Overview

Proton VPN was launched in 2017 by Proton AG, the Geneva-based company that CERN scientists founded in 2014 to build Proton Mail. Proton is majority-owned by the non-profit Proton Foundation, publishes all its apps as open source with independent audits, and operates servers in more than 100 countries plus a free tier with no data cap.

Proton VPN affiliate program page
The Proton VPN affiliate page, captured 8 November 2026. Source: proton.me

Commission mirrors NordVPN's model: 100% on a new monthly plan, 40% on 1-year and 2-year plans, 30% on renewals. Proton is strict about promotion: no brand bidding in PPC, no sub-affiliates or brokering, no placement on adult or gambling sites, and partners must disclose the relationship to readers. Payouts are bank transfer only, monthly, once your balance passes $100.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Recurring 30% on renewals from a company with low churn and a nonprofit-backed trust story
  • Converts well with privacy-first audiences that resist mainstream VPN marketing
  • Cross-sell into Proton Mail, Pass and Drive from the same dashboard

Cons

  • Bank transfer is the only payout method — no PayPal, no crypto
  • No sub-affiliate or network options; direct program only
  • Free tier is good enough that some referred visitors never upgrade

Who should promote Proton VPN

Privacy-first publishers: open-source and security blogs, de-Googling guides, journalism and activism audiences. Converts poorly on streaming content. Requires a bank account for payouts and a willingness to follow strict promotion rules.

How to join

  1. Apply at proton.me/partners/affiliates; the same program covers Mail, Drive, Pass and Calendar.
  2. Read the PPC guidelines before running any ads — brand bidding is prohibited and paid traffic must land on your own site.
  3. Add a partner disclosure to every page; Proton requires it.
  4. Commissions are paid by bank transfer on the 30th of the following month once the balance exceeds $100.

Frequently asked questions

How much commission does the Proton VPN affiliate program pay?

100% on new monthly plans, 40% on new 1-year and 2-year plans, 30% on renewals.

How long is the Proton VPN affiliate cookie?

The cookie window is 30 days. Attribution is last-click: a later click on another affiliate's link takes the sale.

What is the minimum payout for Proton VPN affiliates?

$100, paid on the 30th of the following month. Payment methods: Direct bank transfer only.

Does Proton VPN pay recurring commissions on renewals?

Yes — 30% on all renewals.

Which network is the Proton VPN affiliate program on?

Proton Partners Program (own dashboard).