Glossary

What Is a Signup Bonus? Meaning, Types & How to Get Free Sign-Up Rewards

By Jupiter Team · · 3 min read

What Is a Signup Bonus?

A signup bonus is a reward offered to new users when they register on a service, app, or platform for the first time. These bonuses can come in the form of cashback, free credits, gift cards, or discounts, and are widely used to attract new users.

For example, when you join a fintech app, you might get ₹100 just for registering. Similarly, in the job market, companies may offer a signing bonus to new employees as an upfront incentive.

‘Signup Bonus’ in some of the Indian languages

Language

Translation

Explanation in Context

Hindi

साइनअप बोनस

जब आप किसी ऐप या सेवा में पहली बार रजिस्टर करते हैं, तब कंपनी आपको इनाम के रूप में कुछ कैश या ऑफर देती है।

Marathi

साईनअप बोनस

जेव्हा एखादा व्यक्ती नवीन सेवा किंवा अ‍ॅपमध्ये नोंदणी करतो, तेव्हा त्याला सुरुवातीचा बोनस दिला जातो.

Tamil

பதிவுசெய்த பரிசு (Signup Bonus)

ஒருவர் புதிய செயலியில் சேரும்போது தரப்படும் பண பரிசு அல்லது சலுகை.

Kannada

ಸೈನ್ ಅಪ್ ಬೋನಸ್

ಹೊಸ ಖಾತೆ ತೆರೆದಾಗ ಅಥವಾ ಹೊಸ ಸೇವೆ ಬಳಸಿದಾಗ ದೊರಕುವ ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಕ ಮೊತ್ತ.

Bengali

সাইন আপ বোনাস

আপনি যখন নতুনভাবে কোনও অ্যাপ বা পরিষেবায় রেজিস্টার করেন তখন যে নগদ বা ইনসেনটিভ দেওয়া হয়।

Gujarati

સાઇનઅપ બોનસ

જ્યારે કોઈ વ્યકિત નવી સેવા માટે સાઇનઅપ કરે છે ત્યારે મળતો પ્રારંભિક ઇનામ.

Telugu

సైన్ అప్ బోనస్

కొత్తగా సేవలో చేరినప్పుడు ఇవ్వబడే ఉచిత నగదు లేదా ప్రయోజనం.

Malayalam

സൈൻഅപ്പ് ബോണസ്

പുതിയ ഉപഭോക്താവായി രജിസ്റ്റർ ചെയുമ്പോൾ ലഭിക്കുന്ന ഉപഹാരം അല്ലെങ്കിൽ ക്യാഷ് ബാക്ക്.

‘Signup Bonus’ Explained like you’re a small kid

A signup bonus is like getting a little gift just for joining a new app. Imagine signing up and receiving ₹50, even before you do anything! Sometimes it’s real cash, sometimes points or credits. Some are instant, some need a few steps—but it’s always free stuff just for signing up.

Types of Signup Bonuses in India

Here are the common types of signup bonuses you'll come across:

Type

Description

Example (India)

Cashback

Get a fixed amount or % back on signup or spend

Amazon Pay: ₹50 cashback on sign-in

Free Credits

Platform-specific credits, not actual cash

Zerodha: ₹100 in trading credits

No Deposit Bonus

Bonus given without needing to deposit any money

Dream11: ₹50 for joining

Referral Bonus

Reward for both referrer and referee

PhonePe: ₹75 for you + ₹75 for a friend

Bank Signup Bonus

Bonus after account opening

Jupiter Money: Free Amazon Prime 1 year subscription worth ₹1,499 on Edge+ Credit Card

Free Signup Bonus Offers (No Deposit Required)

Some apps offer signup bonuses without any deposit or spend, making them ideal for students or new users:

  • Fantasy platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, and Winzo
  • Investment apps like Upstox and Angel One
  • Wallets like Paytm First Games

These typically require KYC or minimal app interaction.

Signup Bonus vs Welcome Bonus: What’s the Difference?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference:

  • Signup Bonus: Immediate reward after registration
  • Welcome Bonus: Includes signup and future bonuses tied to actions like deposits or transactions

So, every signup bonus is a welcome bonus, but not every welcome bonus is immediate.

Cashback vs Free Credits

  • Cashback gives you real money or wallet balance.
  • Free Credits are only usable within the app and might expire.

How to Withdraw a Signup Bonus Instantly

To instantly use or withdraw a signup bonus:

  1. Complete full KYC
  2. Fulfill activity like making your first transaction or referral
  3. Check if the app allows withdrawal of the bonus, or if it's locked to in-app use

Always read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid missing out.

Common Terms and Conditions to Watch For

Before claiming your bonus, always check:

  • If KYC is mandatory
  • Withdrawal rules and lock-ins
  • Minimum usage or transaction requirements
  • Expiry date of the bonus

FAQs About Signup Bonuses

Q1. What is a signup bonus?

A signup bonus is a free reward, usually in the form of cash or credits, given when you register on an app or platform for the first time.

Q2. Is a signup bonus the same as a welcome bonus?

Not always. Signup bonuses are typically instant, while welcome bonuses may include rewards after actions like making a purchase.

Q3. How can I get a signup bonus without deposit?

Look for apps that offer no-deposit bonuses—like fantasy sports, trading apps, or digital wallets.

Q4. Can I withdraw a signup bonus instantly?

Some platforms allow this after KYC or basic activity, but others may lock the bonus until certain conditions are met.

In this article

Glossary

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