pCloud referral link and review

What is pCloud?

pCloud is a European cloud storage service founded in 2013 and operated by pCloud International AG in Baar, Switzerland. It syncs files across web, desktop and mobile apps, with file sharing and a built-in media player.

Key points from pCloud's own pages:

• Data regions: you choose the European Union (data center in Luxembourg) or the United States (Dallas, Texas) when you create the account. Files, account metadata and backups stay in that region. Switching later is possible from account settings for a one-time $19.99 fee, and data cannot be split across both regions.
• pCloud Encryption: an optional paid add-on that adds a Crypto folder with client-side, zero-knowledge encryption: files are encrypted on your device before upload and only you hold the key. The lifetime add-on is listed at $150 (shown down from $229).
• Family and Business: a Family plan for up to 5 users (owner plus 4, lifetime only, starting at 2 TB) and a Business plan with a one-month free trial for 5 users.

Who it's for

pCloud suits people who want a fixed storage size without a recurring bill, since it sells lifetime storage for a single payment. It also fits users who care where their data sits: the EU region keeps files in Luxembourg, and the terms are governed by Swiss law (EU residents keep the law and courts of their own country).

It is a weaker fit if you only need a little free space, or if you need a custom plan above 2 TB: custom plans are currently unavailable and such requests go to support.

Pricing at a glance

Prices on the pCloud pricing page, in USD:

pCloud says prices are final with no setup fees or hidden charges. Each plan also includes monthly shared-link traffic: 1,000 GB on Premium, 4 TB on Premium Plus and 20 TB on Ultra; extra traffic can be bought separately.

The free Basic plan offers up to 10 GB but starts with 2 GB unlocked; beginner tutorial steps unlock 1 GB each. Free accounts are deleted after 12 months of inactivity.

Refunds and restrictions

• 14-day money-back guarantee, counted from the day you pay. The request must be made in writing, and refunds are processed within 30 calendar days, usually to the original payment method.
• Discounted purchases may be excluded: the terms let pCloud decline refunds for purchases made through promotional campaigns or discounts.
• No refund for unused daysafter the 14-day window.
• Age: you must be at least 18 to use the service.
• Region change costs $19.99 and, on Family or Business accounts, only the owner can start it.

pCloud referral and affiliate programs

pCloud runs two separate programs:

• Invite friends (storage): a free user earns 1 GB for each friend who signs up through their link and verifies their email, up to 3 GB from referrals, plus an entry into a draw for a Premium Lifetime plan. Referrals from the same IP address are capped at 10. The invited friend does not get a listed bonus.
• Affiliate program (cash): open worldwide to anyone 18+, with no fee and no sales requirement. It pays 20% of each lifetime plan purchase, or 20% of each recurring monthly or annual subscription payment, with the model chosen per referral. Payouts go out around the 16th of each month, no earlier than 45 days after the sale, via PayPal (minimum $10) or bank transfer (minimum $500). Details are on the pCloud affiliate page.