Best Referral Programs in Australia for Earning Cash, Discounts, and Rewards in 2025

Discover Australia's most rewarding 2025 referral programs across fintech, BNPL, and food delivery. Earn real cash and discounts easily.

Earning extra income in 2025 doesn’t always require side gigs or new jobs. Many Australians are now cashing in on referral programs offered by top brands in fintech, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) platforms, and food delivery services. Referral links shared on social media or through trusted circles are helping people unlock free money, discounts, and exclusive rewards.

The increasing use of Afterpay, Zip, and other digital financial tools is not only reshaping payment habits but also opening doors for users to benefit from generous referral bonuses. These services are keen to attract new users and reward those who help spread the word. Similarly, food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Menulog have recognized the value of peer-to-peer recommendations and are investing heavily in their referral programs.

From sharing links on popular Facebook groups to posting in Aussie deal forums and lifestyle blogs, people are tapping into multiple ways to increase their passive earnings. Whether you're a student, working parent, or retiree, referral programs in Australia offer an easy and legal way to make your digital footprint pay off. Let’s look at which companies are leading this trend in 2025 and how you can get involved.

Afterpay - Earn \$30 Per Friend Who Signs Up and Spends

Afterpay is one of the biggest names in Australia’s BNPL market. It allows users to shop now and pay later in four installments, with no interest. Its referral program remains a strong way for Aussies to earn small cash incentives.

How it works: You receive \$30 in credit when someone signs up through your unique link and makes a qualifying purchase. Your friend also gets a welcome reward.

Best way to promote: Share your referral on shopping forums like OzBargain, or in Facebook groups such as “Australia Coupon & Deals.” Direct messages to close friends and posting on personal blogs can also help.

Apply or learn more at the Afterpay official website.

Zip Pay - Double Referral Bonuses During Campaign Periods

Zip offers users a smart way to manage finances through digital wallets and BNPL services. Their referral campaigns often feature limited-time bonus offers.

Referral structure: Earn up to \$20 per referral when someone signs up and links a payment method. Bonuses sometimes double during campaigns.

Where to share: Target finance-related forums like Whirlpool or AussieMoneyMan blog comment sections. Zip also encourages social media promotion, particularly on Instagram and TikTok.

Find details at Zip Pay's website.

DoorDash - Get Up to \$1,000 for Referring Delivery Drivers

DoorDash’s program stands out because it offers both user and driver referral options. Those who bring in new drivers can earn significantly more than basic app users.

How it benefits you: Users can refer delivery drivers and get up to \$1,000 depending on the region and number of deliveries completed by the new Dasher.

Best method of sharing: Create how-to posts on Australian gig economy forums or Reddit subthreads like r/ausfinance. Focus on communities where job seekers hang out.

Visit DoorDash Australia to get your referral code.

Uber Eats - Earn Credits for Referring Eaters and Drivers

Uber Eats has long been a staple for food delivery across Australian cities. Their dual referral system allows you to invite new users and potential delivery drivers.

Credit structure: Referring a new eater gives you up to \$10 in app credit. Driver referrals can result in \$200 or more after certain criteria are met.

Tips for success: Use lifestyle blogs and YouTube vlogs to promote your link. Encourage testimonials or screen recordings to show your audience how easy it is to join.

More details are available at Uber Eats official site.

Menulog - Easy \$10 Discount for Referring Friends

Menulog offers a simple and user-friendly referral experience. When someone signs up and makes a first order, both parties get a \$10 discount.

What’s unique: The referral bonus can be used immediately without minimum spend restrictions in some cases.

How to share effectively: Create “best takeaway in Australia” blog posts and insert your code naturally. TikTok food reviewers often feature these codes in video captions for wider visibility.

Sign up or refer friends via Menulog Australia.

Raiz - Micro-Investing Made Rewarding

Raiz is a micro-investment platform that rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change. With its referral program, users can earn cash rewards while encouraging friends to start their financial journey.

Referral benefit: Earn \$5–\$15 per friend depending on the current campaign. New users must deposit a small initial amount for the bonus to apply.

