Read this page as a quick path: scan the headings, use the step blocks, and escalate if the expected result does not happen.
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Referral links remain the primary sharing path in Referral Factory because they are easy to click and preserve attribution automatically. Referral codes are the secondary path for situations where a code is easier to capture later.
For the broader definition, examples, and strategy behind codes, read what a referral code is and when to use one.
A referral code is a referrer-specific identifier. It can be shared verbally, printed on a card, entered into a form, recorded by a sales rep, captured at checkout, or sent through your own system.
When to use referral codes
Use referral codes when the referred person may not click a link before converting.
- In-person, phone, or sales-assisted referrals
- Printed cards, flyers, event material, or direct mail
- Checkout, booking, quote, or signup forms with a referral-code field
- Offline businesses that upload converted customers later
- Custom products that send the code through API or webhooks when a purchase happens
How to distribute codes
Referrers can receive their referral link first, and if codes are enabled for your campaign, they can also receive a referral code.
- Use the Branded Referrer Portal so referrers can find their sharing assets
- Use emails to send the link and code together
- Sync referral data into your CRM so sales, support, or lifecycle messages can include it
- Use API if your product needs to show the link and code inside your own dashboard
- Use popups or logged-in product moments when you want customers to copy their sharing assets without leaving your site
How to qualify code-based referrals
The referral code only identifies the referrer. You still need a qualification event to decide when the referral should count.
- Upload: upload purchases, converted customers, or qualified leads with the referral code included
- API or webhooks: send the code from your checkout, booking system, CRM, product, or backend when the conversion happens
- Integrations: use connected tools such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Zapier, Make, n8n, or other workflows to qualify the referral
- Stripe: use Stripe promo codes only when you want Stripe to handle code redemption inside the payment flow
Referral code vs Stripe promo code
A referral code identifies who referred the customer. A Stripe promo code is a Stripe-specific payment object that can apply a discount and track redemption in Stripe.
You do not need Stripe to use referral codes. Stripe is useful when the business already takes payment in Stripe and wants the code redemption to happen inside Stripe checkout.
Testing before launch
Run one end-to-end test for each path you plan to use. Test the referral link flow in an incognito browser. Then test the code path by capturing a code in the same place your real customers will use it, such as a form, upload, API request, or Stripe checkout.
After the test conversion, check the Referrers and Leads tabs to confirm the referral is attributed to the right person and that rewards trigger only after your qualification rule is met.