Zilch referral code: get £5 free credit when you sign up image

Published: 6th April 2026

5 minute read

Zilch referral code: get £5 free credit when you sign up

TL;DR - key takeaways

Use a Zilch referral link to get £5 in free credit instantly. No purchase needed — just sign up and verify your identity to claim your reward.

If you just need the link, you can get your Zilch referral code here.

If you're looking for a Zilch referral code, you're in the right place. Zilch is one of the easiest referral rewards to claim — you get £5 in free credit just for signing up and verifying your identity. No purchase required.

This guide covers what Zilch is, how the referral scheme works, and whether it's worth using.

What is Zilch?

Zilch is a UK fintech app that lets you buy now and pay later at any retailer that accepts Mastercard. Unlike Klarna or Clearpay, which only work at specific partner shops, Zilch works everywhere — online and in-store.

You have two payment options:

  • Pay in 6 weeks: Split a purchase into 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks
  • Pay in full: Pay upfront and earn 2% cashback in Zilch rewards

Zilch is FCA-regulated and has over 4 million UK customers. The app performs a soft credit check when you sign up, which does not affect your credit score.

How does the Zilch referral work?

The process is straightforward:

  1. Click the referral link on this page
  2. Download the Zilch app and create your account
  3. Verify your identity using a photo of your ID
  4. Receive £5 in Zilch rewards instantly

That's it. You do not need to make a purchase to claim the £5. The credit appears in your account as soon as verification is complete. You can use it immediately on your next purchase through the app.

What can you spend the £5 on?

Your £5 Zilch reward can be applied to any purchase you make through the Zilch app. Since Zilch works everywhere Mastercard is accepted, this includes:

  • Supermarkets — Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Lidl
  • Online retailers — Amazon, ASOS, eBay
  • Food delivery — Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat
  • Subscriptions — Spotify, Netflix, Disney+
  • High street shops — anywhere with a card terminal

The only restriction is that the £5 must be spent through the Zilch app — you cannot withdraw it as cash to your bank account.

Is Zilch safe to use?

Yes. Zilch is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They perform a soft credit check at sign-up, which does not leave a mark on your credit file.

However, if you use the Pay in 6 weeks option and miss payments, this could be reported to credit reference agencies. The interest-free instalment plan itself is fine — it's missed payments that carry risk.

As with any buy-now-pay-later service, the key is to only spend what you can afford to repay. Used responsibly, Zilch is a useful tool. Used carelessly, it can lead to overspending.

Zilch vs Klarna vs Clearpay

FeatureZilchKlarnaClearpay
Works everywhereYes (Mastercard)Partner stores only (unless using Klarna Card)Partner stores only
Interest-free instalments4 payments over 6 weeks3 payments over 60 days4 payments over 6 weeks
Cashback on pay-in-full2%NoNo
Referral reward£5 freeVariesVaries
Trustpilot score4.54.03.8

Zilch's biggest advantage is universal acceptance — you're not limited to specific retailers. The 2% cashback on upfront payments is also unique in the BNPL space.

Should you sign up to Zilch?

If you're disciplined with money and want a flexible way to pay, Zilch is genuinely useful. The £5 free credit makes it risk-free to try. You sign up, claim the £5, use it on a purchase, and decide if you want to keep the app.

The 2% cashback on pay-in-full purchases is a nice ongoing perk — better than most debit cards offer. And the interest-free instalment option is there if you need it for a larger purchase.

Get your £5 Zilch referral reward here.

SP

Seb Place

Personal finance writer and UK consumer savings specialist

Seb researches and reviews referral schemes across energy, banking, fintech and mobile to help UK consumers get the most from every sign-up. Every guide is fact-checked against official terms and updated regularly.

Last verified: April 2026 · Updated for 2026