15 Best Refer and Earn Apps to Make Money in 2025
Who doesn’t love earning rewards just by inviting friends to use apps you already enjoy? That’s the magic of “refer and earn” programs—simple, fun, and rewarding. In India, these programs are growing fast because digital payments are now part of everyday life.
In August 2025, UPI hit a record 20 billion transactions worth ₹24.85 lakh crore, showing how quickly people are adopting apps for payments and services. At the same time, studies show that customers who join through referrals are 37% more loyal than others.
With so many apps competing for your attention, referral programs have become a smart way to save money, get discounts, or earn cashback. In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 best refer and earn apps in 2025 and how you can make the most of them.
Benefits of Using Refer and Earn Apps
- Earn Rewards Without Spending Much: Most apps give you cashback, wallet balance, or discounts just for inviting someone to sign up and use the service. It’s an effortless way to make extra income without heavy investment.
- Mutual Benefits for Both Users: Unlike traditional offers where only one person gains, referral programs usually reward both the inviter and the invited friend, which makes it more appealing and fair.
- Everyday Savings Across Categories: Whether it’s food delivery, bill payments, shopping, or investment, referral rewards can often be used in multiple categories, reducing your overall monthly expenses.
- Encourages Trust Through Word of Mouth: When you recommend an app to friends or family, they are more likely to trust it since referrals come from real users instead of ads. This strengthens loyalty and builds confidence in the app.
- Regular and Long-Term Opportunities: Many apps keep referral programs active all year round, giving you chances to earn repeatedly as long as you keep sharing your link with new people.
Tips to Maximize Your Referral Rewards
- Refer Apps That Solve Real Needs: Focus on apps people will actually use, such as UPI payments, food delivery, or online shopping platforms. These have a higher chance of your referrals being accepted.
- Leverage Festival and Special Campaigns: During festive seasons or specialpromotions, apps often increase referral bonuses. Timing your invitations during these periods can multiply your earnings.
- Use Multiple Sharing Platforms: Don’t just stick to WhatsApp—share your referral codes on social media platforms like Instagram stories, Facebook groups, or Telegram communities to reach a wider audience.
- Explain Benefits Clearly to Friends: Instead of just sending a link, tell your friends what they will get—like free food credits, cashback on their first order, or discounts. Clear communication increases sign-ups.
- Stay Informed About Program Updates: Referral policies change often. By regularly checking app notifications or updates, you won’t miss out on limited-time offers or changes in eligibility that could affect your rewards.
List of Top 15 Best Refer and Earn Apps
1. Google Pay
Website: https://pay.google.com/
Google Pay is one of the most used payment apps in India and the referral system is also very rewarding. You can use Google Pay to send and receive money immediately, pay bills, recharge mobile phones, and make transactions online safely. The refer and earn program enables the user to receive exciting cash rewards when a friend joins the site and makes a first transaction. The referral program in Google Pay is alive all year round and sometimes it has special offers during which you can get even larger bonuses.
The app is UPI compatible and hence convenient to millions of users. You also get cashback deposited directly to your bank account when your friend makes his first eligible payment and you get a joining reward when you invite a friend. Such a win-win referral system has helped Google Pay to become one of the applications that users prefer to use when they need cashbacks.
Top Features:
- Instant UPI transactions.
- Cashback rewards for referrals.
- Secure and easy to use.
- Bill payments, recharges, and shopping.
- Works across most banks in India.
2. PhonePe
Website: https://www.phonepe.com/
Another popular payment application in India that gives attractive referrals is PhonePe. The app allows you to perform all tasks such as UPI transfers, mobile recharges, DTH payments and online shopping. The refer and earn program of PhonePe is a simple one, since when your friend downloads the application and fills in your referral link and makes their first UPI transfer, cash will be rewarded to both of you.
PhonePe enjoys the trust of millions of people because of its user-friendly interface and universal acceptance by online and offline stores. The referral system assists new users to be introduced and the current users rewarded. PhonePe also has seasonal campaigns with referral bonuses higher than normal and it is one of the applications you should maximize your income.
Top Features:
- Easy money transfers via UPI.
- Cashback for referring friends.
- Supports multiple payment options.
- Works with many online and offline merchants.
- Quick setup with bank accounts.
