Best bank referral programmes 2026: ranking the top 7 offers

Why banks pay to recruit you

The logic is simple once it is set out. Acquiring a customer through word of mouth costs less than an advertising campaign, and a referred customer generally remains more engaged and loyal than one acquired through a Google ad. Online banks face fierce competition, so they prefer to reward existing customers for bringing in people they know.

For you, there are two sides to the calculation. If you open an account with a bank that is genuinely useful to you, the referred-customer reward is a completely free bonus. And if you are already a customer, each person you successfully refer earns you a referrer reward with no particular effort. The only thing that really matters is meeting the activation conditions to the letter (minimum transfer, number of transactions and deadline). Miss them and you receive nothing, regardless of the amount advertised.

The ranking at a glance

BoursoBank: the reliable choice for referred customers

Since 6 August 2026 at 5 pm, BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama Banque) has advertised up to €160 for the referred customer and €20 to €60 for the referrer depending on their assets held. The combined maximum is therefore €220 between two people, not €220 for the new customer alone.

The €160 for the referred customer combines up to €40 depending on the initial deposit, €40 for monthly card transactions over three months and €80 with EasyMove. Each component has its own conditions and deadlines. See the details on the BoursoBank page.

Fortuneo: the best choice for active referrers

Until 31 August 2026, Fortuneo advertises €70 for each person on Fosfo and €110 for the referrer / €150 for the referred customer on Gold. Its stock market account advertises up to €80 each as at 15/08/2026, while life insurance advertises €100 / €120.

A bank in the Crédit Mutuel Arkéa group and institutionally robust, Fortuneo is recognised for the quality of its service and competitive stock market fees. If you know people interested in investing or long-term savings, this is the recommendation that maximises your referrer reward. See the details on the Fortuneo page.

Revolut: the most accessible

Revolut takes a different approach. The reward, number of rewarded referrals, required purchases and deadline depend on the campaign shown in the referrer's app. The referred customer must use the personal link, verify their identity, add money, order a physical card and complete the required purchases before the deadline.

Revolut operates in Europe under a banking licence issued in Lithuania and offers a French IBAN to eligible customers. As the campaign varies, check the current amount and conditions in the referrer's app and on the Revolut page.

Monabanq: a strong referred-customer offer, but a paid account

Monabanq advertises a strong welcome offer for referred customers, up to €280 as at 12/08/2026, but the referral programme itself pays the referrer €50 if the referred customer opens Uniq+, or €30 with Uniq or Pratiq+. The trade-off is substantial: a paid account and conditions to follow to unlock the welcome-offer instalments. This is not an account to open just to see what it is like; it needs to become a bank you genuinely use.

A bank in the CIC / Crédit Mutuel group, Monabanq offers a full account with a Visa card, authorised overdraft and telephone customer service, setting it apart from entirely digital neobanks. For a referred customer prepared to switch their main bank, it is potentially the most lucrative programme. See the conditions on the Monabanq page.

Trade Republic: the reward in shares

Trade Republic breaks the mould: the referrer and referred customer can each receive a randomly selected share or ETF worth between €5 and €200, depending on the offer shown. The amount remains random. Activation requires meeting the bonus conditions displayed in the app within 21 days, and the link must be used at sign-up.

For anyone who wants to start investing, it is difficult to beat: no brokerage fees on European ETFs and shares, a clear interface and a savings plan from €1/month. See the Trade Republic page.

N26: little money, no friction

N26, the Berlin-based neobank offering a 100% mobile account, provides the smallest amount in the ranking: €15 each. But it also has the simplest activation requirements: open an account and use it. It is a well-known brand regarded as safe by 20 to 35-year-olds, so it is a recommendation that requires no explanation. It is better suited to being a convenient secondary account for travel than a main bank. See the N26 page.

The multi-bank strategy, step by step

Nothing in France prevents you from holding several accounts and therefore accumulating rewards. The method:

1. Open them in a logical order. Start with the highest referred-customer reward (Monabanq if you are moving your income, BoursoBank for simplicity). Once the reward has arrived, move on to the next.
2. Meet the conditions separately. Spread transfers and transactions over 6 to 12 months so that you do not dilute your activity across programmes.
3. Give each account a purpose. Use each bank for what it does best: Trade Republic for investing, Revolut for travelling and BoursoBank for your main account.

Any example must start with the actual profile. Three Fortuneo Gold referrals would represent 3 × €110 for the referrer if each person meets the conditions; two BoursoBank referrals could represent €40 to €120 depending on the referrer's assets held. These scenarios are not guaranteed earnings, and the reward scales may change before each account is opened.

Common questions

Which one is genuinely the best? It depends on you. Monabanq for the maximum referred-customer offer (if you are prepared to use it as your main bank), BoursoBank for the best balance of simplicity and reward, and Fortuneo for the active referrer. And if you are already a customer of one of them, that is the natural choice.

Is it taxable? The tax treatment depends on the frequency, amount and context in which the rewards are received. This comparison does not determine your personal situation: consult the tax authorities or a qualified professional if in doubt.

How long does it take to receive the reward? Generally 1 to 3 months after the conditions have been validated. Keep screenshots of your transfers and transactions, as they are useful in the event of a dispute with customer service.

Check before acting: amounts and conditions checked on 12/08/2026, but they may change at any time. Always check the conditions on the banks' official websites before opening an account. PlanParrainPromo.fr is not a partner of any of the banks mentioned, and this comparison does not constitute financial advice.

In summary

Bank referral programmes are a genuine opportunity to earn several hundred euros by opening useful accounts. Monabanq aims high for referred customers but requires commitment, BoursoBank remains the most balanced choice, Fortuneo rewards referrers and N26 provides an entry point for beginners. The multi-bank strategy, which is entirely legal, allows you to add up rewards over the year.

See also

• Trade Republic referral 2026: a free share to start investing
• Direct Assurance referral 2026: €50 refunded for you and your referred customer
• Top 10 most profitable referral programmes in 2026

Offers mentioned in this comparison

• Société Générale (SG) referral: welcome reward varies according to the current campaign
• N26 referral: €15 for the referrer and €15 for the referred customer
• BoursoBank referral: up to €160 for the referred customer and €20 to €60 for the referrer, making €220 between two people
• Fortuneo referral: €70/€70 on Fosfo or €110/€150 on Gold until 31/08/2026
• Monabanq referral: €30 to €50 for the referrer and up to €280 for the referred customer