If you want to earn reliable recurring income in 2026, membership website affiliate programs are one of the most effective ways to do it. The popularity of membership platforms, online course tools, and community-building software continues to rise as creators, educators, and businesses move toward subscription-based models.

Whether you promote online course platforms, community platforms, or full membership site builders, these programs offer strong recurring commissions, high retention rates, and steady long-term earning potential. The demand for digital memberships is growing every year, which makes this niche one of the most stable areas in affiliate marketing.

In this guide, you’ll find the 15 best membership website affiliate programs in 2026, chosen for their earning potential, ease of promotion, and suitability for both beginners and experienced marketers. If you’re looking for the best recurring affiliate programs to recommend this year, this list gives you clear, practical options that match today’s creators and business needs.

Why Choose Membership Website Affiliate Programs?

Membership website affiliate programs are a strong choice because they offer steady recurring income and promote tools that creators and businesses already rely on. Most membership platforms use subscription pricing, which allows them to offer attractive commission rates. This gives affiliates the opportunity to earn consistent monthly revenue while recommending platforms that help users build courses, communities, coaching programs, and digital memberships.

These programs also benefit business owners by reducing their workload. Instead of handling complex marketing tasks, creators can focus on improving their content and delivering value to their members. Affiliates support this process by driving new users to platforms that integrate smoothly with popular website builders and membership tools. This makes the experience easier for both creators and the audiences they serve.

Best Membership Website Affiliate Programs For 2026:

Here is the list of top 15 best membership website affiliate programs in 2026:

1. Kajabi Affiliate Program
2. Thinkific Affiliate Program
3. Podia Affiliate Program
4. Mighty Networks Affiliate Program
5. Circle Affiliate Program
6. MemberPress Affiliate Program
7. Bettermode (formerly Tribe) Affiliate Program
8. Kartra Membership Website Affiliate Program
9. Hivebrite Affiliate Program
10. AccessAlly Affiliate Program
11. Gumroad Affiliate Program
12. Patreon Affiliate Program

1.Kajabi Affiliate Program

As an affiliate program, Kajabi is appealing because of its recurring commissions and well-developed promotional tools. Affiliates get access to tutorials, webinars, tracking dashboards, and support. The platform also converts well because it is trusted in the creator community.

Pros

• High recurring commissions: Affiliates earn monthly recurring income for as long as the customer remains active, helping create long-term revenue.
• Strong brand reputation: Kajabi is well-known and trusted, which improves conversions and reduces refund rates.
• Wide target audience: Course creators, coaches, businesses, and educators all use Kajabi, giving affiliates more opportunities to promote.
• Excellent retention: Users stay for long periods because Kajabi replaces multiple tools, increasing the value of recurring commissions.
• Helpful affiliate training: Kajabi provides resources that simplify promotion for both new and experienced affiliates.

Cons

• Higher monthly pricing: Some beginners may find Kajabi expensive, which can reduce conversions for cold audiences.
• Learning curve for full features: Because Kajabi has many tools, users may feel overwhelmed at first.
• Strong competition in the affiliate space: Many affiliates promote Kajabi, so unique content is necessary to stand out.
• Limited free plan: Kajabi does not offer a permanent free tier, which may discourage some leads.
• Requires value-based content: Best results come from detailed reviews, tutorials, or comparisons, which take more effort.

Payment Details

• Commission: Up to 30% recurring
• Cookie Duration: 30 days
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Recurring or One-Time: Recurring

2. Thinkific Affiliate Program

Thinkific is a popular platform for creating online courses and digital learning programs. In 2026, it continues to attract educators, trainers, consultants, and professional instructors because of its simple tools and structured course builder.

Thinkific’s affiliate program is strong because the platform has broad appeal and offers recurring commissions. Affiliates also benefit from Thinkific’s long cookie duration, making it easier to earn credit for referrals that take time to sign up.

Pros

• Long cookie duration: Affiliates get a 90-day cookie, giving plenty of time for the lead to convert.
• Simple course creation tools: Thinkific appeals to beginners, improving conversions from content that targets new educators.
• Stable platform performance: The platform is reliable, and customers tend to stay long-term.
• Strong brand credibility: Thinkific has been a leader in the online learning industry for many years.
• Helpful affiliate materials: The company provides banners, videos, and email templates.

