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Best Recurring Revenue Affiliate Programs for Marketers to Join in 2026

Sylwia Kocur

20 min read

Nov 3, 2025

Tired of starting from zero every month? These 20 recurring affiliate programs pay you long after the first click—perfect for review-based content that keeps working while you sleep. If you’re serious about building real, compounding income from affiliate marketing, this list is where it starts. Ready to make it stick?

What you’ll learn from this article:

• Best recurring affiliate programs.

• Why recurring commissions matter for affiliates.

• Tips to succeed with recurring affiliate programs.

• FAQs.

If you make a living writing product reviews, you already know the rush of seeing that affiliate commission land. But here’s the thing: one-off payouts are a grind. You hustle to get the click, make the initial sale, and then… start all over again. What if your best-performing reviews continued to pay you every month?

That’s where recurring revenue affiliate programs come in. Instead of earning a flat fee per signup, you receive a percentage of the revenue for as long as your referral remains a paying customer. For marketers specializing in software reviews, this model transforms your content into a long-term revenue engine.

In this guide, you’ll find the best recurring commission affiliate programs for software tools — ranked, broken down, and vetted for review-based affiliates like you. (And yes, it’s kicking off with our favorite: the Text® Affiliate Partner Program.)

💡 Want to know more about affiliate marketing and how to take the first steps? Check our affiliate marketing guide!

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Best recurring affiliate programs

There are numerous affiliate programs available, but only a handful offer recurring commissions that actually accumulate over time. I’ve done the research for you and compiled the top programs worth reviewing.

Whether you write about email tools, CRMs, course platforms, or marketing automation, these 20 picks offer generous recurring payouts, long cookie windows, and solid support for affiliates.

Let’s break them down.

Text® Affiliate Partner Program

Our top recommendation for recurring commissions.

• Commission: 20% lifetime recurring (increases to 22% after 5 referrals)

• Cookie duration: 120 days

• Payout threshold: $50 (via PayPal)

• Niche focus: Customer communication and support software (Text App, LiveChat, ChatBot, HelpDesk)

• Description: Text® Affiliate Partner Program shines for review marketers in the SaaS space for more than 20 years. You earn recurring commissions for the entire lifetime of each customer, translating into long-term passive income.

Text’s affiliate dashboard provides real-time tracking and a library of promotional assets, making it easy to create content that converts.

Affiliates even get 24/7 support from the Text team to help you succeed. (Bonus: It offers a two-tier commission: refer other affiliates and collect 5% of their sales, too, adding another revenue stream!)

AWeber Affiliate Program

Email marketing platform with generous tiered payouts.

• Commission: 30%–50% lifetime recurring (tiered; 30% base, up to 50% as you refer more accounts)

• Cookie duration: 1 year (365 days)

• Payout threshold: $30 (via PayPal)

• Niche focus: Email marketing and newsletter tools for small businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs

• Description: AWeber has been an email marketing staple since 1998, which means a trusted brand and low churn. Its tiered commission structure rewards you for volume – refer 50+ customers and earn 50% recurring on all sales. For a reviewer focusing on email tools, promoting AWeber can create a stable income stream, as your referred users tend to stick with their email provider long-term.

ConvertKit (Kit) Affiliate Program

Creator-focused email marketing with persistent payouts.

• Commission: 30% lifetime recurring for each paying customer

• Cookie duration: 30 days

• Payout threshold: None – payout after even one sale

• Niche focus: Email marketing for creators, bloggers, and online newsletter publishers

• Description: ConvertKit (recently rebranded to “Kit”) is popular among content creators and indie publishers. Its affiliate program lets you share in the ongoing revenue from any subscriber you refer. A 30% recurring commission for life means that if a blogger you refer continues to use ConvertKit for years, you will continue to earn a commission every month. With low entry barriers (no payout minimum and a 14-day free trial to entice sign-ups), it’s a friendly pick for affiliates reviewing creator tools.

ClickFunnels Affiliate Program

High-ticket funnel software with recurring and tiered rewards.

