The two people behind a referral
A provider gives an existing customer a unique link or code to invite someone new. The person joining may get credit or a discount; the referrer may receive a separate reward. Sometimes only one side gets anything. That is why every offer on this site shows what you get and what I get separately.
A general promotional code can save you money without connecting you to a particular person. A referral link identifies the inviter and often attaches the invitation before you finish registration.
What happens after you click
The provider records the referral route, then checks the new customer’s eligibility. The reward might depend on activating a SIM, completing an energy switch, receiving a box or becoming a paying subscriber. The click alone rarely earns anything.
Open the provider’s terms first. Write down the joining requirement, reward type, expiry and any wait after purchase. A credit on an energy bill cannot be withdrawn like cash.
A real example of different rewards
The giffgaff programme describes £5 joining credit and £5 Payback for the referrer when a qualifying SIM is activated. Our public giffgaff listing does not yet contain a personal invitation, so using that general link will not necessarily trigger either referral reward. The ScottishPower listing has a personal link, but its credit depends on a qualifying switch.
Your quick check before joining
Ask four questions: Am I new to this provider? Does this exact link qualify? What will each person receive? When does the provider pay it? Keep a screenshot of the joining page and your confirmation. If an offer affects a bill, subscription or credit product, compare the full price before counting the reward.