Cons

• Limited community features: Compared to all-in-one tools, Thinkific focuses mainly on courses, not membership communities.
• No built-in email marketing: Users often need additional software, which may affect conversions from audiences seeking all-in-one solutions.
• More competition in the course-builder market: There are many similar platforms, so affiliates must differentiate.
• Limited customization for advanced users: Thinkific works best for simple to medium-level courses.
• Slower conversions for professional audiences: Educators may take time to evaluate the platform.

Payment Details

• Commission: Up to 30% recurring
• Cookie Duration: 90 days
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Recurring or One-Time: Recurring

3. Podia Affiliate Program

Podia is known for being simple, clean, and accessible to beginners. It allows creators to build memberships, sell courses, offer digital downloads, and run communities with minimal setup. Its friendly interface makes it easy to recommend.

Podia’s affiliate program offers lifetime recurring commissions, giving affiliates long-term earning potential. It is one of the easiest platforms to promote because customers appreciate its simplicity and affordable pricing.

Pros

• Beginner-friendly pricing: Affordable plans attract new creators, leading to more conversions.
• Fast setup: Users can publish a membership or course quickly without technical steps.
• Lifetime recurring earnings: Affiliates benefit from long-term passive income.
• Strong appeal to small creators: Solo creators, freelancers, and beginners prefer Podia over large, complex platforms.
• Clean sales process: Podia’s checkout is simple, helping increase conversions.

Cons

• Limited advanced features: Some creators outgrow Podia over time.
• Short cookie duration: A 15-day cookie may reduce tracking credit for slower buyers.
• No built-in funnel builder: Users need separate tools for advanced sales funnels.
• Limited analytics: Reporting tools are basic.
• Fewer customization options: Compared to larger platforms, Podia is simpler but less flexible.

Payment Details

• Commission: 30% lifetime recurring
• Cookie Duration: 15 days
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Recurring or One-Time: Recurring

4. Mighty Networks Affiliate Program

Mighty Networks is designed for building community-first membership websites. It focuses on engagement, group discussions, live sessions, and online courses all under one social-style platform. In 2026, community-based memberships continue to grow, making it a strong choice for affiliates.

The affiliate program pays recurring commissions with higher rates in the first year. Mighty Networks also has strong brand loyalty, which leads to consistent long-term earnings.

Pros

• Community-first platform: Perfect for audiences who want to build interactive online communities.
• Strong mobile app: Members can engage through the app, improving retention.
• Multiple income tools: Users can sell memberships, courses, events, and community access.
• Good retention rates: Communities tend to stay active for long periods.
• High Year 1 commissions: Affiliates earn higher payouts during the first year.

Cons

• Lower recurring rate after Year 1: Commissions drop significantly after the initial period.
• Learning curve for new creators: Community building requires planning and effort.
• Limited website design options: Mighty Networks is strong on community, not website flexibility.
• Users may need external email tools: Email features are limited.
• Not suitable for pure course-focused creators: Some prefer platforms built specifically for structured courses.

Payment Details

• Commission: 40% Year 1, 10% recurring after
• Cookie Duration: 30 days
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Recurring or One-Time: Recurring

5. Circle Affiliate Program

Circle is a modern, clean platform for building community-based membership sites. It is designed for coaches, creators, educators, and businesses that want an organized online community without distractions.

Circle’s affiliate program is simple, transparent, and offers recurring commissions. Because Circle is popular among coaches and professionals, its conversions tend to be strong.

Pros

• Clean user interface: Easy for both creators and community members to navigate.
• Great for coaching groups: Designed to support coaching programs and structured memberships.
• Strong retention: Communities tend to remain active for the long term.
• Simple promotion: Circle’s clarity makes it easy to explain to potential customers.
• Reliable support: The company provides strong customer service, which reflects well on affiliates.

Cons

• Limited features for full websites: Circle works best when paired with other tools.
• No built-in funnel builder: Users need additional software for advanced marketing.
• Not ideal for beginners who want everything in one place: It focuses mainly on community features.
• Dependent on creator activity: Communities require consistent engagement.
• Higher pricing for advanced plans: Larger communities may pay more.

Payment Details

• Commission: 20% recurring
• Cookie Duration: 30 days
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Recurring or One-Time: Recurring

6. MemberPress Affiliate Program

MemberPress is one of the most trusted WordPress membership plugins. It allows creators to restrict content, sell memberships, protect courses, and manage subscriptions directly on their WordPress site.

