BankingAugust 23, 20267 min read

Tangerine Referral Code: How to Get up to $200

Everything you need to know about the Tangerine referral program — how the two bonus tiers work and how to claim up to $200 in cash rewards.

By ReferralBonus.ca

Tangerine Referral Code: How to Get up to $200

Tangerine is one of Canada's most established digital banks, and right now it is offering up to $200 in cash bonuses for new chequing account holders who complete a few straightforward setup steps. Backed by Scotiabank — one of Canada's Big Six banks — Tangerine combines the reliability of a major institution with the convenience of fully online banking.

Here is everything you need to know about the Tangerine referral program and how to maximize your bonus.

Tangerine Referral Code

Use referral code 81669611S1 when opening your account — claim the Tangerine bonus.

How the Tangerine Referral Program Works

The Tangerine welcome offer is structured in two tiers. You can earn the base bonus on its own, or go further with the additional $150 reward.

Tier 1 — $50 Base Bonus

The first tier is straightforward:

  • Open a new Tangerine Chequing Account using referral code 81669611S1
  • Deposit at least $250 into the account
  • Maintain that balance for 60 consecutive days
  • Receive a $50 cash bonus

The $250 minimum deposit and 60-day hold period are the main requirements here. As long as your balance stays at or above $250 for two months, the $50 is yours.

Tier 2 — $150 Additional Bonus

To unlock the larger reward, you need to complete one of two qualifying activities within 90 days of successfully opening your account:

Option A — Switch your payroll direct deposit: Set up your paycheque to deposit directly into your Tangerine Chequing Account. Complete 3 consecutive months of qualifying payroll deposits to receive the $150 bonus.

Option B — Switch 2 pre-authorized payments: Switch at least 2 pre-authorized payments of $50 or more each to your Tangerine account. Complete 3 consecutive months of those withdrawals to receive the $150 bonus.

You only need to complete one of the two options. Combined with the $50 base bonus, the full potential reward is $200 in cash.

Where to Enter the Tangerine Referral Code

The referral code 81669611S1 must be entered during the account opening process. Here is how:

  1. Go to tangerine.ca or download the Tangerine app
  2. Click "Open an Account" and select Chequing Account
  3. When prompted, enter referral code 81669611S1
  4. Complete identity verification and account setup
  5. Deposit at least $250 and maintain the balance for 60 days
  6. Within 90 days of account opening, set up payroll direct deposit or 2 qualifying pre-authorized payments

Important: The referral code must be entered during account creation. It cannot be applied retroactively to an existing Tangerine account.

What Do You Get With Tangerine?

Tangerine is a fully digital bank with a clean, no-fuss approach to everyday banking.

No-fee everyday banking — Tangerine's chequing account has no monthly fee and includes free Interac e-Transfer transactions, making it a cost-effective option for everyday banking needs.

Scotiabank ATM access — Tangerine customers can use Scotiabank ABMs across Canada at no charge, giving you access to a nationwide ATM network without the fees that come with using other banks' machines.

High-interest savings accounts — Tangerine is well known for its savings accounts, which often feature promotional interest rates for new deposits. These can be linked directly to your chequing account for easy transfers.

Tangerine credit card — Tangerine offers a no-annual-fee credit card with cash back on purchases across customizable spending categories. It is one of the more flexible no-fee cash back cards available in Canada.

Investment products — Tangerine also offers GICs and mutual funds for clients who want to keep their investing in the same place as their banking.

Mobile and online banking — All account management is handled through Tangerine's app and website. There are no physical Tangerine branches, so the digital experience needs to be solid — and generally, it is.

Is Tangerine Safe?

Yes. Tangerine is a wholly owned subsidiary of Scotiabank, one of Canada's Big Six banks. Deposits held at Tangerine are eligible for Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) protection up to $100,000 per depositor category — the same protection offered at any major Canadian bank.

Tangerine has been operating as a digital bank since 1997 (originally as ING Direct Canada) and has millions of customers across the country.

How Does Tangerine Compare to Other No-Fee Banks?

Tangerine is a strong choice for Canadians who want a fully digital banking experience with the backing of a major institution. Here are a few alternatives worth considering:

  • Simplii Financial — also backed by a Big Five bank (CIBC), offers up to $500 in welcome bonuses for new clients. The Simplii offer is larger but requires more steps to maximize. Simplii bonus
  • KOHO — $40 cash bonus with just one purchase over $20. Great for everyday spending and cashback rewards with no annual fee. Use code KOHOBONUS40KOHO bonus
  • CIBC — $75 cash bonus for new Smart Account holders who complete qualifying actions within 60 days. Better if you want in-person branch access. CIBC bonus

Tangerine's advantage over purely digital fintechs like KOHO is its full banking product suite — savings, credit cards, GICs, and investments all under one roof. Its advantage over Simplii and CIBC is that the $200 bonus path via pre-authorized payments does not require a payroll direct deposit, making it more accessible for self-employed Canadians or those with irregular income.

Verdict

The Tangerine referral bonus is one of the more accessible large banking bonuses in Canada. The $50 base tier is easy to unlock — just deposit $250 and leave it alone for two months. The additional $150 is well within reach for anyone who can redirect either their payroll or a couple of regular bill payments for three months.

For Canadians looking for a reliable digital bank with the security of Scotiabank behind it, Tangerine is a solid starting point.


🎁 Claim Your Bonus

Use referral code 81669611S1 to claim your Tangerine bonus — up to $200 for new chequing account holders.