Lyft Referral Program — Earn $5–$10 ride credit
Earn $5–$10 in Lyft ride credits when a friend signs up and takes their first ride using your referral code.
One-Time
unlimited
unlimited
What Your Friend Gets
Your friend receives ride credits applied to their first Lyft ride.
Requirement: Must be a new Lyft user and complete their first ride.
How to Refer
- 1Open the Lyft app, tap your profile icon, select 'Invite friends,' and share your referral code.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to convert — everyone needs rides
- Unlimited referrals
- Competitive with Uber in most markets
- High-paying driver referral program
Cons
- Per-referral credits are modest ($5–$10)
- Credits, not cash
- Smaller market presence than Uber internationally
Lyft Referral Program: Earn Free Rides and More
Lyft's referral program rewards you with ride credits for bringing new riders to the platform. As Uber's main competitor in the US, Lyft offers a solid alternative with competitive referral bonuses.
How Lyft Referrals Work
Share your Lyft referral code with friends. When they sign up and complete their first ride, you both earn ride credits. Bonus amounts vary by market, typically $5 to $10 per referral.
Lyft vs. Uber for Referrals
Both platforms offer similar rider referral structures. Lyft sometimes offers higher bonuses in specific markets where they're competing more aggressively with Uber. It's worth maintaining referral links for both services.
Driver Referral Opportunity
Like Uber, Lyft's driver referral program is far more lucrative than rider referrals. New driver bonuses of $200–$500+ are common, with the specific amount depending on your market's demand for drivers.
Tips for Lyft Referrals
- Maintain referral codes for both Lyft and Uber
- Share with people in markets where Lyft has competitive pricing
- Target during events where people need rides (concerts, sports, holidays)
- For driver referrals, target people seeking flexible gig income
Lyft periodically runs promotions with boosted referral credits in specific cities, so it pays to check the app regularly for limited-time offers that can increase your per-referral earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does Lyft's referral program compare to Uber's?
- Both offer similar rider referral credits ($5–$15). Lyft sometimes offers higher bonuses in specific markets. Both have lucrative driver referral programs worth $200–$500+.
- Can I earn Lyft driver referral bonuses?
- Yes, Lyft pays $200–$500+ for each new driver referral who completes the required number of rides. The amount varies by your city and driver demand.
- Do Lyft referral credits work for all ride types?
- Yes, Lyft referral credits can typically be applied to any ride type including standard, shared, and XL rides.
Related Referral Programs
Uber (Rides)
$5–$15 ride creditEarn $5–$15 in ride credits for each friend who takes their first Uber ride. Unlimited rider referrals plus lucrative driver referral bonuses.
Uber Eats
$10–$20 creditEarn $10–$20 in Uber Eats credits for each friend who signs up and orders food. Part of the larger Uber referral ecosystem.
Featured In
This referral program appears in the following curated lists.
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Compare Lyft
See how Lyft's referral program stacks up against the competition.
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