Updated 4 October 2026

Highest paying affiliate programs, ranked by what a referral is worth

Measured by what one referral is worth over its first 24 months, the highest paying SaaS affiliate programs right now are Cometly (about $2,016), Extendly (about $2,005), Bright Data (about $1,688) and GoHighLevel (about $1,604). Only 7 of the 117 recurring programs we track pass $1,000 per referral, and the commission rate barely predicts which ones do.

By Zoltan Juhasz, founder of NetPartners Marketing · Data checked 23 September 2026 · How we score

7 of 117programs worth $1,000+ per referral

$271median value per referral, 24 months (est.)

0.26correlation between rate and value

5 of 49big brands still paying for life

The short answer

The best paying affiliate programs are not the ones with the highest percentage. A referral's value depends on three things: the rate, the price of the plan your referral actually buys and how long the program keeps paying. A 40% lifetime commission on a $297 plan (HighLevel, about $1,604 per referral) is worth roughly four times a 60% lifetime commission on a $47 plan (Systeme.io, about $381).

Below, every program on our board is ranked by estimated value per referral over its first 24 months. Commission terms were read on each program's own pages, and the value uses the same churn assumptions for everyone. How the values are calculated.

Top 15 by estimated value per referral

Cometly$2,016

Extendly$2,005

Bright Data$1,688

GoHighLevel$1,604

Decodo$1,350

DashClicks$1,075

ScraperAPI$1,006

ClickMagick$941

Kartra$821

SOAX$810

Apify$806

Search Atlas$806

ClickFunnels$798

Proxy-Seller$675

Geonix$675

Estimated 24-month value of one referral on the entry plan. Values use an assumed churn rate, not each program's measured retention.

All 117 programs, ranked by value per referral

"Rate rank" is where the program would sit if you sorted by commission percentage alone. Click any column to sort.


