Written by Sarah Thornton — Canadian Self-Directed Investing Contributor
Content independently verified against current offer terms — Last verified May 1, 2026 · Next review August 2026
Questrade Referral Requirements Checklist
Before troubleshooting, confirm you have met all of the following:
| Requirement | Detail | Common Miss? |
|---|---|---|
| New client only | First Questrade account ever | Medium |
| Used referral link | Must click the personal invite URL | ⚠️ High |
| $1,000 minimum funded | Account balance must reach $1,000 | ⚠️ Very High |
| Eligible account type | TFSA, RRSP, or margin (not RESP) | Low |
| 30-day wait elapsed | Counted from funding date | ⚠️ High |
The 5 Reasons Questrade Referrals Don’t Pay Out
Questrade’s referral system is link-based, not code-based. You must click the unique invite URL before creating your account. Entering a code manually during signup does not work the same way.
Fix: If you haven’t signed up yet, use the referral link from this page. If already signed up without it, contact Questrade support within 7 days — they may accommodate.
Questrade requires a funded account balance of at least $1,000. If you deposited $500, the referral will not trigger until you add more.
Fix: Top up your account to $1,000 and then wait 30 days from when it reaches that threshold.
Questrade’s commission credit takes approximately 30 days from meeting all conditions. This is normal — not a bug.
Fix: Note the date you funded to $1,000 and wait until 30 days after that date. Set a calendar reminder.
Even closed accounts disqualify you from referral bonuses. Questrade tracks by SIN, not just email address.
Fix: There is no workaround. Consider other platforms like Wealthsimple where you may still qualify.
If your balance drops below $1,000 before the 30-day period ends, the referral clock may reset or be invalidated.
Fix: Maintain at least $1,000 in your account continuously until you receive the bonus confirmation.
How to Contact Questrade Support
- Live chat: Available in the Questrade app (Monday–Friday 8am–8pm ET)
- Phone: 1-888-783-7866 (Monday–Friday 8am–8pm ET)
- Email: [email protected]
- Help Centre: questrade.com/trading/self-directed/help
When contacting support, have ready: Your account number, the date you opened your account, the date you reached $1,000 in funding, and the referral link or referrer’s information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Questrade referral require active trading?
For the commission credit version: you typically need to place at least one trade after funding. For free-trade credits, the specific requirements vary. Check the current terms on Questrade’s promotions page when you sign up.
How is the Questrade referral bonus paid out?
Typically as free trade credits ($50) applied to your account, or as a direct credit of commissions paid. It does not arrive as cash — it offsets future trading costs.
Can both the referrer and referee get a bonus?
Yes — Questrade’s referral program rewards both parties. The referrer typically receives $25–$50 in credits when the referred person qualifies, and the new client gets $50 in free trade commissions.
What if Questrade support says I’m not eligible?
If you’re certain you met all requirements, escalate by asking for a supervisor or submitting a formal complaint through their compliance channel. Alternatively, consider opening a Wealthsimple account where the $25 bonus has a much lower $1 minimum deposit threshold.
What counts as a qualifying deposit at Questrade?
A qualifying deposit for the referral bonus is an external bank transfer of the minimum required amount into your new Questrade account. Pre-authorized contributions and wire transfers from external banks typically qualify. Internal transfers between Questrade accounts do not.
Can I contact Questrade to manually apply the referral bonus?
Yes. If 30 days have passed since your qualifying deposit and you have not received the $50 in free trades, contact Questrade support via live chat (weekdays) or email at [email protected]. Have your account number, referral code, and deposit confirmation ready.
Does the Questrade referral bonus expire if I don't use it?
Questrade free trade credits typically expire after 1 year from the date credited. If you have not received your credits after 30 days, contact support immediately — credits that were never issued are easier to resolve than expired ones.