- Commission
- 100% on a qualifying new 1-month signup and 40% on qualifying new 1-year or…
- Attribution
- 30 days
- Model
- Recurring
Keep privacy claims separate from affiliate economics in this VPN comparison.
This is a commercially strong consumer matchup, but the affiliate page should never imply that a larger commission proves better privacy or security. Compare the legitimate reader use case, qualifying plan, renewal treatment, attribution and promotional restrictions separately.
Are new-sale and renewal commissions treated differently?
What paid-search, coupon or trademark restrictions apply?
Are product/privacy statements independently supported rather than inferred from the affiliate offer?
Privacy, VPN, cybersecurity and technology publishers with readers actively comparing subscription security tools.
First-party source checked · September 8, 2026VPN, privacy, technology and creator audiences with product-comparison intent.
First-party source checked · September 8, 2026Open the current program pages side by side.
Use the comparison to narrow the choice, then confirm the current qualifying event, attribution and promotion rules on each program before publishing a recommendation.
Privacy, VPN, cybersecurity and technology publishers with readers actively comparing subscription security tools.
Visit NordVPNVPN, privacy, technology and creator audiences with product-comparison intent.
Visit SurfsharkSome outbound links may be affiliate links. If you sign up or purchase through one, this site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Where the two offers actually diverge.
Only material fields that differ are shown here. Equal fields are left out so the page is easier to scan.
sale-and-renewal-revshare
sale
100% on a qualifying new 1-month signup and 40% on qualifying new 1-year or 2-year signups on the current affiliate page; 30% revenue share on renewals.
40% revenue share on new sales at the starting rate; custom payouts can be offered based on performance
30% revenue share on renewed plans while the qualifying referred subscription continues under the affiliate terms.
The published 40% starting rate applies to qualifying new sales; the standard program does not promise renewal-recurring commission.
Application review; NordVPN offers affiliate, influencer and other partner tracks
Affiliate signup; website not required, but program policies apply
The reviewed public affiliate page does not expose a complete paid-search rule table; check the active partner agreement before bidding on brand or product terms.
Follow the current affiliate terms and network-specific promotional regulations before paid search; the public program page does not summarize every keyword restriction.
NordVPN describes the affiliate campaign as global and says worldwide traffic can be converted, subject to local availability and partner terms.
Multi-network global program; network and offer availability can vary by market.
Up-to-100% wording applies only in some cases
Custom payouts are performance-dependent
Side-by-side research table.
“Not published” means the reviewed first-party source did not expose that field clearly enough to state it as fact.
| Factor | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Active | Active |
| Category | VPN Programs | VPN Programs |
| Commercial model | Recurring | Sale |
| Commission | 100% on a qualifying new 1-month signup and 40% on qualifying new 1-year or 2-year signups on the current affiliate page; 30% revenue share on renewals. | 40% revenue share on new sales at the starting rate; custom payouts can be offered based on performance |
| Attribution | 30 days | 30 days |
| Recurring duration | 30% revenue share on renewed plans while the qualifying referred subscription continues under the affiliate terms. | The published 40% starting rate applies to qualifying new sales; the standard program does not promise renewal-recurring commission. |
| Payout timing | Commission becomes payable only after the qualifying purchase clears applicable validation/refund requirements; exact payment timing and method are governed by the active NordVPN partner account/network. | Purchases must clear Surfshark’s refund/validation period; the public affiliate page says payout is made on request and steady earners can arrange a monthly invoice flow. |
| Minimum payout | Not publicly stated on the reviewed NordVPN affiliate/partner pages. | $100; smaller balances roll over until the threshold is reached. |
| Paid search / PPC | The reviewed public affiliate page does not expose a complete paid-search rule table; check the active partner agreement before bidding on brand or product terms. | Follow the current affiliate terms and network-specific promotional regulations before paid search; the public program page does not summarize every keyword restriction. |
| Geography | NordVPN describes the affiliate campaign as global and says worldwide traffic can be converted, subject to local availability and partner terms. | Multi-network global program; network and offer availability can vary by market. |
| Approval | Application review; NordVPN offers affiliate, influencer and other partner tracks | Affiliate signup; website not required, but program policies apply |
| Approval difficulty | Moderate — apply to the appropriate NordVPN affiliate/creator partner track and receive program materials after acceptance. | Low-to-moderate — affiliate signup is available and a website is not mandatory, but traffic and compliance are reviewed. |
| Source reviewed | 2026-09-08 | 2026-09-08 |
| Best fit | Privacy, VPN, cybersecurity and technology publishers with readers actively comparing subscription security tools. | VPN, privacy, technology and creator audiences with product-comparison intent. |
Strengths and checks
Reasons to consider it
- 30% renewed-plan revenue share is publicly documented
- Multiple creator and affiliate partner tracks
- High-intent VPN comparison traffic
Verify first
- Up-to-100% wording applies only in some cases
- Exact first-sale payout and attribution should be checked in the active campaign
- Security claims must remain evidence-based and separate from partner incentives
Strengths and checks
Reasons to consider it
- 40% starting revenue share is publicly documented
- 30-day cookie and $100 payout threshold are published
- Program can be accessed through several supported networks
Verify first
- Custom payouts are performance-dependent
- Refund/clearance periods affect payment timing
- Privacy/security marketing should avoid absolute guarantees
Open a nearby alternative.
These suggestions come from category, audience and existing comparison relationships—not an opaque ranking.
PureVPN
VPN, privacy and security publishers.
Compare with NordVPNProton
Privacy, security, email, VPN and technology publishers with international audiences.
Compare with NordVPNExpressVPN
VPN comparisons, travel-security content and privacy-focused publisher audiences where a paid VPN is already relevant to the reader.
Compare with NordVPNNordLayer
B2B cybersecurity, remote-work, IT, MSP-adjacent and business technology publishers.
Compare with NordVPN