Best SaaS referral programmes 2026: Lovable, Dougs, Proton - full comparison
The first question to ask before making any SaaS referral is not 'how much does it pay?', but 'what am I paid in?'. Here, the reward is almost never in euros. It usually comes as usage credits, a form of value that can only be used within the application. 'Lovable credits' or 'Proton credits' are worth something if you already use the tool, and absolutely nothing if you do not. Understanding this distinction prevents half the disappointments associated with SaaS referrals. In 2026, Lovable, Dougs and Proton have active programmes, while Notion has closed its programme. Data checked on 23 April 2026.
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View all offers →Credits or euros: the distinction that changes everything
Let us make it clear, because everything else follows from it. Two main types of reward coexist in SaaS:
- Usage credits: value that can be spent within the application (Lovable credits to generate features, Proton credits for the subscription). Real value, but only for an active user.
- Free months: a direct reduction in your subscription cost, worth a known amount (one free month of Dougs, for example).
Free months are often more valuable because they reduce a bill you would pay anyway. Credits are only worthwhile if you already intended to spend them. This is the framework to keep in mind throughout the comparison.
The ranking at a glance
| Tool | Referrer reward | Referred-customer reward | Reward type | Check at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lovable | 10 credits | 10 credits | Usage credits | lovable.dev/faq/referral |
| Dougs | 1 to 2 months free | 1 to 2 months free | Subscription discount | dougs.fr |
| Proton | $20 in credits | 2-week trial + $20 | Account credits | proton.me/support/referral-program |
| Hostinger | 20% of the sale | n/a | Affiliate commission | hostinger.fr |
| Notion | Closed | Closed | n/a | notion.so |
Dougs: the most valuable for self-employed people
Dougs is an online accounting platform for freelancers, sole traders and small-business directors that combines software with chartered accountancy services. Its referral programme provides 1 to 2 months free for both the referrer and referred customer (the exact amount depends on the current conditions, which should be checked at dougs.fr).
This is where free months show their value. A Dougs subscription ranges from €49 to €199/month depending on the plan, so one or two free months represent a tangible saving of €49 to €400. In absolute value, it is one of the most profitable SaaS referral programmes in this selection. The right person to refer is someone you know who still manages their accounts the old-fashioned way (Excel or paper) or pays a high price for traditional accountancy services.
Lovable: credits for generating applications
Lovable is an AI-powered web application generation tool that has grown rapidly since 2024. It allows users to create functional applications without coding by describing what they want in natural language. Its referral programme gives 10 credits to the referrer and 10 credits to the referred customer (details at lovable.dev/faq/referral).
These credits are used to generate features and modifications, with each action consuming a certain number. Their actual value therefore depends entirely on how you use the platform. This is a relevant reward among people in the same field: developers, designers, no-code entrepreneurs or AI entrepreneurs who already use the tool. Outside that ecosystem, the credits mean nothing to anyone.
Proton: privacy rewarded
Proton (formerly ProtonMail) is a suite of privacy-focused tools: encrypted email, VPN, cloud storage, password manager and calendar, all based in Switzerland. Its referral programme gives the referrer $20 in credits, while the referred customer receives a 2-week trial plus $20 in credits (details at proton.me/support/referral-program).
The credits are applied to your Proton subscription as a reduction on your next bill. $20 represents approximately 2 to 3 weeks of a Proton Plus subscription, depending on the plan. The ideal referred customer is a journalist, lawyer or simply someone concerned about their privacy, disappointed with the major platforms and looking for an alternative to Google Workspace.
Hostinger: affiliate marketing, not referrals
Be careful with the shift in terminology. Hostinger provides an affiliate programme rather than a traditional referral scheme: you receive 20% of the value of every sale generated through your link. The difference is significant: the 'referred customer' receives no direct reward, while you receive a commission on their spending. It is a commercial system designed for bloggers, content creators and tech influencers, not recommendations between friends. Details are available at hostinger.fr in the Affiliate section.
Notion: programme closed
There is no point looking for a Notion referral code: the programme was closed in 2026. If you find websites or people still offering links, they are no longer active. Monitor notion.so for any new initiative.
Common questions
Which one is best? Dougs in absolute value for self-employed people and small businesses (up to 2 months free). But the 'best' depends on how you use the service: a SaaS credit only has value if you genuinely use the tool.
Can you combine several SaaS referrals? Yes, they are independent. Nothing prevents you from referring the same person to Lovable and Proton in parallel, provided they do not yet use either one.
Do you need a paid subscription to make referrals? Generally, yes, you need to be an active user. Dougs requires you to be a customer, Proton has a free plan but links credits to an existing account, and Lovable requires an active account.
Do the credits expire? Conditions vary and may change. Check each tool's terms and conditions (lovable.dev/faq/referral, proton.me/support/referral-program).
Check before acting: data checked on 23/04/2026, and conditions may change at any time. Confirm them at lovable.dev/faq/referral, dougs.fr and proton.me/support/referral-program before sharing a link. PlanParrainPromo.fr is not a partner of any of these SaaS providers.
In summary
SaaS referral programmes have value on one condition: that you use the tools. Dougs is the most profitable for self-employed people (up to 2 months free), Proton targets privacy-conscious users ($20 in credits), Lovable rewards the no-code and AI ecosystem, and Notion has brought down the curtain. The golden rule remains to recommend only tools you genuinely use to people who have a specific need for them.
See also
All verified referral codes, ranked by amount and category:
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PlanParrainPromo.fr is not an official partner of any brand mentioned. Amounts and conditions change, so always check the current offer on the brand's official website before signing up.