Affiliate marketing payouts, explained
What you earn is only half the story. When you get paid, how much you need before a payout, and how you receive it decide whether you can keep buying traffic.
How you earn: payout models
- CPA — a fixed amount per action, like a sale, deposit or install.
- CPL — a fixed amount per qualified lead. Common in auto insurance, home warranty and loans.
- RevShare — a percentage of the revenue a customer brings in over time. Common in iGaming.
When you get paid: payment terms
"NET-30" means you are paid 30 days after the period closes. With NET-60, money earned in early January can arrive in March, while you keep paying for ads. Weekly NET-7 terms let you reinvest every week.
| Terms | Wait after period closes |
|---|---|
| Weekly (NET-7) | About 7 days |
| NET-15 | 15 days |
| NET-30 | 30 days |
| NET-60 | 60 days |
Minimum payouts
Most networks hold your balance until it passes a threshold. At Swift Digital Ads the minimum is $100, and anything under that rolls into next week.
Payment methods
Check that the network pays in a way that works in your country. We pay by bank wire / SWIFT, PayPal, Payoneer, Wise and USDT (TRC-20 or ERC-20).
Holds and reversals
Some conversions are rejected by advertisers for fraud or rule breaks. Ask how long conversions are held, and whether you get to see the reason for each reversal. Our rules are in the Terms for Affiliates.
Common questions
How often do affiliate networks pay?
It depends on the network. Common terms are weekly (NET-7), NET-15, NET-30 and NET-60. Swift Digital Ads pays weekly on NET-7 terms.
What is a minimum payout threshold?
It is the balance you must reach before a payout is sent. At Swift Digital Ads the minimum is $100; smaller balances roll over to the next week.
Why are some conversions not paid?
Advertisers can reject conversions that are duplicated, fraudulent or break the offer rules. A fair network shows you which ones were reversed and why.
New to networks? Read how to join an affiliate network, then apply as a publisher →