The affiliate program is strong because WordPress continues to dominate the website market. Many businesses want to host their own membership systems instead of paying monthly fees to external platforms.

Pros

• Works with WordPress: Millions of websites use WordPress, making MemberPress easy to recommend.
• Full control for creators: Users own their data and content because everything is hosted on their own website.
• Works with LMS add-ons: Perfect for course builders who want structured lessons.
• Strong support and documentation: Beginners get step-by-step instructions.
• Affordable compared to all-in-one SaaS tools: Better pricing for long-term users.

Cons

• Requires WordPress knowledge: Not suitable for users who do not want to manage websites.
• No built-in funnels or email: Requires additional plugins.
• Setup needs more time: Users must configure hosting, themes, and settings.
• Potential plugin conflicts: WordPress sites sometimes face compatibility issues.
• Not ideal for creators who want a mobile app: MemberPress relies fully on the user’s website.

Payment Details

• Commission: 25% recurring
• Cookie Duration: 60 days
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Recurring or One-Time: Recurring

7. Bettermode Affiliate Program (formerly Tribe)

Bettermode is a flexible platform for building branded communities for companies, SaaS products, and organizations. It is known for being highly customizable and suitable for businesses rather than individual creators.

Because it serves professional clients, its plans are priced higher than average, giving affiliates the potential to earn better commissions. Bettermode appeals to brands that want structured, organized communities with advanced features.

Pros

• Works well for companies: Ideal for SaaS, enterprise-level communities, and structured groups.
• Custom branding: Users can build a polished and professional community.
• High-value plans: Higher pricing leads to stronger affiliate earnings.
• Strong engagement features: Helps companies manage customers and communities effectively.
• Stable and secure platform: Designed with business-grade reliability.

Cons

• Not designed for small creators: Better for businesses with larger audiences.
• Takes time to set up: Requires planning and configuration.
• Higher starting price: May limit entry-level conversions.
• Less popular among solo creators: Smaller audiences may prefer simpler platforms.
• Limited public awareness: Some leads may be unfamiliar with the brand.

Payment Details

• Commission: 20% recurring
• Cookie Duration: 60 days
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Recurring or One-Time: Recurring

8. Kartra Membership Website Affiliate Program:

Kartra is an all-in-one marketing platform with page builders, email automation, membership hosting, sales funnels, videos, and analytics. It is popular among marketers who want a unified system.

Its affiliate program is strong because Kartra appeals to business owners who want automation and funnel tools. The recurring commissions are attractive for affiliate marketers who target entrepreneurs.

Pros

• All-in-one platform: Replaces many tools, increasing customer retention.
• Strong funnel features: Appeals to marketing-focused audiences.
• High recurring commissions: Affiliates earn monthly revenue from long-term users.
• Built-in email automation: Reduces the need for external services.
• Good conversion rates for business audiences: The platform is widely trusted.

Cons

• May feel overwhelming to beginners: Many tools require time to learn.
• No free plan: Prospects may hesitate without hands-on experience.
• Higher pricing: Advanced plans cost more, reducing cold-traffic conversions.
• Less ideal for creators focused only on courses: Kartra is built for marketers.
• Competition among affiliates: Many online marketers promote Kartra.

Payment Details

• Commission: Up to 40% recurring
• Cookie Duration: 30 days
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Recurring or One-Time: Recurring

9. Hivebrite Affiliate Program

Hivebrite is a community management platform used by universities, nonprofits, associations, and private organizations. It allows users to create member portals, alumni networks, private communities, and professional groups with customizable layouts and controlled access. Because Hivebrite is used by serious organizations, the memberships tend to be long-term, which increases earning potential for affiliates.

In 2026, Hivebrite remains a strong choice for affiliates who target professional groups rather than individual creators. The platform is known for its structured community features, advanced customization, and stable infrastructure. These elements allow Hivebrite to attract institutions that are willing to pay higher fees, making it a profitable affiliate option for those with a B2B audience.