• Commission: 30% recurring (can scale up to 40%)

• Cookie duration: ~45 days (“sticky cookie” system)

• Payout threshold: $100 (bi-monthly payout schedule)

• Niche focus: Sales funnel builder and online business platform

• Description: ClickFunnels is known for its lucrative affiliate program and community. For review sites in online marketing, this is a powerhouse — you earn ~30% of every subscription for the lifetime of the customer. Many affiliates have even turned this into thousands in monthly income by stacking recurring commissions. The program also gamifies success (like a “Dream Car” bonus for referring 100+ active users). With a 14-day trial and a sticky 45-day cookie, your referrals have plenty of time to convert. Just note that ClickFunnels starts new affiliates at 20% and tiers up to 40%.

SamCart Affiliate Program

40% recurring commissions on a popular checkout SaaS.

• Commission: 40% lifetime recurring

• Cookie duration: 30 days

• Payout threshold: $50 (paid monthly via PayPal)

• Niche focus: Ecommerce platforms and checkout optimization tools

• Description: SamCart is a checkout platform that’s favored by many course creators and entrepreneurs, and it rewards affiliates handsomely. You’ll earn 40% of every payment your referred customer makes – including monthly SaaS fees or annual renewals. This can add up quickly given SamCart’s pricing. The program has a relatively standard 30-day cookie, but a hefty commission rate. For review bloggers in the ecommerce or online business niches, this affiliate program offers a high recurring payout on a product that delivers clear ROI to users.

Pipedrive Affiliate Program

Sales CRM with recurring commissions and no cap.

• Commission: 20% recurring for the first year (up to 33% for top-tier affiliates)

• Cookie duration: 90 days

• Payout threshold: No minimum – you earn from your first sale

• Niche focus: Sales CRM and pipeline management software for SMBs and sales teams

• Description: Pipedrive’s affiliate program is ideal if you review CRM or sales tools. You receive 20% of all revenue generated by your referral in their first 12 months as a customer. While the commission is time-limited to one year, the upside is that Pipedrive users tend to stick around if the tool fits — and you’re credited for that entire first year. The program runs on PartnerStack, providing a clean dashboard and assets. With no cap and no minimum threshold, even a single sign-up will earn you a payout. The 90-day cookie gives your content ample time to persuade indecisive readers.

Pabbly Affiliate Program

All-in-one business software with long cookies and solid payout.

• Commission: 30% lifetime recurring on all product plans

• Cookie duration: 365 days

• Payout threshold: $50 (PayPal or bank transfer)

• Niche focus: Marketing and business tools (email, billing, automations)

• Description: Pabbly isn’t as famous as some others on this list, but it’s a gem for affiliates in marketing niches. They offer a suite of tools (Pabbly Plus) and let you promote any or all of them for the same recurring commission. A standout feature is the 365-day cookie, which exceeds the industry standard – your referral tracking lasts a full year! This means that if someone reads your review and makes a purchase months later, you still receive credit. With 30% lifetime commissions, one Pabbly referral can yield over $180 in commission on popular plans.

Systeme.io Affiliate Program

Budget-friendly funnel and email tool with wide appeal.

• Commission: 40% lifetime recurring

• Cookie duration: 365 days

• Payout threshold: $30 (monthly payout via PayPal)

• Niche focus: All-in-one marketing automation for solopreneurs and small businesses

• Description: Systeme.io is often called the affordable alternative to ClickFunnels, and its affiliate program is just as appealing. You’ll earn 40% of every payment your referral makes, including upsells and renewals. With free and low-cost entry tiers, the barrier to user signup is low, and many affiliates see faster conversions. The long 365-day cookie is a major bonus for content-focused marketers—it means your articles continue to work for you even months after being published.

Thinkific Affiliate Program

Course platform with strong brand trust and high retention rates.

• Commission: 30% lifetime recurring

• Cookie duration: 90 days

• Payout threshold: $25

• Niche focus: Online course platforms, creators, and educators

• Description: Thinkific is one of the most recognized platforms for creating and selling online courses. Its affiliate program offers 30% recurring commissions for the lifetime of each customer, and the brand’s reputation helps convert readers who are serious about launching their first course. With a 90-day cookie and well-designed marketing resources, it’s a solid fit for review blogs that serve creators, coaches, or consultants.

Teachable Affiliate Program

Popular among creators and a staple in the course-building niche.

• Commission: 30% recurring for the customer’s lifetime

• Cookie duration: 90 days

• Payout threshold: $50

• Niche focus: Course creation and monetization for solopreneurs

• Description: Teachable is another big player in the course creation space, offering intuitive tools and flexible plans for creators. Its affiliate program mirrors that appeal: you earn 30% recurring from every subscription tied to your link, for as long as the user stays active. With a 90-day cookie and a wealth of available content assets, it’s an easy program to integrate into review content targeting online educators or membership communities.

