Email marketing is one of the highest-ROI channels in digital marketing, and the platforms behind it have built some of the most rewarding affiliate programs in the SaaS space. Analysts expect total email marketing revenue to reach $9.5 billion in 2024, with projections pointing toward $18.9 billion by 2028. That growth creates real demand for email tools, and that demand is exactly what makes email marketing affiliate programs worth pursuing.
This guide covers the top picks for 2024, what each one pays, how to evaluate them, and how to promote them in a way that actually converts.
Key Takeaways
SaaS affiliate programs offer commission rates of 20% to 70%, making them among the most attractive options for long-term, recurring revenue.
Email tools are sticky products with infrequent migrations and high retention. The real question is not which program pays the highest headline rate, but which one your audience is most likely to try, adopt, and keep.
Recurring commission models (where you earn every month a referral stays subscribed) almost always outperform flat-rate bounties over a 12-month horizon.
Cookie duration matters: a 90-day window gives you far more attribution credit than a 30-day window, especially for software buyers who research before committing.
While high-commission programs can be tempting, consider programs with lower commissions but higher conversion rates, which often lead to more sales.
Why Email Marketing Affiliate Programs Pay So Well
Software subscriptions renew every month. When a customer you refer stays on a paid plan for 12 months or more, your single referral compounds into significant recurring income, something a one-time product sale never delivers.
Eighty-seven percent of marketing leaders say email marketing is critical to business success, and email campaigns carry an average ROI of 36 times the spend. That credibility makes it straightforward to recommend email platforms honestly, which is what drives conversions in affiliate content.
Automated emails account for 37% of sales from just 2% of email volume, and one in three people who clicked on an automated message made a purchase, compared to one in 18 for scheduled messages. This data gives affiliates powerful proof points to include in comparison articles, tutorials, and reviews.
How to Evaluate an Email Marketing Affiliate Program
Before signing up anywhere, run each program through this checklist:
When choosing an email marketing affiliate program, the key factors to weigh are commission structure (competitive rates, recurring model, reasonable payment terms), cookie duration (longer windows increase your earning chances), product quality (only promote tools you trust), audience relevance (match the program to your subscribers' actual needs), and affiliate support (strong resources and reliable payment practices).
Email marketing is one of the highest-ROI channels in digital marketing, and the platforms behind it have built some of the most rewarding affiliate programs in the SaaS space. Analysts expect total email marketing revenue to reach $9.5 billion in 2024, with projections pointing toward $18.9 billion by 2028. That growth creates real demand for email tools, and that demand is exactly what makes email marketing affiliate programs worth pursuing.
This guide covers the top picks for 2024, what each one pays, how to evaluate them, and how to promote them in a way that actually converts.
Key Takeaways
SaaS affiliate programs offer commission rates of 20% to 70%, making them among the most attractive options for long-term, recurring revenue.
Email tools are sticky products with infrequent migrations and high retention. The real question is not which program pays the highest headline rate, but which one your audience is most likely to try, adopt, and keep.
Recurring commission models (where you earn every month a referral stays subscribed) almost always outperform flat-rate bounties over a 12-month horizon.
Cookie duration matters: a 90-day window gives you far more attribution credit than a 30-day window, especially for software buyers who research before committing.
While high-commission programs can be tempting, consider programs with lower commissions but higher conversion rates, which often lead to more sales.
Why Email Marketing Affiliate Programs Pay So Well
Software subscriptions renew every month. When a customer you refer stays on a paid plan for 12 months or more, your single referral compounds into significant recurring income, something a one-time product sale never delivers.
Eighty-seven percent of marketing leaders say email marketing is critical to business success, and email campaigns carry an average ROI of 36 times the spend. That credibility makes it straightforward to recommend email platforms honestly, which is what drives conversions in affiliate content.
Automated emails account for 37% of sales from just 2% of email volume, and one in three people who clicked on an automated message made a purchase, compared to one in 18 for scheduled messages. This data gives affiliates powerful proof points to include in comparison articles, tutorials, and reviews.
How to Evaluate an Email Marketing Affiliate Program
Before signing up anywhere, run each program through this checklist:
When choosing an email marketing affiliate program, the key factors to weigh are commission structure (competitive rates, recurring model, reasonable payment terms), cookie duration (longer windows increase your earning chances), product quality (only promote tools you trust), audience relevance (match the program to your subscribers' actual needs), and affiliate support (strong resources and reliable payment practices).
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Two additional factors that often get overlooked:
Minimum payout threshold: A $100 minimum with monthly payouts is reasonable. A $500 minimum with quarterly payouts hurts cash flow for smaller affiliates.