Also Read: Loan Apps for Students
3. Paytm
Website: https://paytm.com/
Paytm is an Indian based large digital wallet and payment platform, where one can earn through several methods in its referral program. The app extends beyond payments that it enables the user to reserve a ticket, recharge and even purchase financial products online. Through its refer and earn program, Paytm can provide cashback rewards where the user can earn after having their friends register on Paytm and complete their first transaction.
The strength of Paytm is its huge ecosystem. New users can be easily initiated and make their initial transaction because it has so many services, thus, triggering the referral reward of both. This renders the referral program at Paytm to be among the most efficient when it comes to the earning of users.
Top Features:
- Digital wallet and UPI services.
- Cashbacks on referrals.
- Book tickets, pay bills, and shop.
- Investment and financial services.
- Highly trusted payment platform.
4. Amazon Pay
Website: https://www.amazon.in/amazonpay
Amazon Pay, which is a part of the Amazon shopping application, provides users a hassle-free payment system when shopping both on the internet and offline. Its referral program gives you an opportunity to refer your friends to use Amazon Pay for the first time. After they have paid or transacted the first time, you and your friend can get rewards in the form of cashback or promotional credits.
The greatest strength of Amazon Pay is the fact that it is a part of the large Amazon ecosystem. As a good number of people already use Amazon to make purchases, it is easy to get them to use Amazon Pay. The referral rewards tend to be high in the periods of festivals and the cashback earned could be used in a broad category of services, including shopping, bill payments, etc.
Top Features:
- Works within the Amazon ecosystem.
- Cashbacks and credits on referrals.
- Pay bills, recharge, and shop.
- Accepted by many third-party merchants.
- Secure and fast transactions.
5. CRED
Website: https://cred.club/
CRED has already gained popularity among credit card users and the referral program makes it even more valuable. The application gives users a reward when paying their credit card bills using the app. Its refer and earn scheme enables you to refer a friend and invite them to join CRED and once they register and provide their first credit card payment they can get reward coins or cashback which can be redeemed to have exciting offers.
The distinction of CRED is its high reward system. It is not limited to cash, though; it opens exclusive promotions, offers and products to users. This makes referral programs very appealing, particularly to users who do not need only money as a result of referrals. This smart rewards ecosystem has helped CRED to build a strong user base.
Top Features:
- Pay credit card bills with rewards.
- Exclusive deals for referrals.
- Earn coins to redeem in the store.
- Secure and user-friendly app.
- Premium rewards system.
6. CashKaro
Website: https://cashkaro.com/
CashKaro is one of India’s leading cashback and coupon websites, and its refer and earn program is highly popular. With CashKaro, users can earn cashback by shopping through its partner stores, and the referral program adds extra benefits. When you invite friends to CashKaro, and they make their first purchase through the platform, you receive a percentage of their cashback as a bonus.
This model makes CashKaro unique because your earnings don’t stop at just one referral transaction. As long as your friend continues shopping through CashKaro, you keep earning a part of their cashback, ensuring long-term passive income. This makes it a great choice for those who want recurring referral benefits.
Top Features:
- Earn cashback on online shopping.
- Lifetime earnings from referrals.
- Wide range of partner stores.
- Simple and secure payouts.
- Works with popular e-commerce sites.
7. Groww
Website: https://groww.in/
Groww is an investment and stock trading application that also includes a lucrative referral programme. The app enables users to invest in stock, other financial products and mutual funds. Through its referral program, upon you inviting friends and they make their first investment, you and your friend are rewarded, usually with free stocks or cashback.
The benefit of the referral system of Groww is that it promotes financial literacy and investment to the new users. Groww encourages individuals to begin investing and rewarding referrals to encourage those who bring in new investors. It is a great alternative to individuals that wish to make money and at the same time develop healthy financial lifestyles.
Top Features:
- Invest in mutual funds and stocks.
- Rewards in form of cashback or free stocks.
- Easy-to-use investment platform.
- Safe and secure transactions.
- Long-term referral benefits.
8. Upstox
Website: https://upstox.com/
Another investment and stock trading site having an excellent referral program is Upstox. Upstox, which has been characterized by low brokerage rates and user-friendly platform, simplifies the trading process to all. The refer and earn program enables you to refer friends and when they open a demat account and begin trading, you get cash rewards or brokerage credits.