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GetResponse Affiliate Program

Versatile email and marketing suite with multiple affiliate models.

• Commission: 33% lifetime recurring (or a one-time $100 bounty per signup, depending on model)

• Cookie duration: 120 days

• Payout threshold: $50 (paid monthly via PayPal or wire transfer)

• Niche focus: Email marketing, automation, and landing pages for SMBs and marketers

• Description: GetResponse offers one of the more flexible affiliate setups — you can choose between recurring commissions (33%) or a one-time bounty. For review bloggers seeking to establish long-term passive income, the recurring model is the more effective approach. The platform’s wide feature set and reputation help with conversions, and the 120-day cookie provides your content with a long tail to drive sign-ups.

Thrive Themes Affiliate Program

WordPress tools for marketers focused on conversions.

• Commission: 35% recurring (plus 2nd-tier commissions at 25%)

• Cookie duration: 30 days

• Payout threshold: $20

• Niche focus: WordPress plugins and themes for lead generation and sales funnels

• Description: Thrive Themes is a great option for affiliate networks that specialize in writing about websites, funnels, or WordPress marketing tools. Their entire suite (from Thrive Architect to Thrive Leads) is built for performance-driven marketers. The affiliate program pays 35% recurring and also rewards you with 25% second-tier commissions if you recruit other affiliates. It’s a strong pick for reviewers who cater to DIY entrepreneurs and solopreneurs using WordPress.

Kartra Affiliate Program

All-in-one business platform with sticky commissions and long retention.

• Commission: 40% recurring

• Cookie duration: 30 days

• Payout threshold: $100 (paid monthly)

• Niche focus: Online business platforms with funnels, email, checkouts, and automation

• Description: Kartra combines funnels, email marketing, landing pages, and more into one toolset. Its program offers 40% recurring commissions and typically sees high customer retention due to the platform’s stickiness. Reviewers targeting coaches, consultants, or online business owners will find Kartra a lucrative affiliate option, especially if they include demo videos or walkthroughs in their content.

FreshBooks Affiliate Program

Accounting made easy for freelancers and small business owners.

• Commission: $10 per free trial + $200 per paid signup OR 20% recurring

• Cookie duration: 120 days

• Payout threshold: $50

• Niche focus: Invoicing and accounting software for freelancers, agencies, and SMBs

• Description: FreshBooks allows you to choose a commission model: either 20% recurring or a hybrid model that combines a trial bonus and one-time signup payout. For content creators who focus on finance, freelancing, or small business tools, FreshBooks is an easy recommendation. The 120-day cookie window also increases your odds of converting free trial users into paying ones.

Podia Affiliate Program

User-friendly platform for selling courses, webinars, and memberships.

• Commission: 30% recurring

• Cookie duration: 15 days

• Payout threshold: $30 (via PayPal)

• Niche focus: Online course and content monetization for creators

• Description: Podia appeals to creators who want to keep things simple, whether they’re selling courses, digital products, or memberships. Its affiliate program pays 30% recurring, with monthly payouts and real-time dashboard tracking. While the 15-day cookie is shorter than most, the platform’s fast signup flow helps compensate for this. It’s a smart pick for review marketers who write for creator audiences and want an easy upsell to pair with content tools or email software.

Thinkific Plus Agency Partner Program

An upgraded affiliate tier for agencies and high-volume partners.

• Commission: Custom high-tier recurring rates (typically negotiated per partner)

• Cookie duration: 90 days

• Payout threshold: Varies by arrangement

• Niche focus: Enterprise-level course creation for agencies and consultants

• Description: Thinkific Plus offers a partner track for agencies and consultants working with larger clients. While it’s not a standard affiliate setup, you can earn significant recurring commissions based on referred enterprise accounts. If your review content targets agencies, enterprise training platforms, or SaaS resellers, this premium program can turn just a few referrals into a major revenue stream.

Cloudways Affiliate Program

Flexible payouts with recurring or hybrid models for cloud hosting.

