ClickBank is a marketplace and payment processor for digital products, not a bank

ClickBank is a platform where creators sell digital goods—courses, software, ebooks, memberships—and where affiliates earn commissions by promoting those products. It is not a bank and does not hold deposits or offer checking accounts. ClickBank processes payments between buyers and sellers, takes a cut, and sends earnings to the seller's bank account or payment method on file.

The platform launched in 1998 and operates as a third-party payment processor. If you buy a digital product through ClickBank, your payment goes to ClickBank first, which then forwards the seller's share to them. If you are a seller or affiliate on ClickBank, you earn money through the platform, but that money must be withdrawn to a real bank account, PayPal account, or other payment method—ClickBank itself does not store your funds long-term the way a bank does.

ClickBank is known for high refund rates and a 60-day money-back may provide on most products sold through it. This means buyers can request refunds within two months of purchase with minimal friction, which affects how sellers price and market their products on the platform.

Key Takeaways

  • ClickBank is a payment processor and digital marketplace, not a financial institution, so it cannot replace a bank account.
  • Sellers and affiliates earn money through ClickBank but must withdraw funds to a real bank account, PayPal, or check to access the money.
  • Most products sold on ClickBank come with a 60-day refund may provide, which is unusually generous and shapes how the platform operates.
  • ClickBank takes a percentage of each sale and charges fees for withdrawals depending on the payment method you choose.
  • The platform is legitimate but has a reputation for hosting low-quality products and aggressive marketing, so buyer caution is warranted.

How ClickBank makes money and what it charges

ClickBank charges sellers a percentage of each sale—typically 7.5% to 8.5% depending on the product category and the seller's history on the platform. This is how ClickBank funds its operations and pays for payment processing, fraud prevention, and customer support.

When you withdraw your earnings from ClickBank, you also pay a withdrawal fee. A check costs $2.50 to $5.00 depending on the amount. A direct bank transfer (ACH) costs $1.00 to $3.00. PayPal transfers are usually free or cost a small percentage. Wire transfers cost more. These fees come out of your balance before the money reaches your account.

Affiliates—people who promote ClickBank products and earn commissions—do not pay ClickBank directly. Instead, ClickBank takes its cut from the seller's share, and the affiliate receives a commission (usually 5% to 75% of the sale price, set by the seller). The affiliate then withdraws that commission using the same methods and fees as sellers.

The 60-day refund may provide and what it means for buyers and sellers

ClickBank's 60-day money-back may provide is one of its defining features. Any buyer can request a refund within 60 days of purchase, and ClickBank will process it with minimal questions asked. This is much longer and more lenient than most online retailers offer.

For buyers, this is a safety net: if a course does not teach what it promises, or software does not work, you have two months to get your money back. You do not need to prove the product is defective or the seller is dishonest—ClickBank's policy favors the buyer.

For sellers, this creates a real problem. High refund rates eat into profit margins. Some ClickBank products have refund rates above 50%, meaning the seller keeps less than half the revenue from sales. This is one reason ClickBank products are often priced high and marketed aggressively—sellers need volume to survive the refund rate.

ClickBank's reputation and the types of products sold there

ClickBank hosts legitimate products: language courses, fitness programs, business training, software tools, and ebooks on real topics. Many creators use it because the payment processing and affiliate network are reliable and the platform handles refunds automatically.

ClickBank also has a reputation for hosting low-quality, overhyped, or outright fraudulent products. Weight-loss supplements with exaggerated claims, get-rich-quick schemes, and courses that teach outdated information are common. The 60-day refund may provide and the affiliate commission structure create incentives for aggressive, misleading marketing.

If you are considering buying a ClickBank product, research the seller and read recent reviews outside of ClickBank itself. The platform's own reviews are often written by affiliates with a financial stake in the product's success. Check whether the seller has a real website, a clear refund policy, and verifiable credentials in the field they are teaching.

How to withdraw money from ClickBank if you are a seller or affiliate

Earnings in your ClickBank account do not automatically move to your bank. You must request a withdrawal, and the process depends on your payment method.

