Cashback, link sharing, refer and earn, and affiliate marketing all involve earning when someone buys through you. They work differently and suit different people.
The four models
| Model | Who earns | Example use |
|---|---|---|
| Cashback site | The shopper gets money back on their own purchases | Saving on your own shopping |
| Link-sharing app (e.g. EarnKaro) | The sharer earns when friends buy | Sharing deals with friends and family |
| Refer and earn | An existing customer earns when a friend joins | Inviting friends to an app |
| Affiliate marketplace (e.g. M2E) | The publisher earns for validated conversions | Creators, communities, media buyers |
Cashback sites
Cashback sites earn affiliate commission from stores and return part of it to the shopper. For publishers, it is worth knowing that many affiliate campaigns treat cashback traffic as incentivised, which some do not allow.
Link-sharing apps
Apps such as EarnKaro let anyone convert a product link into a shareable earning link and earn a share when people buy. They are simple and popular for sharing deals in personal networks.
Refer and earn
Brands reward customers for inviting friends. Rewards are usually capped and designed for personal sharing. See demat account referral programs.
Affiliate marketplaces
A marketplace lists advertiser campaigns with published terms. Publishers apply, get a unique link per campaign and earn from validated conversions, with statistics by day, campaign and sub ID. This suits people who promote to an audience regularly. See what is a performance marketing marketplace.
Which is right for you?
- Saving on your own shopping: cashback.
- Sharing deals with friends: link-sharing apps or refer and earn.
- Building income from an audience: affiliate marketplaces and brand programs.
Rules to watch when mixing models
If you use more than one of these models, avoid conflicts:
- Many affiliate campaigns do not allow cashback or incentivised traffic.
- Using cashback on purchases made through your own affiliate link may be treated as self-purchase.
- Referral programs may forbid public promotion or paid ads.
- Some programs do not allow stacking offers.
When in doubt, read the terms or ask support.
Questions to ask any platform
- What exactly do I earn for?
- When does it become payable, and how am I paid?
- What traffic sources are allowed?
- How can I see my clicks and conversions?
- Is there any fee to join? (There should not be.)
Choosing based on your goals
If you mainly want to save money on your own shopping, cashback is simplest. If you enjoy sharing deals in your circle, link-sharing apps are easy. If you are building a channel, a community or a website, a publisher-focused marketplace with campaign terms, sub IDs and statistics gives you more control and insight.
Key takeaway
All four have a place. If you run a channel, community or site, choose a platform built for publishers, with clear terms and real reporting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use more than one of these?
Yes, as long as you follow each platform’s rules. Do not combine them in ways the terms forbid, such as using cashback on your own affiliate purchases.
Which is best for a creator with an audience?
Creators usually want campaign variety, clear terms and detailed reporting, which affiliate marketplaces are built for.
Brand names are used for information only. M2E is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands, and this article does not mean their campaigns are available on M2E. Program terms change often, so always check the brand’s official program page.
Start earning with M2E
Create a free publisher account, apply to campaigns that suit your audience and get your own tracking link for each one.
Become a Publisher