1	CometlyAttribution & tracking	30% / 12 months	43	$750	$2,016	hand-checked	Join
2	ExtendlyAgency & white-label SaaS	50% lifetime	3	$297	$2,005	partly confirmed	Join
3	Bright Data cautionProxies	50% recurring, capped $2,500	4	$250	$1,688	partly confirmed	Join
4	GoHighLevelAgency & white-label SaaS	40% lifetime	19	$297	$1,604	hand-checked	Join · 30-day trial
5	Decodo cautionProxies	Up to 50%, recurring unconfirmed	5	$200	$1,350	partly confirmed	Join
6	DashClicksAgency & white-label SaaS	40% lifetime	20	$199	$1,075	hand-checked	Join
7	ScraperAPI cautionWeb scraping	50% recurring, capped $3,000	6	$149	$1,006	hand-checked	Join
8	ClickMagickAttribution & tracking	35% lifetime	34	$199	$941	hand-checked	Join
9	KartraFunnel builders	40% / 12 months	21	$229	$821	hand-checked	Join
10	SOAX cautionProxies	30% lifetime	44	$200	$810	hand-checked	Join
11	Apify cautionWeb scraping	20% then 30%, capped $2,500	45	$199	$806	hand-checked	Join
12	Search AtlasSEO tools	30% lifetime	46	$199	$806	hand-checked	Join
13	ClickFunnelsFunnel builders	30% recurring	47	$197	$798	hand-checked	Join
14	Proxy-Seller cautionProxies	50% residential, capped $2,500	7	$100	$675	hand-checked	Join
15	Geonix cautionProxies	50% residential, capped $2,500	8	$100	$675	hand-checked	Join
16	SamCartCheckout & digital products	30% lifetime	48	$159	$644	partly confirmed	Join
17	SimilarwebSEO tools	50% / 12 months	9	$125	$638	hand-checked	Join
18	SE RankingSEO tools	30% lifetime	49	$119	$617	hand-checked	Join
19	Gymdesk cautionGym & studio software	100% / 3 months	1	$200	$568	hand-checked	Join
20	ThinkificCourse platforms	30% lifetime	50	$109	$565	hand-checked	Join
21	Snov.ioEmail finders & B2B data	40% lifetime	22	$99	$535	hand-checked	Join
22	Time DoctorTime tracking	30% lifetime	51	$100	$519	partly confirmed	Join
23	QuadernoInvoicing & accounting	30% / 24 months	52	$99	$513	hand-checked	Join
24	ZenRows cautionWeb scraping	35% / 12 months	35	$149	$467	hand-checked	Join
25	Hunter.ioEmail finders & B2B data	30% / 12 months	53	$149	$456	hand-checked	Join
26	SpyFuSEO tools	40% lifetime	23	$79	$427	hand-checked	Join
27	LeadpagesLanding page builders	30% lifetime	54	$99	$401	hand-checked	Join
28	My AI Front DeskAI voice agents	30% lifetime	55	$99	$401	hand-checked	Join
29	PageFlyShopify apps	30% lifetime	56	$99	$401	hand-checked	Join
30	BrandMentionsSocial media tools	30% lifetime	57	$99	$401	hand-checked	Join
31	Social ChampSocial media tools	30% lifetime	58	$99	$401	hand-checked	Join
32	ReditusAffiliate & referral software	30% / 36 months	59	$99	$401	hand-checked	Join
33	WebScrapingAPI cautionWeb scraping	Up to 30%, capped $3,000	60	$99	$401	partly confirmed	Join
34	SkoolCommunity platforms	40% / 14 months	24	$99	$394	hand-checked	Join
35	Groove.cm caution closedFunnel builders	40% lifetime	25	$95	$394	partly confirmed
36	Agent CRMCRM	30% lifetime	61	$97	$393	hand-checked	Join
37	Systeme.ioFunnel builders	60% lifetime	2	$47	$381	hand-checked	Join
38	OnlineJobs.phHR & recruiting	40% lifetime	26	$69	$373	hand-checked	Join
39	SW HostingHosting	35% lifetime	36	$60	$363	hand-checked	Join
40	SuperspeedShopify apps	40% / 12 months	27	$99	$355	hand-checked	Join
41	ChatraLive chat	35% lifetime	37	$58	$351	hand-checked	Join
42	CloseSales CRM	30% / 12 months	62	$109	$334	hand-checked	Join
43	LingoHubOther tools	50% / 12 months	10	$65	$332	hand-checked	Join
44	SimvolyWebsite builders	35% lifetime	38	$69	$326	hand-checked	Join
45	SimplifiedDesign & presentations	40% lifetime	28	$60	$324	hand-checked	Join
46	EComposerShopify apps	30% lifetime	63	$79	$320	hand-checked	Join
47	InVideoAI video	50% lifetime	11	$60	$311	hand-checked	Join
48	PabblyAutomation	30% lifetime	64	$60	$311	hand-checked	Join
49	HelpCrunchLive chat	30% lifetime	65	$60	$311	hand-checked	Join
50	SEOTestingSEO tools	30% lifetime	66	$60	$311	hand-checked	Join
51	SellerSpriteAmazon seller tools	30% lifetime	67	$99	$308	hand-checked	Join
52	DashwordAI SEO content	30% lifetime	68	$99	$308	hand-checked	Join
53	HubSpotCRM	30% / 12 months	69	$100	$306	hand-checked	Join
54	BoldSignE-signature	30% / 12 months	70	$99	$303	hand-checked	Join
55	SmartScoutAmazon seller tools	30% lifetime	71	$97	$302	hand-checked	Join
56	NordLayerSecurity & VPN	30% lifetime	72	$55	$285	partly confirmed	Join
57	involve.meForms & quizzes	30% lifetime	73	$69	$280	hand-checked	Join
