About Gusto
Gusto is a modern, online “people platform” that provides a comprehensive suite of services, including full-service payroll, employee benefits, certified HR experts, and team management tools, primarily for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in the United States.
Their mission is to create a work atmosphere that empowers small businesses to build great teams and foster a positive workplace environment. They streamline complex tasks like automated tax filing, health insurance administration, 401(k) plans, and compliance, aiming to give business owners peace of mind and more time to focus on growth.
Gusto Affiliate Program Overview
The Gusto Affiliate Program is a partnership opportunity that allows individuals and businesses to earn commissions by referring new valid business customers to Gusto’s platform. It’s an excellent option for those who have an audience of small business owners, HR professionals, or accounting/bookkeeping firms.
| Feature | Detail |
| Industry | FinTech/SaaS, Human Resources (HR), Payroll, Benefits |
| Product Type | Digital Subscription Software (Cloud-based HR/Payroll platform) |
| Affiliate Program Type | Cost-Per-Acquisition (CPA) / Pay-Per-Sale (PPS) |
Gusto Affiliate Program Offers
Gusto provides affiliates with the necessary tools and support to promote their platform effectively.
| Feature | Detail |
| Promotional Materials | Conversion-optimized landing pages, banners, and a dedicated affiliate team for assistance. |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | A generous 120 days (ensuring you get credit even if the referral converts later). |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Generally allowed (websites, blogs, social media, email) but must adhere to program terms. (Specific restrictions like paid search/trademark bidding usually apply, but details should be checked in the official terms). |
| Accepted Countries | Primarily focused on referring US-based business owners, CEOs, HR professionals, and accountants, as Gusto’s core product is tailored for US compliance and services. |
| Explicit Content | Not accepted (Standard restriction for reputable B2B programs). |
| Religious or political content | Not accepted (Standard restriction for reputable B2B programs). |
Gusto Affiliate Commissions & Payments
The program offers a competitive flat-rate commission for successful referrals.
| Feature | Detail |
| MLM | No (It is a standard affiliate/referral program, not Multi-Level Marketing). |
| Commission Rate | $200+ per sale for every valid business customer (may include bonuses/limited-time offers). |
| Commission Structure | Flat-rate CPA (Cost-Per-Acquisition) for a successful customer who runs payroll. Lifetime commissions for some accounts may be offered (check official terms). |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (Payments are typically verified and paid out the month after the commission is earned). |
| Payout Methods | PayPal and/or Stripe (Once available to withdraw from the program dashboard). |
| Minimum Payout | Not explicitly stated in the public overview, but this is managed by the affiliate management software. |
Suitable Affiliates for Gusto Affiliate
The Gusto Affiliate Program is best suited for those whose audience includes small business decision-makers or people who advise them on business operations.
| Affiliate Type | Suitability | Rationale |
| Bloggers | High | Especially those in finance, small business, HR, accounting, or business-growth niches. |
| TikTokers | Medium | Suitable if the content targets small business owners, new entrepreneurs, or startup founders with quick, engaging tips. |
| KOC/KOL/Influencers | Medium/High | High if the influence is in the B2B, small business, or entrepreneurial space (e.g., business coaching, finance experts). |
| YouTubers | High | Great for deep-dive product reviews, comparisons (Gusto vs. alternatives), and tutorials aimed at business owners. |
| Video editors / Livestreamers | Low/Medium | Lower fit unless content is specifically B2B-focused (e.g., live Q&A with accounting advice). |
Gusto Affiliate Software
Gusto utilizes an external, dedicated affiliate management platform to handle its affiliate and partner programs.
- Affiliate Management Software: Gusto’s affiliate and partner programs are frequently managed through PartnerStack.
- In-house Affiliate Management: No, they primarily use a specialized external platform like PartnerStack, which offers robust tracking, payment, and resource management tools for affiliates.
3 Alternatives for Gusto Affiliate Program
Gusto’s alternatives are typically other HR/Payroll SaaS platforms that also offer affiliate or partner programs.
Here are three common alternatives for comparison: Rippling, QuickBooks Payroll, and ADP (RUN Powered by ADP).
| Comparison Factor | Gusto | Rippling | QuickBooks Payroll | RUN Powered by ADP |
| Average Bill (Customer) | $~49-180+/mo + per employee fee | $~8+/user/month (modular pricing) | $~22.50-75+/mo + per employee fee | Custom quote (generally higher-end) |
| Entry Fees (Affiliate) | $0 (Free to join) | $0 (Free to join) | $0 (Free to join) | $0 (Free to join) |
| Withdrawal Threshold | Varies (Managed by PartnerStack) | Varies (Managed by PartnerStack/Platform) | Varies (Managed by Platform) | Varies (Managed by Platform) |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Commission | $200+ CPA per valid customer | Revenue Share or CPA (Varies, up to 15-20% share or flat rate) | Varies (Often $100+ CPA or 10% Rev Share for first year) | Varies (Often $100+ CPA or other structures) |
| Conversion (Product Focus) | Payroll/HR platform for US SMBs (focus on simplicity/people) | All-in-one HR, IT, and Payroll (focus on automation/integration) | Payroll within the QuickBooks ecosystem (focus on accounting integration) | HR, Payroll, Tax Filing (focus on compliance/support for scaling) |
| Marketing Materials | Banners, landing pages, dedicated team support | Varies, high-quality resources, and sales collateral | Banners, links, strong brand recognition | Varies, robust content and sales enablement tools |
