A two-tier affiliate program is a type of affiliate marketing program in which affiliates can earn commissions not only for the sales they generate directly, but also for the sales generated by other affiliates they refer to the program.

But before you start looking for such affiliate programs, we suggest you delve deeper into the essence of the term.

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Two-Tier Affiliate Program Meaning

Two-tier affiliate programs are the same affiliate programs as the general ones. But In a two-tier affiliate program, when an affiliate refers another person to join the program, they become their sub-affiliate or second-tier affiliate. The sub-affiliate can then promote the products or services of the program and earn commissions for the sales they generate. The original affiliate who referred the sub-affiliate also earns a commission on the sales made by their sub-affiliate.

How Do Two-Tier Affiliate Programs Work?

Here’s an example to illustrate how a two-tier affiliate program works:

  • Affiliate A joins a two-tier affiliate program and promotes the offers;
  • Affiliate A refers Affiliate B to the program;
  • Affiliate B signs up as a sub-affiliate of Affiliate A;
  • Affiliate B promotes the offers and generates sales;
  • Affiliate B earns a commission on their direct sales;
  • Affiliate A earns a commission on their direct sales;
  • Affiliate A also earns a commission on the sales generated by Affiliate B, typically at a lower rate than their direct sales commission.

As far as you can understand, affiliates are interested in attracting sub-affiliates into two-tiew programs.

Benefits of Two-Tier Affiliate Programs

Two-tier affiliate programs play a crucial role in affiliate marketing. They provide advantages both for affiliates and advertisers. These programs offer substantial benefits to businesses by expanding their promotional reach through multiple tiers of affiliates. Simultaneously, affiliates can earn on the two-tier structure by earning commissions from both their own sales and those generated by their referrals. This additional revenue stream derived from the sales of their referred affiliates provides a valuable incentive for affiliates to actively recruit and support a network of sub-affiliates.

It’s important to note that not all affiliate programs offer a two-tier structure. Some programs may only provide commissions for direct sales generated by the affiliate. Additionally, the terms and conditions, payout structure, and rules of the affiliate program should be carefully reviewed before joining to understand the specific requirements and benefits of the program.

Best 5 Two-Tier Affiliate Programs

Let’s have a look at the top 5 two-tier affiliate programs:

1. ShareASale

ShareASale is a two-tier affiliate program with a 22-year history. With 4,800 advertisers spanning various markets and niches, the platform provides a diverse range of brand offers for promotion. The program boasts more than 40 affiliate categories, covering areas such as Nutra/Health, Automotive, Entertainment, Business, Clothing, Education, and Family.

As an Awin subsidiary, ShareASale joined forces with Awin in January 2017, expanding opportunities for advertisers and publishers on an international scale. ShareASale stands out by launching a higher number of programs monthly compared to other programs, catering to the needs of its 211,000 active publishers and 15,200 advertisers. The process of signing up and obtaining approval for this affiliate program is straightforward and user-friendly.

Key features:

  • Offers number: 2,000;
  • Referral commissions: $30 for each qualified affiliate;
  • GEOs: WW;
  • Minimum payout: $50;
  • Commission types: CPA , CPL , CPS , CPC;
  • Payment methods: Check, Wire transfer, ACH.

2. Flex Offers

FlexOffers is a leading affiliate program that connects affiliates with 10,000 advertisers. This platform also collaborates with 65+ networks and agencies, providing added value to partners through hosting in-house programs on FlexOffers or using the Publisher Marketplace. 

Affiliates can maximize their revenue with FlexOffers’ distinctive account management services and platform API solutions. Notably, FlexOffers operates with a unified team responsible for handling affiliate links, payments, technology, and customer service. By participating in the FlexRev-Share referral program, affiliates can generate additional revenue streams by referring others to FlexOffers. Depending on your earnings, you have the potential to earn up to 50% of net earnings through FlexOffers.

Key features:

  • Offers number: 10,000;
  • Referral commissions: 50% of every referred affiliate’s earnings;
  • GEOs: WW;
  • Minimum payout: $25;
  • Commission types: CPA, CPS, RevShare;
  • Payment methods: Check, Wire transfer, PayPal.

3. Fiverr Affiliates

Fiverr Affiliates is a prominent affiliate program, caters to both professionals and beginners. It provides a wide range of services, encompassing social media marketing, web design, and content writing, among others. With more than 8 main categories and up to 30 subcategories, there is a diverse array of options available.

Fiverr Affiliates allows individuals to promote gigs, courses, and more, benefiting from the reasonable rates offered by advertisers. Additionally, there are opportunities to promote various Fiverr services such as Fiverr Business, Fiverr Learn, Fiverr Logomaker, and Fiverr Workspace. Commission rates for Fiverr Learn courses stand at 30%, while Fiverr Workspace offers a 50% commission, and Fiverr Business provides a $100 CPA + 10% revenue share.

Fiverr Affiliates provides a range of promotional materials, including banners and text links, as well as real-time tracking features. An efficient and responsive affiliate management team is also available to assist affiliates.

Key features:

  • Referral commissions: 10% of every referred affiliate’s earnings;
  • GEOs: 160;
  • Minimum payout: $100;
  • Commission types: CPA, RevShare;
  • Payment methods: PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Transfer.

4. Groove

Groove is a top quality affiliate program. It encompasses several brands like GrooveFunnels, GrooveKart, GroovePay, and GrooveAds. The platform provides a large number of tools created to facilitate the launch of campaigns.

Also, Groove simplifies the process of creation of sales funnels, landing pages, checkout forms, and flexible payment structure. It caters to various needs including email marketing solutions, eCommerce stores, and others.

By participating in the Groove affiliate program, affiliates can earn up to 40% for each sale they generate. But note that affiliates receive a 40% commission for pro and paid accounts, 20% for free accounts, and 10% and 5% for the two-tier structure.

Key features:

  • Referral commissions: 20% of affiliate’s profits;
  • GEOs: Tier-1,Tier-2;
  • Minimum payout: $50;
  • Commission types: RevShare;
  • Payment methods: PayPal, WIre Transfer.

5. Kingfin

Kingfin is an affiliate program as well as the affiliate marketing partner of Olymp Trade, and it is particularly suitable for beginners in affiliate marketing. Olymp Trade boasts a substantial user base of over 10,000 online traders at any given time and has reached 10 million app downloads.

Olymp Trade provides a range of advertising materials, including promo codes, landing pages, and banners, catering to both novice and experienced affiliate marketers.

By referring traders to the trading platform, affiliates have the opportunity to earn up to 60% as a commission. By collaborating with this brand, affiliates can enhance their affiliate marketing skills while earning a decent commission.

Key features:

  • Offers number: 82;
  • Referral commissions: 5% of affiliate’s profits;
  • GEOs: WW;
  • Minimum payout: $10;
  • Commission types: CPA, RevShare;
  • Payment methods: Wire Transfer, Skrill, Globe Pay, Mybank, etc.