Do you want to sell on Whatnot, or are you already a seller? Before starting…
You have just watched a live sale on Whatnot and noticed something unusual. When a buyer wins an auction, you may sometimes see a message such as:
“Harry won the auction using his Whatnot credits.”
At first, this can seem confusing. Where do these Whatnot credits come from? Is it money given away by the platform? Can you get them for free? And why do some users seem to have much more credit than others?
In reality, Whatnot credits are part of a rewards system created by the platform to attract new users and encourage purchases. They can reduce the price of an order, but the way they work is often misunderstood.
In this complete guide, I explain what Whatnot credits are, how they work, how to earn them, and when they can be used.
What Does “Paid Using Credits” Mean on Whatnot?
When you see the message “paid using credits” after someone wins an auction, it simply means that the buyer has Whatnot credits available on their account.
These credits are automatically applied at checkout to reduce the amount they actually need to pay.
For example:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Winning bid | €25 |
| Available credits | €15 |
| Amount left to pay | €10 (+ shipping) |
The buyer therefore only pays €10 for the item. The remaining €15 is covered by their credits.
Everything is applied automatically. In most cases, you do not need to do anything during payment.
Are Whatnot Credits Real Money?
No. This is probably the point that causes the most confusion.
Whatnot credits are not money that you can withdraw to your bank account. They also cannot be transferred to another person.
They are a form of promotional credit offered by Whatnot in different situations, especially through its referral system.
These credits are only used to reduce the price of eligible purchases made on the platform.
What You Can Do With Credits
- Reduce the price of a purchase.
- Pay part or all of the price of an item.
- Have them automatically applied at checkout.
What You Cannot Do With Credits
- Withdraw them to a bank account.
- Send them to another user.
- Convert them into cash.
- Pay shipping costs.
- Pay taxes or other possible fees.
This is why an order can show €0 for the item while you still need to pay a few euros in shipping.
Why Does Whatnot Give Away Credits?
Many new users think Whatnot simply gives away free money. In reality, it is mainly a marketing strategy.
Instead of spending its entire marketing budget on Google, Facebook, or TikTok ads, Whatnot directly rewards users who introduce the platform to other people.
This system has several advantages:
- attract new buyers;
- encourage first purchases;
- encourage users to return to the platform;
- help sellers grow their communities.
In the end, everyone can benefit:
- the new buyer discovers Whatnot with a discount;
- the person who invited them also receives a reward;
- the seller makes an additional sale;
- Whatnot grows its community.
It is the same basic idea used by referral programs from Uber, Revolut, Trade Republic, and many online banks.
How Can You Get Whatnot Credits?
Contrary to what some people think, Whatnot credits are not handed out randomly.
They are earned through several programs offered by the platform. Some are available to all users, while others are reserved for sellers, content creators, or Whatnot partners.
Here are the main ways to get credits.
1. Buyer-to-Buyer Referrals
This is the best-known system.
Each user has a personal referral link. When a new user signs up with this link and makes their first eligible purchase, both users receive credits.
The amount is not always the same. It depends on the promotional campaigns offered by Whatnot.
In many cases, users may see offers such as:
- €10 in credits for the new user;
- €10 in credits for the referrer.
However, Whatnot sometimes runs special promotions.
Some new users may receive €25, €50, €100, or even up to €200 in credits. These offers are relatively rare and are usually available for a limited time.
The amount is normally displayed before signup or when the referral link is opened.
2. Seller Referral Links
Sellers also have links they can use to invite new buyers to Whatnot.
This system can be especially useful for smaller sellers who want to grow their community.
In France, offers commonly seen may include:
- €5 reward for the seller;
- €15 to €25 in credits for the new buyer.
Again, these amounts are not fixed.
They can change depending on the country, the seller, or current Whatnot marketing campaigns.
If you discover a seller on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, it can therefore be worth using their signup link instead of a standard link.
3. Influencer Referral Links
You may already have seen a content creator say:
“Sign up with my link and get €15 in Whatnot credits.”
Many YouTubers, streamers, and creators focused on Pokémon cards, sneakers, Funko Pop figures, or collectibles work with Whatnot.
They often have referral links that give new users credits when they sign up.
For example, some creators such as Kiibiki regularly share links offering €15 in credits to new users.
However, creator compensation is not public. Whatnot does not disclose the commissions or benefits given to its partners.
It is therefore impossible to know exactly what they receive in exchange for promoting the platform.
4. The Whatnot Affiliate Program
Whatnot also offers a real affiliate program.
Unlike simple referrals, this program is designed for content creators, bloggers, media companies, and partners who want to promote the platform.
The principle is simple:
- you share an affiliate link;
- someone clicks it;
- they make an eligible purchase;
- you receive a commission according to the program terms.
This system works differently from standard credits and usually requires approval from Whatnot.
5. The Ambassador Program
Finally, Whatnot also works with selected ambassadors.
These users are chosen by the platform to promote Whatnot within their communities.
They may receive access to exclusive campaigns, marketing tools, or specific benefits.
However, the exact terms of this program are not publicly disclosed.
Whatnot does not publish details about possible compensation or rewards given to ambassadors.
