Introduction
Referral programs are a low‑effort way to earn credits or cash while you help friends discover reliable cloud hosting. Two of the most talked‑about providers in the European and global markets are Hetzner and Vultr. Both offer attractive referral incentives, but the details differ enough to affect your decision. In this guide we break down the mechanics, payouts, and hidden perks of each program so you can pick the winner for your needs.
How Hetzner Referral Program Works
Eligibility & Sign‑up
- Open a Hetzner account (no credit‑card required for personal plans).
- Generate a unique referral link from the dashboard.
- Share the link via blog, social media, or direct messages.
Earned Rewards
- €10 credit for every new customer who creates a paid server and stays active for at least 30 days.
- No limit on the number of referrals; credits accumulate in your account.
- Credits are applied directly to future invoices – no cash‑out option.
Special Conditions
- Referral credit is only granted for paid services (free trial accounts do not count).
- The referred customer must use a payment method different from yours.
- Credits expire after 12 months if not used.
How Vultr Referral Program Works
Eligibility & Sign‑up
- Register a Vultr account and verify your email.
- Find your referral link in the “Account Settings” section.
- Distribute the link through any online channel you prefer.
Earned Rewards
- $5 credit for each referred user who deploys a $5/month instance and keeps it running for at least 30 days.
- Credits are added instantly after the 30‑day verification period.
- Unlimited referrals; you can accumulate thousands of dollars over time.
Special Conditions
- The referred user must not have a previous Vultr account.
- Credits never expire, making them a long‑term asset.
- Vultr also runs occasional “double‑credit” promotions, boosting earnings during specific months.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Hetzner Referral | Vultr Referral |
|---|---|---|
| Reward per referral | €10 credit | $5 credit |
| Minimum spend for referred customer | Any paid server (starting at €3.49/month) | $5/month instance |
| Credit expiration | 12 months | Never |
| Cash‑out option | No | No |
| Additional bonuses | None currently | Occasional double‑credit events |
Which Program Delivers More Value?
Value depends on two factors: the currency you prefer and how quickly you can convert credits into usable services.
- If you primarily run European‑based workloads on Hetzner, the €10 credit translates into a full month on a basic CX11 server (≈€4.90). That’s a 100% return on a single referral.
- For developers who need global edge locations or specific features like Bare Metal or Kubernetes Service, Vultr’s credit can be applied to any product, and the “never expires” rule adds flexibility.
In pure monetary terms, Hetzner’s €10 (~$11) is slightly higher than Vultr’s $5, but Vultr’s bonus promotions can quickly narrow the gap.
FAQ
1. Can I refer myself to earn credits?
No. Both programs require the referred account to be distinct from the referrer’s payment method.
2. Are referral credits taxable?
Credits are considered a discount on services, not cash income, but you should consult your local tax advisor for specific guidance.
3. What happens if the referred customer cancels early?
Credits are only awarded after the 30‑day active period. If the account is closed before then, no credit is issued.
4. Can I combine referral credits with promotional coupons?
Yes, both providers allow stacking of referral credits on top of existing coupons, though the order of application may affect the final invoice.
5. Is there a limit to how many referrals I can make per month?
Both Hetzner and Vultr have no hard monthly cap; the only restriction is the eligibility of each new account.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Both Hetzner and Vultr offer solid, unlimited referral programs, but the best choice hinges on your target market, preferred currency, and whether you value credit longevity over immediate payout. If you’re Europe‑focused, Hetzner’s higher per‑referral credit is compelling. If you need a global footprint and love occasional bonus events, Vultr may win.
Ready to start earning? Sign up for the Hetzner or Vultr referral program today, share your link, and watch the credits stack up while you build your next cloud project.
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