Become a Chess.com Affiliate: The Ultimate Guide to Earning Through Your Passion for Chess
Chess.com, founded in 2007, is the world’s largest online chess platform, boasting millions of players from around the globe. If you love chess and enjoy sharing it with others, the Chess.com Affiliate Program is an ideal way to turn your passion into profit. With generous commissions, lifetime renewal earnings, and a transparent setup, this program offers affiliates a powerful opportunity for long-term, passive income.Why Choose the Chess.com Affiliate Program?
Joining the Chess.com affiliate program is not just about making money—it’s about becoming a part of a global community that values learning, strategy, and fun. Here’s why you should consider it:
- 15% Commission Rate: Affiliates earn 15% of the cost of all premium memberships purchased through their link.
- Lifetime Renewals: Keep earning every time your referred member renews their subscription—for life.
- Cookies Duration:
- 30 Days for new users (from the day they sign up through your link).
- 24 Hours for existing users (to upgrade their membership after clicking your link).
- Low Payment Threshold: Receive your payment once your earnings reach $50.
- Easy Payout: All payments are processed via PayPal.
- Minimal Setup: Add your custom link to your content, and you’re set!
Affiliate Program Requirements
To qualify for the Chess.com affiliate program, there are a few basic requirements you must meet:
- Your Chess.com account must be at least 60 days old.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- Be an active member—frequent logins, games played, and participation in community activities are key.
- Your account must be in good standing—no history of abuse, reports, or ongoing mutes.
- Your account must clearly identify your real name or professional alias.
- The email associated with your account must be active and reliable.
- You must list your real country of residence.
- Finally, you must complete and submit the affiliate application form provided by Chess.com.
How Affiliates Earn: Realistic & Recurring Revenue
When someone clicks your affiliate link and becomes a premium member, you earn 15% of their initial membership fee. Even better, if they renew their membership—even years later—you’ll continue to earn 15% every time they renew, as long as they maintain their membership without a gap.
For example, if someone signs up through your link and subscribes to a $99 annual membership, you’ll earn approximately $14.85. If they renew for the next five years, you’ll earn that $14.85 again each year!
What’s Not Allowed: Keep It Clean & Transparent
To maintain a fair environment for all affiliates, Chess.com enforces a few key rules:
- No paid advertising is allowed using your affiliate link.
- FTC compliance is required—you must disclose your affiliate relationship wherever you share your links.
- Some special promotions or discounts may be exempt from earning commissions.
- Users must verify their email before commissions are credited.
Who Should Join the Program?
This affiliate program is ideal for:
- Streamers & YouTubers with a chess-focused audience
- Chess club organizers and tournament hosts
- Bloggers or educators in the chess or strategy niche
- Influencers on social media with a passion for games and puzzles
- Anyone with a genuine love for chess and an active community
Final Thoughts: Is the Chess.com Affiliate Program Worth It?
Absolutely. With a low barrier to entry, strong brand reputation, and high member retention rates, the Chess.com Affiliate Program stands out in the online gaming and learning space. The 15% recurring revenue model, combined with Chess.com’s global popularity and 30-day cookie window for new users, creates a sustainable stream of income for anyone willing to promote a service they already believe in.
If you're passionate about chess, joining the Chess.com affiliate program isn’t just a smart move—it’s a winning strategy.
Turn your love for chess into a long-term income. Get started and become a trusted partner of Chess.com today!