Upstox already enjoys the reputation of cheap trading solutions, and its referral program is an additional source of profits. As the growth of stock trading is booming in India, the likelihood of your referrals actively using the app is high, which will further make the program more rewarding.
Top Features:
- Low brokerage trading platform.
- Earn rewards when friends open accounts.
- Cash bonuses and credits.
- Simple demat account opening process.
- Trusted by millions of traders.
9. Meesho
Website: https://www.meesho.com/
Meesho is a reselling application that is highly growing in India, and the referral program is highly appealing. It enables people to launch an online business by reselling goods using WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram. You are given referral bonuses when you invite a friend to join Meesho, and they make their first sale.
It is meant to attract entrepreneurs who are homemakers and small business owners who desire to make money without necessarily investing in the business. Meesho has been able to grow its user base as well as assist millions of people to generate income using its referral rewards. It is an excellent alternative when one wants to mix business and referrals.
Top Features:
- Start reselling with zero investment.
- Earn referral rewards on a friend’s first sale.
- Large catalog of products.
- Easy sharing on social media.
- Trusted platform for entrepreneurs.
10. Myntra
Website: https://www.myntra.com/
Myntra is one of the largest online fashion and lifestyle stores in India, which also has a refer and earn program. Using this program, the users are able to refer their friends to download the app and make purchases. The referred user is rewarded both with discount coupons or cashback credits, which can be used on subsequent purchases, after the user makes the first purchase.
The referral program is effective since Myntra already has an enormous array of trendy products and it is not hard to persuade friends to shop. The received referral rewards make the shopping affordable, so the users would not stop returning. This is a combination of shopping and referral which makes Myntra program the best in the fashion category.
Top Features:
- Huge collection of fashion and lifestyle products.
- Referral rewards in coupons or cashback.
- Easy to share referral links.
- Frequent offers and discounts.
- Reliable online shopping experience.
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11. Freecharge
Website: https://www.freecharge.in/
Freecharge is a famous payment and recharge system that is not new. Its referral program offers a cashback to members who refer friends who register with it and complete their first transaction. Freecharge promotes many types of services such as recharges, bill payments, and UPI transfers and, consequently, it is easy to acquire new customers.
The referral rewards system will benefit both the referee and the referrer to get more individuals to use the app. Although with the old-established reputation and a broad spectrum of services, Freecharge is still a good alternative when considering making money on referrals and simultaneously managing everyday payments without difficulties.
Top Features:
- Recharges, bill payments, and UPI services.
- Simple referral program with cashback rewards.
- Secure and reliable transactions.
- Wide acceptance across merchants.
- Easy-to-use interface.
12. Swiggy
Website: https://www.swiggy.com/
Swiggy, one of India’s top food delivery apps, offers an exciting refer and earn program. Users can invite friends to download the app, and once they place their first order, both get rewarded with discounts or credits. These rewards can be used for future food orders, making it an attractive deal for foodies.
Swiggy’s wide restaurant network and quick delivery service make it a preferred choice for millions. Its referral program enhances customer loyalty while helping new users save on their first order. For those who frequently order food online, Swiggy’s refer and earn program is both rewarding and practical.
Top Features:
- Huge network of restaurants.
- Referral rewards as discounts or credits.
- Easy and quick delivery service.
- Simple invite and earn process.
- Attractive offers for new users.
13. Zomato
Website: https://www.zomato.com/
Zomato is another food delivery giant, and it has a referral program comparable to that of Swiggy. Users are able to invite friends and once they sign up and place their first order they both get credits or a discount. Special campaigns are also sometimes performed by Zomato with higher referral rewards which makes it even more advantageous.
Zomato referral scheme is user friendly and effective given the wide coverage that the business has and the convenience that the application provides to the users as well as the diversity of restaurants that the website offers. The rewards also render the process of dining cheaper and persuade users to remain loyal to the platform.
Top Features:
- Wide range of restaurants and cuisines.
- Referral rewards in discounts or credits.
- Occasional special referral campaigns.
- Quick and reliable food delivery.
- Easy-to-use referral system.
