Two Star Citizen pilots introducing the referral system with subtle referral program UI
During signup

Star Citizen Referral Code

Use the referral code during signup to start with 50,000 UEC. This page shows where to enter it, what the bonus actually does, and what to check if you already created the account.

Use referral code to start with 50,000 UEC.
Use it during signup. It does not change the price. It adds the signup bonus for a brand-new account.
Quick answer

Quick answer: add the code during signup, then move on

Add the code while you create the account, finish signup, verify your email, and move on. That is the version you should plan around. The code does not change the price, and RSI says brand-new accounts can still have a short 24-hour backup window if the field was missed — but treat that as recovery, not the normal path.

This timing follows RSI’s current Referral Program FAQ: use the code at account creation, and only use the short backup window if you missed the field.

1 · Start
Open signup with the code already filled in

That is the easiest start and avoids manual typing.

2 · Create your account
Finish signup and verify your email

That completes the referral step. Buying decisions can come after that.

3 · Buy now or later
Try Free Fly first or buy later

You can keep the same account for Free Fly now or for a starter pack later if the game clicks for you.

Your situationBest moveWhy it works
Brand-new account Use the code during signup. That is the easiest way to lock in the bonus and stop thinking about it.
Trying Free Fly first Create the account with the code now, then buy later only if the game clicks for you. You can set up the account correctly without spending money up front.
Account created a moment ago Check the short backup section below immediately. There may be a short recovery window, but it is still better to fix it immediately than to count on it.
Copy the code here if you want to paste it manually. The referral link above is still the easiest option.
Official rules

Official rules at a glance

Here is the short official version that actually matters for a new account: what you get, when to use the code, what the short backup window means, and what the code does not change.

QuestionAnswerWhy it matters
What do you get? 50,000 UEC for a brand-new account. It is a starter bonus, not a discount and not a replacement for a game package.
When should you use it? During signup. That avoids the most common mistake right from the start.
Can it work later? RSI says brand-new accounts can still have a 24-hour grace window after creation. Treat that as backup only. The normal version is still adding the code during signup.
Does it cost extra? No. The code is free to use and does not change your total.
Does it change pack pricing? No. You still choose your starter pack normally. The code only adds the signup bonus.
Best way to add it? Use the referral link if you want the easiest path. RSI says the link opens signup with the code already filled in.
Do you need to buy immediately? No. You can create the account now, use that same account for Free Fly when it is live, and only buy later if you decide the game is worth keeping.

For most people, that is the whole referral step: add the code during signup, create the account, and then choose your next move.

Signup step

Where to paste the referral code

Open the signup page, find “Referral Code (optional)”, paste the code before you finish creating the account, and then verify your email. After that, the referral part is done.

StepDo this
1Open the official signup page. The referral link is the easiest option because it fills the code in for you.
2If you want to enter it manually, paste STAR-FSRJ-5N7Z into “Referral Code (optional)”.
3Finish creating the RSI account and verify your email.
4Keep that same account for Free Fly or for the starter pack you may choose later.
Copy here if you want to paste it manually during signup.

What the field looks like

The field is easy to miss if you rush. This is the exact place where the code goes before you finish creating the account.

Star Citizen signup form showing the referral code field

Once the code is in the field, finish signup normally.

Backup window

Already created the account? Check the short backup window right away

The normal version is still simple: add the code during signup. If you already created the account a moment ago, check right away whether the short referral entry box is still there. Treat that as recovery, not as the plan.

Your situation Do this now Reality check
You have not created the account yet Use the code during signup. This avoids the usual “can I still add it later?” problem completely.
You created the account very recently Log in, click your user icon, and check the bottom of the account summary panel for the referral entry box. RSI says new accounts have a 24-hour grace window, but you should treat that as a last chance, not as your normal path.
The account is older and the field is gone Move on and use the account as-is. RSI support does not add a code after the account is created, so stop chasing a fix and decide what you want to do with the account you already have.
Value

What the bonus actually helps with

The extra 50,000 UEC is not a giant shortcut. It mainly gives you more room for the small early costs that show up fast: basic gear, med supplies, ammo, fuel, repairs, or one beginner mistake while you are still settling in.

