Referral code: how the program works, what is credited and the rules that apply
A practical walk-through of how referral programs typically work on rummy platforms - the invite code, the refer code, what each side receives and the rules that govern the credit.
Invite codes and refer codes are the same thing
Most platforms use "invite code" and "refer code" interchangeably; a few platforms separate them. The invite code is the code a new player enters at sign-up to claim the referral credit. The refer code is the code an existing player shares to invite new players. They usually match.
How to find your refer code
The refer code is in the account settings under "referrals", "invite" or "share". It is also sometimes printed on the deposit screen as a reminder. The code is usually alphanumeric and tied to your account; sharing it does not cost you anything.
How to use a refer code
Enter the code at sign-up or in the deposit screen, depending on the platform. The credit usually lands in your account after the new player completes the first deposit and the KYC verification. The exact trigger varies by platform.
What each side receives
The new player usually receives a cash credit or a tournament ticket that unlocks after the first deposit and KYC. The existing player usually receives a cash credit or a tournament ticket after the new player reaches a milestone (first deposit, first hand, first tournament entry). The amounts and the conditions are platform-specific; the terms page on each platform lists the exact figures.
The conditions that usually apply
The most common conditions: KYC must be complete; the first deposit must clear; the credit has an expiry; the credit cannot be withdrawn as cash but can be used to enter paid tables or tournaments. Read the terms before treating the credit as cash.
The terms, in plain language
The referral program is governed by terms that are usually published in the platform's terms of service or in a dedicated referral-program page. Read the terms before treating any credit as cash. The terms typically cover: eligibility (who can refer, who can be referred), the credit amount, the trigger (first deposit, first hand, first tournament), the expiry of the credit, and the conditions for using the credit.
The most common pitfalls
The most common pitfall is treating the credit as cash and being surprised when the credit cannot be withdrawn as cash. The second most common pitfall is missing the trigger - the credit does not land because the new player did not complete the first deposit or did not reach the KYC milestone. Read the terms once, treat the credit as a marketing offer, and use it for what it covers.
The tax question
Referral credits are usually credited as promotional credit, not as cash winnings. Whether the credit is taxable depends on the platform's treatment and on the tax rules in your jurisdiction. The desk does not opine on the specific tax treatment of referral credits; consult a chartered accountant for personal filing advice. The bonus-code page covers the related question of how bonus credits are typically treated for tax purposes.
The "invite a friend" feature
Some platforms expose the referral program as an "invite a friend" feature in the account settings. The feature generates a unique link that includes the refer code; sharing the link is equivalent to sharing the code. The feature may also offer a share button that opens the platform's preferred sharing channel (WhatsApp, SMS, email). Use the link rather than the code when you can; the link is harder to mistype.
The "invite-only" tournaments
Some platforms run invite-only tournaments that require a refer code to enter. The tournaments usually have a small entry fee and a larger prize pool; the invite is a way for the platform to grow its player base. The desk does not opine on whether the tournaments are worth the entry fee; consult the reviews page and the strategy column before deciding.
The credit expiry
Referral credits usually have an expiry - a window of days or weeks within which the credit must be used. The expiry is in the terms of service and in the in-app notification that announces the credit. Treat the expiry as a hard deadline; an expired credit is forfeited and cannot be restored. The bonus-code page covers the related question of how bonus credits typically expire.
The "refer-a-friend" tier
Some platforms run a tiered referral program: a small credit for the first successful referral, a larger credit for the fifth, a still-larger credit for the tenth, and so on. The tiers are usually published in the referral-program page. The desk does not opine on whether the tiers are worth chasing; consult the bonus-code page for the related question of how bonus credits typically scale.
The seasonal referral bonus
Some platforms run a seasonal referral bonus during major sporting events (the IPL, the festive season). The seasonal bonus is in addition to the standard referral credit; the terms are usually published in a promotional banner or in a dedicated page. The desk does not track seasonal bonuses in detail; consult the platform's news feed for the current offering.
What the desk recommends
The desk recommends reading the terms before claiming any referral credit. The terms are usually published in the referral-program page or in the platform's terms of service. The terms cover eligibility, the credit amount, the trigger, the expiry and the conditions for using the credit. Treat the credit as a marketing offer, not as cash.
The "share responsibly" note
Some platforms publish a "share responsibly" note in the referral-program page: the note reminds referrers to share the code only with people they know, not to spam the code on social media or in unsolicited messages. The desk echoes the note: the referral program is a way to share the platform with people you know, not a way to spam.
The "referral leaderboard"
Some platforms run a referral leaderboard: a ranking of the top referrers over a period, with prizes for the top finishers. The leaderboard is published in the referral-program page; the prizes are usually cash credits or tournament tickets. The desk does not opine on whether chasing the leaderboard is worth the effort; consult the bonus-code page for the related question of how cash credits typically scale.
The "double-sided" framing
Referral programs are usually framed as a two-sided credit: the new player gets something, the existing player gets something. The two-sided framing is fair; the two sides should both benefit from the program. If a platform's referral program is heavily skewed toward the existing player (a large credit for the referrer, a small credit for the referee), that is a signal that the program is more about growth than about sharing.
The "what to do before sharing" checklist
Before sharing your refer code: confirm the platform's referral program is currently active; confirm the credit terms (eligibility, amount, trigger, expiry, conditions); share the code only with people you know; share the link rather than the code when you can. Four steps; two minutes; a meaningful reduction in the risk of sharing with someone who is not eligible or who may misuse the credit.
The "what to do after sharing" checklist
After sharing your refer code: track the referrals in the referral-program page; confirm the credit lands when the trigger is met; opt out of the referral leaderboard if you do not want to participate; download the referral history as a baseline record. Four steps; five minutes; a meaningful improvement in the experience of the referral program.
The "what not to do" checklist
Do not spam your refer code on social media or in unsolicited messages; the platform's terms of service usually prohibit this and may revoke the credit. Do not share your login credentials with the person you are referring; they should create their own account. Do not claim the credit on behalf of someone else; the credit is tied to the referee's account and KYC.
The complete share-responsibly walkthrough
Step one: read the platform's referral program terms carefully. Step two: confirm the credit terms (eligibility, amount, trigger, expiry, conditions). Step three: identify the people in your network who might be interested in the platform - friends, family, colleagues who already play rummy or other skill games. Step four: share the link rather than the code; the link is harder to mistype. Step five: track the referrals in the referral-program page; confirm the credit lands when the trigger is met. Step six: download the referral history as a baseline record. Step seven: do not spam the link on social media or in unsolicited messages; the platform's terms of service usually prohibit this. Seven steps; ten minutes; a meaningful improvement in the experience of the referral program.
The complete share-responsibly walkthrough (expanded)
Step one: read the platform's referral program terms carefully. Step two: confirm the credit terms (eligibility, amount, trigger, expiry, conditions). Step three: identify the people in your network who might be interested in the platform - friends, family, colleagues who already play rummy or other skill games. Step four: share the link rather than the code; the link is harder to mistype. Step five: track the referrals in the referral-program page; confirm the credit lands when the trigger is met. Step six: download the referral history as a baseline record. Step seven: do not spam the link on social media or in unsolicited messages; the platform's terms of service usually prohibit this. Step eight: familiarise yourself with the seasonal referral bonus (where applicable); the seasonal bonus is in addition to the standard credit. Step nine: if you are chasing the referral leaderboard, set a realistic goal; the leaderboard is a long-term play, not a quick win. Step ten: review the referral history quarterly; the platform may change the credit terms. Ten steps; ten minutes; a meaningful improvement in the experience of the referral program.