> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bellabooking.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Referrals

> Reward clients who introduce their friends with fixed-amount discounts — each client gets a unique link to share

## Overview

The **referral programme** rewards clients who introduce their friends. Each client gets a unique refer-a-friend link. When a friend books and their first paid appointment is **checked out** (non-zero value), both sides can earn a **fixed-amount** discount (never a percentage).

Referrals share the same plan feature as the [Loyalty programme](/loyalty) (`LoyaltyEnabled`), but they are a **separate** programme with their own settings — you can run referrals with loyalty paused.

<Note>
  Find it under **Programmes → Referrals** in the sidebar, or go to **[Settings → Referrals](/settings/referrals)**.
</Note>

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## How it works

1. Turn the programme **Active** and set the friend and referrer reward amounts under **Settings → Referrals** (or **Programmes → Referrals**).
2. Each client gets a unique referral code and shareable link.
3. A friend opens the link, books, and uses their welcome reward on their first appointment.
4. Once that first paid appointment is **checked out** (non-zero value), the referring client earns their reward automatically.
5. Rewards appear as fixed-amount discounts at checkout and expire after the months you configure.

***

## Setting up the programme

Go to **Settings → Referrals** (or **Programmes → Referrals**).

**Access:** needs the **Manage referrals** or **Manage settings** permission, and a plan that includes loyalty/referrals.

### Programme

The **Programme** row switches between **Paused** and **Active**. Rewards can be configured while paused; clients only see their share link once the programme is Active.

### Rewards

* **Friend reward** — welcome discount the referred friend can use on their first appointment.
* **Referrer reward** — discount the existing client earns once that first paid appointment is checked out (non-zero value).
* Both are **fixed currency amounts** only (amounts you choose in your business currency) — there is no percentage option.
* **Reward expiry** — how many months an issued reward stays usable.
* **Monthly cap** (optional) — limits how many *earned* referrer rewards one client can receive per month.

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## Where clients find their link

Clients sign in to your online booking site, open **Account**, then **Refer a friend**. That page shows their code, share link, friends referred, and available rewards.

**My profile** is for contact and consent details only — it does **not** include a Referrals section.

Your team can also copy any client's link from **Clients → select client → Wallet → Referrals**.

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## Automated messages

When a referrer earns a reward, the **Referral reward earned** message can notify them (email on by default). The `{{RewardAmount}}` variable is always a formatted currency amount — see [Automated messages](/settings/automated-messages).

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## Reports

Track conversions, rewards issued/redeemed, and reward value in the **Referrals** report under Insights → Reports (or Programmes). See [Reports](/insights/reports).

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## Related

* [Programmes overview](/programmes) — where Referrals sits alongside the other programmes
* [Clients](/clients) — Wallet → Referrals on a client record
* [Loyalty programme](/loyalty) — points and rewards (same plan feature, separate programme)
* [Automated messages](/settings/automated-messages) — Referral reward earned wording
* [Reports](/insights/reports) — referral performance