Summary of the Different Types of Whatnot Credits
| Source of credits | Who benefits? | Typical amount seen |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer-to-buyer referral | The referrer and the new buyer | €10 each, sometimes much more during special offers |
| Seller-to-buyer referral | The seller and the new buyer | €5 seller / €15 to €25 buyer |
| Influencer link | The new buyer | Often €15 in credits |
| Affiliate program | The partner | Variable commission |
| Ambassador program | Selected creators | Not disclosed |
As you can see, not every user receives the same offers.
The amounts regularly change depending on Whatnot's promotional campaigns, the country, and sometimes even the user's profile.
How Do You Use Whatnot Credits?
You do not need to do anything special.
If you have Whatnot credits, they are generally applied automatically when you pay for an eligible purchase.
When you win an auction or buy an item through Buy It Now, Whatnot automatically calculates the discount based on the credits available on your account.
You will then see a payment summary showing how much was covered by credits and how much remains to be paid.
Can You Pay for an Item Entirely With Credits?
Yes, in some cases.
If your credit balance is equal to or higher than the item's price, your credits can cover the full price of the item.
For example:
| Item price | Available credits | Amount paid for the item |
|---|---|---|
| €12 | €20 | €0 |
| €35 | €15 | €20 |
| €50 | €50 | €0 |
However, this does not necessarily mean that your entire order will be free.
Can Whatnot Credits Pay for Shipping?
No.
This is a very common mistake among new users.
Whatnot credits are only used to reduce the price of the item.
They cannot be used to pay:
- shipping costs;
- possible taxes;
- other fees applied to the order.
You can therefore get an item for free using credits while still having to pay a few euros for shipping.
If you want to learn more about paying for an order, you can also read my guide about payment methods accepted on Whatnot.
Do Whatnot Credits Expire?
Yes. Promotional credits are generally not valid forever.
According to the conditions provided by Whatnot, they usually have a limited validity period. Once that period expires, unused credits are automatically removed from your account.
Before keeping your credits for several months, remember to check their expiration date in your Whatnot account.
It would be a shame to lose a discount simply because you did not use it in time.
Can You Withdraw Whatnot Credits as Cash?
No. Whatnot credits are not considered cash.
You cannot:
- transfer them to your bank account;
- send them to another user;
- convert them into cash;
- resell them.
They are only used to reduce the price of purchases made on Whatnot.
Why Do Some Users Have More Than €100 in Credits?
You may sometimes see buyers with a very large credit balance.
Several reasons can explain this.
- They have referred many new users.
- They benefited from an exceptional promotional campaign.
- They accumulated several rewards over a short period.
- They have access to offers reserved for certain partners.
Whatnot has also occasionally run special promotions where some new users received particularly high amounts.
However, these offers are exceptional and are not available all the time.
What Happens if an Order Is Cancelled?
When an order paid with credits is cancelled, what happens depends on the reason for the cancellation and the Whatnot rules applying at that time.
In many cases, the promotional credits used are returned to the user's account. However, some promotions may have specific conditions.
If you are unsure, the easiest solution is to check your order details or contact Whatnot Support.
Can You Combine Several Credits?
Yes, it is possible to accumulate several rewards received at different times.
For example, a user may receive:
- credits from a referral;
- a reward linked to a temporary promotion;
- a bonus offered during a marketing campaign.
Your available balance appears directly in your Whatnot account and will be automatically used on your next eligible purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whatnot Credits
How Do I Know if I Have Whatnot Credits?
If you have credits, the amount appears directly in your Whatnot account. When you pay for an eligible order, the platform also shows how much will be deducted using your credits.
Why Does It Say “Paid Using Credits”?
This simply means that the buyer has Whatnot promotional credits. They are automatically used to reduce the price of the purchase before payment.
Are Whatnot Credits Free?
Yes. Credits are offered by Whatnot through referral programs, promotional campaigns, or partnerships with selected sellers and content creators.
Can I Use My Credits on Every Sale?
Credits can be used on eligible purchases made on Whatnot. However, some promotional offers may have specific conditions. Check the terms linked to your credits.
Can I Give My Credits to a Friend?
No. Credits are linked to your Whatnot account and cannot be transferred to another user.
Why Did My Friend Receive More Credits Than Me?
The amount of credit can vary depending on promotional campaigns, country, referral type, and current offers. Two users may therefore receive different amounts at the same time.
Do Whatnot Credits Work on Auctions?
Yes. If you win an auction, your credits are automatically deducted from the item's price during payment, up to the amount available on your account.
Can I Use My Credits on a Buy It Now Purchase?
Yes. Credits can also be used on a Buy It Now purchase as long as the order is eligible.
Do Credits Replace My Payment Method?
No. You still need to save a valid payment method on Whatnot. If your credits do not cover the full order amount, the remaining balance is automatically charged to your card or other saved payment method.
My Opinion on Whatnot Credits
Whatnot credits are a great way to discover the platform while saving money on your first purchases.
They can sometimes help you get an item at a very low price, or even for free when the credit amount fully covers the item price.
However, it is important to remember that these credits are not money. They cannot be withdrawn, transferred, or used to pay shipping costs.
If you want to benefit from the best offers, consider using a referral link before creating your account. The amounts offered change regularly, and some campaigns provide particularly attractive credit bonuses.
Finally, if you are a seller or content creator, the different referral and partnership programs offered by Whatnot can also be an effective way to grow your community while introducing the platform to new users.
To learn more, you can also read my other guides:
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