Platform lock-in: Some programs (like Mailchimp's MonkeyRewards) pay credits, not cash. Know what you are actually earning before you promote.
The Best Email Marketing Affiliate Programs for 2024
1. AWeber Advocate Program
AWeber offers what is arguably the most generous tiered recurring structure in the email marketing space.
AWeber affiliates earn 30% to 50% recurring commissions depending on the number of paid referrals they generate. You start at 30%, move to 40% after 10 referrals in a 12-month period, and can earn up to 50% if you refer 50 or more paid accounts.
AWeber provides a generous 365-day cookie window, meaning that once someone clicks on your affiliate link, you have a full year for them to convert into a paying customer and still earn commissions.
AWeber's tiered lifetime recurring program offers some of the highest potential commission rates in email marketing, with a structure that moves from 30% to 40% after 10 referrals, and up to 50% after 50 referrals.
Best for: Content creators and bloggers targeting small business owners and entrepreneurs.
2. GetResponse Affiliate Program
GetResponse gives you a choice of two commission models: a bounty structure or a recurring model.
GetResponse's affiliate program provides two ways to create additional income. You can choose between a flat $100 commission for every sale of a paid account, and a recurring 33% commission. The flat option suits people who want to get paid quickly, while the recurring model provides a passive income stream.
GetResponse's recurring program pays 40% to 60% of every sale you refer for the first 12 months. You initially start at 40% and move up to 50% after 50 referrals in 12 months, or 60% after 100 referrals.
The 90-day cookie and a dedicated affiliate Slack channel for support make this a strong option for marketers who want ongoing collaboration with the program team.
Best for: High-volume affiliates who want the flexibility to switch between bounty and recurring models.
3. ActiveCampaign Affiliate Program
ActiveCampaign uses a three-tier system that rewards volume with higher recurring rates.
The program uses a tiered commission structure: Silver Tier pays 20% for affiliates who have referred at least $100 of new business in the last three months. Gold Tier pays 25% for affiliates with $100 in new business or $500 in active accounts. Platinum Tier pays 30% for affiliates with $500 in new business or $2,000 in active accounts.
On average, ActiveCampaign affiliate program members earn $1,350 per referral, based on commissions of 20% to 30% depending on volume, of what referred customers pay every month.
Commissions are paid for up to 12 months per referred account, paid out monthly through PartnerStack. The 90-day cookie and global program availability make it accessible to affiliates in any market.
Best for: Marketing bloggers and agency owners whose audiences include SMBs ready for CRM-level automation.
4. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) Affiliate Program
Kit targets creators specifically, which makes it an easy fit for content-driven affiliate sites.
Kit pays a 50% commission for the first 12 months for each signup through your affiliate link, paid monthly as long as the referred account remains active. Earnings can increase as referrals upgrade their plans, with bonus commissions for referring more accounts.
Kit has a 90-day cookie duration, ensuring you get credit for referrals even if customers don't buy immediately. Combined with the strong brand reputation among creators, their affiliate program is a compelling option for those promoting to blogger and podcaster audiences.
Best for: Creator-focused content sites, newsletters, and YouTube channels in the blogging or online business niche.
5. Moosend Affiliate Program
Moosend stands out because its recurring commissions are lifetime, not capped at 12 months.
Moosend is among the top-rated affiliate programs for passive income, offering a lifetime recurring commission model. Specifically, affiliate partners earn up to 40% lifetime recurring commission for every monthly or pay-as-you-go plan their referrals purchase, meaning you keep earning as long as your contacts remain paid customers.
Regarding cookie duration, Moosend gives you a 90-day window. If your contacts purchase within three months, the commission is yours. Moosend's affiliate program is hosted on PartnerStack, with a user-friendly affiliate dashboard.
Best for: Affiliates focused on e-commerce and small business audiences who want lifetime earning potential per referral.
6. HubSpot Affiliate Program
HubSpot is a recognized brand name, which lowers conversion friction significantly.
HubSpot's affiliate program offers a 30% recurring monthly rate for up to one year, plus bonuses and custom commissions at higher tiers. Payouts run through the Impact platform with a $10 minimum balance requirement. Payments are via direct deposit or PayPal, with a 180-day cookie window.
The 180-day cookie is one of the longest in this category. Combined with HubSpot's brand recognition, it gives affiliates a wide attribution window to work with.
You do not need to be a HubSpot customer to join. One of the main perks is the program's tiers, which increase earning potential and rewards as affiliates move up to the next level.
Best for: Content marketers and SaaS reviewers who write for marketing, sales, and growth audiences.
