Trust Layer Metric for Affiliate Networks
One number, from 0 to 100, for how dependably an affiliate network pays. Here is the formula and the score for every network.
The Trust Layer Metric is a single number from 0 to 100 that tells you how dependably an affiliate network pays. It is the headline score behind our Reliability and Trust Index. Higher is safer.
The formula
The Trust Layer Metric is a weighted average of five sub scores, each from 0 to 100.
TLM = 0.35 payment reliability + 0.15 payout speed + 0.20 data transparency + 0.15 policy stability + 0.15 fraud controls
Payment reliability carries the most weight because the single biggest risk for an affiliate is not getting paid. Payout speed, transparency, policy stability, and fraud controls fill in the rest of the picture.
Trust Layer Metric for every network
| Rank | Network | Trust Layer Metric | Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Impact | 89 | Trusted |
| 2 | PartnerStack | 84 | Trusted |
| 3 | Awin | 84 | Trusted |
| 4 | MaxBounty | 84 | Trusted |
| 5 | ClickBank | 83 | Trusted |
| 6 | ShareASale | 80 | Trusted |
| 7 | Creem | 79 | Stable |
| 8 | JVZoo | 77 | Stable |
| 9 | Rakuten Advertising | 76 | Stable |
| 10 | Admitad | 76 | Stable |
| 11 | CJ Affiliate | 75 | Stable |
| 12 | FlexOffers | 72 | Stable |
| 13 | Avangate (2Checkout) | 69 | Stable |
What the bands mean
- Trusted, 80 and above. Long record of on time payments and strong controls. Safe to build on.
- Stable, 60 to 79. Generally reliable with some friction, like slower cycles or advertiser dependent delays.
- Volatile, 40 to 59. Mixed signals. Test with smaller volume before you commit content.
- High risk, below 40. Documented problems. Approach with caution.
The complete breakdown, including all five sub scores per network, lives on the Reliability and Trust Index, with the raw JSON and CSV.