Pros

• Strong demand among professional organizations: Universities, associations, and nonprofits often need private community portals, making Hivebrite suitable for high-value clients.
• High customer retention: Enterprise-level clients usually keep their subscriptions active for long periods, leading to consistent commissions.
• Wide range of community tools: Hivebrite offers events, directories, messaging, and analytics, giving it depth and encouraging high engagement.
• Customizable layouts: Affiliates can promote a platform that allows branding flexibility, appealing to organizations that need a professional look.
• Reliable performance and security: Hivebrite invests heavily in stability and security, increasing trust and lowering churn rates.

Cons

• Not suitable for beginner creators: The platform is designed for organizations, so individual creators may find it complex and costly.
• Limited public pricing: Prospects often need to contact sales, which can delay conversions.
• Learning curve for setup: Organizations may need time to configure their communities, which can affect conversion speed.
• Marketing requires a B2B angle: Affiliates must tailor content toward institutions, not casual users.
• Fewer promotional tools for affiliates: Compared to creator-focused platforms, the available affiliate materials are more basic.

Payment Details

• Commission: 20–25% recurring
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Cookie Duration: 60 days
• Recurring: Yes

10. AccessAlly Affiliate Program

AccessAlly is a WordPress-powered membership, course, and automation platform designed for creators and business coaches who want full control over their membership setup. The platform includes learning tools, tagging automation, progress tracking, and integrations with CRM systems. It is ideal for users who prefer a flexible, self-hosted membership system.

For affiliates, AccessAlly offers a valuable combination of recurring commissions and a loyal customer base. Because many users choose AccessAlly for long-term educational programs, subscription retention tends to be high. The platform’s strong integration features also attract businesses willing to make long-term investments.

Pros

• Full customization through WordPress: Customers can design any type of membership layout, making the platform attractive to advanced users.
• Strong CRM connectivity: AccessAlly integrates well with major tools like ConvertKit and ActiveCampaign, which helps affiliates attract marketing-focused audiences.
• High-value customer base: Users who choose AccessAlly tend to run structured, long-term programs, increasing recurring earnings.
• Robust learning tools: Progress tracking, quizzes, and automation make the platform suitable for serious educators.
• Good affiliate reputation: The company is known for transparent payouts and strong customer support.

Cons

• Not ideal for beginners: Users must be familiar with WordPress, which limits the target audience.
• Requires additional hosting: Affiliates must explain that users need their own WordPress hosting and setup.
• Higher upfront cost: The initial investment can be a barrier for small creators.
• Setup time is longer: Because it’s customizable, building out a full membership site may take time.
• Smaller brand awareness: Compared to Kajabi or Thinkific, AccessAlly is less recognized among beginners.

Payment Details

• Commission: 30% recurring
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Cookie Duration: 45 days
• Recurring: Yes

11. Gumroad Affiliate Program

Gumroad is a simple platform for selling digital products, memberships, and subscriptions. It is widely used by artists, writers, coaches, and creators who want a quick setup. In 2026, Gumroad remains a popular choice due to its simplicity and low barriers to entry.

For affiliates, Gumroad provides a strong opportunity because many creators begin their journey with simple digital products before upgrading to larger membership offerings. Its clean interface and flexible subscription options make it appealing to a broad user base, increasing the chances of conversion.

Pros

• Extremely simple for beginners: Gumroad is easy to set up, which helps affiliates reach new creators who want a fast start.
• Low pricing structure: People are more willing to try Gumroad because it doesn’t require large upfront costs.
• Supports multiple digital formats: Affiliates can promote it for memberships, downloads, coaching, or newsletters.
• Large creator marketplace: Many creators already know Gumroad, which increases trust.
• Ideal for small niche creators: This makes it easier to target long-tail audiences.

Cons

• Limited advanced features: Serious course creators may eventually move to more robust platforms, affecting long-term commissions.
• Competitive market: Many creators use it, but this also means affiliates must differentiate their content.
• Basic analytics: Compared to full membership platforms, analytics features are simpler.
• Brand changes impact user trust: Gumroad has made pricing and policy changes in the past that caused mixed reactions.
• Lower retention for some users: Not all creators stick long-term, which impacts recurring revenue.

Payment Details

• Commission: 10–20% recurring (varies by partner)
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Cookie Duration: 30 days
• Recurring: Yes

12. Patreon Affiliate Program

Patreon remains one of the largest membership platforms for creators who want to offer exclusive content to paying subscribers. Musicians, artists, podcasters, vloggers, and writers use Patreon to monetize their audiences through monthly memberships.

