We surveyed 214 affiliates based in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Armenia on their preferred payout method in 2026. The landscape has shifted significantly since 2022.
Survey results
- USDT (TRC-20): 61% — by far the dominant method, near-instant, minimal fees
- Bitcoin: 18% — preferred for large balances, lower frequency
- Wise: 9% — works well for Georgian and Armenian affiliates with EU access
- Skrill: 7% — declining sharply due to verification issues in RU/BY
- Bank transfer: 5% — almost exclusively Georgian and Armenian respondents
What's changed
SWIFT restrictions have made traditional bank transfers from EU-based programs nearly impossible for Russian and Belarusian affiliates. Skrill has tightened KYC requirements and suspended accounts in affected regions. Crypto — specifically USDT on Tron network — has become the de facto standard because it's fast, cheap, and accessible.
Practical tips
- Always negotiate payment method before signing an IO — some programs still default to bank transfer
- TRC-20 USDT fees are ~$1 per transaction vs. $3–15 for ERC-20 — specify the network
- For programs that don't offer crypto directly, some affiliates are using intermediary services in Georgia or Armenia to receive EUR and convert locally
- Keep payment method confirmation in writing — program payment teams turn over frequently
Programs with confirmed crypto payouts
Bitstarz Partners, Stake Affiliates, BC.Game Partners, and Roobet Affiliates all pay in USDT or BTC with no minimum above $50. 1xBet and Mostbet both offer crypto but with higher minimums and slower processing.