Affiliate marketing continues to be one of the most reliable ways to create recurring online income. And one of the hottest niches for affiliates is SaaS tools for entrepreneurs, platforms that handle payments, sales funnels, and online courses.
One name that comes up often in this category is Thrivecart, a powerful shopping cart and funnel builder for creators and businesses. But is its affiliate program actually worth promoting in 2025, or are there better alternatives?
In this review, we’ll dive into how the Thrivecart affiliate program works, what it pays, its pros and cons, how it compares with competitors, and whether it deserves a place in your affiliate strategy this year.
Thrivecart Affiliate Program Overview
Thrivecart is a checkout and funnel platform designed to help entrepreneurs sell products, services, memberships, and courses. It is known for its one-time lifetime license model (rather than monthly subscriptions), which makes it different from most SaaS tools in the space.
The Thrivecart Affiliate Program rewards affiliates for referring new paying customers.
Here are the key details for 2025:
- Commission Rate: 20% - 55% per sale
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Payout Threshold: $50
- Payment Method: Monthly via Thrivecart’s affiliate system (PayPal supported)
- Affiliate Resources Provided: Affiliate dashboard, unique links, banners, email templates, and swipe copy
Because Thrivecart is sold as a one-time lifetime license, you don’t get recurring commissions. Instead, you earn a large, upfront payout each time someone purchases through your link.
What Makes the Thrivecart Affiliate Program Stand Out?
Thrivecart’s affiliate program is quite different from most SaaS affiliate programs. Here’s what makes it unique:
1. 20% - 55% Commission Per Sale
Thrivecart offers varying commission rates depending on how many sales a customer has brought in yearly. The commission rates are:
- 20% for your first 2 sales a year
- 30% for your 3rd-10th sales a year
- 40% for your 11th-20th sales a year
- 50% for your 21st-199th sales a year
- 55% for your sales above 200 a year
This system rewards hard working affiliates with very attractive commissions and since Thrivecart licenses often cost $495–$690, top affiliates can make over $350 from just one referral.
2. High Conversion Rates
Because Thrivecart is offered as a lifetime license (no ongoing fees), many entrepreneurs find it attractive compared to recurring subscription platforms like Kartra or Kajabi. This can boost conversion rates.
3. 30-Day Cookie Duration
Thrivecart’s cookie window is around the industry average. You get one month of tracking time after someone clicks your affiliate link, which provides a fair chances of being credited for the sale.
4. Popular in the Creator Economy
Thrivecart has become a favorite among creators, coaches, and digital product sellers. Its growing reputation makes it easier to promote, since many people are already familiar with the brand.
Who Should Promote Thrivecart?
The Thrivecart affiliate program works best if your audience includes entrepreneurs who sell digital products or courses. It is especially suited for:
- Bloggers writing about e-commerce, sales funnels, or digital marketing tools
- YouTubers reviewing checkout platforms like SamCart, PayKickstart, or Thrivecart
- Coaches and consultants helping clients sell digital products
- Agencies that set up funnels and online stores for clients
- Affiliate marketers running resource or comparison sites for online business tools
If your audience is more consumer-focused or outside the online business niche, Thrivecart won’t be a good fit. But if you serve creators and entrepreneurs, it’s a natural recommendation.
Thrivecart vs Other Affiliate Programs
To understand Thrivecart’s position, let’s compare it with other affiliate programs in 2025:
From the table, Thrivecart stands out for its high upfront payouts. However, it lacks the recurring revenue stream that competitors like SchoolMaker provide.
Pros and Cons of the Thrivecart Affiliate Program
Pros
- Huge commissions (Up to 55%) per sale
- High ticket product ($495–$690) = $100+ per referral
- Popular platform in the creator economy
- Marketing assets provided
Cons
- No recurring commissions, one-time payouts only
- High upfront cost for customers can reduce conversions in some niches
- Competitive space (many affiliates already promote Thrivecart)
- Not ideal for audiences outside the digital entrepreneurship niche
How Much Can You Really Make?
Earnings with Thrivecart depend on how many referrals you generate, but because of the high-ticket price, even a few sales can be lucrative.
Let’s explore some examples:
- 1 referral at $495 license: $99 commission at 20% commission rate
- 1 referral at $690 license: $138 commission at 20% commission rate
- 10 referrals at $495 license: $1,485 commission at 30% commission rate
- 10 referrals at $690 license: $3,795 commission at 55% commission rate
Compared to recurring programs, Thrivecart gives you a bigger immediate payout but no ongoing monthly income.
How to Join the Thrivecart Affiliate Program
Here’s how to get started:
- Go to thrivecart.com/company/promote/
- Create a free affiliate account.
- Wait for approval (usually quick).
- Log into your affiliate dashboard to access unique referral links and banners.
- Start promoting Thrivecart through your blog, YouTube, social media, or email list.
Final Verdict: Is the Thrivecart Affiliate Program Worth It in 2025?
The Thrivecart Affiliate Program is definitely worth promoting if you’re looking for high one-time payouts in the digital entrepreneurship niche. With up to 55% commission rate, high-ticket pricing, and a 30-day cookie, it is one of the most generous affiliate programs in terms of upfront earnings.
Even though the lack of recurring commissions is a downside, it can be worth it if you prefer upfront earnings. If your strategy relies on building long-term passive income streams, you’ll want to balance Thrivecart with SaaS affiliate programs like SchoolMaker that provide lifetime recurring payouts.
FAQs
1. Do I need to be a Thrivecart user to join the affiliate program?
No, but being a user helps you create authentic reviews and tutorials.
2. How often are payouts made?
Monthly, once you reach the $50 minimum threshold.
3. Can I promote Thrivecart alongside other checkout platforms?
Yes, and it is the best way to do affiliate marketing
4. Is it free to join the affiliate program?
Yes, there are no costs to sign up.