7. Constant Contact Affiliate Program
Constant Contact uses a flat-rate structure, but its unique upside is that it pays on free trial signups as well.
While Constant Contact has a flat-rate commission structure, you get paid even if your referrals sign up for a trial. Specifically, you earn $5 for each new trial signup and an additional $105 when they purchase a paid plan.
The program has a 120-day affiliate cookie duration, with a dedicated affiliate tracking dashboard to monitor conversions and earnings.
Best for: Affiliates targeting nonprofit organizations, small business owners, and local service businesses where Constant Contact has strong brand recognition.
Program Comparison at a Glance
Program
Commission Model
Rate
Cookie Duration
AWeber
Lifetime recurring
30% to 50%
365 days
GetResponse
Recurring or flat
40% to 60% / $100 flat
90 days
ActiveCampaign
Recurring (tiered)
20% to 30%
90 days
Kit
Recurring (12 months)
50%
90 days
Moosend
Lifetime recurring
Up to 40%
90 days
HubSpot
Recurring (12 months)
30%
180 days
Constant Contact
Flat rate
$5 trial + $105 paid
120 days
How to Promote Email Marketing Affiliate Programs Effectively
Picking a program is only half the work. How you promote it determines your conversion rate.
Write comparison and migration content. Searches like "ActiveCampaign vs. GetResponse" or "Mailchimp alternatives" have strong commercial intent. A well-structured comparison page that answers the question honestly will earn both traffic and trust.
Publish tutorials and use-case guides. Educational content like tutorials, comparisons, and case studies works best for software affiliate promotions. People buying business software want to understand what they are getting into before committing.
Build segmented email sequences. If you have your own list, segmented campaigns perform far better than broadcast promotions. As detailed in our guide on email list segmentation strategies that boost ROI by 760%, matching your message to the specific needs of each subscriber segment lifts both open rates and click-through rates on affiliate links.
Start with a welcome sequence, not a pitch. Avoid placing affiliate links in the first email of a sequence and keep newsletters balanced. This approach builds a relationship with subscribers, keeping them receptive to recommendations without feeling overwhelmed. Our guide on welcome email sequence best practices covers exactly how to structure those first impressions.
Use subject lines that build curiosity, not hype. Getting your affiliate email opened is the first job. If you are not optimizing your subject lines, you are leaving a significant portion of your potential revenue on the table. See the email subject line best practices that boost open rates by 27% for a practical framework.
What to Watch Out For
Not every program is as clean as it looks. Keep these points in mind:
Credits vs. cash. Mailchimp's MonkeyRewards program pays $30 in bill credits, not cash. The reward only benefits you if you are already a paying Mailchimp customer, since you save on a subscription you were already paying for. If you need real income, stick to cash-paying programs.
Commission caps. Some programs cap recurring commissions at 12 months. Moosend and AWeber are notable exceptions with lifetime recurring structures.
Payment method restrictions. Several programs, including ActiveCampaign and AWeber's main program, pay exclusively via PayPal. If PayPal is not accessible in your region, verify alternatives before investing time in promotion.
Prohibited traffic types. Most programs prohibit branded keyword bidding in paid search. Read the terms before running PPC campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-paying email marketing affiliate program?
AWeber's tiered lifetime recurring program offers some of the highest potential commission rates in email marketing, with a structure that escalates from 30% to 40% after 10 referrals, and up to 50% after 50 referrals. GetResponse's recurring tier can reach 60% for high-volume affiliates. Both are competitive at the top end of the SaaS affiliate market.
Are recurring commissions always better than flat-rate bounties?
Not always. Whether a one-time bounty or a recurring model is better depends on your traffic volume and the tool's retention rate. A $100 flat payment from GetResponse can outperform a 30% recurring commission if the referred customer churns quickly. For established, sticky platforms with strong retention, recurring models win over time.
How long do email marketing affiliate cookies typically last?
Cookie durations across the major programs range from 45 days (MailerLite) to 180 days (HubSpot), with most landing around 90 days. AWeber is the outlier at 365 days. Longer cookie windows are meaningful for software purchases, since buyers often research for weeks before committing.
Can I promote email marketing tools in my own email newsletter?
Yes, and it is one of the most effective channels for affiliate promotion. About 22.8% of affiliate marketers name email marketing as one of their leading traffic sources, and around 48% of affiliate marketers acknowledge that email campaigns are an effective strategy for promoting affiliate links. The key is audience alignment: only recommend tools that directly solve a problem your subscribers already have. Since your email list consists of engaged subscribers who opted in, focus on promoting products and services that truly align with their interests.
Two additional factors that often get overlooked:
Minimum payout threshold: A $100 minimum with monthly payouts is reasonable. A $500 minimum with quarterly payouts hurts cash flow for smaller affiliates.
