Top 10 High-Paying Recurring Affiliate Programs You Can Join in 2026
Introduction: Build Lasting Passive Income with Recurring Commissions
Program terms and numbers checked on Nov 13, 2025. Verify again before sharing.
What if you could earn money not just once, but every single month from a customer you referred a year ago? That's the power of best recurring affiliate programs — and in 2025 and for 2026, they're more lucrative than ever.
According to recent industry data, affiliates promoting subscription-based products earn 3-5x more over a customer's lifetime compared to those promoting one-time purchases. While traditional affiliate marketing pays you once per sale, recurring commission programs reward you month after month, creating true passive income affiliate streams that compound over time.
The difference is simple but profound: imagine referring 10 customers to a software product. With a one-time commission, you might earn $500 total. But with a monthly commission affiliate program paying 30% recurring, those same 10 customers could generate $300+ every single month for as long as they remain subscribers. Over a year, that's $3,600 versus $500 — and the potential only grows.
In 2025, the subscription economy is booming. From AI-powered SaaS referral programs to financial services and online education platforms, businesses are increasingly adopting recurring revenue models. This shift creates unprecedented opportunities for affiliate marketers willing to focus on long-term relationship building rather than quick conversions.
This comprehensive guide reveals the best recurring affiliate programs across multiple niches — from cutting-edge SaaS tools and web hosting to finance and insurance platforms. Whether you're a seasoned affiliate marketer or just starting your journey toward financial independence, these programs offer the foundation for sustainable, growing income streams that work for you 24/7.
The 10 Best Recurring Affiliate Programs for 2026
1. ClickFunnels — Premium Sales Funnel Software
Description:
ClickFunnels remains the gold standard for SaaS referral programs in the marketing automation space. Founded by Russell Brunson, ConvertKit this all-in-one platform helps entrepreneurs and businesses build sales funnels, landing pages, and complete marketing systems without coding knowledge. What makes ClickFunnels exceptional for affiliates is their legendary Affiliate Bootcamp — a free training program that teaches you exactly how to promote their product effectively.
The platform's 2.0 iteration includes website builders, email marketing, course hosting, and membership sites — making it an easy sell to virtually any online business owner. The monthly commission affiliate structure means you earn as long as your referrals maintain their subscriptions, which given ClickFunnels' high retention rate, tends to be years rather than months.
Commission Rates: 40% recurring monthly commissions on all subscription plans ($97-$297/month plans available)
Pros:
- Industry-leading 40% recurring commission rate
- Free affiliate training (Affiliate Bootcamp)
- High-ticket product with strong retention rates
- Active affiliate community and support
- Multiple promotional materials and funnels provided
Cons:
- Premium pricing may limit conversions in price-sensitive markets
- Requires understanding of marketing funnels to promote effectively
- Competitive niche with many established affiliates
Potential Earnings Example: Refer 25 customers to the $197/month plan = $1,970 monthly recurring income ($23,640 annually)
Signup Link: Join ClickFunnels Affiliate Program (Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
2. Teachable — Online Course Platform
Description:
Teachable has established itself as one of the most user-friendly platforms for creators launching online courses, coaching programs, and digital products. With over $1 billion paid out to course creators, Teachable's proven track record makes it an attractive recommendation for your audience.
Commission Rates: 30% recurring monthly commissions for up to 12 months
Pros:
- Appeals to diverse creator markets (coaches, educators, influencers)
- 12-month commission window provides substantial earnings
- Free plan available makes initial referrals easier
Signup Link: Become a Teachable Affiliate (Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
3. Bluehost — Web Hosting Services
Description:
Bluehost stands as one of the officially recommended hosting providers by WordPress.org, giving it instant credibility in the massive web hosting market. Since 1996, Bluehost has hosted millions of websites and continues to dominate the beginner-friendly hosting space.
Commission Rates: $65-$130 per signup (one-time) + recurring options on select managed hosting plans
Pros:
- High one-time payouts supplement recurring income strategies
- Trusted brand with excellent conversion rates
Signup Link: Join Bluehost Affiliate Program (Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
4. ConvertKit — Email Marketing for Creators
Description:
ConvertKit has carved out a dominant position in email marketing by specifically targeting creators, bloggers, and online entrepreneurs. This focused positioning makes it one of the best recurring affiliate programs for content creators promoting to similar audiences.
Commission Rates: 30% recurring monthly commissions for as long as referrals remain customers
Signup Link: Become a ConvertKit Affiliate (Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
5. Kinsta — Managed WordPress Hosting
Commission Rates: One-time bonus up to $500 (depends on plan) + 10% recurring monthly commissions for the lifetime of the customer. (Cookie: 60 days.)
Signup Link: Join Kinsta's Affiliate Program
6. GetResponse — All-in-One Marketing Platform
Commission Rates: Varies by program/tier—commonly structured as 40% recurring for up to 12 months. (Cookie: typically 90 days.)
Signup Link: Start Earning with GetResponse
7. Shopify — E-Commerce Platform
Commission Rates: Typically pays commission based on a percentage of the customer's first payment (historically marketed as 200% of the customer's first month for certain plans or fixed bounties for higher-tier referrals).
Signup Link: Join Shopify's Affiliate Program
8. SEMrush — SEO & Digital Marketing Suite
Commission Rates: $200 per new paid subscription (bounty) + $10 recurring commission for qualifying conversions in some cases. (Cookie: check Impact program.)
Signup Link: Become a SEMrush Affiliate
9. Thinkific — Online Course Creation Platform
Commission Rates: 30% recurring monthly commissions for up to 12 months on paid plans
Signup Link: Join Thinkific's Affiliate Program
10. PolicyBazaar — Insurance Comparison & Finance Platform (Finance/Insurance Niche)
Commission Rates: Variable based on product type; typically 10-25% of premium value + renewal commissions on policy renewals
Signup Link: Partner with PolicyBazaar
Quick Comparison: Best Recurring Affiliate Programs at a Glance
| Program Name | Monthly Recurring % | Cookie Duration | Niche | Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClickFunnels | 40% recurring | 45 days | SaaS (Marketing) | 79 | |
| Teachable | 30% for 12 months | 90 days | Online Education | 72 | |
| Bluehost | Variable (mostly one-time) | 60 days | Web Hosting | 59 | |
| ConvertKit | 30% lifetime recurring | 30 days | SaaS (Email Marketing) | 71 | |
| Kinsta | $500 + 10% recurring | 60 days | Premium Web Hosting | 81 | |
| GetResponse | 33% lifetime recurring | 120 days | SaaS (Marketing) | 77 | |
| Shopify | 200% first month (one-time) | 30 days | E-Commerce Platform | 64 | |
| SEMrush | $200 bounty + $10 recurring | 120 days | SaaS (SEO Tools) | 79 | |
| Thinkific | 30% for 12 months | 90 days | Online Education | 72 | |
| PolicyBazaar | 10–25% + renewals | 30 days | Finance / Insurance | 57 |
