Quick answer
Credit is the default, so a reward pays as credit unless cash was selected when it paid out and the payment processor’s checks were complete. Switch to cash under Referral Reward Types, finish the processor’s ID steps, and leave the setting on cash. The credit you already got has the same value: credit and cash are the same value.
The three reasons, and the fix for each
| Reason | What the rules say | Fix for next time |
|---|---|---|
| Cash wasn’t selected at payout time | the reward type selected when a reward pays out is the one used | Select cash under Referral Reward Types and leave it there. |
| Processor registration or ID check unfinished | if you don't finish the processor's identity checks, every reward is paid as credit | Finish every step the processor asks for, from the link on your Referrals page. |
| Bank details or bank rejected the payment | cash that bounces because of wrong details or bank problems can be re-issued as credit instead | Correct the details with the processor and check your bank accepts the transfer. |
Not offered at all?
If Referral Reward Types shows no cash option, cash isn’t available to your account. Starlink’s wording: your account's Referral Reward Types setting shows whether cash is offered to you.
Questions people ask
Can a reward that came as credit be changed to cash?
Nothing published describes converting credit already issued. The cash setting applies to rewards that pay out after you switch.
I switched to cash but still got credit. Why?
Most often the payment processor’s registration or ID check wasn’t finished, or the bank details failed and SpaceX re-issued the reward as credit. Check the processor account linked from your Referrals page.
Is my credit lost if I cancel Starlink?
The terms don’t say what happens to unused service credit on cancellation. Use it on your bills while you’re a customer.