Last updated: August 20, 2026
DollarOak is an independent personal finance publication. We believe readers should understand when our content may include links that could financially benefit DollarOak.
Some pages on DollarOak may contain affiliate links. If you click one of these links and make a purchase, open an account, sign up for a service, or complete another qualifying action, DollarOak may receive a commission or referral fee from the company involved.
This generally does not increase the price you pay.
This Affiliate Disclosure explains how affiliate relationships work on DollarOak, how they may support the website, and the standards we aim to follow when publishing content that includes affiliate relationships.
What Is an Affiliate Link?
An affiliate link is a specially tracked link provided by a company or affiliate network.
When you follow an affiliate link from DollarOak and complete a qualifying action, the company may pay DollarOak a commission.
For example, DollarOak may earn compensation when a reader:
- Purchases a product through an affiliate link
- Signs up for an eligible service
- Opens a qualifying account
- Registers for a product or platform
- Completes another action defined by an affiliate partner
Whether a particular action qualifies for compensation depends on the terms of the applicable affiliate program.
You are never required to use an affiliate link to access DollarOak content.
Affiliate Relationships and Editorial Independence
Affiliate relationships may help support the cost of operating DollarOak, including website hosting, research, content development, calculator maintenance, security, and other publishing expenses.
However, compensation should not determine whether information is presented as fact or change the methodology used in our financial calculators.
Our goal is to publish information that is useful, understandable, and relevant to readers.
When discussing products, services, accounts, financial tools, or companies, we aim to consider factors that are useful to readers rather than simply whether an affiliate relationship exists.
An affiliate relationship does not mean that a company owns DollarOak, controls our editorial content, or is entitled to favorable coverage.
Not Every Link Is an Affiliate Link
Many links on DollarOak are provided solely as references or helpful resources.
For example, we may link to:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Reserve
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Other government agencies
- Research organizations
- Financial institutions
- News sources
- Educational resources
- Other websites relevant to the topic being discussed
DollarOak does not necessarily receive compensation simply because we link to another website.
Where an affiliate relationship exists and disclosure is appropriate, we aim to identify it clearly.
How We Disclose Affiliate Links
When an article, guide, comparison, or other piece of content contains affiliate links, DollarOak may include a disclosure near the beginning of the content or close to the relevant recommendation.
A typical disclosure may say:
Affiliate disclosure: DollarOak may earn a commission if you purchase or sign up through certain links on this page. This does not generally affect the price you pay.
Depending on the content and relationship involved, additional disclosure may be provided next to a specific link, product, service, or recommendation.
We aim to make these disclosures easy to notice and understand rather than hiding them in fine print.
Our Approach to Recommendations
A product or service appearing on DollarOak should not be interpreted as a guarantee that it is appropriate for every reader.
Financial products can differ significantly based on factors such as:
- Eligibility requirements
- Fees
- Interest rates
- Annual percentage rates (APRs)
- Account terms
- Creditworthiness
- Location
- Income
- Market conditions
- Provider policies
- