Joining most affiliate programs is free, but joining the wrong one can cost you. Years ago, one of my best performing programs banned me over a terms issue I had not read, and another held my commissions because I could not use their payment method. Both problems could have been avoided with a few minutes of checking.
Here are 7 things to check before you join any affiliate program.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | You must be able to actually receive the money |
| Minimum payout | Low earners may wait months to get paid |
| Cookie duration | Longer cookies mean more credited sales |
| In-house vs network | Affects tracking, payouts, and support |
| Commission rate and type | One-time vs recurring changes long-term income |
| Terms and conditions | Breaking rules can get you banned |
| Product reputation | Bad products hurt your trust and get refunded |
1. Payment Methods
Check how the program pays before anything else. Common options are PayPal, direct bank deposit, wire transfer, and Payoneer. If you live in a country where PayPal is limited, look for programs that pay through bank transfer or Payoneer. See PayPal alternatives and affiliate programs that pay via Payoneer.
2. Minimum Payout and Payment Schedule
Most programs only pay once you reach a minimum balance, often $25 to $100. Also check how often they pay (monthly, net-30, net-60) and how long commissions are held to cover refunds. A high minimum with a slow schedule can mean waiting months for your first payment.
3. Cookie Duration
When a reader clicks your link, a cookie remembers that you referred them. If they buy before it expires, you get credit. Cookie lengths range from 24 hours (Amazon Associates) to 30, 60, 90 days or more. For products people research before buying, like hosting or software, a longer cookie makes a real difference.
4. In-House Program or Affiliate Network
Some companies run their own program. Others use a network like Impact, CJ, Awin, or PartnerStack.
- Networks: one dashboard and one payout for many programs, plus reliable tracking.
- In-house programs: sometimes higher commissions and direct contact with the affiliate manager, but every program has its own dashboard and payout rules.
5. Commission Rate and Type
Compare more than the headline number. Is it a flat fee or a percentage? One-time or recurring? A 30% recurring commission on a monthly subscription can earn far more over time than a one-time $50 payment. Also check whether commissions are paid on renewals and upgrades.
6. Terms and Conditions
This is where most affiliates get into trouble. Look for rules on:
- Bidding on the brand name in Google Ads or other paid ads.
- Coupon sites, email promotion, and social media.
- Link cloaking and how links must be displayed.
- Required disclosures.
- Which countries or traffic sources are allowed.
7. Product Quality and Reputation
Only promote products you would recommend to a friend. Read reviews, check refund policies, and use the product yourself if you can. Poor products lead to refunds (which cancel your commission) and damage your readers’ trust.
Ready to apply? Read how to get your affiliate application approved and how to monetize your blog with affiliate marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good cookie duration for affiliate programs?
30 days or more is good for most products. For software and hosting, 60 to 90 days is better.
Are recurring commissions better than one-time commissions?
Often, yes, for subscription products, because you earn every month the customer stays. One-time commissions can still be better if they are high.
What happens if I break an affiliate program’s terms?
The program can cancel your commissions and close your account. Always read the terms before promoting.
Should I join affiliate networks or in-house programs?
Both. Networks make it easy to manage many programs, while in-house programs can pay more for specific products.
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