Question With the referral code Without the referral code
Starting credits +50,000 UEC once the account becomes active No signup bonus
What changes More room for early gear, medpens, ammo, fuel, repairs, and one or two beginner mistakes You have less room for the small early expenses that show up right away

Good early uses

  • Basic gear, med supplies, ammo, fuel, repairs, and other small early buys.
  • A little recovery room after early mistakes or lost equipment.

What it does not do

  • It does not discount starter packs.
  • It does not remove the need for a game package outside Free Fly.
  • It does not turn an expensive starter pack into a better deal.
What usually goes wrong

What usually goes wrong with the referral code

MistakeWhat happensDo this instead
Creating the account first and planning to fix it later You may lose the easy signup window for the bonus. Use the code while you create the account and remove the problem before it starts.
Typing the code manually in a hurry A small typo can stop it from applying. Use the referral link or copy/paste the code.
Assuming the code lowers the pack price You end up expecting a discount that does not exist. Treat it as a free signup bonus, not as a coupon.
Skipping the code because you want to try Free Fly first You miss the easy moment to attach it to the account. Create the account with the code first, then use the same account for Free Fly.
Overthinking the purchase before the account even exists The whole signup step feels more complicated than it really is. Separate the steps: account first, buying decision after that.
Use the code during signup and most of these problems disappear automatically.
Try before you buy

You can create the account now and still decide later

You do not need to buy right away. A lot of new players are better off creating the account with the code first, trying the game during Free Fly, and only choosing a starter pack later if the game actually clicks for them.

If that first session feels rough, check the performance guide before you judge the whole game.

Why this path works well

  • You get the referral step done while the account is still brand-new.
  • You can test performance and feel before spending money.
  • You keep the same account if you decide to buy a package later.

Good mindset for Free Fly

  • Create the account now.
  • Use that same account during Free Fly if it is available.
  • Only buy a starter pack later if the game actually feels worth keeping.
What to do next

After signup, keep the rest simple

Once the account exists, keep the rest simple. Verify your email, keep using that same RSI account, and then choose only one next step: try Free Fly, compare a starter pack, or use the should-you-buy guide if you are not ready to spend money yet.

If you are not buying yet

  • Verify the account email and keep the account ready.
  • Use the same account for Free Fly when an event is live.
  • Only come back to starter packs if you decide you want to keep playing.

If you want to keep playing

  • Buy one beginner-friendly game package when you are ready.
  • Check My Hangar once so you know the package is attached to the same account.
  • Install the launcher, download the game, and start with one simple first session.

If the game feels rough right away, check performance before you judge it too hard.

FAQ

Star Citizen referral code FAQ

Use the related answers above for one exact code problem. Use this FAQ for the last short checks right before signup or right after you notice the referral field.

What is a Star Citizen referral code?
It is an optional code you add while creating a new RSI account. Use it during signup and the new account gets the standard 50,000 UEC enlistment bonus.
What do I get for using a referral code?
A brand-new account gets the standard 50,000 UEC signup bonus once the account becomes active.
When should I enter the referral code?
During signup. That is the version you should plan around.
Can I add a referral code after creating my account?
Only as a short backup. RSI’s current referral FAQ says brand-new accounts may have a 24-hour grace window after creation, so check immediately instead of planning around it.
Does using a referral code cost money?
No. It is free to use and does not add anything to your order total.
Does the referral code change starter pack pricing?
No. It does not change the pack price, taxes, or discounts. It only adds the signup bonus.
Does it work during Free Fly?
Yes. You can create the account with the referral code first, try Free Fly, and only buy a starter pack later if you want to keep playing.
Where do I enter the referral code?
On the account creation form, in the field labeled “Referral Code (optional)”, before you finish signup.
How do I confirm the code was applied?
The easiest check is the referral link, because it opens the signup form with the code already filled in. If you are using the backup window instead, RSI says the entry box appears in your account summary for a short time.
Do I need to buy a game package right away?
No. You can create the account now, use it for Free Fly when that is available, and only buy a game package later if you decide the game is worth keeping.
Is using a Star Citizen referral code legit?
Yes. RSI provides a referral field during account creation and documents the standard signup bonus in its official referral FAQ.
Start here

Ready to start?

You only need one clean signup pass here.

Use the referral link or copy the code, finish signup, and then move on to one next step: Free Fly, starter packs, or your buying decision.

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