Xero Review: How to Make Money as an Affiliate

Disclosure: some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

What Is Xero?

Xero is online accounting software for small businesses. It keeps track of the money coming in, the money going out, and what's left over.

It connects to your bank, so transactions flow in on their own. Then you match them up, send invoices, pay bills, and run reports. Your accountant or bookkeeper can log in too.

Xero is a big, established name. Its site says it's used by 5 million customers worldwide. If you've ever looked for an alternative to QuickBooks, you've probably seen it.

Here's what you get:

• Invoices and quotes, with online payments
• Bill tracking and payment
• Bank reconciliation to keep your books accurate
• Expense claims, receipt scanning, and mileage tracking
• Sales tax and 1099 management (US)
• Cash flow forecasts and real-time reports
• JAX, Xero's AI finance assistant
• Payroll (powered by Gusto in the US) as an add-on
• Access to 1,000+ connected business apps

How Does Xero Work?

Xero sits in the middle of your business money. Your bank feeds in transactions. You invoice customers and record bills. Xero sorts it all into reports so you can see how the business is really doing.

For Business Owners

1. Pick a plan and sign up.
2. Connect your business bank account.
3. Set up your invoice template and add your customers.
4. Reconcile transactions as they come in. It's a few clicks each.
5. Track bills and expenses, and invite your accountant.
6. Check your reports and cash flow forecast to plan ahead.

Xero also offers free setup help and free onboarding from a Xero Coach for your first 90 days. That's a nice touch for beginners.

For Affiliates

1. Go to Xero's affiliate program page (it's linked in their site footer).
2. Apply through PartnerStack. There's an affiliate track for review sites and newsletters, and an influencer track for YouTube, LinkedIn, and podcast creators.
3. Accept the Xero Referral Program Agreement.
4. Once approved, grab your link and marketing assets from your dashboard.
5. Recommend Xero in your content.
6. Earn a commission for each eligible new paying subscriber you refer.

Xero Pricing

Xero has three main plans in the US. There's no free plan, and prices are billed monthly.

When I checked, Xero was running an intro offer for new US customers: 80% off the first three months. Payroll is extra, at $36 a month plus $6 per person. Payment fees apply when customers pay invoices online.

So which plan makes sense? If you send fewer than 20 invoices a month, Early is fine. Most growing businesses end up on Growing, because the invoice limit goes away and bank matching gets automated.

Always check Xero's pricing page for current numbers and offers. Plans change, and prices differ by country.

Who Should Use Xero?

Business Owners

Xero is a great fit if you:

• Run a small business and are tired of spreadsheets
• Work with an accountant or bookkeeper (many already know Xero)
• Want an alternative to QuickBooks
• Sell in more than one currency (on the Established plan)
• Want lots of app connections for things like inventory or ecommerce

Affiliates

It's a great fit if you:

• Write about small business, bookkeeping, or starting a company
• Serve freelancers, side hustlers turning into real businesses, or ecommerce sellers
• Have an audience in more than one country (Xero is available in over 180)

Pros and Cons of Xero

Pros

• Clean, well-known accounting software with a long track record
• Bank feeds and reconciliation save a lot of time
• Free setup help and 90 days of onboarding support
• Huge app marketplace
• Accountants and bookkeepers can work right inside your books
• Available in many countries, which is good for affiliates with global readers

Cons

• No free plan
• The Early plan's 20-invoice limit is easy to hit
• Payroll costs extra
• Multi-currency is only on the top plan
• Commissions are one-time, not recurring, and the rate isn't published up front

Xero vs Alternatives

Want the deeper breakdowns? Read my QuickBooks review and my FreshBooks review.

If your business gets paid in lots of currencies, my Airwallex review covers a global business account that pairs well with accounting software.

And if you're still at the "start the business" stage, my doola review explains how to form a US company, which is usually the step right before setting up your books.

Here's the short answer. If you want solid, well-supported accounting software and you're not locked into QuickBooks, Xero is a strong pick.

How to Make Money with Xero as an Affiliate

Xero runs its affiliate program on PartnerStack. Here's what their affiliate page and referral agreement say:

• Commission: a one-time payment for each eligible new paying subscriber you refer
• Rate: not published. Xero says it depends on things like your audience and location, and they discuss it after you join.
• Qualifying sale: the person must be new to Xero, sign up through your link, and start a paid subscription within 35 days of signing up
• Payouts: Xero pays PartnerStack, and PartnerStack pays you. The schedule and minimum aren't stated in Xero's documents.
• Cookie length: not stated
• Not allowed: bidding on Xero's brand name in paid search, and posting coupon codes Xero didn't give you
• Cost to join: free

Two things stand out. First, it's one-time, not recurring. Second, you won't know your rate until you're in. So apply, check your terms, and then decide how hard to push it.

The upside? Xero gives affiliates exclusive offers to share with their audience. A real discount is one of the easiest things to promote.

If PartnerStack is new to you, my PartnerStack review explains how it works.

Content Angles That Work

1. Comparisons. Xero vs QuickBooks is the big one. People searching it are ready to choose.
2. "Best accounting software for..." posts. Freelancers, Etsy sellers, contractors, nonprofits. Xero has pages for several of these groups, so it fits naturally.
3. Getting-started guides. How to set up bookkeeping for a new LLC, or how to reconcile your bank account. Helpful, beginner content builds trust.

Keyword Ideas

• Xero review
• Xero vs QuickBooks
• Xero pricing
• best accounting software for small business
• QuickBooks alternatives
• best accounting software for freelancers

Since brand bidding in paid search isn't allowed, SEO content is the natural way to win here.

Common Questions About Xero

Is Xero free?
No. There's no free plan in the US, but Xero often runs intro discounts for new customers. Check their pricing page.

How much does Xero cost?
In the US, Early is $27 a month, Growing is $59, and Established is $97, before any intro offer. Prices change, so check their site.

Is Xero good for beginners?
Yes. Xero offers free setup help and 90 days of onboarding support. Accounting always has a learning curve, but Xero keeps it manageable.

Does Xero have an affiliate program?
Yes. It runs on PartnerStack and is free to join. There's also a separate influencer track.

How much do Xero affiliates earn?
Xero pays a one-time commission per new paying subscriber. The rate isn't published and depends on your audience and location.

Final Thoughts

Every business needs to keep its books. Most owners put it off as long as they can.

That's what makes Xero easy to recommend. It's a trusted name, it solves a real headache, and it comes with help getting set up.

The commission is one-time and the rate is private until you join. So go in with clear eyes, confirm your terms, and focus on helpful comparison content.

Check out Xero here.

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