Quick answer
If the £50 referral credit matters, start directly from the personalised Octopus referral link. Use comparison sites for research if you want, but do not assume a comparison-site sign-up will also qualify for the referral reward.
Why the route matters
Referral schemes depend on tracking. Octopus terms say referrals not made through the personalised link, including sign-ups through third parties such as price comparison sites, are not eligible for the referral reward.
Octo's rule of thumb
Use comparison sites for research, then start a fresh direct Octopus quote from the referral link if you want the referral credit to be tracked.
Practical approach
Research the market
Compare prices, tariff types and customer service information before deciding.
Use the referral link to quote
When you are ready to check Octopus, start from the personalised referral link.
Compare the final quote
Check the live Octopus quote against any other offer before switching.
Code reminder
The referral code is lotus-book-642, but the full referral link is the safer route for tracking.