Overview
OpenAI may make available to eligible users the ability to invite their friends and family to a free, limited-duration trial of an otherwise paid ChatGPT subscription. Eligible users may receive or be allowed to generate a limited set of referral codes or links which they can share with other users. Details of the promotion are made available to eligible users through email or from within ChatGPT - including number of invites, duration of free trials, free trial plan, invitee eligibility, and restrictions.
Note that this article provides general information on free trials or promotional subscriptions; specific details may be provided through different channels (for example, emails to eligible users).
What terms apply to referral codes?
OpenAI’s Terms of Service apply. By using free trials, promotional subscriptions, referral codes or referral links, you agree that they must be used for the intended audience and purpose, may not be duplicated, sold or transferred, may have additional conditions applied to them by OpenAI, are not valid for cash or other credits or points, and may expire prior to your use.
OpenAI may limit the number of free trials and referral codes and links available to subscribers, may limit the number of subscribers who receive referral codes, and may limit the plan types that are eligible for both receiving and redeeming the codes. We reserve the right to revoke, terminate, or cancel free trials, referral codes and referral links, your use of the ChatGPT service, and/or your account without refund in cases of suspected misuse or fraud, or in compliance with applicable law.
Additional rules may apply based on your carrier’s agreement.
How do invites work?
Eligible users will receive a limited number of unique referral codes to offer a free limited-duration trial or subscription of ChatGPT (for example, for 3 months). Users receive these codes via email, or in-product in ChatGPT.
These links can be shared with new users or users on ChatGPT free plans so that they can activate the free trial for a given account type (for example, ChatGPT Plus).
Am I eligible to send invites?
Eligibility to send invites is determined by OpenAI for each campaign. If you’re eligible, you’ll see invite options in email or within the product. Not all users or regions are included in every promotion.
Who can receive invites?
Generally, new users or users on free plans are eligible to use the invite. Depending on the campaign, if your invitee already has an existing plan, they may not be eligible (even if they cancel their plan). Specific details on eligibility will be provided to eligible users over email.
How many referrals can I make?
The number of referrals depends on the ongoing campaign. For example, you may receive an email with a specific number of invite codes and/or details on how they can be shared.
How many times can a generated invite link be used?
This depends on the specifics of the promotional campaign. Note that the expiration date for each referral invite is set on our end and will be displayed to you when you generate an invite. Users cannot set or change the expiration date themselves. Once an invite link has expired, it can no longer be redeemed.
What if the invitee doesn't have a ChatGPT account?
Invitees without a ChatGPT account will be prompted to sign up for an OpenAI account to claim their free trial of ChatGPT Plus.
What happens if the invitee is already a ChatGPT user?
Generally, only users on the free plan can accept the free trial invites unless the ongoing campaign specifically has an exception for existing users on other plans.
If the campaign is only for users on a free plan, an existing ChatGPT user will see a message about not being eligible when they try to redeem the referral link.
Note that the referral link is still active in this case, and can be sent to a different, eligible recipient for use.
Is a payment method required to accept an invite?
Some promotions require adding a valid payment method to start the trial. If required, you’ll see this during redemption. If a trial auto‑converts to a paid subscription when it ends, you can cancel anytime before the trial ends in your manage subscription settings to avoid charges.
How do I redeem an invite?
Open the invite link from your email or the person who shared it.
Sign in or create an account.
Review the promo details (what’s included, duration, and any requirements).
Accept the terms to apply the trial to your account.
What happens at the end of my free trial or promotional subscription?
ChatGPT will automatically renew as a paid subscription at the end of the initial free trial or promotional subscription period using the payment method on file, unless you cancel before the trial or promotional period ends.
Can I combine an invite with other promotions or credits?
No. Referral or promo codes are single‑use and cannot be stacked. If multiple codes are attempted, only one may apply or redemption may be blocked.
What happens if I try to apply the referral code twice?
Referral codes and links are not stackable. Only the first code will apply - you will receive the error if you try to apply multiple codes for the same promotion.