Refferq

Refferq is an open-source affiliate platform for businesses that want to manage partner programs on infrastructure they control. It suits teams comfortable operating a Node.js and PostgreSQL application and integrating conversion events through an API. Its strongest case is uncapped affiliate tracking and reporting without per-transaction charges; its main trade-off is taking responsibility for deployment and email setup.

Overview

Refferq combines affiliate registration, approvals, referral tracking, commission rules, analytics, and a partner portal in a self-hosted system. Applicants verify their email with a one-time passcode, and administrators can review and approve registrations. This gives program operators control over who joins rather than making enrollment automatic.

Commission rates are set by partner group and inherited by affiliates assigned to that group. That structure is useful when partners share terms, though businesses that need individual arrangements will need to account for managing those differences within their rules.

Key features

Tracking and reporting

A JavaScript tracker captures referral clicks, while conversions can be recorded through the API. Refferq therefore covers both sides of attribution, but teams must connect their conversion events to the API. Real-time dashboards and the Reports API expose clicks, conversions, revenue, commissions, and top-affiliate metrics, making the platform more useful to teams that want reporting data as well as a portal for partners.

Integration and customization

The Self-Hosted plan includes more than 38 API endpoints and 12 webhook event types. Webhooks use HMAC-SHA256 signatures and retry failed deliveries with exponential backoff, which gives integrations a defined way to verify events and recover from delivery failures. The pricing page also describes white-label branding, and the interface, branding, commission rules, and tracking logic can be customized.

Email notifications use Resend, so operators need a Resend API key in the configuration. That requirement, alongside the application setup, makes Refferq a better fit for teams prepared to manage technical operations than for those seeking a ready-hosted service today.

Pricing

Self-Hosted: custom pricing. It includes complete source code under the MIT License, unlimited affiliates, referrals, and conversions, 38+ API endpoints, and 12 webhook event types. There are no usage limits or per-transaction charges. This is the most suitable plan for teams that can host and maintain the software and want control without volume-based caps; community support is through GitHub Discussions and Issues.

Managed Cloud: $29 a month, billed monthly. It is described as including everything in Self-Hosted, but is coming soon. Its listed email support has a 24-hour response, making it a potential option for teams that prefer managed hosting and a defined support channel once it is available.

Platforms

Refferq supports web, API, and self-hosted use. Its documented system requirements are Node.js 18+ and PostgreSQL 12+, with deployment options including Docker, Vercel, and VPS. The deployment flexibility is useful for teams with infrastructure preferences, but the requirements still call for technical ownership.

Who it's for

Refferq is best for businesses that need affiliate approvals, group-based commissions, conversion tracking, and detailed reporting while retaining control of the source code and hosting. It is less suited to teams that cannot operate the required stack, configure Resend, or integrate API-based conversion recording.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Unlimited affiliates, referrals, and conversions with no usage caps or per-transaction fees make costs independent of program volume.
• Pros: API and reporting coverage, plus signed webhooks with retries, support custom integrations and access to key performance metrics.
• Pros: MIT-licensed source code and customizable branding, rules, interface, and tracking logic give operators substantial control.
• Cons: Node.js and PostgreSQL requirements, deployment, and Resend configuration put ongoing technical work on the operator.
• Cons: Recording conversions through the API requires integration work; the JavaScript tracker alone does not cover that step.
• Cons: Managed Cloud is coming soon, so teams seeking an available managed option should look elsewhere for now.

Alternatives

OpenPartner is worth considering for teams wanting a freemium, self-hosted option with a free trial; its Revshare plan charges 3% of GMV with no monthly fee and includes unlimited partners, links, and campaigns.

UpPromote may fit a program that can work within its free plan's limit of one affiliate program and $3,000 referral review per month.

Simple Kuma is another free, self-hosted option for readers comparing affiliate software in that category.

CAKE is an alternative for readers looking for paid affiliate analytics software across web, Android, and iOS.

SliceWP is a freemium alternative with self-hosted support; its Pro plan costs $229 a year for one site, with annual renewal at full price.

Affilimate is a paid alternative with creator and brand or agency offerings, including affiliate revenue dashboards and centralized link management for creators.

Partnerize suits readers considering customized pricing based on program structure and service needs, through either a fixed license fee or performance-based model.

Post Affiliate Pro is a paid alternative with a free trial; its Starter plan is $89 a month and includes 10,000 tracking requests per month and unlimited affiliates.

For broader comparisons, browse Affiliate Analytics Software and Affiliate Marketing Software.

Verdict

Choose Refferq if you want an open-source affiliate platform with uncapped tracking, API-backed reporting, and control over hosting and customization. Its no-usage-cap model and broad integration surface are compelling for technically equipped teams. Look elsewhere if you need managed hosting immediately or want conversion tracking without API integration and infrastructure work.