The Wise (formerly TransferWise) referral program is one of the most lucrative and straightforward ways to earn extra cash while helping friends save on international transfers. In 2026, Wise continues to offer competitive referral bonuses, but the exact amount, eligibility rules, and payout mechanics have evolved. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know: how much you can earn per friend, step-by-step instructions to ensure bonuses credit, common pitfalls, and proven strategies to maximize your referral income.
Whether you're an expat sending money home, a digital nomad, or just looking for a passive income stream, understanding the Wise referral program can add a significant side income with minimal effort.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. How Much Do You Earn Per Friend in 2026?
- 2. How the Wise Referral Program Works
- 3. Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Refer & Be Referred
- 4. Step-by-Step Guide to Sending a Referral
- 5. How to Track Your Referrals and Bonuses
- 6. Best Places to Share Your Referral Link (Without Getting Banned)
- 7. Common Mistakes That Cause Bonuses to Not Pay
- 8. Tax Implications of Referral Earnings
- 9. Wise vs PayPal vs Revolut: Referral Programs Compared
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do You Earn Per Friend in 2026?
As of 2026, the Wise referral program offers a two-sided incentive: both the referrer and the referred friend receive a bonus after the friend completes their first qualifying transfer. The exact amounts vary by region and currency, but the standard structure is:
💰 Typical Bonus Amounts (2026):
- Referrer: £50 / €50 / $50 / A$75 / S$70 (varies by country)
- Referred friend: Same amount as referrer, credited after first transfer
- Minimum transfer required: Usually £200 / €200 / $200 or equivalent
- Bonus currency: Matches the currency of the first transfer
For example, if you refer a friend in the UK who makes a transfer of at least £200, both of you get £50. If you're in the US, it's typically $50 each. The bonus is credited to the Wise account and can be withdrawn, used for transfers, or converted.
⚠️ Important:
Bonus amounts can change and may differ by promotion. Always check the latest terms in the Wise app or website before sharing your link. Some regions may have lower bonuses due to local regulations.
How the Wise Referral Program Works
The mechanics are simple:
- Get your unique referral link from the Wise app or website (under "Invite friends, get rewards").
- Share the link with friends, family, or your audience.
- Your friend signs up using your link and creates a Wise account.
- Your friend makes a qualifying transfer (minimum amount, usually £200/$200/€200) within a certain timeframe (often 60 days).
- Both receive the bonus once the transfer is completed.
There is no limit to how many friends you can refer, so your earning potential is uncapped. However, Wise may have fraud detection and will ban accounts that try to game the system.
Wise Referral Flow
1. Share Link
2. Friend Signs Up
3. Friend Transfers £200+
4. Both Get Bonus
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Refer & Be Referred
Not everyone qualifies for the Wise referral bonus. Here are the key eligibility criteria for 2026:
Referrer Eligibility
Must Have- Must have a verified Wise account in good standing.
- Must have completed at least one personal transfer (i.e., you've used Wise to send money before).
- Your account must not be flagged for suspicious activity.
- You cannot refer yourself or use fake accounts.
Referred Friend Eligibility
Must Have- Must be a new Wise customer (never had an account before).
- Must sign up using your unique referral link.
- Must verify their identity (upload ID, etc.) as per Wise's KYC requirements.
- Must complete a qualifying transfer of at least the minimum amount (e.g., £200) within 60 days of signup.
- The transfer must be in a supported currency pair and not a "friend transfer" to themselves.
Geographic restrictions: Wise operates in many countries, but referral bonuses may not be available in all regions. For example, users in some countries might only receive a fee discount instead of a cash bonus. Check the referral page in your app to confirm.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sending a Referral
Here’s exactly how to generate and share your Wise referral link in 2026:
Open the Wise App or Website
Log in to your Wise account. On the app, tap the menu (three lines) and look for "Invite friends" or "Refer a friend". On the web, go to your account dashboard and find the referral section.
Copy Your Unique Referral Link
You'll see a personalized link like wise.com/invite/ih8d3. Tap to copy it. This link tracks referrals back to you.
Share the Link
Send it via WhatsApp, email, social media, or embed it in your blog. Wise also provides pre-written messages you can use.
Follow Up (Optional)
If your friend signs up but hasn't completed a transfer, you can gently remind them about the bonus requirement. Wise also sends reminders, but a personal nudge helps.
Track Progress
In the referral section, you can see how many friends have signed up and whether they've completed the qualifying transfer. Bonuses usually appear within a few days after the transfer settles.
How to Track Your Referrals and Bonuses
Wise provides a simple dashboard in the app and web to monitor your referrals. You'll see:
- Pending: Friends who signed up but haven't yet transferred.
- Completed: Friends who triggered the bonus.
- Bonus history: A log of all bonuses credited.
