$MakeMoneyHQ

HostGator

The beginner-hosting name that still pays a flat $65+ per signup

  • Start a Website or Business
  • by HostGator (Newfold Digital)
  • Shared hosting ~$3–12/mo intro term (renewals much higher) · 30-day money-back window on hosting plans
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Visit HostGator →
our honest take

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Terms verified Oct 11, 2026 against the vendor's own program page.

Quick verdict

Best for
First-time site owners who recognize the brand and want the cheapest possible intro term
Skip if
Renewal pricing jumps hard after the intro term — the honest review has to say so
Skip if
Renewal pricing jumps hard after the intro term — the honest review has to say so
Price
Shared hosting ~$3–12/mo intro term (renewals much higher) (30-day money-back window on hosting plans)
Affiliate payout
$65 base per sale, performance-scaled and capped at $100; paid ~2 months + 10 days after the sale month; no payout minimum, no quota (Impact)
The catch
Support quality has drifted through multiple ownership changes
Our rating
3/5 — honest take
Last verified
Oct 11, 2026
Check HostGator pricing →

Our honest take

The $65–100 bounty on a product readers can start for a few dollars is one of the best conversion-to-dollar ratios in hosting, and the brand does the persuading for you. The honest angle writes itself: cheap intro, expensive renewal, decide before year two. Payouts run about two months behind — this is a cash-flow-later program.

Who it's for

First-time site owners who recognize the brand and want the cheapest possible intro term

What you get

  • Shared, WordPress, VPS and dedicated hosting under one brand
  • One-click installs and a beginner-friendly control panel
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on hosting plans

HostGator — questions

Is HostGator legit?

HostGator is a real product from HostGator (Newfold Digital) with its own checkout — check their current refund terms before buying. Legit ≠ worth it for you, though: weigh the cons above against where you actually are. Our score: 3/5.

Why does Make Money HQ link with affiliate links?

Because it keeps the directory free and independent. The commission comes out of the vendor's side, not your price. We'd rather be transparent and keep your trust — it's the only asset a directory has.