What it means
In affiliate marketing, payout the transfer of earned commissions to an affiliate's account. Payouts are typically processed on a schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) after the hold period expires.
Why it matters
Whether you're launching a new affiliate program or scaling an existing one, understanding payout helps you make better decisions about commission structures, partner recruitment, and growth tactics. Most SaaS founders run into this concept early and benefit from a clear mental model before they start building.
See also
Related terms in the affiliate marketing glossary that connect to payout:
- Payout Threshold -- The minimum commission balance an affiliate must accumulate before a payout is processed. Common thresholds are $25-$...
- Performance Bonus -- An additional reward given to affiliates who exceed specific targets, such as a set number of conversions or revenue ...
- Pixel Tracking -- A method of tracking conversions using a small invisible image (pixel) or JavaScript snippet placed on a confirmation...