Can you give a gift card or discount for a Google review?

Short answer: No. Google's published policy prohibits offering anything of value in exchange for a review, including gift cards, discounts and freebies, and it applies even when you ask for an honest review rather than a 5-star one. The safe approach is to ask every customer at the right moment, with a direct link and no reward.

What does Google's policy actually say?

Google's Maps user-generated content policy lists offering or accepting money, products or services in exchange for posting a review as fake engagement. It also says merchants must not selectively solicit positive reviews. Content that breaks these rules will be removed.

What counts as an incentive?

• Gift cards or cash, including small amounts.
• A discount on the next invoice or job.
• Free add-ons, upgrades or services.
• Entries into a raffle, giveaway or contest.
• Donating to a charity "for every review".

If the customer gets something because they posted a review, treat it as an incentive.

Is it fine if I don't ask for 5 stars?

No. The incentive rule is about the exchange itself, not the star rating. "Leave any honest review and get $10 off" is still a review in exchange for value.

Can I thank customers in other ways?

Yes, as long as it isn't tied to a review. A loyalty discount every customer gets, a handwritten thank-you note, or a referral program not linked to reviews are separate from asking for a review. Keep the review request on its own.

What works instead of incentives?

Timing and ease. Ask soon after the customer has paid and is happy the job is done, give them a one-tap link to your Google review form, and follow up once. See when to ask for a Google review, how to find your Google review link and our review request email templates.

How InvoiceStars handles it

InvoiceStars sends a Google review request email when a QuickBooks Online invoice is paid in full. It offers no incentives, doesn't ask customers to rate you first, and sends at most one reminder, 3 days later by default, only if the link wasn't clicked. For the related rule on asking only happy customers, read is review gating allowed?

InvoiceStars has a 14-day free trial, then $25/mo per location. Text message requests are coming soon. Start your 14-day trial or run the free Review Score checker once to see where you stand.

FAQ

Can I give a gift card or discount for a Google review?

No. Google's Maps user-generated content policy prohibits offering or accepting money, products or services in exchange for posting a review. Discounts, gift cards, free add-ons and contest entries tied to a review all count, even if you don't ask for a positive review.

Can I run a giveaway or raffle for people who leave a review?

No. A raffle entry is something of value given in exchange for a review, so it falls under the same incentive ban in Google's policy.

What can I do instead of offering an incentive?

Ask every customer for an honest review right after the job is done and paid, send a direct link to your Google review form, send one polite reminder, and reply to every review.

This summarizes Google's published policy (checked 2026-10-26) and isn't legal advice. Compare tools: InvoiceStars vs NiceJob, InvoiceStars vs Podium, FAQ, pricing.