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PayPal Affiliate Program: How It Works, Payment Details & More

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Affiliate programs are ideal for making a passive income based on your audience. You’ll earn a commission from the merchant based on how many people click your specific link.

The merchant can see that the traffic comes from your site or profile and will pay you accordingly.

For example, you can add a PayPal donation button to your blog. If someone wants to donate money but needs a PayPal account, they can use your custom link to sign up. For each account created through your link, you earn a commission.

Read on to learn more about PayPal’s opportunity for affiliate marketing.

PayPal Affiliate Program at a Glance

PayPal is the original way to pay for goods and services online. With this solid foundation, it offers a robust affiliate program.

  • Cost per Action (CPA): Per transaction
  • Commission Rate: Fees range from 1.9% to 3.49%
  • Cookie Duration: Up to 180 days
  • Payment Payout Threshold: Up to $10,000 at once
  • Payment Options: Bank transfer

Does PayPal Have an Affiliate Program?

PayPal doesn’t have its own affiliate program. However, you can use the financial platform to get paid for other affiliate partnerships.

You can also apply as a PayPal Partner and get access to banner ads, special links, and tracking tools. This branded material helps you earn a commission from each sale your site processes.

PayPal occasionally offers a referral program. If you already have a PayPal account, you can get a unique link to share with others.

When they create their first PayPal account and complete a transaction through your link, you can earn money. The rates vary depending on the promotion but are typically $10.

What Is the PayPal Affiliate Program?

Merchants can use PayPal for their affiliate program because it’s a reputable financial institution. Many people are anxious about sharing their credit card information on standalone websites because they can’t verify the security measures.

Using PayPal for affiliate programs ensures that all financial transactions are secure and have a degree of insurance.

How Does the PayPal Affiliate Program Work?

You can use various website plugins to set up an affiliate program. Once you get the foundation, you can link PayPal as your financial institution to show your audience that you’re trustworthy.

That Paypal account is where you’ll earn money and rewards.

Is the PayPal Affiliate Program Free?

It’s free to create a PayPal account, but the platform takes a fee for each transaction. If you apply for the PayPal Partner Program, you can use the service for free.

What Products Can You Promote for the PayPal Affiliate Program?

There are no restrictions on the products you can promote when you use PayPal as your affiliate program foundation.

However, before launching your affiliate program, consider your website’s purpose and your target audience’s interests.

Financial Products

Everyone strives to save money and increase their wealth. You can earn passive income if you work with an affiliate who offers financial advice, guidebooks, and bookkeeping software.

People want to learn how to make the most of their money. When you promote a credit card, insurance policy, loan, or account protection service, your audience trusts your insight. They’ll sign up for the product and help you earn affiliate income.

Dating Apps

Partnering with a dating site or app is a great way to earn affiliate income since many people date online. You can pick your favorite platform and share a custom link with your audience.

You’ll share a custom link that leads them to the profile creation page. From there, you’ll earn a commission based on the type of account they make.

Gaming Gear

The gaming industry is huge, so this affiliate program is a no-brainer if your site focuses on games and gamer culture. You can promote games, headsets, computers, consoles, and other devices.

Since these items have a higher cost than many other product lines, you can expect to make a decent amount of money as a PayPal affiliate.

Fashion Merchandise

Fashion is just as popular as gaming, so you know you’ll have a guaranteed audience with this type of affiliate program.

You can promote certain products, like accessories, men’s products, or shoes. Focusing on a specific niche, like sustainable fashion, outdoor clothing, or plus size, gives you a built-in audience.

Home Goods

Home goods offer as many niches as fashion. You can focus on a certain room, like the kitchen or bedroom. Or showcase low-cost makeovers that completely transform a space.

Some bloggers focus on certain stages. You might promote products related to decorating a rental or preparing your home for a newborn.

Other Things You Can Promote With This Program

You can find an affiliate program for almost any product. The best way to find what to promote is to think of your current site.

What makes your audience click on your page? If they want to read about your dating adventures, a dating app affiliate would work well.

If you’re starting from scratch, follow your passion so you’ll enjoy running the affiliate program.

What Products Are Excluded From the PayPal Affiliate Program?

Since PayPal doesn’t oversee the affiliate program, there’s no limit to what products you can promote. You’ll want to ensure you’re offering things your audience will buy to earn a commission, but beyond that, there are no exclusions.

How Much Do PayPal Affiliates Make?

The money you can make using PayPal for your affiliate will vary. Your income depends on the products you promote and the popularity of your site.

You can make a lot of money through an affiliate program if you have a dedicated following. Though PayPal takes a fee, you can claim that as an expense on your self-employment or small business taxes.

PayPal Affiliate Program Commission Rates

PayPal doesn’t have a commission rate since they don’t have an official affiliate program. But using this platform for your affiliate program means you’ll incur fees with each transaction.

