Referral eligibility guide
Can Existing Customers Use Referral Codes?
Usually not for an account you already hold. Referral offers commonly require an eligible new customer, but returning customers, additional services and members of the same household can be treated differently. The provider's current definition of “new customer” decides.
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Can existing customers use referral codes?
Most referral codes are designed for a new customer opening an eligible account or service. If you already hold that product, a code will not normally turn your existing account into a referred account or unlock a new-customer reward.
There is no universal rule across Australian providers. “New customer” can mean never previously registered, not active within a stated lookback period, new to a specific product, or new at a particular service address. A code may also appear to apply at checkout before the provider completes its eligibility checks.
The practical rule: assume an existing account is ineligible unless the current referral terms clearly say that an extra service, product or returning customer can qualify.
| Customer situation | Usual outcome | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Current customer, same account | Usually not eligible | Referral offers generally reward acquisition of a new customer. |
| Current customer, extra product or service | Depends on the offer | The program may require a new person, not merely a new service. |
| Former customer | Sometimes eligible | A lookback period or lifetime exclusion may apply. |
| Partner or housemate | Depends on household rules | Providers may compare the address, device or payment details. |
| Brand-new customer | Most likely eligible | They must still meet every qualifying action and deadline. |
What counts as a new customer?
The everyday meaning of “new” is not enough. Referral terms often contain a specific definition, and providers may check more than the email address entered during signup. Identity details, phone numbers, addresses, payment methods, devices and previous services can all be relevant.
For example, Up says its invite offer applies to individuals opening a new Up Everyday Account. GloBird Energy currently defines a new residential customer as someone who has not had a GloBird electricity or gas account in the preceding 24 months and says it may compare several account and service details when assessing eligibility.
This distinction matters when an app lets you create another profile or an online form accepts the referral code. Technical acceptance is not necessarily final approval of the reward.
Can returning customers use a referral code?
A former customer may qualify when the provider uses a lookback period and enough time has passed. Another program may exclude anyone who has ever registered, held the product or received a welcome offer. The old account being closed does not by itself make you new again.
Look for phrases such as “has never held an account”, “not a customer in the previous 12 or 24 months”, “new to this product” or “new service at the premises”. If the terms are unclear, obtain an answer from official support before signing up.
Closing an account and immediately opening another one can breach duplicate-account or promotion rules. Do not do it unless the provider confirms the process and your eligibility in writing.
What about a second account or extra service?
An existing customer might want to add a second mobile line, connect another property, open a joint account or purchase a different product. Whether that qualifies depends on whether the offer rewards a new person, a new account, a new service or a new product relationship.
Do not assume that a fresh order number or service address is sufficient. Check the eligible plan list and exclusions for extra services, business accounts, joint accounts, legacy plans and customers who already use another product from the same provider.
A public promotion for existing customers may be the better option. Compare it with the referral reward and read our referral code versus promo code guide before choosing.
Can you use your own referral code?
Generally no. A referral program is intended to attribute a genuinely different customer to the person who made the introduction. ShopBack Australia explicitly lists self-referral as a disqualifying activity. Revolut also requires an eligible referral to be a new customer opening their own account.
Creating another email address, using a different browser or asking someone to open an account for your benefit does not make an otherwise prohibited self-referral legitimate. Providers can cancel rewards, reverse credits or restrict accounts when they identify abuse.
- Do not open a duplicate account to claim your own code.
- Do not use another person's identity for your account.
- Do not hide a shared payment method or device.
- Do not assume a successful checkout means final eligibility.
Can you refer a partner, family member or housemate?
Family referrals are allowed by some programs, but being different people does not guarantee eligibility. Programs may restrict referrals involving the same delivery address, service address, device, payment card or other linked account details.
Up, for example, expressly describes its referral program as being for people the customer knows personally, including mates, family and close connections. Other programs may apply stricter linked-account checks. The specific terms—not a general household rule—control the result.
Each person should create and control their own genuine account, meet the identity and product requirements, and use the product for themselves. If the same-address position is unclear, ask support before the new customer orders.
What if the referral code is accepted?
A green tick or confirmation message usually means the code exists and has been attached to the signup. It does not always mean both people have passed the program's final eligibility checks.
The reward may remain pending until identity verification, a first purchase, an on-time bill, a minimum spend, a holding period or a return window is complete. It can still be rejected if the customer is not new, the transaction is cancelled or another offer was used.
If you created the account without the referral attached, do not create a replacement account. Follow the steps in our guide to a referral code missed during signup.
How to check eligibility before signing up
- 1
Read the definition, not just the headline
Look for definitions of new customer, new account, new service, referee or invitee in the current terms.
- 2
Check the lookback period
Former customers may be excluded for a stated number of months or years, even when their old account is closed.
- 3
Look for linked-account rules
A provider may compare names, addresses, phone numbers, devices, payment methods or service identifiers.
- 4
Confirm the eligible product
A referral may cover one product or plan but exclude additional lines, business accounts, joint accounts or legacy plans.
- 5
Check stacking restrictions
Referral offers often cannot be combined with a public welcome offer, promo code or another new-customer incentive.
- 6
Save the terms
Keep a screenshot or PDF showing the reward, deadline, qualifying actions and version of the terms you relied on.
Referral requirements can change without much notice. Check the provider's live offer immediately before signup even if a friend used the same code successfully in the past.
Current Australian examples
These examples illustrate how differently programs define eligibility. They are not a substitute for checking the terms again when you sign up.
Up: a new account requirement
Up's current conditions say its offer applies to individuals opening a new Up Everyday Account. The bonus is tied to successful signup and any qualifying criteria.
GloBird: a returning-customer lookback
GloBird's referral terms currently use a 24-month lookback for previous electricity or gas accounts and describe the details it may compare when deciding whether a residential customer is new.
ShopBack: self-referral is disqualifying
ShopBack Australia lists self-referral among activities that can disqualify a user from referral bonuses and lead to the loss of rewards.
Revolut: strict previous-customer exclusions
Revolut Australia requires an eligible referral to apply for a new account and excludes people who previously closed an account or had one suspended or restricted.
Sources checked
- Up: Hook Up a Mate conditions
- GloBird Energy: Referral Bonus Terms and Conditions
- ShopBack Australia: Refer a friend and earn rewards
- Revolut Australia: Referral Promotion Terms
Sources reviewed 26 July 2026. Referral programs can be amended or withdrawn. This guide is general information and does not guarantee eligibility or payment of a reward.
Frequently asked questions
Check the offer before creating an account
Compare current Australian referral offers, then confirm the new-customer definition and qualifying steps with the provider.
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