• Commission: 30% recurring (or hybrid: one-time + tiered bonuses)

• Cookie duration: 90 days

• Payout threshold: $250

• Niche focus: Managed cloud hosting (digital agencies, developers, SaaS startups)

• Description: Cloudways is a favorite among web developers and tech-savvy marketers. The affiliate program offers flexibility, allowing you to choose from a recurring commission model or a hybrid plan that combines one-time payouts with bonuses based on monthly volume. If you review web hosting or web performance tools, Cloudways attracts high-value customers and generates a steady monthly income. The 90-day cookie also helps with delayed conversions, which are common in tech products.

Kajabi Partner Program

Premium creator platform with high payouts and strong brand recognition.

• Commission: 30% recurring

• Cookie duration: 30 days

• Payout threshold: $100

• Niche focus: Online business and course monetization for professional creators

• Description: Kajabi targets serious creators and entrepreneurs, making it ideal for review content that’s focused on premium tools. The affiliate program pays 30% recurring commissions, and many affiliates find that even a few signups can generate substantial revenue thanks to Kajabi’s higher price points. It’s also a good choice if you review mid-to-high-end SaaS tools for course creators or business coaches.

Demio Affiliate Program

Webinar platform designed for marketers with built-in automation.

• Commission: 30% lifetime recurring

• Cookie duration: 60 days

• Payout threshold: $50 (monthly payouts)

• Niche focus: Live and automated webinar software for digital marketers

• Description: Demio is a streamlined webinar tool built with marketers in mind. It integrates with most CRMs and features automation capabilities that make it a standout for lead generation. Affiliates earn 30% recurring commissions for life, and the brand’s focus on conversion marketing makes it a great fit for audiences in the funnel, lead-gen, and event-based content space.

LiveAgent Affiliate Program

Multi-channel help desk software with global reach and low churn.

• Commission: 20% lifetime recurring

• Cookie duration: 60 days

• Payout threshold: $100

• Niche focus: Help desk, customer service, and support tools for SMBs

• Description: LiveAgent is a popular choice among customer support teams looking for a feature-rich but budget-friendly help desk. Its affiliate program offers 20% recurring commissions for the life of each account. For reviewers covering customer service software, AI chat tools, or SaaS for SMBs, LiveAgent offers a solid recurring income option and plenty of pre-built marketing assets.

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Why recurring commissions matter for affiliates

If you’re writing in-depth reviews, you’re already doing the hard work: researching, testing, comparing. So why settle for one-time payouts when your content could keep earning long after it’s published?

Recurring affiliate programs change the game. Instead of a single commission at checkout, you earn a percentage every month as long as the customer remains active. That adds up fast.

Here’s why it matters:

• You build a steady, predictable income: Imagine starting each month with revenue already on the books. With recurring commissions, that’s your new baseline. One article can generate hundreds in passive income, month after month.

• You’re rewarded for quality referrals: You benefit most when your referral sticks around. This encourages you to recommend tools that actually help your audience, making your content more trustworthy and valuable.

• You escape the monthly sales grind: With flat-fee programs, every month starts from zero. But recurring programs reward you for what you’ve already done. Your best content becomes an income-generating asset that compounds over time.

Whether you’re just getting started or already making affiliate income, adding a few high-retention tools to your review strategy is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Tips to succeed with recurring affiliate programs

Recurring commissions sound great (and they are), but getting consistent results takes more than just dropping links. To turn your content into a long-term income stream, you need a smart approach to how you write, promote, and connect with your audience.

Here’s how to do it:

• Focus on high-intent content: Reviews are already powerful, but pairing them with high-converting formats, such as “Tool A vs Tool B” or “Best [tool] for [audience],” can attract readers who are ready to make a purchase. Target the keywords people search when they’re just about to make a decision.

• Add visuals and demos: A screenshot goes a long way. A walkthrough video? Even better. Showing people what the product looks like builds trust fast, and trust leads to clicks. If possible, include a short video or GIF to make your reviews feel more authentic and helpful.

• Grow your email list: Not everyone makes a purchase right away. With an email list, you can stay top of mind. Share tips, updates, or even exclusive bonuses for people who sign up through your link. It gives your content a second (and third) chance to convert.

• Use social proof and real examples: If a tool helped a client increase revenue or achieve better results, mention it. Or reference a success story from the company’s site. Social proof makes your recommendation feel more like a confident suggestion than a sales pitch.

