Google's $500 referral program returns, making it one of the easiest ways to save on a Pixel

Google is bringing back its Pixel Referral Program, just over a month after the Pixel 11 series went on sale. And if you’ve been waiting for a decent excuse to pick up one of Google’s latest phones, this could knock a pretty meaningful chunk off the price.

As reported by 9to5Google, the program gives buyers 10% off a Pixel phone purchased through the US Google Store when they use an alphanumeric referral code at checkout. This discount on a pricey Pixel can translate into a much more noticeable saving. The codes are currently valid until November 4.

There’s something in it for the person sharing the code, too. Every successful referral earns the referrer $50 in Google Store credit once the buyer’s return window has passed. Google lets eligible users make up to 10 referrals during the campaign, meaning you could potentially rack up $500 in Store credit if all 10 result in purchases. However, each $50 reward expires 365 days after it is issued.

The slightly confusing part is getting your own referral codes. This isn’t a program that every Pixel owner can sign up for right now. The US referrers need to be active Pixel phone users who were already opted in to receive Pixel emails when the program launched. More importantly, if you’ve received an email inviting you to participate, you’re in.

For now, access appears to be limited to eligible users Google has invited. But if you do have access and know a few people planning to buy a Pixel, the arrangement is pretty appealing: they save 10%, while you get some Google Store money to put toward your next device.