You’re sitting on the couch, the game is on, and your buddy is complaining that they don't have an account yet. Naturally, you want that referral bonus. It’s free money, basically. But if you’ve ever tried to figure out exactly how to refer a friend on FanDuel, you know the interface can be a bit of a maze depending on whether you're using the Sportsbook, the Casino, or the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) app.
It isn't just about sending a link.
If they mess up the sign-up or forget to deposit the right amount, you both get nothing. Zero. It’s frustrating. FanDuel is notoriously strict about their "Refer-a-Friend" tracking. If your friend has ever had an account in a different state, or if they’re using the same Wi-Fi as you when they sign up, the system might flag it as a duplicate or a "collusion" risk. You have to be precise.
The Actual Mechanics of the Referral
Let’s get into the weeds. To start the process, open your FanDuel Sportsbook app. You’ll usually see a "Refer" icon right there on the bottom navigation bar, or you might have to tap the "Account" or "Profile" icon in the top corner. Once you’re in the "Refer a Friend" section, you’ll see your unique referral link.
Copy it. Text it. Don't just tell them to "sign up and put my name in." FanDuel doesn't use "referral codes" in the traditional sense where you type a word into a box at checkout. It’s all link-based. If they don't click that specific URL, the tracking cookie won't fire, and the system won't know you were the one who brought them in.
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Once they click, they have to register a brand-new account. This is where people trip up. If your friend previously played DFS (Daily Fantasy) and is now trying to join the Sportsbook, they might not count as a "new user" for the referral bonus. FanDuel treats their ecosystem as one giant database.
The Deposit and Wager Requirements
Sending the link is only step one. Your friend has to actually put skin in the game. As of early 2026, the standard requirement is that your friend must deposit at least $10 and then place a bet of $10 or more.
Wait.
The bet has to settle. This is a huge nuance. If your friend bets $10 on a futures prop that won't settle until the Super Bowl three months from now, you aren't getting your bonus today. You’ll be waiting until that bet is officially graded as a win or a loss. Tell them to bet on something ending tonight. Honestly, it’s just easier for everyone involved.
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Why Your Bonus Might Be Pending
"Where's my money?" is the most common question FanDuel support gets. Usually, the bonus hits both accounts within 72 hours of the qualifying bet settling. If it’s been four days and you’re still seeing a big fat zero, check the status.
FanDuel has a "Referral Status" page within the app. It’ll show you "Invited," "Signed Up," and "Completed." If they are stuck on "Signed Up," it means they haven't met the wagering requirement yet. Maybe they deposited $5 instead of $10. Maybe they placed a $10 bet but used "Bonus Bets" from a different promotion to cover it. That doesn't count. The $10 bet must be made with "Real Money"—cash they actually deposited.
There are also state-specific quirks. If you are in New Jersey and your friend is in Pennsylvania, the referral still works, but you both have to be in states where FanDuel is legal and active. If they’re in a state where only DFS is legal but not Sportsbook, you might only get the DFS referral credit, which is usually smaller.
The $75 Breakdown
Historically, FanDuel has fluctuated between a $50 and $100 bonus. Right now, the most common offer is a $75 total package. It’s usually split up. You might get $50 for the Sportsbook and $25 for the Casino.
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You can’t just withdraw that $75. It’s "Site Credit" or "Bonus Bets." You have to wager it once (1x playthrough) before it turns into withdrawable cash. If you bet $50 of bonus credit on a team with -110 odds and they win, you keep the $45.45 profit, but you don't keep the $50 stake. That’s how these books stay in business.
Avoiding the "Fraud" Flag
FanDuel’s security algorithms are aggressive. They use GeoComply to track exactly where you are. If you and your friend are sitting on the same couch, using the same home Wi-Fi, and he signs up using your link, there is a non-zero chance the bonus gets blocked.
Why? Because it looks like one person creating two accounts to harvest bonuses.
To be safe, tell your friend to turn off their Wi-Fi and use their cellular data when clicking the link and registering. It sounds paranoid, but I've seen dozens of people lose out on $100+ because they were flagged for "Referral Abuse" just for being in the same room as their buddy.
Next Steps for a Clean Referral
- Check your app version: Make sure you're updated. Old versions of the app sometimes glitch on the "Refer" page.
- Verify your own account: You can't refer people if your own account isn't fully verified with your SSN and address.
- Direct communication: Send the link via SMS or WhatsApp directly. Avoid posting it on public Twitter (X) threads or Reddit. FanDuel has been known to void bonuses that come from "mass-posting" referral links on public forums.
- The Follow-up: Ask your friend if they saw the "Success" screen after clicking your link. If they got a generic sign-up page without any mention of a referral, have them stop and clear their browser cookies before trying again.
Once the bet settles, keep an eye on your "Activity" tab. The bonus usually arrives as a "Bonus Bet" voucher rather than a balance increase. You’ll have to select it in your bet slip when you go to place your next wager. These credits expire—usually within 14 days. Don't let $75 sit there and vanish because you forgot to use it on the Sunday slate.