🧲 Referral & Affiliate Program ⇒ Top 5 Referral Programs to Make Passive Income in 2025

[Em Vicky Khan]

Referral programs allow you to earn money by inviting others to join an app, service, or platform. Here are the top 5 referral programs in 2025 that can help you boost your earnings:

Swagbucks Referral Program

How It Works: Share your referral link with friends and family. When they sign up and complete tasks, you earn Swagbucks (SB), which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.

Referral Bonus: Earn 10% of your referrals' earnings for life.

Best For: Earning passive income by sharing a well-known rewards platform.

Rating: ½ (4.5/5)

InboxDollars Referral Program

How It Works: Invite friends to join InboxDollars. When they sign up and complete tasks (like surveys, watching videos, or reading emails), you earn cash.

Referral Bonus: Get $1 per referral after they complete their first task.

Best For: Earning cash, not points, from referrals.

Rating: (5/5)

Uber & Lyft Referral Programs

How It Works: Refer new drivers or passengers to Uber and Lyft. When they complete their first ride or drive, you earn a bonus.

Referral Bonus: Bonuses range from $10 to $500, depending on the region and number of successful referrals.

Best For: Those who have a large network or are active in the gig economy.

Rating: (4/5)

Airbnb Referral Program

How It Works: Invite new hosts and guests to Airbnb. You can earn credits when your referrals book stays or host on the platform.

Referral Bonus: Earn up to $100 in travel credits or cash for each successful referral.

Best For: Travelers or people with a strong network of hosts.

Rating: (4/5)

Rakuten Referral Program

How It Works: Invite friends to join Rakuten, an online shopping portal that gives cashback on purchases. You earn a referral bonus when your friend makes their first purchase.

Referral Bonus: Earn $25 for each new referral who spends at least $25.

Best For: Shoppers who enjoy cashback rewards.

Rating: (5/5)

Pro Tip: Be sure to share your referral links via social media, blogs, or email to maximize your outreach and boost your earnings.