As the cryptocurrency industry becomes more competitive, exchanges are offering attractive referral programs to onboard new users and reward loyal ones. In 2025, these programs are not just marketing tools — they’ve evolved into well-structured ecosystems that offer real benefits such as trading fee discounts, cashback, bonus rewards, and affiliate commissions.
This guide highlights the top 5 crypto exchanges for referral bonuses in 2025, comparing their advantages, referral structures, and why they stand out.
Referral bonuses offer a win-win opportunity for both the inviter and the invitee. Whether you're an individual trader or a content creator with a growing audience, using or sharing referral codes can help:
Reduce trading fees
Unlock welcome rewards
Earn passive income
Grow your network in the crypto space
These programs are especially helpful for new users, allowing them to join exchanges with initial perks that would otherwise be unavailable.
Referral Code: WV68AG3E
Binance remains a leader in the referral bonus space. It offers:
Up to 45% trading fee discount for new users with bnb
Bonus rewards via the Welcome Gift Center
A professional affiliate system for influencers and marketers
Ideal for: Beginners and professionals who want a well-established exchange with multiple bonus channels.
Referral Code: mexc-xr
MEXC has rapidly grown due to its flexible and rewarding referral structure:
Earn a 50–100% commission on referred users’ trading fees
Invitees can unlock up to $1,000 in welcome bonuses
Additional perks through Launchpad & Kickstarter events
Ideal for: Users who want a balance between referrals and frequent bonus events.
Referral Code: GATEREFB
Gate.io’s referral program supports both personal invites and affiliate-level tracking:
Get up to 50% commission discount
Invitees gain access to Startup airdrops and trading bonuses
Easy integration with campaigns like “Learn & Earn”
Ideal for: Airdrop hunters and those building crypto communities.
Referral Code: ainvb223
HTX offers a streamlined referral experience with a clear incentive structure:
Earn rewards from invited user trading activity
Get up to 60% commission discount
Access to HTX Box Rewards for new users
Ongoing seasonal promotions with exclusive bonus pools
Ideal for: Traders who want to refer friends and access time-sensitive reward programs.
Referral Code: OKONEX
OKX has become a top-tier exchange offering:
Flexible referral models (Basic and Advanced Tiers)
Up to 50% commission rate for high-volume affiliates
Welcome gifts and tasks for new users
Ideal for: Affiliates looking for scalable income and invitees who appreciate tiered onboarding.
Commission Structure: Is it one-time or ongoing?
New User Benefits: Are there actual bonuses for invitees?
Withdrawal Conditions: Are bonuses withdrawable or locked?
Ease of Use: Can users easily enter referral codes at signup?
Compliance: Is the program available in your country?
Referral programs in crypto are more than just extra income—they are gateways to stronger user communities, better onboarding, and incentive alignment. Whether you're a trader, influencer, or simply onboarding a friend, using referral codes from trusted platforms is a smart way to get started.
The five exchanges above — Binance, MEXC, Gate.io, HTX, and OKX — lead the pack in 2025, offering a blend of generous referral rewards, user-friendly platforms, and additional incentives for both referrers and invitees.