Use these answers to resolve common AffiliateBase setup and operating questions, then follow the linked guide for the full workflow.
What parameter should affiliate links use?
Use ?via=TOKEN.
How do I confirm attribution is active?
Open a URL with ?via=TOKEN, then verify window.AffiliateBase.referral and /api/track success.
How does Stripe Checkout attribution work?
Use the Payment Link path by default: put the AffiliateBase script on the same published page as your Stripe Payment Link, then confirm Stripe receives the generated referral ID as client_reference_id. If your server creates Checkout Sessions, submit the browser referral value to your server first, then set Stripe client_reference_id and mirrored affiliatebase_referral_id metadata server-side.
Why is client_reference_id required?
Stripe sends client_reference_id back on Checkout Sessions and webhooks. AffiliateBase uses it to connect the Stripe sale to the referral created when the affiliate link was opened.
Can affiliates manage payout details themselves?
Yes. In the affiliate portal, affiliates open Settings and save their PayPal email and Wise email. When the program pays through Stripe, affiliates also connect their own Stripe account under Stripe payouts with Connect with Stripe. See Get paid through Stripe.
Are payouts automatic?
No. Payouts are run-based: an owner or admin creates them with New Payouts in Payouts. For PayPal or Wise, export the payouts with Export, pay affiliates in PayPal or Wise, then select Settle payouts on the export to mark them paid. AffiliateBase does not send PayPal or Wise transfers. With Stripe payouts turned on, AffiliateBase sends each payout as a Stripe transfer from your Stripe balance when you execute the run or choose Pay with Stripe, and marks it paid when Stripe accepts the transfer. See Pay affiliates through Stripe.
When does a commission become payable?
A commission starts as pending and becomes due after the campaign’s Days until commissions are due (30 days by default). Only due commissions are included in New Payouts.
Who can manage payouts and settings?
Account owners and admins can open Settings, Affiliates, Campaigns, Payouts, and Setup. Users with the member role can view the dashboard, referrals, and commissions. See manage team members.
How are API requests authenticated?
Send an API key as a Bearer token in the Authorization header or in the X-Api-Key header, plus the X-Account-Id header.