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BigCommerce vs Shopify

Two e-commerce platforms affiliate programs, compared field by field on verified terms. Every figure below was checked against the official program page; each profile links the source. Scoring follows our public rubric.

Higher score

BigCommerce

Enterprise-leaning store platform · Platforms

76

200% of first month (up to $500/referral) · 90 days cookie

Strong — best for e-commerce comparison content hedging the Shopify monoculture

Shopify

E-commerce store builder · Platforms

74

Fixed bounty per full-price plan referral (~$150) · 30 days cookie

Good — best for entrepreneurship, side-hustle and e-commerce education content

The verdict

BigCommerce — 76/100

This one is close: 2 points separates them. BigCommerce edges it on a longer attribution window (90 days vs 30 days), easier entry, but Shopify remains the better pick where its strengths match your audience — entrepreneurship, side-hustle and e-commerce education content.

Verified terms, side by side

Full comparison of BigCommerce and Shopify affiliate program terms
Field BigCommerce Shopify
Commission 200% of first month (up to $500/referral) Fixed bounty per full-price plan referral (~$150)
Model One-time bounty One-time bounty
Cookie duration 90 days ✓ 30 days
Est. $/first referral ~$80 ~$150 ✓
Network Impact.com Impact.com
Payout threshold $10 $10
Payout methods Direct deposit, PayPal Direct deposit, PayPal
Payment terms Monthly (Impact) Bi-weekly or monthly (Impact)
Geo focus Global Global (payout eligibility varies)
Terms verified 2026-08 2026-08

Score breakdown

Subscores are 1–10, weighted per the methodology.

Earnings power (35%)

BigCommerce 7
Shopify 7

Attribution window (20%)

BigCommerce 8
Shopify 5

Trust & conversion (20%)

BigCommerce 8
Shopify 10

Payout reliability (15%)

BigCommerce 8
Shopify 9

Ease of entry (10%)

BigCommerce 7
Shopify 6

Why pick BigCommerce

  • 200% first-month bounty, up to $1,500 on enterprise
  • 90-day cookie triples Shopify's
  • Less affiliate competition than Shopify

Watch out

Much lower search demand than Shopify

Full BigCommerce profile →

Why pick Shopify

  • Category-defining brand — "start a store" traffic converts strongly
  • Clean $150-level bounty per paid plan
  • Excellent creative assets and courses for partners

Watch out

One-time only; no recurring upside

Full Shopify profile →