Referral Code Schemes
Browse the UK's leading referral code schemes all in one place. Whether you're looking for a refer a friend deal on banking, broadband, insurance, or retail, Refer a Friendly makes it easy to find and use referral codes from top UK brands. Every scheme listed below has been verified — so you can share and save with confidence.
What Are Referral Code Schemes?
Referral code schemes are reward programmes run by brands that give existing customers a unique referral code or referral link to share with friends and family. When someone new signs up using that code, both the referrer and the new customer typically receive a reward — this might be cashback, account credit, a discount, or a free product.
Refer a friend schemes have become one of the most popular ways for UK brands to grow their customer base, and for everyday people to save money on things they were already going to buy. From challenger banks to energy suppliers to subscription boxes, referral programmes now span almost every consumer category.
How Do Referral Code Schemes Work?
Most referral schemes follow the same straightforward process. An existing customer logs into their account and finds their unique referral code or referral link — usually in a dedicated "refer a friend" section of the app or website. They share that code with someone they know. The new customer signs up using the code, and once they meet the qualifying criteria (this varies by brand — it might be making a first purchase, depositing funds, or simply completing sign-up), both parties receive their reward.
The key thing to understand is that the referral code ties the new customer back to the person who referred them. Without the code, neither party gets the reward — which is exactly why having a reliable place to find and share referral codes is so useful.
Which Referral Code Schemes Are Available in the UK?
The UK has a thriving referral scheme market across a wide range of sectors. Some of the most popular categories include:
- Banking and fintech — challenger banks and investment apps frequently run generous refer a friend schemes, often paying cash rewards directly into your account.
- Broadband and utilities — energy and broadband providers often offer bill credits or gift cards for successful referrals.
- Insurance — car, home, and travel insurers increasingly use referral programmes as a way to reward loyal customers.
- Retail and subscriptions — from clothing to coffee to meal kits, subscription brands rely heavily on referral codes to drive new sign-ups.
- Travel and hospitality — hotel booking platforms and holiday clubs regularly offer referral rewards ranging from discount codes to free nights.
All of the referral code schemes listed above are available right now. Use the filters to browse by category and find the best refer a friend deal for you.
Why Use Refer a Friendly?
Finding a working referral code used to mean asking around in forums, scrolling through Reddit threads, or hoping a friend happened to use the right service. Refer a Friendly brings all active UK referral code schemes into one place, so you can find a verified referral code in seconds rather than minutes.
Every listing on the site shows you exactly what reward is on offer, who is eligible, and how to claim — no guesswork, no outdated codes. Whether you have a referral code to share or you're looking for one to use, this is the fastest way to make the most of refer a friend schemes across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are referral code schemes free to use?
Yes. Referral schemes are always free for both the referrer and the new customer. The brand pays for the reward as part of their customer acquisition budget — you never pay anything to take part.
Can I use someone else's referral code even if I don't know them?
In most cases, yes. The majority of referral code schemes simply require that you are a new customer — they don't check whether you personally know the person whose code you used. That's exactly what this site is for: connecting people who need a referral code with people who have one to share.
How do I know if a referral code is still active?
Refer a Friendly only lists active referral code schemes. Each listing is reviewed regularly, and schemes are removed when they expire or are discontinued by the brand. If you're ever unsure, the merchant's own website will have the most up-to-date terms.
What's the difference between a referral code and a discount code?
A discount code gives a reduction on a purchase and usually anyone can use it. A referral code is tied to a specific existing customer — using it benefits both the new customer and the person who shared it. Referral codes are part of a structured refer a friend programme, whereas discount codes are typically a broader promotional tool.