Wealthsimple referral code vs referral link: What's the difference?
People often ask: What's the difference between a referral code and a referral link? They sound similar, but they work differently. Here's what you need to know.
The quick comparison
- Referral code: A text code you type or paste (like
PGVORW) - Referral link: A URL that automatically tracks who referred you
Both connect you to someone and make you eligible for referral rewards. The main difference is how you use them.
What is a referral code?
A referral code is a short text string, usually 6-8 characters long. Examples: PGVORW, PROMO24, WELCOME.
How it works
- Someone gives you a code
- You sign up for Wealthsimple during the registration process
- You find the "Referral Code" field
- You manually type or paste the code
- The system registers you with that referral code
Examples of referral codes
- Personal codes: PGVORW (this page's code)
- Promotional codes: SAVE50, NEWUSER
- Bonus codes: CRYPTO100, INVEST200
When to use a code
You'd use a referral code when:
- Someone texted or emailed you a code
- You saw a code on social media or a website
- You received a code from a friend verbally
- Someone shared the code in a message
What is a referral link?
A referral link is a customized URL that looks something like: wealthsimple.com/signup?ref=john_smith_12345 or similar.
How it works
- Someone shares their personal referral link with you
- You click the link—it takes you directly to Wealthsimple's signup page
- The link itself contains tracking information about who referred you
- You complete signup normally (no code entry needed)
- The system automatically knows you came through that referral
Examples of referral links
- Facebook: "Join me on Wealthsimple—use this link: [long URL]"
- Text/email: "Hey, sign up with this: wealthsimple.com/share/user123"
- Social media: Shortened links (bit.ly, tinyurl) pointing to a referral URL
When to use a link
You'd use a referral link when:
- Someone sent you a clickable link directly
- You're on social media and see a shared link
- Someone says "click here to sign up"—the "here" is the link
- You receive a shortened URL
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Referral Code | Referral Link |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Text (PGVORW) | URL (wealthsimple.com/...) |
| How to use | Type/paste during signup | Click the link |
| Automatic tracking | No (manual entry) | Yes (in the URL) |
| Effort required | Higher (type the code) | Lower (just click) |
| Easy to share | Very (just text) | Very (copy/paste URL) |
| Works on all platforms | Yes (app and web) | Depends on the link |
Which should you use?
Use a referral code when
- You have the code but not the link
- The code was shared with you as text
- You prefer manual entry
- You want a code specifically (like PGVORW)
Use a referral link when
- You have the link and it's convenient
- Someone sent you a clickable link
- You want the easiest method
- The link is readily available (in email, text, social media)
Do they result in the same rewards?
Usually, yes. Both a code and a link connect you to the same person and make you eligible for the same referral bonuses. However, always check Wealthsimple's current terms—rewards can vary by promotion.
What if you have both?
If someone gave you both a code and a link, you only need to use one. Using both might even cause issues (like double-counting). Just choose whichever is easier for you.
Related concepts you might hear
Referral vs promo
- Referral: Connected to a specific person who invited you (personalized)
- Promo: General offer available to anyone during a period (not personalized)
Referral code vs invite code
These mean the same thing. "Invite code" emphasizes that someone invited you, while "referral code" emphasizes the referral relationship.
Bonus code vs referral code
- Bonus code: The code itself (the thing you enter)
- Referral code: A type of bonus code specifically for referrals
Common questions
Do both codes and links have expiration dates?
Yes. Both can expire. If a promotion ends or a referral link becomes inactive, it won't work anymore. Always check if a code or link is current before using it.
Can you use both a code and a link at the same time?
Generally no, and we don't recommend it. The system typically recognizes one referral per signup. Using both might confuse the system or result in only one being counted.
What happens if the code or link doesn't work?
It could be expired, invalid, or you might have entered it incorrectly. If a code doesn't work, double-check the spelling. If a link doesn't work, try copying and pasting it into your browser's address bar. Contact Wealthsimple support if issues persist.
Do codes work differently on mobile vs web?
The concept is the same, but the location of the field might differ. On the Wealthsimple app, the code field might be in a different place than on the website. Both definitely allow code entry though.
Key takeaways
- Codes are text you enter manually; links are URLs you click
- Both serve the same purpose—showing who referred you
- Links are often easier (just click), codes require typing
- They usually result in the same rewards
- Only use one per signup, not both
- This page uses code
PGVORW—a referral code example
Explore more
- How to use a referral code—step-by-step
- Referral bonuses explained—what you earn
- Rewards Centre—track your rewards
Questions? Check our FAQ or visit Wealthsimple.com.