Applying to a program

What this is

Applying to a program is how you request to become an approved affiliate for that merchant. Every application happens from the program's detail page in the Marketplace.

Why it matters

An application is only accepted when your profile is complete, the program is currently active, its country and, where required, payment compatibility checks pass, and you accept the current Program terms.

How to do it

1. Open the program from the Marketplace and read the Program overview: program type, approval method (Manual, Instant, or Invite Only), attribution window, commission summary, payout threshold, payment schedule, payment methods, and self-referral policy.
2. Read the full Program terms section. This is the merchant's binding description of commission structure, payout schedule, reversal handling, allowed promotional methods, and more; see Understanding Program Terms for how merchants build them.
3. Answer any application questions the merchant has added, if shown.
4. Check the acceptance box confirming you accept the current Program terms.
5. Click Apply. The Apply control only becomes active once your profile is complete, the program is active, country availability is not "unavailable," and, if the program requires it, your payment method is compatible.

What happens next

If the program uses Instant approval, you are approved immediately and the program appears in Your Programs right away, with referral tools unlocked on the same page. If the program uses Manual approval, your application status shows as Pending until the merchant decides. If a program is Invite Only, you can only apply after receiving an invitation; see Merchant Invitations.

Common mistakes

Applying with an incomplete profile is blocked entirely. Also, if the program terms change after you loaded the page, you will be asked to reload and review the current version before your application can go through, since you must always accept the terms currently in effect.

In short

Read the program overview and terms carefully, answer any questions, accept the current terms, and submit. Instant programs approve you right away; manual programs put you in a Pending state until reviewed.