Promotion tip: Great for money-saving blogs and social media influencers focused on budgeting. You can also share tips on using Raiz in Facebook groups centered around financial independence.

Learn more at Raiz Invest.

Up Bank - A Fresh Way to Earn with Digital Banking

Up is a digital bank that’s become popular for its smart savings tools and sleek app interface. It offers a unique referral setup involving stylish merchandise and cash bonuses.

What you get: Depending on current promos, new sign-ups can unlock rewards such as bonus interest or cashback, and you can get Up merch like socks or tees.

Effective outreach: Use meme-based marketing on Reddit or Instagram to capture attention. Partnering with other bloggers or digital creators can also help boost reach.

Visit Up Bank for the referral information.

Airtasker - Referral Rewards for Freelancers and Task Posters

Airtasker connects people who need tasks done with those who can do them. Their referral program encourages both task posters and service providers to join the platform.

How it pays: You get up to \$25 in credits when someone you refer completes their first task.

Promotion strategy: Post in job boards or freelancing Facebook groups. Consider creating a series of reels explaining the types of tasks people commonly do and how much they can earn.

Check the referral details at Airtasker’s official site.

Cashrewards - Earn When Friends Shop Online

Cashrewards is a popular cashback platform that lets Australians earn money back on online purchases from big brands. Their referral system allows members to boost their passive income.

Referral earnings: You and your friend both get \$10–\$20 once the referred member makes a qualifying purchase.

Where to promote: Share in online shopping communities and on lifestyle blogs that discuss money-saving tips. Reddit communities focused on frugal living can also be fruitful.

See full details at Cashrewards Australia.

ShopBack - Double Bonuses During Promo Seasons

Similar to Cashrewards, ShopBack offers a smooth cashback experience with a high-converting referral structure, especially during seasonal campaigns.

Bonus amount: Standard is around \$10 per friend. Double bonuses are available during sales like Boxing Day or EOFY.

How to share successfully: Bundle ShopBack referrals with seasonal deal blog posts. Instagram stories and reels also work well during shopping seasons.

Find more info at ShopBack Australia.

How to Make the Most of Referral Programs in Australia

Referral programs can be profitable if approached with the right strategy. Choose services that align with your lifestyle and content theme. If you use Afterpay often, it makes sense to share your experience with friends. For foodies, recommending Menulog or Uber Eats comes naturally.

Focus on building trust with your audience. Instead of just dropping referral links, explain how the service works and how you personally benefit from it. Offer tips or walk-throughs to help new users navigate the sign-up process easily.

Timing is also important. Leverage shopping seasons, job-search periods, and back-to-school times to promote relevant services. You’re more likely to succeed when people are already searching for deals or opportunities.

Connecting with Local Communities to Grow Your Referrals

Australia has a strong network of online communities that thrive on sharing deals and recommendations. Popular forums such as OzBargain, Reddit’s r/AusDeals, and niche Facebook groups are perfect platforms for referral marketing.

By contributing valuable content or reviews, you can build credibility and increase clicks on your referral links. Don’t spam—focus on genuine interactions and helpful insights. Starting conversations can lead to more conversions than link-dropping alone.

Influencers are also making headway by integrating referral codes into their regular content. If you have a small following or a niche blog, consider consistent engagement over time instead of pushing one-time links.

The Referral Economy in Australia Is Here to Stay

More Australians are recognizing the potential of referral-based income, especially in times when budgeting is crucial. Whether you're using Zip to split purchases or recommending Airtasker to friends, there's real financial value in spreading the word about platforms you already use.

The key to success lies in authenticity and timing. Share what genuinely works for you, offer practical advice, and make it easy for others to follow your lead. With a little effort, you can turn everyday services into steady streams of rewards.

There’s also room for creativity. Some people are creating referral-only social pages, others are offering small giveaways in exchange for using their code. The options are expanding as more brands join the referral trend.

Conclusion

Referral programs in Australia offer more than just small perks—they provide real opportunities for consistent rewards. Whether you're recommending Afterpay, inviting someone to drive for DoorDash, or sharing a cashback code for Cashrewards, each interaction has the potential to earn you money or discounts. By staying genuine, strategic, and engaged in your community, you can make 2025 your most rewarding year yet—literally.