For affiliates, Patreon provides an opportunity to promote a trusted name with wide public recognition. Creators who join tend to stay active because their fans subscribe directly. The platform also appeals to beginners, making conversions easier.

Pros

• Massive brand awareness: Patreon is well-known, which lowers friction for new creators.
• Built for creatives: It attracts artists, writers, and entertainers, giving affiliates many niche audiences to target.
• Strong community tools: Creators can share posts, videos, audios, and community updates.
• Mobile app support: Members can manage everything easily, improving retention.
• Simple onboarding: New users can start earning quickly, leading to faster conversions.

Cons

• Fees can be high: Patreon charges platform and processing fees, which some creators dislike.
• Limited customization: Membership pages cannot be customized like full websites.
• Competition among creators: Many creators compete for the same audiences.
• Dependence on external audience: Patreon works best when creators already have followers.
• Not ideal for structured courses: It’s better for content-based subscriptions than educational programs.

Payment Details

• Commission: 10% recurring
• Payment Frequency: Monthly
• Cookie Duration: 30 days
• Recurring: Yes

Conclusion

Membership website affiliate programs continue to offer some of the strongest earning opportunities in 2026. Because these platforms rely on subscription billing, affiliates can earn recurring income for as long as the customer stays active. Whether you promote course platforms, community tools, or full membership site builders, the best membership affiliate programs provide stable commissions, strong retention, and steady demand across many industries. This makes them a dependable choice for anyone looking to build long-term earnings through referral marketing.

As more creators, educators, and businesses shift toward subscription models, the need for reliable membership platforms will keep growing. By choosing recurring commission affiliate programs that match your audience’s needs, you can recommend tools that genuinely help people build successful online memberships while earning consistent revenue yourself. No matter your level of experience, focusing on membership affiliate programs is a practical way to build a predictable and sustainable income stream in the year ahead.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best membership website affiliate program for beginners?

The best beginner-friendly programs are Podia, Teachable, MemberSpace, and Patreon because they are easy to explain and convert well with small audiences. They also have simple pricing, clear setups, and strong brand trust. Beginners find these platforms easier to promote without technical knowledge. They work well for social media and beginner blog traffic.

Which membership platforms pay the highest recurring commissions?

Kajabi, Kartra, Mighty Networks, AccessAlly, and MemberPress offer some of the highest recurring payouts. These platforms have long customer lifecycles, which increases earning potential. High retention means commissions continue for months or even years. They are ideal for affiliates who want stable long-term income.

How much money can you realistically make from membership affiliate programs?

Income varies based on traffic, audience trust, and platform pricing. Many affiliates start earning small monthly amounts and grow to consistent four-figure income over time. Because commissions are recurring, earnings compound as referrals stack. With regular promotion, predictable monthly income becomes possible.

Are membership website affiliate programs passive income or do they require ongoing work?

They can become passive over time, but initial effort is required. You need to create content, reviews, or tutorials that attract referrals consistently. Once the content ranks or receives steady traffic, recurring commissions continue with minimal upkeep. Ongoing updates can improve earnings but are not always required.

Do membership platforms have high customer retention rates?

Yes, most membership and course platforms have strong retention because creators depend on them for their business. Users rarely switch platforms once they’ve built a community or course. This stability helps affiliates earn reliable recurring income. Retention varies by platform, but many membership tools keep customers long-term.

Which membership programs convert the best for cold traffic?

Podia, Teachable, Patreon, and MemberSpace often convert well from cold audiences. Their affordable pricing and simple features reduce friction for new users. People can try them quickly without large commitments. Higher-priced platforms usually require warmer traffic or deeper educational content.

Is it better to promote all-in-one membership platforms or simple tools like Podia or MemberSpace?

It depends on your audience. All-in-one platforms like Kajabi and Kartra are great for advanced creators and offer higher commissions. Simpler tools like Podia or MemberSpace convert better for beginners and small creators. Many affiliates promote both categories to cover wider needs.

How do recurring commissions work with membership affiliate programs?

Recurring commissions pay you every month or year as long as the customer stays subscribed. You earn a percentage of the customer’s billing cycle rather than just a one-time payout. This creates predictable monthly income as referrals stack over time. It’s one of the main reasons affiliates prefer membership programs.