Step-by-step guide
How to use an Octopus Energy referral link
If you have found an Octopus referral link and are wondering how to use it, start here. The link sends you to Octopus with the referral already attached. If you still want to compare tariffs first, do that before using the link.
Last reviewed 11 June 2026.
Quick answers
Using an Octopus referral link without losing the credit
Where do you enter the referral?
Usually you do not type anything into a box. Use the referral link for the signup you complete, so the referral is already attached to the Octopus journey.
What if you compare first?
Compare tariffs first, then return through the referral link if Octopus still fits. Octopus says the reward depends on signing up directly through its website using the referral link.
When does the credit appear?
Octopus says the £50 credit is added once your switch is complete and the qualifying conditions are met.
Use the referral link
This is the simplest route if you have already decided to switch. Click the referral link below and it takes you to the Octopus Energy signup page with the referral attached. You do not need to find a separate promo box or type anything in. Existing customer? Find out how you can benefit too. T&Cs apply (only one switching offer per household).
Start your Octopus switch →The link takes you to octopus.energy with the referral already attached. Once you are there, follow the normal signup process: enter your postcode, choose a tariff and fill in your details.
The key thing is to use the referral link for the signup you actually complete. If you leave the form and come back later through the normal Octopus homepage, the referral may not be attached. If that happens, contact Octopus quickly rather than assuming the credit will track.
Common mistakes that cost you the £50
The same errors tend to cause problems. Here is what to avoid.
Starting somewhere other than the referral link
The referral link usually needs to be used before you complete the Octopus signup. If the credit matters to you, compare first, then use the referral link when you are ready to switch and keep that signup open until you finish.
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 return through the normal Octopus homepage, the referral may not be tracked. The safest approach is to use the referral link for the session you finish.
Being an existing Octopus customer
If you're already with Octopus and want to change tariffs, start from your Octopus account or contact [email protected]. Do not assume a switching credit applies unless the live Octopus guidance says it does.
What happens after you sign up
Once you've completed the signup, here's what to expect:
- Confirmation email. Octopus should confirm your signup and account details. Keep the email so you can check the tariff, Direct Debit and supply dates.
- The switch period. Octopus contacts your current supplier and arranges the transfer. Ofgem and Citizens Advice describe an as-soon-as-possible household switch as up to five working days, while you can also choose a later date or use the 14-day cooling-off period. Your energy supply continues during the switch.
- Opening readings and final bill. Give opening meter readings when asked, especially if your smart meter has not started sending data yet. Your old supplier should use the closing reading to produce the final bill or refund any credit.
- First Direct Debit. Your first monthly payment goes out. The amount is based on estimated usage and can be reviewed later if your account balance looks wrong.
- Referral credit appears. Octopus says referral credit is added after the switch is complete and your first month's Direct Debit has been successfully taken. It usually appears automatically within a few weeks and comes off future bills.
A quick note on the referral link
One of the most common questions is whether you need to enter anything manually on the Octopus website. The honest answer is that you usually do not. If you click the referral link, the referral is carried through automatically. There is no separate referral field during normal online signup.
This confuses people because many other companies have a promo box during checkout. Octopus does not usually work that way for online referrals. The link carries the referral, which is why it is the simplest approach.
Which tariff should you choose?
This is a separate question from the referral link, but it is worth checking before you sign up. The referral credit is useful only if the tariff and Direct Debit still suit your household.
You may be able to start on a simple tariff and move later, but smart tariffs such as Agile, Go, Intelligent Go, Tracker, Cosy or export products each have eligibility, meter and pricing caveats. Do not pick a tariff just because a referral link is available. The tariff quiz can help if you are not sure where to start, or browse the tariff guides for detailed breakdowns of each option.
The referral credit is not tied to a specific tariff. It is separate from the decision about whether Octopus is the right supplier for you.