Earning a commission and receiving it are two different things. The payout method a network offers affects how quickly you get your money, how much of it survives fees and currency conversion, and how long smaller balances sit waiting to reach a threshold. Here is how the common methods compare.
Key takeaways
- Compare the total cost of a payment: sending fee, receiving fee and currency conversion.
- Low thresholds matter most for new sites with small monthly earnings.
- Local rails (ACH, SEPA, Faster Payments) are typically cheapest when available.
- Fee schedules change; always confirm current terms with the network and the provider.
The overview
The table below summarises typical characteristics. Fees and timings vary by provider, country and account type, so treat it as a starting point rather than a quote.
| Method | Typical speed | Typical thresholds | Cost profile | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | Instant to 1 day | Low ($10–$100) | Receiving and currency conversion fees can add up | Convenience, small balances |
| Payoneer | Instant to 2 days | Low to medium | Often free between Payoneer accounts; fees on withdrawal and conversion | International affiliates paid in USD/EUR |
| ACH | 1–3 business days | Low | Usually free or very cheap | US bank accounts |
| Wire transfer | 1–5 business days | Higher ($100–$1,000) | Fixed sender and intermediary fees | Large international payments |
| Bank transfer (local) | Same day to 2 days | Low to medium | Cheap within the same country or SEPA zone | Affiliates in the network's region |
| Check | 1–3 weeks | Medium ($50–$100) | Deposit fees outside the US can be high | US affiliates without bank details on file |
| Paxum | Instant to 1 day | Low | Low transfer fees; withdrawal fees vary | Adult, dating and high-risk verticals |
| Skrill | Instant to 1 day | Low | Fees on withdrawal and conversion | iGaming and some international programs |
| WebMoney | Instant | Low | Small percentage fee per transfer | Affiliates in CIS markets |
| Bitcoin / Ethereum | Minutes to an hour | Low to medium | Network fees plus exchange spread; price volatility | Global payments where banking is difficult |
PayPal
PayPal is the most widely offered payout method in our directory. It is convenient, quick and familiar, and many networks use it with low thresholds. The trade-off is cost: if you are paid in a currency different from your account's main currency, conversion spreads apply, and business accounts may pay receiving fees. For small monthly balances the convenience often wins; for larger, regular payments, it is worth calculating what a bank-based alternative would save.
Payoneer
Payoneer is popular with affiliates outside the US because it can provide receiving account details in several currencies, so a US network can pay you as if you were a local customer. Payments between Payoneer accounts are often free, and you then withdraw to your local bank. Check the current withdrawal and conversion fees for your country.
ACH and local bank transfers
ACH is the US domestic bank transfer system, and it is usually the cheapest way for US affiliates to be paid. Outside the US, the equivalents are SEPA transfers in the euro zone and Faster Payments or BACS in the UK. If a network can pay you through a local rail in your own currency, that is typically the lowest-cost option.
International wire transfers
Wires (usually via SWIFT) are reliable for large sums but carry fixed fees, sometimes at more than one bank in the chain. That is why networks set higher minimums for wires. A $25 fee is irrelevant on a $10,000 payment and painful on a $150 one.
Checks
Paper checks are slowly disappearing but some long-established networks still offer them. For affiliates outside the US, depositing a USD check can take weeks and incur substantial bank fees. Choose another method if you can.
E-wallets: Paxum, Skrill and WebMoney
E-wallets are common in verticals where traditional payment providers are cautious, such as adult, dating, gambling and some CPA offers. They are fast and inexpensive to send, but check withdrawal options and fees in your country before relying on one.
Cryptocurrency
A growing number of CPA networks offer Bitcoin, Ethereum or stablecoin payouts. Crypto can be fast and borderless, but transactions are irreversible, values can swing between the day you are paid and the day you convert, and tax authorities generally expect you to record the fiat value of each payment when received. If you accept crypto, use reputable wallets, test with small amounts, and keep detailed records.
How thresholds and payment terms interact
A threshold is the minimum balance before a network pays out. Terms such as Net-30 mean payment happens 30 days after the end of the period in which commissions were approved. Combined, they decide how long your money is tied up.
Example: you earn $40 a month on a network with a $100 threshold, monthly Net-30 payments and a 30-day validation period. Your first payment arrives roughly three to four months after your first sale. On a network with a $25 threshold and weekly payments, you would be paid within about six weeks. For new sites, lower thresholds keep cash flowing and reduce the risk of stranded balances if you stop promoting a program.
Practical tips
- Pick one primary currency and, where possible, choose payout options in that currency.
- Keep payout details up to date: a failed payment can delay you a full cycle.
- Track expected vs received payments in a simple spreadsheet each month.
- Read the policy for dormant accounts: some networks charge fees or forfeit balances after long inactivity.
- Use our currency converter to estimate what a USD or EUR payout is worth to you.
Tax and paperwork
Most US-based networks ask for a W-9 (US persons) or W-8BEN (non-US individuals) form. In the UK, affiliate income is typically declared through Self Assessment or company accounts. Rules differ widely, so treat this as general information and speak to a qualified accountant about your own situation.
Want to see which networks pay the way you prefer? Use the payment filters in the Affiliate Program Finder or browse Payoneer, PayPal and wire transfer lists.
Frequently asked questions
Which affiliate payout method is cheapest?
For US-based affiliates, ACH direct deposit is usually the cheapest. Outside the US, Payoneer or a local bank transfer is often cheaper than PayPal once currency conversion is included. The cheapest option depends on your country and currency, so compare total cost on a typical month's payment.
Why do wire transfers have a higher minimum payout?
International wires carry fixed fees for the sender and sometimes intermediary banks, so networks set higher thresholds to keep the fee small relative to the payment.
Is it safe to be paid in cryptocurrency by an affiliate network?
It can be, but price volatility, irreversible transactions and tax record-keeping add risk. Use a reputable exchange or wallet, double-check addresses, and consider converting to fiat promptly if you do not want exposure to price swings.
Do I pay tax on affiliate income?
In most countries, yes. Affiliate commissions are usually taxable business or self-employment income. Many US networks request a W-9 or W-8BEN form. Keep records of every payment and speak to a qualified accountant in your country.
Affpinions Editorial Team
Content created by the Affpinions team, active in the affiliate marketing industry since 2007 and running this directory since 2008. Read our editorial policy.
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