Signup bonuses are one of the most attractive reasons to register with a crypto exchange. But what if the promised bonus doesn’t show up? At Trade Wise, we’ve helped thousands of users claim verified referral bonuses from platforms like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. When something goes wrong, here’s what you need to know.
Why Didn’t My Crypto Signup Bonus Get Credited?
Most missing bonuses come down to a few key issues:
- Promo code wasn’t applied properly
- KYC (ID verification) not completed
- Minimum deposit or trade amount not met
- Promo expired or not valid in your region
For example, Coinbase requires a $100+ trade within 180 days using a referral link. Binance requires users to apply a code and verify their identity before activating bonuses. Using the wrong code, skipping a step, or signing up from an ineligible country can void your eligibility.
Check our guide on crypto signup bonus requirements for more details.
How Can I Check My Eligibility for a Bonus?
To confirm if you’re eligible:
- Read the platform’s promotion terms before registering.
- Verify your account with required ID and proof of residence.
- Check if your country is eligible for the bonus.
- Confirm the promo code was used correctly (during signup, not after).
- Ensure deposit/trade requirements were met within the timeframe.
Some exchanges have country-specific offers. For example, Crypto.com often excludes the U.S. from global campaigns. Check our insider tips for maximizing bonuses to boost your odds.
Troubleshooting Steps Per Major Platform
Binance Bonus Not Showing?
- Visit the Reward Hub
- Complete full KYC
- Check if the referral code was active and correct
- Contact support with:
- Your account email
- Screenshot of the referral code used
- Deposit or trade confirmations
Use our verified Binance referral code to ensure you’re using a live bonus offer.
Coinbase Bonus Missing?
- Check the “Earn” section in your dashboard
- Ensure at least $100 in crypto was bought/sold
- Confirm the referral was activated before signing up
- Contact Coinbase support with:
- Date of account creation
- Name of the referrer or referral email
- Transaction screenshot
We cover this in detail in our Coinbase referral guide.
Kraken Promotion Not Applied?
- Kraken doesn’t always run public bonuses
- Check for opt-in requirements
- Verify that you met trade and identity tiers
- Contact Kraken support with:
- Your account email
- Screenshot of campaign or referral offer
- Transaction records
See our Kraken referral breakdown for specific campaign tips.
Crypto.com Signup Bonus Delayed?
- Stake enough CRO to unlock bonuses
- Use the referral code during signup, not after
- Verify your ID and country eligibility
- Contact in-app chat with:
- Referral code screenshot
- Wallet address or staking receipt
Start here with our Crypto.com referral offer.
Gemini Bonus Not Credited?
- Trade at least $100 within 30 days
- Confirm your email is verified
- Review terms of the referral page
- Reach out with:
- Account creation date
- Referral source (email or code)
- Trading history
Learn more about Gemini bonus steps.
Other Platforms: OKX, Bybit, KuCoin
| Platform | Key Troubleshooting Tip | Referral Code Page |
|---|---|---|
| OKX | Check “Task Center” to complete missions | OKX |
| Bybit | Complete email/KYC and first trade | Bybit |
| KuCoin | Make your first deposit and trade USDT pairs | KuCoin |
If you’re unsure which exchange gives you the best value, see our 2024 referral code comparison.
What Documents Should I Prepare to Fix Bonus Issues?
Prepare the following before contacting support:
- Screenshot of referral code or link used
- Proof of KYC completion
- Wallet transaction ID or trading history
- Email confirmation of bonus eligibility
- Any related promo terms and conditions
Save everything when you sign up. Exchanges often reject bonus claims without timestamped proof.
How Long Does a Signup Bonus Take to Arrive?
| Platform | Bonus Arrival Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Binance | 24–72 hours | After ID verification and deposit |
| Coinbase | Up to 10 days | After $100 trade completed |
| Crypto.com | Up to 90 days | CRO must be staked |
| Kraken | Varies (manual review) | Depends on campaign |
| Gemini | 1–5 business days | After first trade |
| Bybit | Instantly to 7 days | Tasks must be completed |
| OKX | 24–48 hours | After mission center steps |
For strategies to maximize speed and returns, read how to stack signup bonuses.
Can You Recover an Expired Bonus?
Expired signup bonuses are typically non-recoverable once the campaign ends or the promo terms are violated. However, some exchanges may issue goodwill credits in cases where:
- The promo failed due to a platform error
- The user completed KYC or deposit just after expiry
- The referral tracking glitched during sign-up
You should always contact customer support with proof of compliance — such as deposit receipts or screenshots showing the referral link usage. Platforms like Crypto.com and Bybit have been known to review such cases individually.
What If Support Doesn’t Respond?
When official support is unresponsive or dismissive, take these steps:
- Escalate to Public Channels
Post on the platform’s subreddit, Twitter, or community forum with specific details. Exchanges often prioritize issues that gain traction. - Submit Formal Complaints
For regulated exchanges, file complaints with consumer protection agencies or trading commissions in your country. - Use Review Platforms
Post reviews on Trustpilot, G2, or app stores. Companies often monitor these and reply faster. - Recheck Platform-Specific Policies
Guides like our Kraken Referral Code page often detail response times and terms.
If you’re still stuck, explore new platforms with better support — our top crypto referral bonuses list highlights those with consistent service.
What Proofs Do You Need to Submit a Bonus Claim?
To support your case and speed up issue resolution, prepare the following:
- Screenshot of the referral or promo code at the time of registration
- Confirmation of successful KYC verification
- Deposit transaction IDs and timestamps
- Email used to register
- Link or date of the bonus promotion
This documentation helps platforms like OKX or KuCoin verify your claim and manually credit your signup bonus.
How Long Do Crypto Bonuses Take to Arrive?
Each platform has a different reward cycle based on verification, deposit requirements, and regional eligibility.
| Platform | Delivery Time | Bonus Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Binance | 24–72 hours | ID verification + deposit |
| Coinbase | 24 hours to 10 days | $100+ trade via Coinbase referral code |
| Kraken | Varies (manual review) | Campaign specific |
| Crypto.com | Up to 90 days | Advanced KYC + CRO stake |
| Gemini | 1–5 business days | Trade $100 via Gemini referral code |
| Bybit | Instant to 7 days | Tasks in Rewards Hub |
| Bitget | 1–3 days | Valid code + email verification |
If it’s been longer than the stated timeframe, it’s time to check your progress dashboard or submit a support ticket.
How to Avoid Bonus Issues in the Future
To ensure you never miss a bonus again:
- Always use verified referral codes, like those listed on Trade Wise
- Double-check promo requirements before signing up
- Take screenshots of every step during the signup and funding process
- Keep track of timelines — some bonuses expire in 7 days if requirements aren’t met
- Bookmark key resources like our guide to signup bonus requirements
Final Tip: Compare Bonus Terms Before Choosing a Platform
Different exchanges offer different value for effort. Use our complete resources:
- Best signup bonuses
- How to qualify for top bonuses
- Stacking bonuses across platforms
- Common signup bonus mistakes
Trade Wise exists to help you unlock the most profitable bonuses with trust built in. Every code we list is tested, verified, and explained in full — so you’re never left wondering why your bonus didn’t arrive.
