FirstPromoter vs Rewardful: Which One Deserves Your Money?
Two retention tools, one budget. We compared FirstPromoter and Rewardful head-to-head — real pricing, real features, honest verdict. No affiliate games.
Updated February 2026 · Loyalty / referrals / affiliate
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49/month | $49/month |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Free Tier | ||
| Free Trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Best For | Startups | Startups |
| Tool Type | Best-value |
FirstPromoter vs Rewardful — Quick Summary
Who each tool is built for, what it does best, and how much effort it takes to get started.
| Tool | Best for | Strength | Setup effort | Ideal ICP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-stage startups | Affiliate marketing tool for subscription-based companies | Low | Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers |
| Early-stage startups | Affiliate management software for SaaS professionals to manage referral programs | Low | Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers |
At a Glance
What Each Tool Does
FirstPromoter
FirstPromoter helps businesses run affiliate programs. It's easy to set up and works well with subscription models.
Standout features:
- •Integrates with Stripe, Paddle, Recurly, and more — makes payment tracking simple.
- •Automatic affiliate onboarding — saves time by reducing manual work.
- •Detailed reporting tools — provides insights to grow your program.
Limitations:
- •May be too much for small projects — not ideal if you're just starting out.
- •Needs some setup time — might be tricky if you're not tech-savvy.
Pricing: Offers a 14-day free trial, pricing scales with usage.
Rewardful
Rewardful helps you manage your affiliate and referral programs. Perfect for SaaS, digital creators, and marketers.
Standout features:
- •Easy setup with Stripe — get your program running in minutes.
- •Flexible commissions — choose between recurring or one-time payments.
- •Self-service portal for affiliates — gives them instant access to links and codes.
Limitations:
- •Might require some learning for non-tech users — beginners might need some time to get used to it.
- •Limited to Stripe users — not ideal if you don't use Stripe.
Pricing: Starts at $29/month, with a 14-day free trial.
Growth Hacker Verdict
FirstPromoter is a solid choice for subscription businesses looking to scale their affiliate programs. Its integration capabilities and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment.
Rewardful is a solid choice for SaaS companies looking to streamline their affiliate programs. While not the cheapest option, its ease of use and robust features justify the cost.
TL;DR — FirstPromoter vs Rewardful
Choose FirstPromoter if you want maximum value for your money — does 80% of what the big names do at a fraction of the cost. Starts at $49/month.
Choose Rewardful if you want maximum value for your money — does 80% of what the big names do at a fraction of the cost. Starts at $49/month.
On price alone, FirstPromoter wins at $49/month. But cheaper isn't always better — check the feature breakdown above.
When to Choose FirstPromoter Over Rewardful
FirstPromoter is a best-value retention tool built for startups, starting at $49/month. Affiliate marketing tool for subscription-based companies.
Choose FirstPromoter if:
- Early-stage startups — This is where FirstPromoter shines. Affiliate marketing tool for subscription-based companies.
- Setup effort: Low — You can be up and running in minutes, not days.
- Pricing starts at $49/month — Factor this into your monthly burn rate and compare feature-for-feature.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Rewardful alternatives or browse the Retention directory.
When to Choose Rewardful Over FirstPromoter
Rewardful is a best-value retention tool built for startups, starting at $49/month. Affiliate management software for SaaS professionals to manage referral programs.
Choose Rewardful if:
- Early-stage startups — Affiliate management software for SaaS professionals to manage referral programs.
- Setup effort: Low — Quick onboarding with minimal configuration needed.
- Pricing starts at $49/month — Compare what you get at each pricing tier, not just the starting price.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all FirstPromoter alternatives or browse the Retention directory.
FirstPromoter vs Rewardful: Pricing Breakdown
Let's talk money — because that's usually what drives the decision for startups and growth teams.
FirstPromoter starts at $49/month with 3 pricing tiers. 14-day free trial available. Priced for startups — won't wreck your runway.
Rewardful starts at $49/month with 3 pricing tiers. 14-day free trial available. Startup-friendly pricing.
Our take: Both tools start at the same price point. The decision comes down to features and fit, not cost. We always list monthly billing rates — not the discounted annual price that makes everything look cheaper.
FAQ: FirstPromoter vs Rewardful
Is FirstPromoter better than Rewardful in 2026?
It depends on your team size, budget, and priorities. FirstPromoter is a best-value retention tool built for startups, starting at $49/month. Rewardful is a best-value option aimed at startups, starting at $49/month. See the feature comparison above for a detailed side-by-side.
Which is cheaper, FirstPromoter or Rewardful?
FirstPromoter starts at $49/month, while Rewardful starts at $49/month. FirstPromoter is more affordable on paper. Keep in mind: the cheapest plan isn't always the best deal. Compare what you get at each tier, not just the starting price. We always list monthly billing rates, not discounted annual prices.
Can I use both FirstPromoter and Rewardful together?
Both are loyalty / referrals / affiliate tools, so most teams pick one to avoid redundancy and extra costs. That said, some teams use both for different segments or use cases — just make sure the overlap doesn't waste your budget.
Does FirstPromoter or Rewardful have a free tier?
Neither tool offers a permanent free tier. FirstPromoter has a 14-day free trial. Rewardful has a 14-day free trial.
How do I switch from FirstPromoter to Rewardful (or vice versa)?
Most retention tools support data export. Start by exporting your data from your current tool, then check the new tool's import documentation. Many offer migration assistance or onboarding calls to help with the switch.
