If you've found a referral code and you're wondering where to put it, you're in the right place. There are three ways to use one, depending on how you're signing up. The easiest method takes about thirty seconds.

Click the referral link (recommended)

This is the simplest way and it's what I'd recommend. Click the referral link below and it takes you straight to the Octopus Energy signup page. The referral code is applied automatically in the background. You don't need to type anything, copy anything or remember anything. Just click and sign up.

Use referral link →

The link takes you to octopus.energy with the referral code solemn-boat-668 already embedded. Once you're there, just follow the normal signup process: enter your postcode, choose a tariff, fill in your details. The whole thing takes about five minutes.

The key thing is to complete the signup in the same session. Don't click the link, wander off for a few days and then go directly to octopus.energy to finish. The referral tracking happens through the link, so if you start fresh without it, the code won't be attached.

Quote the code by phone

If you'd rather sign up over the phone (some people prefer speaking to a real person, and that's perfectly fine), you can call Octopus on 0808 164 1088. When the advisor is setting up your account, tell them you have a referral code and read it out.

Tap to copy the code:

The advisor will add it to your account during the call. You'll get the same £50 credit as if you'd used the link. It makes no difference to Octopus whether the code comes in through a link or over the phone.

One tip: copy the code before you call so you've got it ready. You don't want to be fumbling around trying to find it while you're on the phone. It's solemn-boat-668, spelled out as "solemn" (as in solemn occasion), "boat", and then the numbers 668.

Add it after you've already signed up

Already signed up without a referral code? Don't panic. This isn't guaranteed to work, but it often does if you act quickly.

Contact Octopus customer support through the app, the online chat or by email. Explain that you recently signed up and forgot to use a referral code. Give them the code solemn-boat-668 and ask if they can add it to your account.

From what I've heard from other customers, Octopus support is usually happy to do this if you get in touch within the first few weeks. The longer you wait, the less likely they are to be able to help. If your switch hasn't even completed yet, your chances are good. If it's been months, it's probably too late.

Worth noting: this is a goodwill gesture on Octopus's part, not a guarantee. The official position is that the code should be used at the time of signup. The retrospective addition is them being helpful, not something you're entitled to.

Common mistakes that cost you the £50

I see the same errors come up again and again. Here's what to avoid.

Signing up through a comparison site

This is the number one way people lose their referral credit. If you go to Uswitch, GoCompare, MoneySupermarket or any other comparison site and sign up to Octopus through there, the referral code won't apply. Comparison sites have their own commercial deals with energy suppliers, and those override any referral tracking. You might get a small cashback from the comparison site (usually £10-20), but you'll lose the £50 referral credit. It's not a good trade.

Starting the signup but finishing it later without the link

If you click the referral link, get halfway through the signup form, close the page and then come back the next day by going directly to octopus.energy, the referral may not be tracked. The safest approach is to complete everything in one sitting. It only takes five minutes. Set aside the time and do it properly.

Being an existing Octopus customer

The referral programme is for new customers switching to Octopus from a different supplier. If you're already with Octopus and want to change tariffs, that's great, but it won't trigger a referral credit. You can, however, share your own referral link with friends and family to earn credit that way.

What happens after you sign up

Once you've completed the signup (by any of the three methods above), here's what to expect:

Confirmation email. You'll get an email from Octopus within minutes confirming your signup and giving you your account details. Keep this safe.
The switch period. Octopus contacts your current supplier and arranges the transfer. This takes 2-3 weeks. You don't need to do anything during this time. Your energy supply continues normally. Nothing gets switched off.
Switch complete. Octopus emails you when they've taken over your supply. You can download the app, log in and start managing your account.
First Direct Debit. Your first monthly payment goes out. The amount is based on estimated usage (you can adjust it later if it seems too high or low).
Referral credit appears. About 4-6 weeks after your initial signup, £50 credit lands on your account. You'll see it in the app or on your online dashboard. It just comes off your future bills automatically.

A quick note on where to enter the code

One of the most common questions I get is "where do I enter the referral code on the Octopus website?" The honest answer is that you don't need to. If you click the referral link, the code is embedded in the URL and applied automatically. There's no separate field during signup where you type in a code.

This confuses people because many other companies do have a "promo code" or "referral code" box during checkout. Octopus doesn't work that way. The link does all the work. That's why method 1 (clicking the link) is the simplest and most reliable approach.

The only time you'd actually read the code out loud is if you're signing up by phone (method 2), where the advisor enters it on their end.

Which tariff should you choose?

This is a separate question from the referral code, but since you're about to sign up, it's worth mentioning. Most people start on the Flexible tariff, which is the standard variable rate. It's competitive, simple and has no exit fees.

Once you're set up with Octopus, you can switch to one of their smart tariffs (Agile, Go, Flux, Tracker, etc.) if one of them suits your household better. You don't need to pick the "perfect" tariff at signup. Get switched, get settled and then explore your options. The tariff quiz can help if you're not sure where to start, or browse the tariff guides for detailed breakdowns of each one.

The referral credit applies regardless of which tariff you choose. It's not tied to any specific plan.

Step-by-step guide