BigCommerce Affiliate Program

BigCommerce, a name that resonates with innovation in the e-commerce world, has been empowering businesses since its inception in 2009. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, this open SaaS platform has grown into a global leader, serving over 60,000 merchants across 150 countries. Known for its flexibility, scalability, and robust API-driven architecture, BigCommerce caters to a diverse range of businesses—from small startups to enterprise giants—offering tools to build, manage, and grow online stores. Its reputation as a trusted commerce solution, backed by accolades like the Forrester Wave™ B2C and B2B Commerce Solutions Q2, 2022, underscores its dominance in the industry. Within this ecosystem lies the BigCommerce Affiliate Program, a dynamic opportunity for marketers, bloggers, and influencers to capitalize on the platform’s success while earning substantial commissions.

The BigCommerce Affiliate Program is a standout in the crowded field of affiliate marketing, blending generous payouts with the credibility of a top-tier e-commerce platform. Unlike traditional affiliate models tied to physical goods, this program focuses on promoting a SaaS solution, appealing to those who can connect businesses with a powerful toolset for online selling. It’s free to join, requiring only a quick two-minute application, and offers affiliates a chance to earn by referring new customers to BigCommerce. Whether you’re a seasoned affiliate marketer or a niche content creator, the program promises a straightforward path to revenue, bolstered by BigCommerce’s brand recognition and comprehensive support.

At its core, the program operates on a referral basis. Affiliates receive unique tracking links, along with a suite of promotional materials—banners, emails, and pre-written content—to share with their audiences. When a referred visitor signs up for a paid BigCommerce plan, the affiliate earns a commission based on the customer’s first monthly payment or the type of plan they choose. The commission structure is notably lucrative: affiliates pocket 200% of a customer’s first monthly payment—meaning a $29.95 Starter plan nets $59.90—or a flat $1,500 for each enterprise customer referral. There’s no cap on earnings, and high performers can unlock tiered commission increases, making it a scalable opportunity for those with sizable reach.

BigCommerce sweetens the deal with an intuitive affiliate dashboard, accessible upon approval, where users can monitor clicks, trials, sales, and commissions in real time. This transparency, paired with monthly payouts via direct deposit or PayPal, ensures affiliates stay engaged and rewarded. The program’s 90-day cookie duration is another highlight—among the longest in the industry—giving referred customers ample time to convert while crediting the affiliate. This extended window reflects BigCommerce’s understanding of the SaaS sales cycle, where decisions often require research and deliberation.

The company’s commitment to its affiliates goes beyond payouts. Each participant gains access to a dedicated affiliate expert who provides tailored strategies to boost visibility and conversions. Promotional resources, including webinars and blog content developed by BigCommerce, save affiliates time while aligning campaigns with the platform’s messaging. Testimonials from partners, like those cited on the official site, praise this support: “BigCommerce takes a people-first approach… cultivating meaningful relationships with their partners.” Such feedback, echoed across sources like Kiflo and LitExtension, highlights the program’s community-driven ethos.

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the program:

1. How do I get started?
2. Simply fill out the online application. Once approved (typically quickly), you can start promoting with your unique referral link.
3. What counts as a qualifying referral?
4. A qualifying referral is a new customer who signs up for a paid plan. Trial sign-ups do not count, but if someone converts from a trial to a paid plan within 90 days, that counts as a valid referral.
5. Can I lose my status?
6. Inactivity will not terminate your account. However, BigCommerce reserves the right to revoke your approval if you violate program guidelines, such as using spammy tactics.
7. How are payments handled?
8. Earnings are disbursed monthly, provided you reach the $250 threshold. Tax compliance is required, and you'll need to submit W-9 or W-8BEN forms depending on your location.
9. What if my referral upgrades later?
10. Commissions are based only on the initial plan the referred customer signs up for. Any subsequent upgrades do not affect your commission.

