> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getkardy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Join through a friend's invite

> Join the right merchant through an invite before your first qualifying purchase.

Use the merchant-specific link your friend shared, not a general invitation to Kardy.
An existing membership cannot be referred retroactively.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the invite">
    Check that the link opens the intended merchant's join page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in and verify">
    Use your existing Kardy account or create one if needed. Complete email
    verification and return to the joining flow.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finish joining">
    Complete the merchant's join action. Referral details are retained through
    sign-in and verification.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make your first qualifying purchase">
    Show your QR and let authorised staff issue your first actual stamp. The
    server checks the referral requirements at that point.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Done when:** your new membership is visible. Joining alone earns no bonus; after
the qualifying purchase, check [Invites you joined](/customer-journey/track-referrals).

Read the [qualification rules](/features/referrals#what-qualifies) before expecting
a bonus. Both members' account and membership requirements must already be met at
the first staff-issued stamp; a later visit does not fix qualification retroactively.