Payment Methods

Available payout options for paying affiliates

Table of Contents

Payment Methods

AffiliateBase supports multiple payment methods to pay your affiliates. This guide covers available options, setup, and best practices.

Available Methods

MethodPlansBest For
PayPalStarter+Global, quick payouts
WiseStarter+International, low fees
ManualAllCustom methods

PayPal

Overview

PayPal is the most widely used method:

  • Affiliates only need an email address
  • Instant or same-day delivery
  • Works in 200+ countries

Setup

  1. Connect PayPal Business Account

    • Go to Settings → Affiliate → Payouts
    • Click Connect PayPal
    • Log in to PayPal Business
    • Authorize the connection

  2. Enable for Affiliates

    • Toggle PayPal as available method
    • Affiliates can then select it in their portal

Processing PayPal Payouts

  1. Go to Payouts
  2. Select affiliates with due commissions
  3. Create payouts for PayPal recipients
  4. Confirm and send via PayPal
  5. Payouts marked as processing

Fees

PayPal charges transaction fees:

  • Domestic: ~2.9% + fixed fee
  • International: ~4.4% + fixed fee
  • Fees typically deducted from transfer

Consider who pays fees:

  • You absorb: Full amount to affiliate
  • Affiliate absorbs: Amount minus fees

Limitations

  • Requires PayPal Business account
  • Some countries restricted
  • Higher fees for international transfers
  • Recipient must have PayPal account

Wise (TransferWise)

Overview

Wise offers low-cost international transfers:

  • Bank-to-bank transfers
  • Mid-market exchange rates
  • Lower fees than traditional wire

Setup

  1. Create Wise Business Account

  2. Connect to AffiliateBase

    • Go to Settings → Affiliate → Payouts
    • Click Connect Wise
    • Enter API credentials
    • Authorize the connection

  3. Enable for Affiliates

    • Toggle Wise as available method
    • Affiliates enter bank details in portal

Processing Wise Payouts

  1. Go to Payouts
  2. Select affiliates with due commissions
  3. Create payouts for bank transfer recipients
  4. Review transfer details
  5. Confirm and initiate transfers
  6. Track status in Wise dashboard

Fees

Wise fees are typically:

  • 0.5-2% depending on currencies
  • No hidden exchange rate markups
  • Transparent fee calculator available

Benefits

  • Lower fees than PayPal for many routes
  • Direct to bank account
  • Multiple currencies supported
  • Bulk transfer capability

Limitations

  • Takes 1-4 business days
  • Requires bank account details
  • Not instant like PayPal
  • Setup more complex

Manual Payouts

Overview

For payment methods not directly integrated:

  • Bank wires
  • Check
  • Crypto
  • Other platforms

Process

  1. Export Payout Data

    • Go to Payouts
    • Export due commissions
    • Get affiliate payment details

  2. Process Externally

    • Use your preferred payment method
    • Transfer to each affiliate
    • Record transaction references

  3. Mark as Paid

    • Return to Payouts
    • Mark each payout as paid
    • Enter reference/confirmation number

Use Cases

  • Regional payment methods
  • Cryptocurrency payouts
  • Traditional bank wires
  • Check payments

Affiliate Configuration

Setting Payment Preferences

Affiliates configure their preferences:

  1. Log into affiliate portal
  2. Go to Settings or Profile
  3. Select preferred payment method
  4. Enter required details:
    • PayPal: Email address
    • Wise/Bank: Bank account details
  5. Save preferences

Required Information

For PayPal:

  • PayPal email address

For Bank Transfer:

  • Account holder name
  • Bank name
  • Account number
  • Routing number (US) / IBAN (International)
  • SWIFT code (international)

Choosing a Method

Consider These Factors

FactorPayPalWiseManual
SpeedInstant1-4 daysVaries
FeesHigherLowerVaries
Global reachExcellentGoodDepends
Affiliate easeEasyModerateVaries
Your effortLowLowHigh

Recommendations

  • US-only program: PayPal or ACH
  • Global program: PayPal + Wise options
  • High-value payouts: Wise for lower fees
  • Small payouts: PayPal for convenience

Multi-Method Setup

Offering Multiple Options

Let affiliates choose their preferred method:

  1. Enable multiple methods in settings
  2. Affiliates select during setup
  3. Process each method appropriately
  4. Track by payment type

Benefits

  • Affiliate preference respected
  • Optimize for fee efficiency
  • Broader affiliate appeal
  • Flexibility for edge cases

Security

Payment Security

  • Payment details encrypted
  • PCI compliance (for card data)
  • Secure API connections
  • Limited access to sensitive data

Fraud Prevention

  • Verify affiliate identity
  • Confirm payment details match
  • Monitor for suspicious patterns
  • Require re-verification on changes

Troubleshooting

PayPal Payment Failed

  1. Verify affiliate email is correct
  2. Check recipient has valid PayPal account
  3. Ensure your PayPal has sufficient funds
  4. Review PayPal error message
  5. Contact PayPal support if needed

Wise Transfer Delayed

  1. Check Wise dashboard for status
  2. Verify bank details are correct
  3. Look for compliance holds
  4. Contact Wise support for delays

Affiliate Can’t Add Payment Method

  1. Verify the method is enabled
  2. Check affiliate plan eligibility
  3. Clear browser cache
  4. Try different browser
  5. Contact support

Best Practices

For You

  1. Test payouts: Process a small test first
  2. Monitor failures: Address issues quickly
  3. Keep records: Document all transactions
  4. Communicate: Notify on payout processing

For Affiliates

  1. Verify details: Double-check payment info
  2. Keep updated: Update if bank changes
  3. Monitor status: Check payout arrived
  4. Report issues: Contact if problems

Next Steps