Brevo vs Mailchimp: Affiliate Commissions vs Bill Credits

Choosing an email marketing platform isn’t just about deliverability—it’s also about how you earn money while you use it. In this guide we break down the two biggest revenue‑boosting features: affiliate commissions and bill credits. By the end, you’ll know which service—Brevo or Mailchimp—offers the best payoff for your business.

What Are Affiliate Commissions?

Affiliate commissions reward you for referring new customers. When someone signs up through your unique link, you receive a percentage of their subscription fee for a set period.

• Recurring payout: Earn a commission each month the referred customer stays active.
• Higher percentages for higher‑tier plans: Many programs increase the rate as the referred account upgrades.

What Are Bill Credits?

Bill credits act like a discount on your own invoice. When you refer a new user, the platform adds credit to your account, reducing the amount you pay for your subscription.

• One‑time vs. recurring: Some services give a single credit, while others provide ongoing credits each billing cycle.
• Stackable: Credits can often be combined with other promotions.

Brevo’s Affiliate Program

Key Features

• Commission: 30% recurring of the referred user’s paid plan.
• Payout Frequency: Monthly, once the referred account is active for 30 days.
• Duration: No cap—commissions continue as long as the referral stays paid.
• Tracking Dashboard: Real‑time stats, conversion tracking, and custom referral links.

Pros

• High recurring rate compared to industry average.
• Simple flat‑rate structure—no tier‑by‑tier calculations.
• Supports both email and SMS plans, expanding referral opportunities.

Cons

• No upfront bill credits—pure cash commission only.
• Minimum payout threshold of $50 can delay cash flow for small affiliates.

Mailchimp’s Affiliate Program

Key Features

• Commission: 15% recurring for the first 12 months of the referred account.
• Bill Credits: Up to $50 credit per successful referral (one‑time).
• Payout Frequency: Monthly via PayPal or bank transfer.
• Dashboard: Integrated with Mailchimp’s reporting tools, but less detailed than Brevo’s.

Pros

• Combination of cash commission and bill credit gives flexibility.
• Lower minimum payout ($20), making it easier for beginners.
• Strong brand recognition can improve conversion rates.

Cons

• Commission drops to 0 after the first year—no long‑term passive income.
• Bill credit is a one‑time $50, which may be less valuable for high‑spending users.
• Complex tiered structure (different rates for free vs. paid plans).

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Feature	Brevo	Mailchimp
Commission Rate	30% recurring, unlimited	15% recurring for 12 months only
Bill Credit	None	One‑time $50 credit
Minimum Payout	$50	$20
Dashboard Detail	Real‑time, granular tracking	Basic reporting, tied to main account
Referral Types	Email & SMS plans	Email plans only

Which Model Delivers More Value?

If you aim for long‑term passive income, Brevo’s 30% recurring commission wins hands down. Even without bill credits, the steady stream of cash can quickly outweigh a one‑time $50 credit.

Conversely, if you are new to affiliate marketing and prefer a lower barrier to entry, Mailchimp’s $20 minimum payout and instant $50 credit provide quicker gratification. This can be especially helpful for small blogs or startups with limited traffic.

How to Maximize Earnings on Either Platform

1. Target the right audience: Promote the plan that matches the reader’s business size. Brevo’s SMS add‑on is attractive to e‑commerce stores, while Mailchimp’s easy‑to‑use templates appeal to content creators.
2. Leverage content marketing: Write case studies, tutorials, and comparison posts (like this one) that naturally include your referral links.
3. Use email sequences: Send a short series that educates prospects, then subtly introduces your affiliate link in the final email.
4. Track performance: Both platforms provide dashboards—review them weekly to identify high‑converting sources.

FAQs

1. Do I have to be a paying customer to join either affiliate program?

No. Both Brevo and Mailchimp allow anyone to sign up as an affiliate, but you must have an active account to receive commissions.

2. Can I combine the affiliate link with my own discount code?

Mailchimp lets you add a promo code on top of the affiliate link, while Brevo currently does not support stacked discounts.

3. How long does it take to see my first payout?

Brevo: After the referred user has been active for 30 days and you reach $50. Mailchimp: Typically 15‑30 days after a referral converts, once you hit the $20 threshold.

4. Are there any restrictions on promoting these programs?

Both require you to comply with anti‑spam laws and not to misrepresent the services. Mailchimp also prohibits paid traffic from certain networks.

5. Which platform is better for high‑volume affiliates?

Brevo’s unlimited recurring commissions make it the better choice for affiliates who can drive steady, high‑value customers.

Final Verdict

For long‑term revenue growth, Brevo’s affiliate program is the clear winner thanks to its high, perpetual commission. If you need quick cash and prefer a lower payout threshold, Mailchimp’s hybrid model with a $50 bill credit can be more appealing.

Ready to start earning? Sign up for the Brevo or Mailchimp affiliate program today, create valuable content, and watch your commissions grow.

Suggested Internal Links

• “How to Write High‑Converting Email Copy”
• “The Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing Automation”

External Authority Reference

For a deeper dive into affiliate marketing best practices, see the Affiliate Marketing Benchmark Report 2024 by Business Insider.