Affiliate Links vs Referral Links

Affiliate links usually track promotional activity by publishers and may pay commissions for qualifying sales or leads. Referral links often reward existing customers or members for inviting others, though exact meanings vary by program.

Affiliate links

Used by bloggers, creators and marketers to promote products. You earn when someone buys or signs up through your link, according to the merchant's rules.

Referral links

Often given to customers or members to invite friends. Rewards may be credits, discounts or commissions on certain purchases.

Read the terms

Read the terms to see what action earns a reward, who can participate and whether self-referrals are prohibited. Do not describe a sign-up reward as a product-sale commission if the program treats them differently.

How this works on MoneyEarn

MoneyEarn has two separate earnings: affiliate marketing commissions, when people you introduce buy a membership plan, and Share & Earn, when customers buy shop products through your product link. Your wallet shows them as separate sources, so you can see exactly where each amount came from.

Avoid recruitment-only schemes

If a "referral" program pays only for recruiting people who pay to join, with no real product, treat it as a warning sign.

Frequently asked questions

Can a link be both affiliate and referral?

Some programs combine both. The program's terms decide what counts and how rewards are paid.

Are self-referrals allowed?

Many programs prohibit them. Check the rules before using your own link.