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How the OnlyFans Referral Program Works
OnlyFans pays users who refer new creators to the platform. It's a modest extra income stream for some creators, and it comes with rules that are easy to miss, including how you can share links and when payments aren't made. Here's how the program has worked under OnlyFans' published terms.
Editorial note: Based on the OnlyFans Referral Program Terms (version last updated August 2024, as published on OnlyFans in 2025). OnlyFans can change the program at any time, so read the current terms in your account before relying on any detail here. General information only.
How does the OnlyFans referral program work?
Each user has a unique referral link. When a new creator signs up through it, OnlyFans pays the referrer 5% of the fan payments that creator generates in their first 12 months, up to US$50,000 per referred creator. OnlyFans bears the cost, so the referred creator's earnings aren't reduced.
How much do OnlyFans referrals pay?
Under the published terms, the payment is the lesser of 5% of the referred creator's fan payments in their first 12 months, or US$50,000. So the cap is reached when a referred creator generates US$1 million in fan payments in that year. There's no stated limit on how many creators you can refer.
| Term | What the published terms said |
|---|---|
| Rate | 5% of the referred creator's fan payments |
| Window | First 12 months after the referred creator registers |
| Cap | US$50,000 per referred creator |
| Who pays | OnlyFans, not the referred creator |
| Payment timing | Monthly, on or around the 1st of the next month |
| Eligibility | Referred creator must sign up through your link, using the same browser |
Does the referral come out of the new creator's earnings?
No. The published terms say OnlyFans bears the cost of the referral payment, not the referred creator. A creator who signs up through someone's link keeps the same share of their earnings as anyone else. Referred creators can also choose to leave the referral program at any time.
What are the rules for sharing referral links?
The terms say you mustn't impersonate OnlyFans or suggest it's promoting your link, mustn't use Google Ads or similar search advertising to promote it, and mustn't claim a creator will earn any particular amount. OnlyFans can ask how you share your link.
Referral link rules checklist:
- Don't pretend to be OnlyFans or imply its endorsement.
- Don't use Google Ads or similar search ads for your link.
- Don't promise or suggest earnings.
- Be ready to explain how you share the link.
- Follow the rules of the platform where you post it.
When are referral payments not made?
Under the terms, payments aren't made for fan accounts that don't become creators, for a referred creator's second accounts, or for accounts that OnlyFans finds are owned or operated by you or by a referred creator with whom you have a commercial relationship. Payments can also be withheld for breaches of the terms.
Can an agency earn referral payments on its creators?
Under the published terms, generally not. OnlyFans says it won't make referral payments on accounts owned or operated by a referred creator with whom the referrer has a commercial relationship. Be cautious of anyone who wants you to sign up through their link as part of a management deal.
If you're considering an agency, see questions to ask an OnlyFans agency.
How are referral payments taxed?
Referral payments are generally taxable income, like other earnings from OnlyFans. UK creators usually include them in Self Assessment, and US creators include them on their tax return. Keep records of what you receive. See OnlyFans tax in the UK and does OnlyFans send a 1099?.
How do you find your referral link?
Your referral link is in your OnlyFans account, usually in the referrals or earnings area of your settings. You'll need a verified account with payout details set up to receive payments. Check your account for the current location, as menus change, and copy the link exactly so referrals are tracked. See how OnlyFans payouts work.
What should you tell someone before they use your link?
Be honest. Explain that the referral costs them nothing, that OnlyFans pays you a share for their first year, and that they can leave the program at any time. Don't describe earnings or suggest the platform is easy money. Encourage them to read the terms and think about privacy first.
Is it worth promoting your referral link?
For most creators it's a small bonus rather than a main income source. It's most useful if you naturally talk to people considering becoming creators. Never pressure anyone to join or make earnings claims, which the terms prohibit and which can mislead people.
How does this compare with other platforms?
Other platforms run their own referral schemes with different rates, time windows, caps and rules on sharing links. Compare the details if you use more than one platform, but don't choose a platform for its referral scheme alone; fees, audience and content rules matter far more to your income. See Fanvue vs OnlyFans.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage does OnlyFans pay for referrals?
The published terms set the referral payment at 5% of the referred creator's fan payments for their first 12 months, capped at US$50,000 per referred creator.
Does a referred creator earn less?
No. The published terms say OnlyFans bears the cost of referral payments, not the referred creator.
Do I get referral payments for fans who sign up?
No. Referral payments are only made on accounts that become creators.
Can OnlyFans change the referral program?
Yes. The terms allow OnlyFans to change or end the program, though changes shouldn't remove payments already earned.
About the author. Solves is the founder of VANTA Management. VANTA's team has six years of creator-management experience, currently manages more than 30 creators and has worked with more than 500. These are figures we report ourselves, not a promise of earnings. About VANTA
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