14. Mobikwik
Website: https://www.mobikwik.com/
Mobikwik is a popular digital wallet and payments app in India. Its refer and earn program allows users to invite friends, and both receive cashback when the referred user signs up and makes their first transaction. Mobikwik also offers additional services like credit, insurance, and investments, increasing the chances of users actively engaging with the app.
The platform’s referral rewards combined with its diverse offerings make it a solid choice for those looking to maximize their earnings while enjoying a wide range of financial services.
Top Features:
- Digital wallet and UPI transactions.
- Cashback rewards for referrals.
- Additional services like credit and insurance.
- Secure and reliable platform.
- Easy to use with multiple services.
15. Slice
Website: https://www.sliceit.com/
Slice is the latest fintech that gives its customers an easy-to-use fintech card to make payments and a very rewarding referral system. Invite Friend: You get turn in cashback or voucher rewards when you invite friends to Slice, and they create an account and redeem their Slice card. Slice targets the younger audience, and in particular, students and professionals, with flexible payment and offers.
The referral program is especially appealing since the Slice card is already known to have such advantages as zero annual fees and discounts. It is simple to invite friends to join Slice and the rewards make it all the more.
Top Features:
- Smart card with zero annual fees.
- Referral rewards in cashback or vouchers.
- Focus on youth and professionals.
- Attractive offers and discounts.
- Simple sign-up and usage process.
Comparison
| App | Category | Referral Reward | Top Features | Website |
| Google Pay | UPI Payments | Cashback | Instant UPI, cashback rewards, secure, bill payments, works across banks | Google Pay |
| PhonePe | UPI Payments | Cashback | UPI transfers, cashback, multi-payment options, merchants support | PhonePe |
| Paytm | Wallet & Payments | Cashback | Wallet, UPI, ticket booking, investments, wide acceptance | Paytm |
| Amazon Pay | Wallet & Payments | Cashback/Credits | Amazon ecosystem, cashback, bill pay, secure | Amazon Pay |
| CRED | Credit Card Payments | Coins/Cashback | Pay CC bills, exclusive deals, secure app, premium rewards | CRED |
| CashKaro | Cashback & Coupons | Lifetime Cashback | Cashback on shopping, lifetime referral earnings, secure payouts | CashKaro |
| Groww | Investments | Cashback/Free Stock | Invest in stocks, MF, secure, referral rewards | Groww |
| Upstox | Investments | Cash/Credits | Low brokerage, demat account, trusted trading platform | Upstox |
| Meesho | Reselling | Bonus on First Sale | Zero investment reselling, social sharing, referral income | Meesho |
| Myntra | Shopping | Coupons/Cashback | Fashion & lifestyle, referral coupons, easy sharing | Myntra |
| Freecharge | Payments | Cashback | Recharges, UPI, simple cashback referral, wide acceptance | Freecharge |
| Swiggy | Food Delivery | Discounts/Credits | Huge restaurant network, referral credits, quick delivery | Swiggy |
| Zomato | Food Delivery | Credits/Discounts | Wide restaurants, referral discounts, fast delivery | Zomato |
| Mobikwik | Wallet & Payments | Cashback | Wallet, UPI, credit & insurance services, secure platform | Mobikwik |
| Slice | Fintech Card | Cashback/Vouchers | Zero annual fees, youth-focused, referral cashback | Slice |
Conclusion
In conclusion, refer and earn apps are one of the easiest ways to make extra money or save on everyday expenses. Sharing your referral code with friends and relatives will reward you both, so you don’t need any particular talents. When used wisely, these programs offer long-term benefits because they cover a wide range of areas, including food, shopping, payments, and even investment. You can enjoy the services you currently use and create a consistent flow of rewards by monitoring offers and inviting individuals at the appropriate times.
FAQs
Do I need to spend money to use referral programs?
Not always. Some programs require the new user to complete a small transaction, like a recharge or order, but in many cases, both users can get benefits without heavy spending.
How do I share my referral link or code?
You can share your referral link via WhatsApp, SMS, email, or social media platforms. Most apps give a unique code or link in your profile section that can be copied and sent easily.
Are referral rewards given instantly?
It depends on the program. Some apps give instant cashback or credits, while others may release rewards only after the new user completes their first order, transaction, or activity.