Introducing the New Runpod Referral & Affiliate Program

Runpod has always believed in rewarding the community that powers us. Whether you’ve been referring fellow builders for months or you’re just getting started, we’ve got some exciting updates to share — including a new affiliate tier designed to give our top referrers more earning power.

Lifetime Rewards for Existing Referrals

First, the good news: if you've already referred users to Runpod, nothing changes. You'll continue earning 3% on pod spend and 5% on serverless for the lifetime of those existing accounts. Any users referred before June 16, 2025 qualify for lifetime rewards. Template usage will continue at 1% lifetime earnings for all referrals, both existing and new, under the updated program.

New Rules for New Referrals

New referrals will be eligible for the same commission rates, but only for their first 6 months. After that, earnings for those users will stop. It’s a tighter window — but there are more ways to earn, faster.

Randomized Rewards for Early Spend

Here’s something new: every time someone you refer loads their first $10 on Runpod, both of you will get a randomized reward worth anywhere between $5 and $500 in Runpod credits. It’s our way of helping you level up — and adding a little fun to the process.

Introducing the Affiliate Tier

Referring a lot of builders? You can now qualify for our affiliate program. Once you’ve referred 25 paying users, you’ll be invited to join the next level:

• Earn 10% commission on all pod and serverless spend for your referrals’ first 6 months.
• Rake in the dough: You’ll get paid out in cash - want to reinvest your earnings in Runpod credits? Go for it. Want to send your mom some flowers?  She’d love that.
• Still get template earnings: You’ll continue to earn 1% on templates even after you join the affiliate tier.

Just accept your Partnerstack invite, verify your payment credentials, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Ready to See Your Stats?

You can track your referrals, earnings, and affiliate eligibility directly from your Refer & Earn dashboard. Whether you’re in it for the credits, the cash, or the bragging rights, there’s never been a better time to spread the word.

Start referring. Get rewarded. Build the future — together.

Check out our documentation to learn even more about the details of the program.

Author profile: Emmett Fear