PayPal fees can vary, such as:

  • 1.90% fee on QR code transactions over $10
  • 2.40% fee on QR code transactions under $10
  • 2.99% fee on money sent or received for goods and services
  • 2.99% fee on credit and debit card purchases
  • 3.49% fee on invoicing, checkout, and commercial transactions

Some transactions have an additional fixed fee, depending on your home country. For example, the fee in the United States is $0.49 per transaction.

You can calculate how much you’ll make from each PayPal transaction using these fees and percentages.

While it’s not a commission, you get an estimate of how much you’ll earn from the affiliate program.

How Long Does the PayPal Cookie Last?

PayPal offers cookies that last 180 days to ensure secure transactions for customers.

You can tell your computer or mobile device to remember your login information for quicker transactions.

When PayPal recognizes your device, the site signs you in immediately without prompting you for a password.

How Do You Get Paid From PayPal?

PayPal makes it simple to get paid. When you create your profile, you link your bank account. If there’s no money in your online account, PayPal takes the funds from your bank like a debit card.

This process works in reverse to withdraw your money. Select the transfer option and enter how much money you want to send to your bank account.

Since PayPal works like an online bank account, you might prefer to leave your funds.

You can check out online using PayPal without entering any payment information. The merchant pulls the money from your PayPal account, and you don’t have to do anything else.

When Does PayPal Pay Affiliates?

You can withdraw money from your PayPal account at any time. You can’t withdraw more than $10,000 in a single transaction, but otherwise, there’s no limit.

The platform takes the transaction fees before putting the money in your PayPal account. When you transfer the money to your connected bank account, there’s no additional expense.

If you need the money immediately, you’ll have to pay a small fee for the instant withdrawal. PayPal typically takes 1% of the funds to send the money to your bank with no wait.

What Marketing Materials and Promotional Tools Are Available?

PayPal is an established brand, so they have professional marketing materials. You can add images to your website, blog, or eCommerce store to show customers you use PayPal.

You can use your PayPal business account to access the PayPal Marketing Solutions platform and customize links.

Links include fast checkout alerts that inspire your customers to complete a purchase in one click. This code automatically detects the customer’s device and configures the ideal display. They’re able to read and click the link without difficulty.

With the marketing account, you’ll also get a detailed analysis of your shoppers’ trends.

The information allows you to streamline your marketing strategy, increasing your chances of converting visitors into customers. This data also shows you the average purchase totals so you can estimate your income.

Who Should Join the PayPal Affiliate Program?

Many people can earn money from affiliate programs. Consider the scope of your current site and see what you could promote that others want.

You can also start from scratch and monetize your blog for the biggest potential payout.

Personal Finance Bloggers

People who host personal finance blogs will benefit from hosting an affiliate program through PayPal.

Because your audience trusts your financial judgment, any affiliate program you deem worthy will appeal to your followers. They’ll especially appreciate you using PayPal as the program’s secure financial host.

Fashion Bloggers

Fashion bloggers gain followers by showcasing their outfits of the day. They interact with the audience when they share sources for their favorite styles and accessories.

If you have a fashion blog or social media profile, starting an affiliate program lets you earn passive income. You already share your style with followers, and now they can support you with their purchases.

Using PayPal to accept money makes it easy to file taxes relating to your side hustle.

Gamers

Gamers can earn money in many ways, from streaming play-throughs to sharing their favorite tech.

When you create an affiliate program for other game enthusiasts, you’re going to have a lot of high-end items to promote. These click-throughs lead to bigger sales and more income through the affiliate program.

Using PayPal to accept money helps you manage your funds and transfer them to your bank with a single click.

Is the PayPal Affiliate Program Worth It?

PayPal is one of the most established online payment options. Due to that reputation, it’s worth using as the financial backing of your affiliate program.

What’s more, you get custom referral links that can earn you $10 for each new account.

Pros of the PayPal Affiliate Program

  • Analytics: PayPal accounts show detailed information about each transaction, simplifying your financial bookkeeping.
  • Trust: People trust PayPal, so using this platform for your affiliate program will increase your reach. You’re showing your audience their financial information is secure.
  • Ease of Use: Almost everyone has a PayPal account, so you can easily connect this platform with your site.
  • Accepted Everywhere: PayPal is the most common method of online payment. When you make money from your affiliate program, you can spend it directly from your account.
  • Referral Option: Along with using PayPal as your affiliate’s financial platform, you can get a referral link and earn money for each person who creates a new account.

Cons of the PayPal Affiliate Program

  • Fees: PayPal has varying fees depending on the type of transaction, which can add up quickly.
  • Limited Transfers: You can only withdraw money from your PayPal account by sending it to your connected bank account.
  • Withdrawal Fee: If you want a free bank transfer, you have to wait one to three days for the money. Otherwise, you’ll pay a 1% fee for an instant transfer.
  • No Set Program: PayPal doesn’t have an affiliate program like many merchants. You must establish your affiliate program and use PayPal as the financial aspect.
  • Referral Restrictions: If you use a referral link, you can only earn money from ten people before PayPal discontinues your custom link.

