Transparency
Disclosure
Last updated: 27 September 2026.
Transparency matters. This page explains how referral links work on The Finance Lowdown, how commissions are earned, and why they never decide what we recommend.
How referral links work
Some links on this site are referral links. If you click one and later open an account, buy a product or complete a qualifying action, the provider (or their partner network) may pay us a commission. You do not pay more for using our link.
We only include links where they are relevant to the guide. We do not hide them behind vague “learn more” buttons without context.
How commissions are earned
Typical models include:
- A fixed payment when someone opens a qualifying account via our link
- A share of cashback or a bounty for a completed signup
- A cookie-tracked sale through an affiliate network
Exact terms vary by partner. Commissions help cover hosting, research time and keeping the site free to read. Optional reader support via BuyMeACoffee is separate and always voluntary.
The referral disclosure wording
Where a link may earn us a commission, we label it right next to the link. Referral buttons read “Check [Provider]’s current offer →”, with this line beside them:
Referral link — we may earn a commission. This doesn’t affect what you pay.
Cashback referral blocks for TopCashback and Quidco use this wording instead: “These are referral links. If you sign up, you may get a bonus and we may earn one too. It helps keep the site free.”
Pages that contain referral links also say so in the Important box near the top. Links to other pages on The Finance Lowdown are internal links, so they carry no disclosure. Referral links are also tagged as sponsored in the page code.
Commissions never influence editorial
We do not sell rankings. A higher commission does not buy a higher place in a table, a softer review, or silence on fees and catches. When we name a top pick (for example “Top pick for…”), that judgement is based on stated criteria in the article — rates, fees, features, eligibility and usability — not on payout size.
Independence
Editorial and commercial decisions are kept apart. Affiliate placement is a publishing detail; the copy, criteria and conclusions are editorial. If we cannot write about a product honestly, we would rather leave it out than dress up a paid slot as advice.
Transparency commitment
- Label every referral link with a clear note beside it
- Link this Disclosure page from guides that use commercial links
- Make clear on every page that our content is general information, not personal advice
- Answer good-faith questions about how a link works via hello@thefinancelowdown.co.uk
More on how we write and check pages: Editorial Policy. Who we are: About.