Affiliate Disclosure
Last Updated: March 8, 2026
TRANSPARENCY COMMITMENT: At GotDebt.com, we believe in complete transparency about how we operate and earn revenue. This disclosure explains our affiliate relationships and how they may affect the recommendations and information you see on our website.
1. What Is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a business model where we earn a commission by connecting consumers with service providers. When you use our platform to find debt relief services and engage with one of our partner companies, we may receive compensation.
This is similar to how a real estate agent earns a commission when they help you find a home, or how a financial advisor may receive compensation for recommending certain investment products.
2. How GotDebt.com Earns Revenue
Affiliate Commissions
GotDebt.com participates in affiliate marketing programs with debt relief companies and financial service providers. We may earn compensation when you:
- Click on links to third-party debt relief companies
- Submit your information through our lead forms
- Request a consultation with a service provider
- Enroll in a debt relief program through our affiliate partners
- Complete other qualifying actions with our partners
Types of Compensation
We may receive compensation in various forms:
- Cost Per Lead (CPL): We earn a fee when you submit your information to a debt relief company
- Cost Per Acquisition (CPA): We earn a commission when you enroll in a debt relief program
- Cost Per Click (CPC): We may earn a small fee when you click certain links
- Hybrid Models: Combinations of the above, such as a base fee plus enrollment bonus
IMPORTANT: You never pay us directly for using our website, calculators, or educational resources. All of our tools and content are 100% free to consumers. We are compensated by the service providers, not by you.
3. Our Affiliate Partners
Direct Partnerships
We maintain direct affiliate relationships with reputable debt relief companies, including but not limited to:
- Debt settlement companies
- Tax resolution services
- Student loan refinancing providers
- Credit counseling agencies
- Debt consolidation services
Affiliate Networks
We also participate in affiliate networks that connect us with multiple service providers, including:
- ShareASale
- FlexOffers
- CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
- Impact.com
- Awin
4. How Affiliate Relationships Affect Our Content
What Doesn't Change
Our affiliate relationships do NOT affect:
- Calculator Accuracy: Our calculators provide objective results based on mathematical formulas, regardless of affiliate relationships
- Educational Content: Our guides and articles present factual information about all debt relief options, including free DIY methods
- Objectivity: We explain the pros and cons of different approaches, including options where we don't earn commissions
- Your Freedom to Choose: You are never obligated to use any of our affiliate partners
What May Be Influenced
Our affiliate relationships MAY affect:
- Which Companies We Feature: We prioritize partnerships with companies that offer fair compensation AND quality services
- Prominence of Partners: Companies we have affiliate relationships with may be featured more prominently than non-partners
- Service Provider Selection: Our calculator results may direct you to our affiliate partners when appropriate for your situation
5. Our Selection Criteria for Partners
We only partner with companies that meet our standards:
- Reputation: Good standing with the Better Business Bureau and positive customer reviews
- Transparency: Clear disclosure of fees, terms, and potential outcomes
- Licensing: Proper state licensing and compliance with applicable regulations
- Track Record: Demonstrated history of helping consumers resolve debt
- Fair Practices: Ethical business practices and reasonable fee structures
QUALITY OVER COMMISSION: While commission rates matter to our business, we will not partner with companies solely based on high payouts. We prioritize companies that we believe can genuinely help consumers, even if they offer lower affiliate commissions.
6. What This Means for You
The Benefits
- Free Resources: Our affiliate revenue allows us to provide free calculators and educational content
- Vetted Partners: We've researched and selected reputable service providers
- Convenience: We save you time by connecting you directly with appropriate services
- No Extra Cost: You don't pay more by using our affiliate links versus going directly to providers
Your Responsibilities
- Do Your Own Research: Don't rely solely on our recommendations; research companies independently
- Compare Multiple Options: Get quotes from several providers, not just our partners
- Read Reviews: Check BBB ratings, Trustpilot reviews, and consumer complaints
- Understand Terms: Carefully review all terms, fees, and contracts before enrolling in any service
- Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask service providers detailed questions about their process and fees
7. FTC Compliance
This disclosure complies with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) requirements regarding affiliate marketing and endorsements. The FTC requires that we clearly and conspicuously disclose our affiliate relationships.
In addition to this disclosure page, we also include affiliate disclaimers:
- On pages that contain affiliate links
- Near calculator results that direct to affiliate partners
- In our email communications
- Wherever we recommend specific service providers
8. Non-Affiliate Information
Not all companies mentioned on GotDebt.com are affiliate partners. When we reference companies or services we don't have affiliate relationships with, it's because:
- They provide important context for understanding debt relief options
- They represent alternatives that consumers should be aware of
- They help illustrate specific concepts or strategies
- They contribute to a complete and balanced perspective
9. Changes to Affiliate Relationships
Our affiliate partnerships may change over time as we:
- Add new partners that meet our quality standards
- Discontinue relationships with partners that no longer meet our criteria
- Adjust our focus based on consumer needs and market conditions
We will update this disclosure when material changes occur.
10. No Guarantees or Warranties
While we partner with reputable companies, we cannot guarantee:
- The results you will achieve with any service provider
- That a particular debt relief strategy will work for your situation
- That you will qualify for services offered by our partners
- The specific terms or fees you will be offered
Any agreement you enter into with a service provider is between you and that company. We are not a party to such agreements.
11. Your Alternative Options
You always have alternatives to using our affiliate partners:
- DIY Debt Payoff: Use our calculators to create your own debt payoff plan without professional help
- Non-Profit Counseling: Seek help from non-profit credit counseling agencies
- Direct Contact: Contact debt relief companies directly instead of through our links
- Other Resources: Use government resources, financial advisors, or bankruptcy attorneys
Our educational content covers all these options, not just those where we earn commissions.
12. Our Commitment to You
Despite our affiliate relationships, we commit to:
- Honesty: Providing truthful information about debt relief options, including their limitations
- Transparency: Clearly disclosing when we earn commissions
- Objectivity: Presenting multiple solutions, including free alternatives
- Education: Empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions
- Quality: Partnering only with reputable service providers
BOTTOM LINE: We earn money through affiliate commissions, and this may influence which companies we feature. However, we are committed to providing honest, accurate information and only partnering with companies we believe can genuinely help consumers. Our primary goal is to educate and empower you to make the best decision for your financial situation.
13. Questions About This Disclosure
If you have questions about our affiliate relationships or this disclosure, please contact us:
Email: disclosure@gotdebt.com
Alternative: contact@gotdebt.com
By using GotDebt.com, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Affiliate Disclosure.
See also: Privacy Policy | Terms of Service