10 Popular Names for Referral Programs (With Examples)

Naming your referral program isn’t just a branding exercise—it’s a conversion tool. The right name tells customers exactly what to expect, feels aligned with your brand, and most importantly: gets shared.

Below are 10 popular names for referral programs used by real companies—plus when to use them depending on your industry or audience.

1. Refer a Friend

✅ Clear. Timeless. Universally recognized.

Used by: Capital One
Capital One Refer a Friend

How it works:
You refer someone; they sign up; you get a reward. No fuss.

When to use it:
Perfect for online stores, services, subscriptions, or any business where trust and simplicity matter. If your customers aren’t naturally referral-savvy or if you just want to keep things ultra-simple, this is a safe and familiar bet.

How to set it up:
If you’re using WooCommerce, the popular Refer a Friend plugin is a great place to start. Shopify users can explore one of the many well-rated referral apps available in the app store.

2. Give $X, Get $Y

✅ The classic win-win.

Used by: Olay
Olay Referral Program

How it works:
Your friend gets $10 off their first purchase, and you get $10 to use on your next order.

When to use it:
Ideal for ecommerce stores and product-based businesses, especially in beauty, fashion, or wellness. Use this if you want to highlight the tangible value both parties receive.

3. Share and Save

✅ Catchy and benefit-driven.

Used by: Fidelity
Fidelity Share and Save

How it works:
Refer a friend, they save on their first purchase, and you get a store credit.

When to use it:
Great for selling services where savings and practicality appeal. The rhyme makes it memorable, and the message is all about mutual benefit.

4. Invite Friends

✅ Tech-friendly, simple CTA.

Used by: PayPal
PayPal Invite Friends

How it works:
Send an invite; when your friend signs up and transacts, you both get rewarded.

When to use it:
Works well for apps, SaaS, membership platforms, or any digital-first business. If your users are used to sharing links or sending invites, this CTA fits right in.

5. Share the Love

✅ Feel-good and on-brand.

Used by: Sandals Resorts
Sandals Share the Love

How it works:
Refer a friend and earn loyalty points; they get a welcome bonus toward their first trip.

When to use it:
Best for experience-based brands—think travel, events, coaching, or even eco-luxe products. If your brand sells a lifestyle or emotion, this warm, people-first name hits home.

6. Spread the Word

✅ Turns happy customers into brand ambassadors.

Used by: Splend
Splend Referral Program

How it works:
Friends sign up, both of you get large credits or perks.

When to use it:
Use this when you’re targeting community-driven audiences (like creators, coaches, or gig workers). It’s also great if you want your customers to feel like advocates, not just referrers.

7. Tell a Friend

✅ Old-school charm, still works.

Used by: Florence Bank
Florence Bank Tell a Friend

How it works:
Refer someone to your service, and you both get a bonus—usually a flat amount.

When to use it:
This one’s great for local businesses, banks, insurance, or legal services. It works well if your customers are older or more traditional.

8. Refer & Earn

✅ Money talks—and so should your referral name.

Used by: Pilot Fiber
Pilot Fiber Refer & Earn

How it works:
When a referred business takes a call and/or signs up, you earn credits or bonuses.

When to use it:
Perfect for B2B, SaaS, agencies, or service providers where direct cash or credit-based rewards are the main hook. This name is transactional in the best way—it makes the incentive the hero.

9. Friends With Benefits

✅ Cheeky, fun, and memorable.

Used by: Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective Friends With Benefits

How it works:
Refer a friend and both get a discount on their next purchase.

When to use it:
A fun fit for fashion, lifestyle brands, or Gen Z / millennial-focused businesses. If your tone is playful and bold, this adds flavor and shareability.

10. Bring a Friend

✅ Welcoming and community-minded.

Used by: Visible
Visible Bring a Friend

How it works:
Invite a friend to join, and you both get a monthly discount.

When to use it:
Great for subscription models, fitness, events, or group-based products. If your product/service is more fun or useful when shared, this name makes it sound like an invitation, not a pitch.

Ask yourself…

No matter your niche, there’s a referral name style that fits your brand and your buyers. The best names are clear, benefit-driven, and aligned with your tone of voice.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not sure which name fits, ask yourself: Would my customer say this out loud to a friend?

Happy selling!