Conclusion: Is the PayPal Affiliate Program Worth It?

Using PayPal as the financial backing for your affiliate program is worth it. The platform is such a trusted way to handle money online that your audience will appreciate the security.

However, if you don’t have the technical knowledge to establish your affiliate program, you might have trouble with the service.

At the very least, you can get a custom referral link and earn up to $100 from PayPal.

How To Join the PayPal Affiliate Program

You can create an affiliate program and use PayPal to accept funds after configuring your website to make money. The process sounds involved, but it’s surprisingly easy to do.

Requirements to Join the PayPal Affiliate Program

PayPal has made the process straightforward for potential affiliates. Create a PayPal account, and you’re ready to establish your program.

From there, you’ll install the necessary plugin on your website. Link it to your PayPal profile for easy management and detailed financial records.

How to Apply [Step-by-Step Tutorial]

  • Step 1: Install a plugin. AffiliateWP is a simple plugin for WordPress sites. It offers the one-click payment option and tracks referrals so you can see how much money your program makes. You can easily pay affiliates from the plugin, too.
  • Step 2: Set up the details for your referrals, including the commission percentage and the currency you want to use.
  • Step 3: Establish a cookie expiration period to allow the most clicks, which translates to income.
  • Step 4: Share your affiliate page link, so your followers are able to sign up.
  • Step 5: Track data on the reports page to see how much you earn from referrals.
  • Step 6: Pay out your affiliates every month, quarter, or when they reach a certain threshold.

How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for the PayPal Affiliate Program?

Setting up an affiliate program using PayPal takes minutes. You don’t need to wait for any higher-level approval to enroll. All you need is an established account in good standing.

However, it’s another matter if you want to become a PayPal Partner. You’ll need to have a business account and submit an application.

Someone at the company will review your business goals and get in touch with you about the Partner process.

Does PayPal Support the Affiliate Program?

PayPal supports users in many ways. You can create a personal account to use to purchase goods online.

You can have a business account that gives you access to marketing materials and detailed analytics. Both have built-in buyer and seller protections that are very supportive.

How to Make Money With the PayPal Affiliate Program

There are ways to increase your earning potential if you establish an affiliate program and use PayPal to accept funds. Follow the tips below to make more passive income with each click.

Tip for Success: Promote a Necessary Good

Choose to promote products your audience likes. If you’re a beauty blogger, focus on toiletries and makeup. Likewise, if you’re a gamer, promote games, consoles, and headphones. When you showcase items that interest your audience, you increase your income.

Tip for Success: Use PayPal Branded Materials

Everyone trusts PayPal, so use their logo and banners wherever you can. You’ll show your audience and affiliates that you’re a trustworthy source. This branding proves that you’re committed to processing secure transactions.

Tip to Avoid Failure: Consider Adding Services

Some people don’t want the clutter that comes with buying new products, so consider promoting services to your platform. When you collaborate with affiliates that offer financial planning resources or game walkthroughs, you’ll appeal to people who prefer not to buy physical goods.

Tip to Avoid Failure: Use PayPal Tax Documents

Beyond being trustworthy, the biggest benefit of PayPal is the documentation. You’ll be able to track all your earnings, including referrals and affiliate money. When it’s time to file taxes, you can export financial reports with the click of a button, ensuring you won’t pay any penalties.

Alternatives to the PayPal Affiliate Program

You can use PayPal for your affiliate program to earn passive income from your audience. If you want to choose a more established affiliate partner, consider the options below.

  • Stripe Affiliate Program: Stripe is an online payment platform like PayPal. Consider using both for your affiliate program to increase your reach.
  • Coinbase Affiliate Program: Cryptocurrency is a major trend, so partnering as an affiliate is a great way to earn passive income.
  • Webull Affiliate Program: Webull is an online stock trading platform that lets you earn money for new sign-ups and trades.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve learned all about the PayPal affiliate program. If you need more information, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions.

What companies partner with PayPal?

Countless companies use PayPal to accept online payments, including brands like Apple, Calvin Klein, and Nike.

Major sites like eBay and Etsy partner exclusively with PayPal to simplify the payment process. PayPal also has partnerships with major credit cards, like Visa and Mastercard.

How do I get my free $10 from PayPal?

If you already have a PayPal account, you can get a referral link. You’ll earn $10 for each new user who clicks your link and creates an account. The new users must make a purchase of at least $5 before PayPal counts them toward your referral total.

Wrapping Up

While there’s no set PayPal affiliate program, you can use this financial platform to host your partnership and easily bring in passive income from your followers.

You can also create a referral link to earn $10 per person who creates a new account from your page. Start earning money from your blog or website using PayPal as your affiliate platform.

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