• Offer bonuses to boost conversions: Give readers a reason to use your link instead of someone else’s. Think quick wins: a PDF guide, a template, a private video, something small that adds value. Just let readers know they’ll get it after signing up through your affiliate link.

The goal is simple: be genuinely helpful. If your review content leads people to a solution they love, you’ll see lower churn, higher trust, and steady commissions that roll in even when you’re not promoting.

Looking for a beneficial partnership?

Join our Partner Program to unlock a new revenue stream and stand out from the competition.

Sign up free

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Conclusion

If you’ve been relying on one-time affiliate commissions, this is your sign to level up. Recurring revenue affiliate programs don’t just pay better, they reward the kind of thoughtful, review-based content you’re already creating.

With the right programs (like the Text® Affiliate Partner Program) and a few smart tweaks to your content strategy, your top-performing reviews could become long-term income streams that grow month after month. No constant pitching. No starting from zero. Just solid, sustainable revenue from content that keeps working long after you hit publish.

Next step?

Select a program that aligns with your target audience. Update an existing review or create a fresh one with high-intent keywords, screenshots, and a clear CTA. Then track your results. You’ll be surprised how quickly things compound when you start stacking recurring payouts.

Want a shortcut? Start with the Text® Affiliate Partner Program and see how easy it is to earn while helping businesses find tools they actually need.

FAQs

How to make $10,000 a month with affiliate digital marketing?

It’s all about consistency, niche focus, and recurring revenue. Choose programs that pay monthly commissions (like Text®), create high-intent content (think reviews, comparisons, and tutorials), and search engine optimization. Combine evergreen articles with an email list and occasional promotions to build compounding income. Most affiliates who hit $10,000 per month do so by scaling quality content, not chasing quick hacks.

How long did it take to start making $5,000 a month through affiliate marketing?

For many full-time affiliate marketers, it takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months to consistently reach $ 5,000 per month. The fastest paths often come from review-based content targeting long-tail, buyer-ready keywords, especially when promoting recurring commission programs. Results vary, but those who focus on evergreen content and reinvest in SEO tend to see faster growth.

What is the most profitable affiliate program to promote?

It depends on your audience, but generally, recurring SaaS affiliate programs are the most profitable in the long term. Tools like Text, ClickFunnels, and ConvertKit offer generous recurring payouts and strong user retention, which means you continue to earn month after month. High-ticket programs with low churn are where you’ll see the biggest gains.

What is the difference between recurring and reoccurring revenue?

Recurring revenue occurs on a regular and predictable basis, such as through a monthly subscription. Reoccurring revenue means it happens again, but not necessarily on a set schedule. For affiliates, recurring revenue is what you want: it’s steady, expected income you can count on from loyal customers.

Why is recurring revenue better?

Because it compounds. Instead of making a sale and moving on, recurring programs pay you every month a customer sticks around. That turns a single blog post or video into a long-term asset. It also creates income stability, perfect if you want to scale without constantly hustling for new leads.

What is the difference between ARR and recurring revenue?

ARR (annual recurring revenue) is a business-level metric that calculates the total yearly value of all active subscriptions. Recurring revenue, on the other hand, typically refers to the monthly or ongoing income generated from customers on a recurring basis. As an affiliate, your focus is on recurring revenue — the part you earn every billing cycle from the users you refer.

Can I make recurring affiliate income from just one blog post?

Yes, and it happens more often than you’d think. If your content targets the right keywords, includes a strong call to action, and promotes a tool with low churn and solid commissions, one review article can pay you for years. The key is choosing the right program and keeping its content current.

What kinds of tools are best for recurring affiliate income?

SaaS tools with subscriptions, like CRMs, email platforms, customer service software, or course builders, are ideal. They solve ongoing business problems, which means users stick around longer. Programs like Text®, ConvertKit, or Teachable fall into this sweet spot.

How do I track recurring commissions?

Most top affiliate programs give you a dashboard with real-time tracking. Look for platforms that enable you to view recurring sales, churn rates, and lifetime value (LTV). PartnerStack, Impact, and in-house systems, such as Text’s affiliate dashboard, all offer this transparency.

Are recurring affiliate programs harder to convert?

Not necessarily. They often include free trials, which lowers the signup barrier. Your job is to guide readers to the right tool with real value — reviews, comparisons, demos. If someone’s looking for a solution and your content delivers, they’ll convert. And when they do? You get paid every month they stick around.