58	Provide SupportLive chat	30% lifetime	74	$53	$275	hand-checked	Join
59	Builderall cautionFunnel builders	30% lifetime	75	$67	$271	partly confirmed	Join
60	SalesflowLinkedIn tools	30% / 12 months	76	$99	$266	hand-checked	Join
61	SeobilitySEO tools	30% lifetime	77	$65	$263	hand-checked	Join
62	EngageBayCRM	30% lifetime	78	$65	$263	hand-checked	Join
63	MoosendEmail marketing	30% lifetime	79	$50	$259	hand-checked	Join
64	MailerLiteEmail marketing	30% lifetime	80	$50	$259	hand-checked	Join
65	AWeberEmail marketing	30% lifetime	81	$50	$259	hand-checked	Join
66	Everneed AI cautionAI writing	50% lifetime	12	$50	$259	hand-checked	Join
67	KitEmail marketing	30% / 24 months	82	$49	$254	hand-checked	Join
68	TidioLive chat	30% lifetime	83	$49	$254	hand-checked	Join
69	WebflowWebsite builders	50% / 12 months	13	$49	$250	hand-checked	Join
70	ScalenutAI SEO content	30% lifetime	84	$79	$246	hand-checked	Join
71	SSLPrivateProxy cautionProxies	30% lifetime	85	$60	$243	hand-checked	Join
72	GetResponseEmail marketing	40% / 12 months	29	$59	$241	hand-checked	Join
73	ReviewGrowerLocal SEO	30% lifetime	86	$77	$240	hand-checked	Join
74	TeachableCourse platforms	30% / 12 months	87	$89	$239	hand-checked	Join
75	EzyCourseCourse platforms	30% lifetime	88	$59	$239	hand-checked	Join
76	NEURONwriterAI SEO content	30% lifetime	89	$57	$231	hand-checked	Join
77	JibbleTime tracking	30% / 12 months	90	$75	$230	partly confirmed	Join
78	BoldDeskHelp desk	30% / 12 months	91	$75	$230	hand-checked	Join
79	123FormBuilderForms & quizzes	35% lifetime	39	$37	$224	hand-checked	Join
80	beehiivNewsletter platforms	50% for 12 months	14	$49	$220	hand-checked	Join
81	SyllabyAI video	30% lifetime	92	$70	$218	hand-checked	Join
82	MeetGeekAI meeting notes	30% / 12 months	93	$80	$215	hand-checked	Join
83	ManychatAI chatbots	30% / 12 months	94	$69	$211	hand-checked	Join
84	PerspectiveFunnel builders	30% lifetime	95	$52	$211	hand-checked	Join
85	Unitel VoiceBusiness phone	30% lifetime	96	$50	$203	partly confirmed	Join
86	TrafftSalon & clinic booking	30% lifetime	97	$49	$199	partly confirmed	Join
87	PayhipCheckout & digital products	50% lifetime	15	$29	$196	hand-checked	Join
88	PPSPYE-commerce research	30% lifetime	98	$60	$187	hand-checked	Join
89	MakeUGCAI video	30% lifetime	99	$59	$184	hand-checked	Join
90	AIclicksAI search visibility	30% lifetime	100	$59	$184	hand-checked	Join
91	MyLiveChatLive chat	30% lifetime	101	$45	$182	hand-checked	Join
92	Koala AppsE-commerce research	35% lifetime	40	$50	$181	hand-checked	Join
93	WebinarJamWebinar software	40% / 12 months	30	$49	$176	hand-checked	Join
94	TaskadeProductivity	50% lifetime	16	$25	$169	hand-checked	Join
95	CAKE.comTime tracking	30% / 12 months	102	$55	$168	hand-checked	Join
96	WritecreamAI writing	35% lifetime	41	$45	$163	hand-checked	Join
97	KrispCallBusiness phone	30% lifetime	103	$40	$162	hand-checked	Join
98	UplistingVacation rental	30% / 12 months	104	$53	$162	hand-checked	Join
99	ScoreAppForms & quizzes	30% lifetime	105	$39	$158	hand-checked	Join
100	SalesflareSales CRM	30% lifetime	106	$39	$158	hand-checked	Join
101	SchoolMakerCourse platforms	40% lifetime	31	$29	$157	hand-checked	Join
102	MarketingBoost cautionOther tools	40% lifetime	32	$37	$153	hand-checked	Join
103	DextInvoicing & accounting	50% of first 6 months	17	$50	$139	hand-checked	Join
104	TrendTrackAd spy tools	30% lifetime	107	$42	$131	hand-checked	Join
105	timeBuzzerTime tracking	30% / 12 months	108	$40	$122	hand-checked	Join
106	AdCreative.aiDesign & presentations	30% lifetime	109	$39	$121	hand-checked	Join
107	ZebracatAI video	30% lifetime	110	$39	$121	hand-checked	Join
108	SynthesysAI video	40% lifetime	33	$29	$120	hand-checked	Join
109	JotformForms & quizzes	30% / 12 months	111	$39	$119	hand-checked	Join
110	Happy ScribeTranscription	30% lifetime	112	$29	$117	partly confirmed	Join
111	FraseAI SEO content	30% / 12 months	113	$49	$113	hand-checked	Join
112	LinkTrackrLinks & bio pages	30% lifetime	114	$27	$109	partly confirmed
113	OcoyaSocial media tools	30% lifetime	115	$29	$90	hand-checked	Join
114	FlikiAI video	30% lifetime	116	$28	$87	hand-checked	Join
115	Dropship.ioE-commerce research	50% / 3 months	18	$60	$83	hand-checked	Join
116	RytrAI writing	30% / 12 months	117	$29	$67	hand-checked	Join
117	HeyGen cautionAI video	35% / 3 months	42	$29	$28	hand-checked	Join

