Starlink Referral Program: 6 Details That Matter

SpaceX has quietly upgraded its Starlink referral program, giving existing subscribers the option to take $100 cash per successful referral — deposited straight into a bank account — instead of the service credits the program has always defaulted to. The change rolled out around the week of August 21, 2026, and is live across dozens of markets. Here's what you need to know before you share your next referral link.

1. The payout is $100 cash, deposited to your bank

For US-based subscribers, each successful referral now unlocks a $100 cash reward sent directly to a linked bank account. Payout amounts vary by country — according to PCMag, Canadian subscribers can receive $140 per referral. The money goes to you, not your Starlink bill, which is a meaningful shift for anyone who doesn't need a service credit right now.

2. Service credit is still the default — you have to opt in to cash

Starlink hasn't replaced service credits; it's added cash as an alternative. Service credit remains the default selection. To switch, log into your Starlink account, navigate to the Referrals tab, and select cash as your preferred payout method. Once linked to your bank account, all future referrals will pay out in cash. Past credits are not retroactively converted.

3. The program covers dozens of markets, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Mexico

Cash payouts aren't US-only. According to background reporting, the option is supported across dozens of countries. If you're outside the US, check the Referrals tab in your account — availability and payout amounts will reflect your local market. Referrals must be made within the same country; cross-border referrals don't qualify.

4. The reward window is now 60 days, up from 30

There's a catch worth knowing: the referred customer now needs to stay subscribed for two months before the reward is issued, up from the previous one-month requirement. According to Starlink's updated terms, the reward is issued as soon as 60 days after the new subscriber activates service. Plan your referral timeline accordingly — the cash won't hit your account the week after someone signs up.

5. Only active Residential and Roam plan subscribers can refer

Not every Starlink customer is eligible to participate as a referrer. The program is open only to active subscribers on Residential and Roam plans. Business or maritime plan holders are not included. The new customer also has to sign up directly on Starlink.com — purchases through resellers or account transfers don't count toward your referral reward.

6. Unsolicited marketing can get you removed from the program

Starlink's terms explicitly prohibit spamming referral links. Unsolicited marketing — mass emails, bulk social posts targeting strangers, paid ad campaigns using your referral link — can result in removal from the program entirely. Share your link with people who are genuinely considering Starlink, and you're fine. Treat it like a coupon code blast and you risk losing access to the program altogether.

The cash option makes Starlink's referral program meaningfully more attractive for subscribers who are already satisfied with their service and don't need bill credits stacking up. If you've been sitting on a referral link and never bothered sharing it, now might be the time to check whether cash payouts are live in your market. For more on SpaceX's broader business moves, see our SpaceX coverage.

This report was curated by the BASENOR Editorial Desk from the sources listed above. Read our editorial standards or email editorial@basenor.com to report an error.