At O1ne Mortgage, we prioritize your financial education and well-being. In this article, we delve into the world of credit card referral bonuses, explaining how they work, how you can earn them, and the potential tax implications. If you have any mortgage service needs, don’t hesitate to call us at 213-732-3074. Let’s get started!

How Do Credit Card Referral Bonuses Work?

Credit card referral bonuses are rewards you can earn by recommending your credit card to someone else. These bonuses can be quite lucrative, and the person you refer may also qualify for an introductory bonus. To track and receive a referral bonus, you typically need to share a unique application link tied to your credit card account. If the person uses the link to apply, qualifies for the card, and meets the requirements, you’ll receive the bonus.

How to Earn a Credit Card Referral Bonus

Earning a referral bonus isn’t difficult, but it’s essential to read the fine print. Here’s a simple three-step process to help you earn a referral bonus:

1. Check Your Referral Offers

Log in to your account or share a few details about yourself and your card to review your card’s referral offer. If you can’t find a referral link, the card issuer might not offer referral bonuses for your specific card at the moment.

2. Review the Terms and Conditions

Ensure you’re eligible to receive the referral bonus and that the person you refer meets the eligibility and program requirements. Look for details such as:

• Maximum rewards: There may be a cap on the amount of bonus rewards you can earn from referrals.
• Who you can refer: Generally, you can refer friends and family, but it might be against the rules to post your link in general forums or refer people you don’t know.
• Eligibility requirements: You might need to keep your account in good standing to qualify for referral bonuses. The person you refer generally can’t already have the card.

3. Send Your Referral Link

Copy the link from your card issuer’s website and send it via email or text. Many card issuers also allow you to send referral emails directly from their platform. However, if the recipient has opted out of emails or credit card offers, they might not receive your referral email and link.

Are Credit Card Referral Bonuses Taxable Income?

The rewards you earn from referral bonuses could be considered taxable income, and you may need to report them on your next tax return. In contrast, rewards earned from making purchases with your card aren’t considered taxable income because they are more like a rebate or discount.

Card issuers may be required to send you a tax form 1099-MISC if you receive over $600 in value from referral bonuses in a year. They can also choose to send you the form even if you earned less. If you receive bonus miles or points, the card issuer may determine their value, which you might not know until you receive Form 1099-MISC.

Check Your Credit and Other Intro Offers

Your credit score can impact whether you qualify for a new credit card. Get your FICO® Score for free from Experian before applying to understand your credit standing and what you can do to improve it.

Referral links sometimes have different intro bonuses than other offers. When referring someone to a card, suggest they check the intro offers from several sources, such as your referral link, the card issuer directly, and Experian CardMatch™. If your referral offer is the best, there’s no harm in asking them to use your link to apply.

Contact O1ne Mortgage for Your Mortgage Service Needs

At O1ne Mortgage, we are committed to helping you achieve your financial goals. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home, refinance your existing mortgage, or need advice on managing your finances, our team of experts is here to assist you. Call us today at 213-732-3074 for personalized mortgage services that cater to your unique needs.