Looking for a side hustle that doesn’t require inventory, startup costs, or a fancy business degree? What if you could earn serious cash just by connecting business owners with a service they actually need?
Welcome to the world of merchant services referrals, and more specifically, the Total Merchant Services Affiliate Program. Whether you’re a local business owner with connections, a remote worker looking to pad your income, or a sales pro hunting for new revenue streams, this program might just be your ticket to consistent, scalable earnings.
Let’s break down exactly how it works, what you can earn, and why this opportunity beats the big-name alternatives.
What Is the Total Merchant Services Affiliate Program?
At its core, the Total Merchant Services Affiliate Program is a referral-based earning opportunity. You refer businesses that need credit card processing solutions, and when they sign up through your personalized link, you get paid.
Simple, right?
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to be a payments expert. You don’t need to close deals or handle customer support. Total Merchant Services takes care of the entire sales process, from application to account setup. Your job is simply to make the connection.
The program is ideal for:
- Website developers and designers who work with small business clients
- Marketing consultants with a roster of business contacts
- Real estate professionals (like our friends at Lancaster Estate Solutions) who interact with new business owners regularly
- Remote workers looking for flexible income opportunities
- Anyone with a solid network of entrepreneurs and local business owners
How the Earning Structure Works
Now let’s talk about the good stuff, the money. The Total Merchant Services Affiliate Program offers two primary ways to earn:
Upfront Referral Bonuses
Every time you refer a business that gets approved for a merchant account, you receive an immediate cash bonus. These aren’t pocket-change payouts, either.
- Standard referral bonuses range from $50 to $2,500 per account
- Professional agents and high-volume referrers can earn up to $10,000 per referral
The exact amount depends on the size and processing volume of the business you refer. A small coffee shop will earn you a different bonus than a busy auto repair chain, but either way, you’re getting paid.
Monthly Residual Commissions
Here’s where things get really interesting. Once you hit 10 active referrals, you unlock ongoing monthly residual income. That means you keep earning from those accounts month after month, as long as they continue processing payments.
Think about it: refer 10 businesses once, and you could be collecting checks for years. That’s the kind of passive income most side hustles can only dream about.
No Income Caps
Unlike some affiliate programs that limit your earnings or make you jump through hoops to reach higher tiers, Total Merchant Services has no cap on what you can earn. Refer one business or one hundred, the sky’s the limit.
Why Total Merchant Services Beats Square and Chase
You might be wondering: why should I refer businesses to Total Merchant Services when big names like Square and Chase are out there?
Great question. Here’s the honest answer.
The Personal Touch Matters
Square and Chase are massive corporations. When your referral has a question or runs into an issue, they’re calling a 1-800 number and waiting on hold. With Total Merchant Services, businesses get dedicated support and a real human to talk to. That personal touch makes a huge difference, especially for small business owners who don’t have time to navigate corporate phone trees.
Better Rates for Your Referrals
Square charges a flat rate that sounds simple but adds up fast. Chase has its own fee structures that can get complicated. Total Merchant Services offers competitive, customized rates that often beat the big guys, especially for businesses with higher processing volumes.
When the businesses you refer save money, they stick around longer. And when they stick around longer, your residual income keeps flowing.
Free Equipment? Yes, Really.
Here’s a major selling point you can share with potential referrals: Total Merchant Services offers free credit card equipment and free point of sale systems to qualifying businesses. No leasing fees, no hidden equipment costs.
Try getting that deal from Square.
Gift Card Program Included
Many businesses love offering gift cards to boost customer loyalty and holiday sales. Total Merchant Services includes a gift card program as part of their merchant services package: another value-add that makes your referral even more appealing to business owners.
How to Get Started
Ready to start earning? The signup process couldn’t be easier:
- Complete the online Web Associate form on the Total Merchant Services website
- Receive your personalized URL and mirror site
- Start sharing with your network
That’s it. No investment required. No inventory to manage. No complicated training programs.
Total Merchant Services even provides free promotional banners and marketing materials to help you spread the word. You can add their referral links to your website, share them on social media, or simply mention the program in conversations with business-owner friends.
Who Should Consider This Program?
If you’ve got connections in the small business world, this program is worth a serious look. Here are some scenarios where it really shines:
You’re a freelancer or consultant who already works with business clients. Adding merchant services referrals to your offerings is a natural fit: and it provides added value to the clients you’re already serving.
You’re in real estate and regularly meet entrepreneurs looking to open shops, restaurants, or service businesses. A quick referral can earn you a nice bonus while helping your client get set up with reliable credit card processing.
You’re active in your local community and know tons of small business owners. Maybe you’re always grabbing coffee at the same local spots or getting your car serviced at the neighborhood garage. Those relationships can turn into referral opportunities.
You’re looking for remote income that doesn’t require you to be anywhere specific. As long as you can share your link and connect with potential referrals, you can earn from anywhere.
Speaking of saving money, if you’re a savvy deal-hunter yourself, check out Quicksaveoffers for ways to stretch your dollars on everyday purchases.
Tips for Maximizing Your Referrals
Want to make the most of this opportunity? Here are a few strategies:
- Lead with value. Don’t just pitch the program: explain how Total Merchant Services can save businesses money with better rates, free equipment, and personalized support.
- Target businesses frustrated with their current processor. Many small business owners are unhappy with high fees or poor customer service. Position Total Merchant Services as the solution.
- Use your personalized link everywhere. Add it to your email signature, your website, your social media bios. The more visibility, the more potential referrals.
- Follow up. Sometimes business owners need a gentle reminder. A quick check-in can be the nudge that turns a maybe into a yes.
The Bottom Line
The Total Merchant Services Affiliate Program offers a rare combination: low barrier to entry, high earning potential, and genuine value for the businesses you refer. You’re not pushing a product nobody needs: you’re connecting entrepreneurs with merchant services that can save them money and make their lives easier.
With upfront bonuses up to $2,500 (or more for pro agents), monthly residuals after just 10 referrals, and zero income caps, this is one of the most accessible and rewarding referral programs out there.
So if you’ve been looking for a flexible way to earn extra income: without the headaches of traditional side hustles: it might be time to turn those referrals into revenue.
Mention you got this from Local Area Living.