To verify authenticity, I cross-checked details across multiple sources. BigCommerce’s affiliate page aligns with LitExtension’s 2025 guide, which details the same commission rates and application process. Kiflo’s interview with Lauryn Spence, a BigCommerce partnerships manager, reinforces the program’s focus on partner success, while AVADA.io and Refersion confirm the dashboard features and payout terms. X posts from affiliates in 2024 praise the program’s reliability, with no significant discrepancies found. The only variation noted—some older blog posts citing a $100 minimum payout—appears outdated; the current $250 threshold is consistent across official channels as of April 2025.

The BigCommerce Affiliate Program shines in a competitive landscape, but it’s not without challenges. Success hinges on reaching an audience interested in e-commerce solutions—casual bloggers or unrelated niches may struggle to convert. The $250 minimum payout, while standard for high-commission programs, could delay earnings for smaller affiliates. Yet, the pros outweigh the cons. The platform’s flexibility—supporting B2B, B2C, and headless commerce—makes it a versatile sell, and its integrations with tools like PayPal and Contentstack broaden its appeal. For affiliates willing to target entrepreneurs, small businesses, or enterprise decision-makers, the potential is immense.

In a world where online selling is booming, BigCommerce positions its affiliates as ambassadors of growth. Whether you’re driving traffic through reviews, social media, or SEO-optimized content, the program offers a chance to profit from a platform that’s reshaping e-commerce. It’s a partnership built on trust, innovation, and mutual benefit—a rare trifecta in affiliate marketing.

Joining the BigCommerce Affiliate Program is a streamlined process, but it comes with expectations that ensure participants can effectively promote the platform. Unlike some affiliate programs with stringent prerequisites, BigCommerce keeps entry accessible while favoring those with a clear capacity to drive results. Here’s a detailed look at what it takes to sign up, drawn from the official site and corroborated by sources like LitExtension and AVADA.io.

First, you need an online presence. BigCommerce requires affiliates to have a website, blog, or social media platform where they can share referral links. This doesn’t mean a massive following—there’s no minimum traffic threshold—but your platform should be active and capable of reaching an audience interested in e-commerce solutions. A dormant blog or a personal Instagram with 50 followers won’t cut it; think more along the lines of a business-focused site, a tech review channel, or a marketing newsletter. The application form asks for your URL, so having a polished digital footprint is a must.

Second, relevance is critical. Your content or audience should align with BigCommerce’s offerings—e-commerce tools for businesses of all sizes. If you write about entrepreneurship, review SaaS platforms, or target small business owners, you’re a natural fit. A gaming streamer or lifestyle influencer might struggle to make the case unless they pivot to business-related topics. BigCommerce doesn’t explicitly reject unrelated niches, but approval hinges on your ability to demonstrate promotional potential, as noted in Kiflo’s partnership insights.

The application itself is simple. Visit the affiliate page, click “Join Today,” and fill out a brief form—name, email, company (if applicable), website, and a few details about your audience and marketing methods. It takes two minutes, as advertised, and there’s no fee. Post-submission, BigCommerce reviews your profile, typically responding within days. Approval isn’t guaranteed—spammy sites or those violating guidelines (e.g., adult content) get declined—but most legitimate applicants sail through. Once accepted, you’ll receive your affiliate link, dashboard access, and promotional materials.

Post-approval requirements are minimal but firm. You must adhere to BigCommerce’s terms, avoiding misleading claims or unethical tactics (e.g., cookie stuffing). There’s no sales quota, but inactivity won’t revoke your status—your account stays live as long as you comply. Tax compliance is mandatory; U.S. affiliates submit a W-9, while international ones file a W-8BEN to handle withholding. LitExtension confirms this aligns with standard affiliate practices, ensuring legal payouts.

Success demands strategy. With a 90-day cookie window, you’ve got time to convert, but reaching decision-makers—store owners, entrepreneurs, or marketers—requires targeted content. BigCommerce’s support, including expert advice and pre-made assets, helps, but the onus is on you to drive traffic. For those with the right platform and hustle, it’s a low-barrier entry to a high-reward program.