Policy table: affiliate links, shorteners and redirects
The pattern is consistent. Links that support your own editorial content are allowed. A newsletter whose main purpose is commissions is not. The wording below is close to each policy's own. [2] [3] [4] [6]
| Platform | Affiliate links | Affiliate-led newsletters | Shorteners and redirects |
|---|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | Fine if clearly presented as another company's offers that fit your brand [2] | Prohibited when promoting multiple third-party referral links purely for commission [2] | Shorteners not named; blacklisted links can lead to suspension [2] |
| Kit | Not restricted if properly marked and used responsibly [3] | 100% affiliate content not allowed; CPA affiliate sites strictly prohibited [3] | Not named; disguised website or industry prohibited [3] |
| beehiiv | Occasional use allowed [4] | Content created primarily for affiliate marketing not permitted [4] | External shorteners not supported; shorteners and excessive redirects can trigger review [5] [7] |
| Moosend | Occasional links, or links related to your business, allowed [6] | Prohibited where the primary purpose is affiliate commissions or there are multiple disparate links [6] | Not named; hiding the origin or transmission path prohibited [6] |
What "primarily affiliate" means in practice
Moosend gives the most concrete test. It prohibits communications where you have no direct relationship with the product other than commissions, communications with multiple disparate affiliate links, and those sent mainly for commissions. It exempts occasional affiliate links and links to products related to your business. [6]
beehiiv frames it around editorial value. Newsletters may include affiliate links, product mentions or sponsored placements, but their primary purpose must be meaningful editorial content. Excessive or manipulative use of affiliate links solely for revenue is not allowed. Its account review article also lists using beehiiv to drive ad or affiliate revenue through schemes not tied to genuine subscriber content. [4] [5]
Kit's list names "selling other tools, software, business in a box" as examples of 100% affiliate content it does not allow. MailerLite adds that sending unrelated offers that do not connect to your brand is barred. [2] [3]
A workable self-test: if you deleted every affiliate link, would the issue still be worth opening? If yes, the issue is closer to the editorial-first standard all four policies describe. It is a rough test, not a compliance guarantee.
What the FTC says about disclosure
The FTC's endorsement guides FAQ addresses affiliate marketers directly. Disclose the relationship clearly and conspicuously, and keep it close to the recommendation, because readers may not connect a disclosure that is far from the link. Applied to email, that placement advice favours a disclosure beside the link over one only in the footer. That application is our reading, not FTC wording. [1]
| Wording | FTC view |
|---|---|
| "I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post." | Given as an example of disclosure [1] |
| "Paid link" next to the link | Adequate [1] |
| "Affiliate link" alone | Consumers might not understand it [1] |
| "Commissionable link" | Probably not a clear disclosure [1] |
| A "Buy now" button with no other disclosure | Not adequate [1] |
A compliant link template
Use this pattern for each recommendation. It follows the FTC placement advice and the "clearly presented as another company's offer" wording in MailerLite's terms. [1] [2]
- Recommendation sentence in your own words, with your reason and one limitation.
- Link text that names the destination company, for example "See Acme's pricing page".
- Disclosure directly beside it: "(paid link: I earn a commission if you buy through it)". [1]
- Full destination URL from the affiliate network, with no third-party shortener. [5] [7]
- A short standing note near the top of the issue for readers who skim: "Some links in this issue earn me a commission. That never changes what I recommend."
Pre-send checklist for affiliate issues
Run through this before any issue with commission links.
- Each affiliate link has a disclosure within the same sentence or line. [1]
- No link uses Bitly or a similar shortener, and none bounces through a chain of redirects. [5] [7]
- Every offer relates to your newsletter's topic and audience. [2] [6]
- The issue still has standalone editorial value without the links. [4]
- The linked pages do not fall into a category your platform prohibits, such as gambling or get-rich-quick. [2] [3] [4] [6]
- UTM parameters you add for your own tracking do not conflict with the affiliate network's required parameters. Test one link end to end.
Questions before you decide
Is writing "affiliate link" next to the link enough disclosure?
The FTC's endorsement guides FAQ says consumers might not understand that "affiliate link" means the publisher is paid for purchases. It gives "I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post" as clear wording and says "paid link" next to a link is adequate.
Can I use Bitly or another shortener for affiliate links in beehiiv?
beehiiv says it does not support external link shorteners or trackers like Bitly or Linkly, and its account review article lists link shorteners and excessive redirects among patterns that can flag a workspace for review. Use the full affiliate URL.
Does MailerLite ban affiliate marketing?
MailerLite's terms prohibit affiliate marketing, defined as promoting multiple referral links from various third parties purely to generate commission income. They allow affiliate links clearly presented as offers from another company that fit your brand and subscribers' expectations.
Where should the disclosure go in an email?
The FTC says the closer the disclosure is to the recommendation, the better, and that readers may not connect a disclosure that is separated from the link. Applied to an email, that suggests placing it beside the link or the recommendation, not only in the footer.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- FTC: FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- MailerLite: Terms of Service Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Kit Help: Acceptable Use Policy Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- beehiiv: Acceptable Use Policy Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- beehiiv Support: Understanding account reviews and blocks Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Moosend: Acceptable Use Policy (June 2025, PDF) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- beehiiv Support: Frequently asked questions about posts Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.