Log into your ClickBank account and go to the "My Account" section, then "Payments" or "Withdrawal." Choose your payment method: direct bank transfer (ACH), check, PayPal, or wire transfer. Enter the amount you want to withdraw (ClickBank usually has a minimum, often $10 to $20). Confirm the request.

Processing time varies. A direct bank transfer typically takes 3 to 5 business days. A check takes 7 to 14 business days depending on mail delivery. PayPal transfers are usually when ready or next-day. Wire transfers are faster but cost more. Your withdrawal fee is deducted from the amount you request, so if you withdraw $100 via check, you might receive $97.50 after the fee.

If your account is flagged for fraud or violates ClickBank's terms of service, the platform can freeze your balance and delay or deny withdrawals. This is rare for legitimate sellers but does happen.

ClickBank versus actual banks and payment processors

ClickBank is not a bank and should not be confused with one. A bank holds your money in an account, insures deposits up to $250,000 through the FDIC, and lets you withdraw cash anytime. ClickBank holds your earnings temporarily, takes a cut, and requires you to withdraw to a real bank account to actually use the money.

ClickBank is a payment processor, similar to Stripe, Square, or PayPal. These platforms process transactions, hold funds briefly, and send money to your bank account. The difference is that ClickBank also runs a marketplace—it is both the payment processor and the storefront.

If you need a place to store money, pay bills, or receive direct deposits, you need a real bank account. ClickBank is a tool for selling digital products or earning affiliate commissions, not a replacement for banking.

Red flags and how to spot a scam on ClickBank

Not every ClickBank product is a scam, but the platform's structure makes it straightforward for scammers to operate. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Promises of may provide income or returns ("Make $10,000 a month in 30 days").
  • Testimonials with stock photos or vague claims instead of real names and results.
  • A sales page that spends more time on urgency and fear than on explaining what you actually get.
  • A seller with no website, social media presence, or verifiable background in the field.
  • A price that seems extremely high for what is being offered (digital products often cost $47 to $297, but anything above $500 for a course should raise questions).
  • Refund requests that are difficult or require you to jump through hoops—ClickBank's policy is supposed to be straightforward, so if a seller makes it hard, that is a sign.

If you buy a ClickBank product and it does not deliver what was promised, use the 60-day refund window. Request a refund through ClickBank, not the seller directly, because ClickBank will process it even if the seller ignores you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ClickBank safe to buy from?

ClickBank itself is a legitimate company, but the products sold on it vary widely in quality. The 60-day refund may provide protects you financially, so a purchase is low-risk. However, many ClickBank products are overhyped or low-quality, so research the seller and read independent reviews before buying. Do not assume a product is good just because it is on ClickBank.

Can I use ClickBank as my main bank account?

No. ClickBank is a payment processor for digital products, not a bank. You cannot deposit paychecks, pay bills, or access FDIC insurance through ClickBank. You need a real bank account to manage your money. If you earn money through ClickBank, you withdraw it to a bank account.

How long does it take to get paid from ClickBank?

ClickBank pays out on a schedule you choose. Most sellers and affiliates can request a withdrawal whenever they want, and the money reaches their bank account in 3 to 5 business days via direct transfer, or 7 to 14 days via check. Some accounts are on a monthly payout schedule instead. Check your account settings to see your payout frequency.

What happens if I request a refund after 60 days?

ClickBank's may provide covers 60 days from purchase. After that, refunds are at the seller's discretion. Some sellers offer longer refund windows, but ClickBank itself will not process a refund after 60 days unless the seller agrees. Check the product's refund policy before buying if you think you might need more time.

Can ClickBank freeze my account or hold my money?

Yes. ClickBank can freeze an account if it detects fraud, violates its terms of service, or shows suspicious activity. If your account is frozen, you cannot withdraw money until the issue is resolved. This is rare for legitimate sellers but can happen. If it does, contact ClickBank support to find out why and what you need to do to unlock your account.