Invitation Code

An invitation code is an alphanumeric string issued individually to existing users of a service. When a new user enters the code during account registration or first use, both the referrer and the referred user receive rewards such as discounts or points.

For service providers, this is a highly efficient customer acquisition method with low advertising costs. For users, it lowers the barrier to trying a service for the first time. Many services including Uber Eats, Mercari, and PayPay have adopted invitation code systems.

The timing for entering an invitation code varies by service. Some require it during account registration, others on the checkout page of your first order, and some in the referral section of the settings page. The common key point is to make sure you enter the code before your first use.

Be aware that invitation codes typically have an expiration date. Additionally, each account can only use one code, so if you have already applied a different invitation code, you cannot bind a new one. Pay attention to details like case sensitivity and hyphens to avoid input errors.

Invitation codes and coupon codes are often confused, but they differ in who issues them and how they are used. An invitation code is a personal code tied to an existing user, and the referrer also receives a reward. A coupon code, on the other hand, is issued by the service operator for promotional campaigns and is typically a universal code that anyone can use.