Affiliate marketing has become one of the most accessible ways to earn money online. The beauty of it is that you can earn commissions from companies worldwide without ever leaving your home. It involves the promotion of tech tools, fashion brands, or even educational platforms. The opportunities are endless. Affiliate programs allow creators, bloggers, and content marketers to monetise their influence through tracked links and coded referrals.

If you’re based in Africa, Asia, or other parts of the world where certain platforms are restricted or bank policies are complex, getting paid can be challenging.

I’ll explain how international affiliate payments work, common payout methods, and how easy it is to receive your affiliate earnings through Grey.

How international affiliate marketing payments work

Affiliate marketing programs track clicks, sign-ups, or purchases made through your referral links. After reaching a payout threshold (say $50 or €100), the platform initiates a payment to your preferred method.

These platforms typically pay monthly or bi-weekly and offer different payout options such as:

• Bank transfer (SWIFT or local)
• PayPal or Payoneer
• Cheque (less common now)
• Cryptocurrency (used by some Web3 or blockchain-based platforms)
• Digital banks like Grey that offer foreign currency accounts

The method you choose can affect how quickly and affordably you receive your funds — which makes choosing the right option essential.

Also read: How to get paid in USD as a freelancer in Africa

Common challenges with affiliate payments

Affiliate marketers often face the following issues when receiving international earnings:

• Limited payout options: Not all platforms support local bank transfers in every country.
• High fees: Payment processors like PayPal can charge high fees and unfavourable exchange rates.
• Delayed transfers: SWIFT transfers can take days, especially for countries with tighter banking regulations.
• Currency restrictions: Some affiliate programs pay in USD, GBP, or EUR — currencies that local accounts can’t always receive directly.
• Withdrawal limits: Some platforms cap how much you can receive or withdraw at a time.

Also read: Best platforms to find remote jobs for freelancers in 2025

Why Grey is the best way to receive international affiliate marketing payments

With Grey, you get virtual bank accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR, making it easy to receive payments from most affiliate platforms. Grey helps you:

• Receive foreign payments directly without middlemen.
• Convert to your local currency at favourable exchange rates.
• Withdraw instantly to your local bank or mobile money account.
• Avoid steep bank fees.

How to receive affiliate earnings using Grey

Getting started with Grey is quick and simple:

1. Sign up for a Grey account

Visit Grey’s website or download the app. You’ll be prompted to enter your personal information.

2. Verify your identity

Upload a valid ID, proof of address, and a selfie to comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations. Approval typically takes less than 24 hours.

3. Access your virtual bank accounts

Once verified, you’ll receive account details in USD, GBP, or EUR — just like having a local bank account in the U.S., U.K., or Europe.

4. Add your Grey account to affiliate platforms

Head over to your affiliate program’s payment settings and add your Grey account details as your payout method.

5. Receive and withdraw your earnings

Grey notifies you when payments arrive. You can hold your balance in foreign currency, convert to your local currency at competitive rates, and withdraw seamlessly to your local bank or mobile wallet.

Also read: Best invoicing tools for freelancers working with international clients

Tips for managing your affiliate income effectively

• Keep track of commissions across platforms: Use tools like Google Sheets, Notion, or income tracking apps to monitor your earnings.
• Understand tax obligations: If you’re earning consistently, consult a tax advisor about reporting foreign income in your home country.
• Diversify your affiliate programs: Don’t rely on one stream. Join a mix of high-paying and recurring commission platforms.
• Use a dedicated bank or virtual account: Grey’s multi-currency wallet lets you separate your affiliate earnings from personal spending, which is great for budgeting.

Start receiving affiliate income with Grey

Freelancers and affiliate marketers should focus on growing their audience — not stressing over international payments. With Grey, you get paid faster, cheaper, and smarter.

Open a Grey account today or download the app and simplify the way you receive affiliate income globally.

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