We use a clear 1–10 scoring model that evaluates commissions, cookie duration, payout reliability, brand reputation, and overall affiliate value. Unlike vague “best affiliate program” lists, our reviews follow a consistent and data-driven rating scheme so you can easily compare affiliate programs and choose the most profitable opportunities for your website or traffic source.
1. Commission Quality (Weighting 20%)
Commission quality measures both payout size and earning lifespan.
Affiliate programs offering recurring or lifetime commissions score significantly higher due to their long-term income potential.
1 – Very low, one-time commission
2 – Low, one-time commission
3 – Below-average one-time commission
4 – Average one-time commission
5 – Good one-time commission
6 – High one-time commission
7 – Recurring commission (monthly or annual)
8 – High recurring commission
9 – Lifetime commission (no upsells)
10 – Lifetime or recurring commission including upsells or rebills
2. Cookie Duration (Weighting 5%)
Cookie duration directly impacts how often affiliates earn commissions.
Programs with longer or lifetime cookies provide fairer tracking and higher earning potential.
1 – Session-only tracking
2 – 24-hour cookie
3 – 3–7 days
4 – 14 days
5 – 30 days
6 – 45 days
7 – 60 days
8 – 90 days
9 – 6–12 months
10 – Lifetime cookie
3. Payout Reliability & Terms (Weighting 20%)
Reliable payouts are essential for affiliate success.
This score reflects payment speed, minimum payout thresholds, and overall reliability.
1 – Unclear or unreliable payouts
2 – Very high payout threshold, slow payments
3 – Net-60+ with poor reputation
4 – Net-60 with limited payment options
5 – Net-45 standard terms
6 – Net-30 reliable payments
7 – Net-30 with low payout minimum
8 – Bi-weekly payouts
9 – Weekly payouts
10 – Instant or on-demand payouts
4. Program Transparency (Weighting 10%)
Transparent affiliate programs clearly explain commissions, tracking, and rules.
1 – Rules unclear or hidden
2 – Confusing commission structure
3 – Missing key information
4 – Basic clarity
5 – Mostly clear
6 – Clear rules and reporting
7 – Well-documented affiliate program
8 – Transparent reporting and tracking
9 – Very clear with no ambiguity
10 – Full transparency with detailed analytics
5. Brand Trust & Reputation (Weighting 20%)
Brand trust is critical when recommending affiliate products to an audience.
We calculate this score using third-party data and our own professional review.
Formula:(Trustpilot Score × 0.7) + (Internal Review Score × 0.3)Trustpilot Score Conversion (70%)
1.0 – 1.9 ⭐- 1 Serious trust problems
2.0 – 2.4 ⭐- 3 Very weak
2.5 – 2.9 ⭐- 4 Below average
3.0 – 3.4 ⭐- 6 Acceptable
3.5 – 3.9 ⭐- 7 Generally trusted
4.0 – 4.2 ⭐- 8 Strong reputation
4.3 – 4.4 ⭐- 9 Very strong
4.5 – 5.0 ⭐- 10 Excellent / top-tier
If a brand has fewer than 50 Trustpilot reviews, the Trustpilot score is capped at 7.
Internal Review Score (30%)
1–2 – Serious trust concerns
3–4 – Noticeable issues
5–6 – Acceptable but cautious
7–8 – Trustworthy
9–10 – Exceptional trust
6. Product Appeal (Weighting 10%)
Product appeal measures how likely real users are to buy the offer.
1 – Weak or unclear offer
2 – Low perceived value
3 – Poor sales presentation
4 – Average appeal
5 – Decent value proposition
6 – Good product-market fit
7 – Strong appeal
8 – Highly competitive offer
9 – Very compelling product
10 – Must-have product
7. Ease of Promotion (Weighting 7%)
This score reflects how easy it is for affiliates to promote the program.
1 – Heavy restrictions, no assets
2 – Very difficult to promote
3 – Limited tools
4 – Some restrictions
5 – Standard promotion rules
6 – Easy to promote
7 – Good affiliate assets
8 – Flexible promotion options
9 – Excellent affiliate tools
10 – Built specifically for affiliates
8. Competition Level (Weighting 3%)
Lower competition increases an affiliate’s chances of ranking and converting.
1 – Extremely saturated
2 – Very high competition
3 – Highly competitive
4 – Crowded market
5 – Average competition
6 – Moderate competition
7 – Manageable competition
8 – Low competition
9 – Very low competition
10 – Rare or niche opportunity
9. Affiliate Support (Weighting 5%)
Strong affiliate support improves performance and long-term success.
1 – No support
2 – Very slow responses
3 – Minimal support
4 – Basic email support
5 – Standard support
6 – Helpful responses
7 – Dedicated affiliate manager
8 – Active guidance
9 – Proactive support
10 – Best-in-class affiliate support
10. Overall Affiliate Value (Weighting 100%)
1 – Not worth promoting
2 – Very weak program
3 – Poor opportunity
4 – Below average
5 – Average affiliate program
6 – Decent opportunity
7 – Good affiliate program
8 – Strong recommendation
9 – Excellent affiliate program
10 – Top-tier affiliate opportunity