Platform lock-in: Some programs (like Mailchimp's MonkeyRewards) pay credits, not cash. Know what you are actually earning before you promote.
The Best Email Marketing Affiliate Programs for 2024
1. AWeber Advocate Program
AWeber offers what is arguably the most generous tiered recurring structure in the email marketing space.
AWeber affiliates earn 30% to 50% recurring commissions depending on the number of paid referrals they generate. You start at 30%, move to 40% after 10 referrals in a 12-month period, and can earn up to 50% if you refer 50 or more paid accounts.
AWeber provides a generous 365-day cookie window, meaning that once someone clicks on your affiliate link, you have a full year for them to convert into a paying customer and still earn commissions.
AWeber's tiered lifetime recurring program offers some of the highest potential commission rates in email marketing, with a structure that moves from 30% to 40% after 10 referrals, and up to 50% after 50 referrals.
Best for: Content creators and bloggers targeting small business owners and entrepreneurs.
2. GetResponse Affiliate Program
GetResponse gives you a choice of two commission models: a bounty structure or a recurring model.
GetResponse's affiliate program provides two ways to create additional income. You can choose between a flat $100 commission for every sale of a paid account, and a recurring 33% commission. The flat option suits people who want to get paid quickly, while the recurring model provides a passive income stream.
GetResponse's recurring program pays 40% to 60% of every sale you refer for the first 12 months. You initially start at 40% and move up to 50% after 50 referrals in 12 months, or 60% after 100 referrals.
The 90-day cookie and a dedicated affiliate Slack channel for support make this a strong option for marketers who want ongoing collaboration with the program team.
Best for: High-volume affiliates who want the flexibility to switch between bounty and recurring models.
3. ActiveCampaign Affiliate Program
ActiveCampaign uses a three-tier system that rewards volume with higher recurring rates.
The program uses a tiered commission structure: Silver Tier pays 20% for affiliates who have referred at least $100 of new business in the last three months. Gold Tier pays 25% for affiliates with $100 in new business or $500 in active accounts. Platinum Tier pays 30% for affiliates with $500 in new business or $2,000 in active accounts.
On average, ActiveCampaign affiliate program members earn $1,350 per referral, based on commissions of 20% to 30% depending on volume, of what referred customers pay every month.
Commissions are paid for up to 12 months per referred account, paid out monthly through PartnerStack. The 90-day cookie and global program availability make it accessible to affiliates in any market.
Best for: Marketing bloggers and agency owners whose audiences include SMBs ready for CRM-level automation.
4. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) Affiliate Program
Kit targets creators specifically, which makes it an easy fit for content-driven affiliate sites.
Kit pays a 50% commission for the first 12 months for each signup through your affiliate link, paid monthly as long as the referred account remains active. Earnings can increase as referrals upgrade their plans, with bonus commissions for referring more accounts.
Kit has a 90-day cookie duration, ensuring you get credit for referrals even if customers don't buy immediately. Combined with the strong brand reputation among creators, their affiliate program is a compelling option for those promoting to blogger and podcaster audiences.
Best for: Creator-focused content sites, newsletters, and YouTube channels in the blogging or online business niche.
5. Moosend Affiliate Program
Moosend stands out because its recurring commissions are lifetime, not capped at 12 months.
Moosend is among the top-rated affiliate programs for passive income, offering a lifetime recurring commission model. Specifically, affiliate partners earn up to 40% lifetime recurring commission for every monthly or pay-as-you-go plan their referrals purchase, meaning you keep earning as long as your contacts remain paid customers.
Regarding cookie duration, Moosend gives you a 90-day window. If your contacts purchase within three months, the commission is yours. Moosend's affiliate program is hosted on PartnerStack, with a user-friendly affiliate dashboard.
Best for: Affiliates focused on e-commerce and small business audiences who want lifetime earning potential per referral.
6. HubSpot Affiliate Program
HubSpot is a recognized brand name, which lowers conversion friction significantly.
HubSpot's affiliate program offers a 30% recurring monthly rate for up to one year, plus bonuses and custom commissions at higher tiers. Payouts run through the Impact platform with a $10 minimum balance requirement. Payments are via direct deposit or PayPal, with a 180-day cookie window.
The 180-day cookie is one of the longest in this category. Combined with HubSpot's brand recognition, it gives affiliates a wide attribution window to work with.
You do not need to be a HubSpot customer to join. One of the main perks is the program's tiers, which increase earning potential and rewards as affiliates move up to the next level.
Best for: Content marketers and SaaS reviewers who write for marketing, sales, and growth audiences.
