DigitalOcean Refer and Earn FAQs
DigitalOcean is a cloud platform for hosting websites and apps, with virtual servers (Droplets), Kubernetes, managed databases, storage and GPU products. Its refer and earn program gives you $25 in DigitalOcean credit when someone you invite spends and pays their first $25. This page covers how the DigitalOcean referral works, the reward, the credit rules and what to do if a referral is missing, based on DigitalOcean's official referral program page and promotional credit terms as of November 2026.
What is DigitalOcean Refer and Earn?
DigitalOcean Refer and Earn is DigitalOcean's referral program: you share your unique referral link, and DigitalOcean adds $25 in credit to your account once the person you invited reaches $25 in paid billing. The reward is account credit for DigitalOcean services, not cash.
How does the DigitalOcean referral process work?
- Log in to DigitalOcean and copy your unique referral link from the referral section.
- Share the link with a friend or colleague.
- Your friend signs up through the link and starts using DigitalOcean products.
- Once your friend spends and pays their first $25, DigitalOcean gives you $25 in credit.
Is there a DigitalOcean referral code?
DigitalOcean uses a referral link rather than a code you type in. The link carries your referral ID, so your friend has to sign up through that link for DigitalOcean to track the referral.
How much do I earn per DigitalOcean referral?
You earn $25 in DigitalOcean credit for each friend who signs up through your link and pays their first $25 of DigitalOcean billing. DigitalOcean's referral page does not list a cap on the number of referrals.
What does my friend get with my DigitalOcean link?
DigitalOcean's referral page says the person you invite gets access to DigitalOcean's products and benefits when they sign up through your link. DigitalOcean runs separate sign-up offers from time to time, so your friend should check the offer shown on the sign-up page.
When does DigitalOcean add the referral credit?
DigitalOcean adds your $25 credit after your friend reaches $25 in billings that they have actually paid. A friend who signs up but does not spend, or has not yet paid the first $25, does not earn you the reward.
Can I withdraw DigitalOcean referral credit as cash?
No. DigitalOcean's promotional credit terms say credits have no cash value, cannot be redeemed for cash, are non-refundable and cannot be sold or transferred. DigitalOcean referral credit only offsets fees on your own DigitalOcean account.
Does DigitalOcean referral credit expire?
Yes, DigitalOcean promotional credits have an expiry date that is shown when you receive them. Credit not used before that date is forfeited, and DigitalOcean gives no refunds for expired or cancelled credits.
What can I use DigitalOcean credit on?
DigitalOcean applies promotional credit to eligible fees on your account during the billing cycle. If your usage costs more than the credit you have, DigitalOcean bills your account for the difference.
Can I refer myself on DigitalOcean?
No. DigitalOcean credits can be applied only to your own account, and credits are void in cases of fraud, misuse or breaking the program terms. Signing up again through your own link to collect the reward counts as misuse.
Why did my DigitalOcean referral not give credit?
- Your friend did not sign up through your referral link.
- Your friend has not yet spent and paid their first $25 on DigitalOcean.
- The account was flagged for fraud or misuse, which voids promotional credit.
- DigitalOcean cancelled the credit, which its terms allow at any time.
Can DigitalOcean change or cancel referral credit?
Yes. DigitalOcean's promotional credit terms say it can cancel any promotional credit at any time and can modify the terms by posting them on its website or by email. Check the referral page for the current offer before you share your link.
Where do I find my DigitalOcean referral link?
Your DigitalOcean referral link is in your account's referral section. DigitalOcean's referral program page also has logos and badges you can use when you share it.
Is DigitalOcean refer and earn free?
Yes, joining DigitalOcean's referral program and sharing your link is free. You earn credit only when the friend you invite becomes a paying DigitalOcean customer.
Which similar apps have refer and earn programs?
For web hosting, Hostinger refer and earn pays a commission when people you refer buy a hosting plan. You can compare more options in our list of hosting refer and earn programs.
How do I contact DigitalOcean support about a referral?
Use DigitalOcean's Get Support page from your account, and share your friend's sign-up email and billing date. The rules for credits are in DigitalOcean's promotional credit terms.