FAQs about Best Referral Programs in Australia for Earning Cash, Discounts, and Rewards in 2025

1. How Do Referral Programs in Australia Work and Are They Legitimate?

Referral programs in Australia operate by encouraging existing users to introduce new customers to a product or service. Typically, a company provides a unique referral link or code to each user. When a new customer signs up or makes a purchase using that referral, both parties often receive rewards such as cash bonuses, discounts, or store credit.

These programs are completely legitimate and widely used by companies as a cost-effective way to acquire new users. Australian regulators like the ACCC ensure these marketing practices comply with advertising standards and consumer protection laws, preventing misleading claims or hidden conditions. Participants benefit by sharing services they already enjoy and earning rewards without extra costs. It’s essential, however, to read the terms and conditions of each program carefully, as requirements for qualifying purchases or actions may vary. Legitimate platforms will clearly outline what users need to do to claim referral benefits.

2. What Are the Best Strategies to Maximize Earnings from Referral Programs in Australia?

Maximizing income from referral programs requires a mix of strategic promotion and understanding your audience. First, focus on platforms you genuinely use or trust, which allows you to share authentic experiences. Authenticity helps build trust and encourages your network to sign up using your referral code.

Second, target relevant Australian communities where your referral links have the highest chance of conversion. For example, finance-related referrals like Afterpay and Zip do well on budgeting blogs, personal finance forums like Whirlpool, or Aussie deal groups on Facebook. Food delivery referrals perform better in lifestyle or foodie communities.

Third, timing is crucial. Promote referral links during seasonal sales, holidays, or special campaigns when interest in the service spikes. Using multimedia content such as videos or detailed blog posts explaining how to use the service and the benefits of signing up can increase conversion rates. Lastly, avoid overposting or spamming links, as this can harm your credibility and result in platform penalties.

3. Can Referral Programs Affect My Tax Obligations in Australia?

Yes, earnings from referral programs can have tax implications. In Australia, money earned from referral bonuses is generally considered assessable income by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Whether you receive cash, credits redeemable for goods, or other benefits, it’s important to keep accurate records of all rewards earned.

If referral earnings exceed a certain threshold, you may need to declare them on your tax return. This is especially true if you participate in multiple referral programs or run an informal referral business. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or accountant who can provide guidance tailored to your individual circumstances. Maintaining transparency and proper documentation helps avoid issues during tax audits and ensures compliance with Australian tax laws.

4. Are There Any Risks or Downsides to Participating in Referral Programs?

While referral programs offer many benefits, some potential downsides exist. The most common risk is the possibility of spam-like behavior leading to damaged personal or professional reputations if referral codes are shared excessively or without context. Many communities and platforms have strict policies against unsolicited promotional content, which could lead to bans or account suspensions.

Another risk involves privacy concerns. Sharing referral links often requires you to disclose personal or contact information, and new users might be wary of privacy. Make sure you only share links on trusted platforms and inform recipients about how their data will be handled.

Lastly, some referral programs have complicated terms or strict conditions, like minimum purchase amounts or limited-time offers, which can make earning rewards harder than expected. Always read the fine print to avoid disappointment.

5. How Can Small Businesses or Influencers Use Referral Programs to Grow Their Brand in Australia?

Small businesses and influencers in Australia can leverage referral programs not just for personal gain but as powerful marketing tools to expand their brand presence. By partnering with popular referral platforms relevant to their niche—such as fintech apps for finance bloggers or food delivery services for lifestyle influencers—they can create mutually beneficial relationships.

Offering referral incentives to customers can boost loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth promotion. Influencers can integrate referral codes into their content naturally, using stories, tutorials, and reviews to demonstrate product value. Hosting giveaways or challenges with referral participation can also increase audience engagement and follower growth.

Additionally, tracking referral conversions provides valuable data on audience preferences, allowing businesses to tailor offerings and marketing strategies. Collaboration with referral programs also signals credibility to followers, strengthening brand trust. For those interested in official partnerships, visiting company sites like Afterpay or Zip is a good starting point.