Chase vs Discover Referral Bonus (2026)
A detailed comparison of Chase ($50–$100 per referral) and Discover ($50 per referral) in the Banking category.
Last updated:
Verdict: Chase Edges Ahead
Both Chase and Discover offer competitive referral programs. Chase edges ahead with a 4.5-star rating.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chase | Discover |
|---|---|---|
| Referrer Bonus | $50–$100 | $50 |
| Referee Bonus | $100–$300 | $150–$200 |
| Payout Type | Cash | Cash |
| Commission Type | One-Time | One-Time |
| Max Referrals | 10/year | unlimited |
| Max Earnings | $1,000/year | unlimited |
| Conversion Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| How to Refer | Log in to Chase.com or the Chase app, find the referral section under 'Refer a friend,' and share your unique referral link via email, text, or social media. | Log in to Discover.com, find the referral section, and share your link via email or social media. |
| Referee Requirements | Must open a new Chase checking or savings account and set up direct deposit or meet minimum balance requirements within 90 days. | Must open a new Discover account and complete qualifying activities within 45 days. |
| Last Verified |
Pros & Cons
Chase
Pros
- +Strong brand recognition makes Chase easy to recommend
- +Generous $50–$100 per referral with up to $1,000/year potential
- +Both checking and savings referrals available
- +Cash bonus deposited directly to your Chase account
Cons
- −Capped at 10 referrals per year
- −Referrals must complete qualifying activities within 90 days
- −Only available to existing Chase customers
Discover
Pros
- +Consistent $50 payout per referral
- +No monthly fees make Discover genuinely easy to recommend
- +Strong brand reputation and customer satisfaction
- +No cap on number of referrals
Cons
- −Per-referral payout lower than Chase or SoFi during promotions
- −Fewer branch locations than traditional banks (online-focused)
- −Friend must complete qualifying activities within 45 days
Detailed Program Breakdowns
Chase Referral Program
Earn $50 to $100 cash for each friend who opens a qualifying Chase checking or savings account using your referral link.
Max earnings: $1,000/year
Max referrals: 10/year
Discover Referral Program
Earn $50 for each friend who opens a qualifying Discover checking or savings account using your referral link.
Max earnings: unlimited
Max referrals: unlimited
Our Recommendation
Chase edges ahead with a 4.5/5 rating, making it our top pick in this comparison. It offers $50–$100 per referral with cash payouts.
That said, Discover is still a solid program worth considering. The best choice ultimately depends on your audience — promote the platform your referrals are most likely to sign up for, as conversions matter more than raw bonus amounts.
For best results, consider promoting both programs and recommending whichever fits each individual referral's situation. Many successful referrers maintain active links for multiple programs in the same category.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which referral program pays more, Chase or Discover?
- Chase offers $50–$100 per referral while Discover offers $50 per referral. Based on the maximum bonus value, Chase has the higher earning potential per referral.
- Is Chase or Discover easier to refer friends to?
- Chase has a medium difficulty level while Discover has a medium difficulty level. Both programs have similar conversion difficulty.
- How do Chase and Discover pay referral bonuses?
- Chase pays referral bonuses as cash with a one-time commission structure. Discover pays as cash with a one-time commission structure.
- Can I promote both Chase and Discover referral programs?
- Yes, you can promote both Chase and Discover referral programs simultaneously. Many successful referrers promote multiple programs in the same category and recommend different options to different audiences based on their needs and preferences.
- Which has a higher rating, Chase or Discover?
- Chase has a 4.5/5 rating while Discover has a 4.2/5 rating on RefPerks. Chase is rated higher overall. Ratings reflect the quality of the referral program from a referrer's perspective, including payout reliability, bonus amounts, and ease of conversion.
Related Comparisons
Explore more side-by-side comparisons in the Banking category.
Chase vs SoFi Referral Bonus Comparison
A detailed comparison of Chase ($50–$100 per referral) and SoFi ($50–$75 per referral) in the Banking category.
Cash App vs Chase Referral Bonus Comparison
A detailed comparison of Cash App ($5–$15 per referral) and Chase ($50–$100 per referral) in the Banking category.
Chase vs Chime Referral Bonus Comparison
A detailed comparison of Chase ($50–$100 per referral) and Chime ($100 per referral) in the Banking category.
Cash App vs SoFi Referral Bonus Comparison
A detailed comparison of Cash App ($5–$15 per referral) and SoFi ($50–$75 per referral) in the Banking category.
Chime vs SoFi Referral Bonus Comparison
A detailed comparison of Chime ($100 per referral) and SoFi ($50–$75 per referral) in the Banking category.
Discover vs SoFi Referral Bonus Comparison
A detailed comparison of Discover ($50 per referral) and SoFi ($50–$75 per referral) in the Banking category.
Explore Each Program
Get the complete breakdown of each referral program, including detailed tips, step-by-step referral instructions, and earning strategies.
Referral program terms may change. Verify current offers on the official website.