7. Constant Contact Affiliate Program
Constant Contact uses a flat-rate structure, but its unique upside is that it pays on free trial signups as well.
While Constant Contact has a flat-rate commission structure, you get paid even if your referrals sign up for a trial. Specifically, you earn $5 for each new trial signup and an additional $105 when they purchase a paid plan.
The program has a 120-day affiliate cookie duration, with a dedicated affiliate tracking dashboard to monitor conversions and earnings.
Best for: Affiliates targeting nonprofit organizations, small business owners, and local service businesses where Constant Contact has strong brand recognition.
Program Comparison at a Glance
Program
Commission Model
Rate
Cookie Duration
AWeber
Lifetime recurring
30% to 50%
365 days
GetResponse
Recurring or flat
40% to 60% / $100 flat
90 days
ActiveCampaign
Recurring (tiered)
20% to 30%
90 days
Kit
Recurring (12 months)
50%
90 days
Moosend
Lifetime recurring
Up to 40%
90 days
HubSpot
Recurring (12 months)
30%
180 days
Constant Contact
Flat rate
$5 trial + $105 paid
120 days
How to Promote Email Marketing Affiliate Programs Effectively
Picking a program is only half the work. How you promote it determines your conversion rate.
Write comparison and migration content. Searches like "ActiveCampaign vs. GetResponse" or "Mailchimp alternatives" have strong commercial intent. A well-structured comparison page that answers the question honestly will earn both traffic and trust.
Publish tutorials and use-case guides. Educational content like tutorials, comparisons, and case studies works best for software affiliate promotions. People buying business software want to understand what they are getting into before committing.
Build segmented email sequences. If you have your own list, segmented campaigns perform far better than broadcast promotions. As detailed in our guide on email list segmentation strategies that boost ROI by 760%, matching your message to the specific needs of each subscriber segment lifts both open rates and click-through rates on affiliate links.
Start with a welcome sequence, not a pitch. Avoid placing affiliate links in the first email of a sequence and keep newsletters balanced. This approach builds a relationship with subscribers, keeping them receptive to recommendations without feeling overwhelmed. Our guide on welcome email sequence best practices covers exactly how to structure those first impressions.
Use subject lines that build curiosity, not hype. Getting your affiliate email opened is the first job. If you are not optimizing your subject lines, you are leaving a significant portion of your potential revenue on the table. See the email subject line best practices that boost open rates by 27% for a practical framework.
What to Watch Out For
Not every program is as clean as it looks. Keep these points in mind:
Credits vs. cash. Mailchimp's MonkeyRewards program pays $30 in bill credits, not cash. The reward only benefits you if you are already a paying Mailchimp customer, since you save on a subscription you were already paying for. If you need real income, stick to cash-paying programs.
Commission caps. Some programs cap recurring commissions at 12 months. Moosend and AWeber are notable exceptions with lifetime recurring structures.
Payment method restrictions. Several programs, including ActiveCampaign and AWeber's main program, pay exclusively via PayPal. If PayPal is not accessible in your region, verify alternatives before investing time in promotion.
Prohibited traffic types. Most programs prohibit branded keyword bidding in paid search. Read the terms before running PPC campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-paying email marketing affiliate program?
AWeber's tiered lifetime recurring program offers some of the highest potential commission rates in email marketing, with a structure that escalates from 30% to 40% after 10 referrals, and up to 50% after 50 referrals. GetResponse's recurring tier can reach 60% for high-volume affiliates. Both are competitive at the top end of the SaaS affiliate market.
Are recurring commissions always better than flat-rate bounties?
Not always. Whether a one-time bounty or a recurring model is better depends on your traffic volume and the tool's retention rate. A $100 flat payment from GetResponse can outperform a 30% recurring commission if the referred customer churns quickly. For established, sticky platforms with strong retention, recurring models win over time.
How long do email marketing affiliate cookies typically last?
Cookie durations across the major programs range from 45 days (MailerLite) to 180 days (HubSpot), with most landing around 90 days. AWeber is the outlier at 365 days. Longer cookie windows are meaningful for software purchases, since buyers often research for weeks before committing.
Can I promote email marketing tools in my own email newsletter?
Yes, and it is one of the most effective channels for affiliate promotion. About 22.8% of affiliate marketers name email marketing as one of their leading traffic sources, and around 48% of affiliate marketers acknowledge that email campaigns are an effective strategy for promoting affiliate links. The key is audience alignment: only recommend tools that directly solve a problem your subscribers already have. Since your email list consists of engaged subscribers who opted in, focus on promoting products and services that truly align with their interests.