If a bonus doesn't appear after a qualifying transfer, wait 3–5 business days. If still missing, contact Wise support with the friend's details (they may need to check if all conditions were met).
Best Places to Share Your Referral Link (Without Getting Banned)
While sharing with friends and family is straightforward, many people want to scale their referral income by sharing online. Here are effective and safe strategies:
Personal Social Media
Share on your personal Facebook, Instagram (using the link in bio or stories), and Twitter. Be transparent that it's a referral link and explain the benefit to both parties.
Money-Saving Forums & Communities
Sites like Reddit (r/beermoney, r/ReferralLinks), HotUKDeals, or MyFry have dedicated threads for referral sharing. Follow each community's rules—many have weekly megathreads.
Blog or Website
If you have a blog about personal finance, travel, or expat life, write a post about Wise and naturally include your referral link. Make sure to add a disclaimer.
YouTube Videos
Creators often include referral links in video descriptions when reviewing money transfer services. Always disclose the link as a referral.
🚫 What to Avoid:
- Posting your link in unrelated, spammy places.
- Using bots or automated scripts to generate signups.
- Referring yourself or using fake accounts (Wise will ban you and forfeit bonuses).
- Posting on platforms that prohibit referral links (e.g., some subreddits).
Common Mistakes That Cause Bonuses to Not Pay
Even if a friend signs up, bonuses can fail to credit. Here are the most common reasons:
| Mistake | Why Bonus Fails |
|---|---|
| Friend uses a different email or device without the referral link | Referral is not tracked; they must use the exact link to sign up |
| Friend already had a Wise account | Program is only for new customers |
| Transfer amount below minimum | Must meet the threshold (e.g., £200) |
| Transfer not completed within 60 days | Referral expires |
| Friend transfers to themselves (own account) | Not a qualifying transfer; must be to a third party |
| Friend uses a currency pair not eligible | Check Wise terms; most major pairs are fine |
| Account verification incomplete | Friend must complete identity verification |
Tax Implications of Referral Earnings
Referral bonuses are considered income by tax authorities in many countries. Here's what you need to know:
- USA: If you earn more than $600 in a year from referrals, Wise may issue a 1099 form. You should report all referral income as "other income" on your tax return.
- UK: Referral bonuses are taxable if they are part of a trading activity (e.g., you regularly earn from referrals). Occasional referrals from friends may be considered gifts, but HMRC's guidance is complex. Consult a tax professional.
- EU: Similar rules apply; generally, you must declare any income. Check your local tax authority.
- Australia: The ATO considers referral bonuses as assessable income.
📝 Record Keeping
Keep a log of your referral earnings, including dates and amounts. This helps during tax filing and ensures you don't miss any reporting requirements.
Wise vs PayPal vs Revolut: Referral Programs Compared
How does Wise stack up against other popular money transfer referral programs?
| Platform | Typical Bonus (per friend) | Requirements | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | £50/$50/€50 | Friend sends £200+ | Within days |
| PayPal | £5–£10 (varies by promotion) | Friend sends money or spends | Usually immediate |
| Revolut | £30–£50 (depends on plan) | Friend orders a card and spends | After friend meets conditions |
| CurrencyFair | €25–€50 | Friend transfers €1,000+ | After transfer |
| OFX | $75 | Friend transfers $5,000+ | After transfer |
Wise offers one of the highest and most achievable bonuses, especially for everyday users. The minimum transfer (£200) is relatively low compared to OFX or CurrencyFair, making it accessible to more people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both the referrer and the referred friend receive the same bonus amount after the friend completes their first qualifying transfer.
Bonuses usually appear within 3–5 business days after the friend's transfer is completed and settled. If it takes longer, check the referral status in your dashboard.
No, this is strictly prohibited. Wise has fraud detection and will ban all involved accounts, and you will lose any bonuses. Only refer real friends.
There is no official cap, but Wise may review accounts with unusually high referral activity to prevent abuse. As long as your referrals are genuine, you can refer many friends.
If the transfer is cancelled or refunded before the bonus is paid, the bonus may not be credited. If the bonus was already paid, Wise might reverse it. Ensure your friend's transfer is legitimate and completed.
Yes, the bonus is added to your Wise balance, which you can withdraw to your bank account, spend with the Wise card, or use for future transfers.
Maximize Your Wise Referral Earnings in 2026
The Wise referral program is a legitimate, easy way to earn extra money while introducing friends to a service that saves them money on international transfers. With bonuses of up to $50 per friend, a few successful referrals can add up to hundreds of dollars in passive income each year.
Remember to always follow Wise's terms, share your link ethically, and keep track of your earnings for tax purposes. Combine this with other referral programs (like bank bonuses or cashback apps) to build a diversified side income stream.
💡 Ready to Start?
Log into your Wise account today, grab your referral link, and start sharing. For more money-making ideas, check our guides on best referral programs and passive income strategies.