How To Become An Affiliate With Chess.com
How do I become an Affiliate for Chess.com?
Prospective affiliates must complete the application below, which asks for context as to why you’d like to work with Chess.com. Once we have verified that you fulfill all of the affiliate requirements, you will be approved and emailed by a staff member with directions on how to get started.
Why become a Chess.com Affiliate?
Affiliates receive a cash revenue share for all premium members they send to Chess.com through their affiliate code. It takes minimal setup work, and can yield passive income by doing nothing more than suggesting a service you fully believe in and enjoy yourself: a Chess.com premium membership!
Affiliates can earn hundreds—and even thousands—of dollars per month. They do this by attaching their unique affiliate code to any link that leads to Chess.com, and when someone becomes a new member and upgrades to a premium membership within 30 days, affiliates get paid.
What are the requirements to become an affiliate?
We're looking for members who are genuinely engaged. To become an affiliate, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your account must be at least 60 days old
- You need to be at least 18 years old to be accepted.
- You should be an active member, with numerous logins, games played, and having engaged in other chess-related activities, such as forming chess friendships and participating in chess clubs
- You should be in good standing on Chess.com, which means that your account has no history of frequent muting or reports for any type abuse. However, we would consider if there has been a recent and significant period of clean and positive activity on site
- Your account must be identifiable as yours, with either your real name or professional alias listed
- The email address listed on your account must be valid and a reliable place for you to receive our communications
- List your real country of residence
Lastly, we will need you to complete the application form above and answer the questions therein. This will give us essential information on how you plan to spread the word and engage with your community, whether it be through social media, chess clubs, or other networks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What's the percentage/kickback an affiliate receives?
15% of the cost of any membership purchased via your affiliate link (new user memberships, and existing members who upgrade to premium).
How can I receive payment?
Affiliates will need a PayPal account in order to receive payments.
When can I expect to see a payment?
Affiliates get paid when they reach the $50 threshold. When this requirement is met, payments will typically be sent between 35 to 45 days after the end of each month. For example, January’s affiliate commissions will be distributed between March 5 and March 15.
Am I credited on renewals or only new signups?
You are credited when someone upgrades their account from basic to premium, or to a higher premium tier. When that member renews their membership, you will keep earning on each renewal for the duration of that member’s continuous membership. Meaning, every renewal of a member who upgraded with your affiliate code, earns you 15% of the renewal/upgrade fee forever.
Are there any exceptions where I won't receive a commission?
Yes, there may be special offers or discounts excluded from the program from time to time. If a member you refer redeems one of these special offers or discounts, you may not receive a commission for that specific referral.
Do I need to disclose my affiliate status?
Yes. Anytime or anywhere you share an affiliate link, it's important that you disclose your status. To comply with FTC regulations, your disclosure must be clear and conspicuous. If you're a streamer, this can be as simple as adding "#ad" or "(paid link)" when your link is posted in chat. Social media posts and websites can follow the same guidance by adding this to your posts or as a statement alongside your banners/in-post descriptions.
Here’s an example: ”Disclaimer: When you purchase a Chess.com membership through my link, I may earn a small commission.”
Can I use paid advertising to promote my unique code?
No, using any type of paid advertising is prohibited as part of the affiliate program. As an affiliate, you can promote your unique code in many other ways. If we find that you have violated this provision we will suspend your participation as an affiliate, and as a consequence, you will lose your right to receive the payment of any current and future amount you have accumulated or will accumulate.
We reserve the right to update these FAQs at any time which govern your participation in the Chess.com Affiliate Program. We recommend that you regularly review them to stay informed about any changes.
Limitations on receiving credit for upgrades
- If an existing user clicks on an affiliate link, they have 24 hours to make a purchase. If they are a new user and click on your link to make an account, the new user has 30 days to purchase for the affiliate to be credited. Members must verify their email address before affiliates receive credit; this typically happens before the membership purchase.
- You will receive additional credit for all auto-renewals the user performs for the life of the account. However, if they discontinue their membership and then upgrade again without revisiting your affiliate link, you will no longer receive credit.
Do you have a question that isn't answered by the above? Get in touch with the team at affiliate@chess.com!
