How to Set Up and Pay Affiliates Using PayPal Auto Payouts

How to Set Up and Pay Affiliates Using PayPal Auto Payouts

This guide explains how to configure the PayPal Payouts API in HighLevel and use PayPal Auto Payouts to pay affiliates directly from Affiliate Manager. PayPal is the supported method for automated payouts; bank and other payment methods are handled manually.

Requirements:

• A PayPal Business Account
• Payouts must be enabled on your PayPal account. Follow the steps below to enable it.

Affiliates receiving PayPal payouts must have a valid PayPal payout method configured in Affiliate Manager.

1. Setting Up PayPal for Auto Payouts

Step 1: Access PayPal Developers Page

• Go to the PayPal Developers page.
  
  
• Log in to the developer dashboard by clicking the "Log into dashboard" link at the top-right corner.
  
  

Step 2: Enable Payouts

• In the dashboard, click on My Account from the top-right corner.
  
  
• Scroll down to the Permissions table and check if "Payouts" has a green checkmark under the Live column.
  
  
• If not, click Enable and follow the prompts. You may need to contact PayPal to enable the Payouts API.
  
  
  
  

Step 3: Create App on PayPal

• In the left-hand menu, click on Apps and Credentials.
  
  
• Click Live, then proceed to Create App.
  
  
  
  
• Enter a recognizable app name, such as "HighLevel Payouts," and click Create App.
  
  
• If you already have an app created, you can skip this step.
  
  

Please note: If you see "Live/Sandbox" at the top-right after creating the app, ensure "Live" is selected.

Step 4: Obtain App Details

• After creating the app, you'll be provided with the Client ID and Secret Key.
  
  
• Keep these details handy as they will be required to connect GHL with PayPal.
  
  

Step 5: Connect GHL and PayPal

• In HighLevel, go to Payments → Integrations. Select PayPal, then enter the Live Client ID and Secret Key from your PayPal developer account.
  
  
  
  
• Enter your Live Client ID and Secret Key from Step 4.
  
  
• If testing in the sandbox, repeat the process with sandbox credentials, ensuring "Sandbox" is selected on PayPal's Apps and Credentials page.

2. Using PayPal for Affiliate Payouts

Step 1: Navigate to the Payouts Page

• In the GHL Affiliate Manager, go to the Payout page.

Step 2: View Approved Payout

• Affiliate payouts are first generated in the Pending tab. Review and approve eligible payouts before they move to Approved for Payout.
  
  
• Switch to the Approved for Payout tab to see the list of approved payments awaiting disbursement.
  
  

Step 3: Select Affiliates for Payouts

• Check the box next to the payouts or affiliate names you wish to pay.

Step 4: Initiate Payout

• Once affiliates are selected, click the Pay button to pay multiple affiliates together.
  
  
• Alternatively, click the blue Pay icon next to an affiliate’s name to pay them individually.
  
  

Step 5: Review and Confirm

• Review the selected payouts and confirm the details.
  
  
• Click Pay Now to initiate the transfer.

Important: 
If your PayPal Business account is not linked, an error message will prompt you to link the account.

What happens after a payout?

• After clicking Pay Now, successful payouts will appear under the Paid tab.
• After you click Pay Now, successfully initiated payments move toward the Paid state. PayPal itself may still show processing or pending status while the transfer is completing.
  
  
  
  
• After a successful payout, both the admin (sender) and the affiliate (receiver) will receive a confirmation email.

3. How to Add an Affiliate’s PayPal Account for Payouts

Verify the affiliate’s PayPal email carefully. PayPal does not validate the affiliate’s email address through the API. To learn how to add or link an affiliate’s PayPal account, click here.

What's Next:

• What Payment Gateways supported in Affiliate manager for Product Sales?
• FAQs for Affiliate Payouts
• How to add/link Affiliate's Paypal Account for Payouts