"Join" links go to each program's affiliate signup page. Some are my referral links, including HighLevel's (see the disclosure).

HighLevel is the benchmark here. Try it free for 30 days through our link (it's 14 days on gohighlevel.com), or join its affiliate program and earn 40% recurring for life.

Start the 30-day free trial Join the affiliate program

High rates, modest payouts

18 programs on the board pay 50% or more. Only 4 of them are worth $1,000 or more per referral, because most sit on cheap plans or stop paying after 12 months.

Program	Commission	Est. 24-month value
Gymdesk	100% / 3 months	$568
Systeme.io	60% lifetime	$381
Extendly	50% lifetime	$2,005
Bright Data	50% recurring, capped $2,500	$1,688
Decodo	Up to 50%, recurring unconfirmed	$1,350
ScraperAPI	50% recurring, capped $3,000	$1,006
Proxy-Seller	50% residential, capped $2,500	$675
Geonix	50% residential, capped $2,500	$675
Similarweb	50% / 12 months	$638
LingoHub	50% / 12 months	$332
InVideo	50% lifetime	$311
Everneed AI	50% lifetime	$259
Webflow	50% / 12 months	$250
beehiiv	50% for 12 months	$220
Payhip	50% lifetime	$196
Taskade	50% lifetime	$169
Dext	50% of first 6 months	$139
Dropship.io	50% / 3 months	$83

Big brands have mostly stopped paying for life

Between 26 September and 4 October 2026 we re-read the affiliate pages of 49 well-known software brands. What they pay today:

For as long as the customer stays (5): Circle, Hotjar, Kinsta, List Perfectly and Riverside.
A one-time bounty (12): ClickUp, Descript, Grammarly, Helium 10, HoneyBook, Moz Pro, QuickBooks, Semrush, SiteGround, TaxDome, VWO and Wrike.
Recurring, but only for 12 months or less (21): Apollo.io, Arcads, Cal.com, ElevenLabs, Framer, Freshdesk, Kittl, lemlist, monday.com, Netlify, Peec AI, Pipedrive, Planoly, Podia, Reclaim.ai, Softr, Synthesia, Wistia, Writesonic, Zendesk and Zoho CRM.
Not accepting new affiliates (4): Canva, Loom, Notion and Zapier.
No public rate or duration (7): Airtable, Asana, Jobber, Kalodata, QuillBot, Smith.ai and Snitcher.

On our board of 117 specialist programs, 83 still pay for life. If lifetime income is the goal, the smaller and more niche tools are where it still exists.

What AI answers get wrong

Google's AI Overview for "highest paying affiliate programs" (checked 4 October 2026) lists ClickFunnels at "up to 40% recurring". Our check of ClickFunnels' terms found 30%. It lists HubSpot's 30% as recurring without saying it stops after 12 months, and says Semrush pays "up to $200 per sale", while Semrush's own page says $100 to $300 per sale, rising to $450 at the top tier, plus $10 per free trial. Check the program's own terms before you build content around a number from an AI summary.

Frequently asked questions

Which affiliate program pays the most?

Measured by estimated value per referral over 24 months, Cometly leads our board at about $2,016, followed by Extendly and Bright Data. HighLevel is fourth at about $1,604, from 40% recurring for life on a $297 plan. Values are estimates built on an assumed churn rate.

Does a higher commission rate mean you earn more?

Not by much. Across 117 recurring programs, the correlation between commission rate and 24-month referral value is only 0.26. Plan price and how long the program pays matter more. Of the 18 programs paying 50% or more, only 4 are worth $1,000 or more per referral.

What counts as a high paying affiliate program?

A useful line is $1,000 or more per referral over 24 months. Only 7 of the 117 programs on our board clear it. The median program is worth about $271 per referral.

Do big software brands still pay recurring commissions for life?

Rarely. We checked 49 well-known SaaS brands on their own affiliate pages: 5 pay for as long as the customer stays, 12 pay a one-time bounty, 21 stop paying within 12 months and 4 were not accepting new affiliates.

How is the value per referral calculated?

Monthly commission on the entry plan, summed over 24 months (or fewer if the program caps payouts), with an assumed monthly churn of 3%, 5.5% or 8.5% depending on the type of tool. It is an estimate, not a measured payout.

Data: commission terms read on each program's own pages (23 September 2026, rechecked 4 October 2026 for the brands above). Values are estimates: monthly commission on the entry plan with an assumed churn of 3%, 5.5% or 8.5% a month. Download the dataset.