £5) may reduce the net gain for the friend, so consider sharing the bonus or covering that cost to encourage sign-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the UK referral program is specifically for UK residents. If your friend lives abroad, they may be eligible for a different local promotion, but your UK referral link won't work for them.
Check each friend's status in your app. Common reasons for missing bonuses: friend didn't order physical card, didn't make a first payment, or used a different link. Also, there may be a cap on the number of bonuses per period.
In the UK, referral bonuses are generally considered tax-free gifts if you're not running a business of referring. However, if you refer many people (e.g., dozens) and HMRC deems it a trading activity, it may become taxable. Keep records and consult a tax professional if unsure.
No, Revolut's terms prohibit self-referrals. They will detect duplicate identities (through KYC checks) and both accounts may be blocked and bonuses forfeited.
Ordering the card is just one step. The friend also needs to make a first payment (contactless or online) after receiving the card. Once they do, the bonus may take up to 30 days to credit. If it's been longer, contact support.
Yes, Revolut typically caps referrals at 20–50 per year, depending on your account tier. Check the "Refer a friend" section for your personal limit.
Maximise Your Revolut Referral Earnings in 2026
The Revolut referral bonus is one of the most lucrative and straightforward ways to earn extra cash in the UK. By understanding the exact eligibility rules, guiding your friends through the process, and avoiding common mistakes, you can consistently earn £35 per successful referral.
Remember to check the latest terms in the app, as promotions may change. Combine Revolut with other bank referrals (Monzo, Chase, etc.) to build a solid side income stream. For more ideas, explore our related guides below.
🎯 Ready to Start?
Open your Revolut app, grab your referral link, and share it with friends who haven't yet joined. With the tips above, you'll be on your way to faster payouts and higher earnings.