Starlink has quietly rolled out a revamped referral program in the US, and this one pays actual cash — not just service credits. Existing subscribers can now earn $100 per successful referral while their friends get a free month of service. Before you start sharing your link, here are the six details worth knowing.
1. The Cash Payout Is $100 — But You Have to Opt In
The headline number is $100 per eligible referral, deposited directly into a linked bank account. The catch: cash is not the default. According to Starlink's program terms, the system defaults to service credits, and subscribers must manually opt in to cash payouts through the Starlink account portal. If you skip that step, you'll receive account credit instead of money. Check your settings before you share a single link.
2. Your Referred Friend Gets One Free Month — With a Delay
The friend you refer receives one free month of Starlink service, which sounds straightforward. In practice, the free month is applied after the new subscriber activates service and maintains their subscription for two full billing cycles. They won't see the credit on day one — it kicks in after month two. Worth setting that expectation upfront so the referral doesn't feel like a bait-and-switch to your contact.
3. Rewards Are Issued 60 Days After Activation
The referrer's $100 doesn't land immediately either. Rewards are issued 60 days after the new subscriber activates and completes two full billing cycles. That's an increase from the previous program's 30-day requirement. The longer window gives Starlink time to confirm the new customer isn't churning immediately, but it does mean you're waiting roughly two months from the moment your referral signs up.
4. Only Residential and Roam Plan Holders Can Refer
Not every Starlink subscriber is eligible to participate as a referrer. The program is limited to active subscribers on Residential and Roam plans. Business and maritime plan holders are excluded. If you're on a commercial or vessel plan, this program isn't for you — at least not yet. The referred new customer must also sign up directly on Starlink.com using your referral link; purchases through resellers, retailers, or account transfers don't count.
5. The Program Extends Beyond the US
While the $100 cash figure applies to US-based referrals, the program covers dozens of other markets including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Mexico, according to Starlink's terms. Payout amounts vary by country, and referrals must be made within the same country — you can't refer a friend in a different market and expect either party to qualify. The updated program began rolling out around the week of August 21, 2026.
6. Spam Your Link and You're Out
Starlink's terms explicitly prohibit using referral links in mass emails, bulk social posts, or paid ad campaigns. If you're thinking about running a Facebook ad or blasting your link to an email list, the program rules that out — and violations can result in removal from the program entirely. Organic sharing with people you actually know is the intended use case. Keep it personal and you should be fine.
The shift from service credits to real cash payouts is a meaningful upgrade for active subscribers who have friends or family not yet on Starlink. The 60-day wait and opt-in requirement are the two friction points most likely to catch people off guard — so if you plan to participate, sort out your payout preference in the account portal before your first referral activates. Full program details are available at Starlink.com.
Sources & reporting notes
The links below identify the material source records used for this report.
- @Starlink on X (2026-09-03T18:20:58.000Z) — Direct source
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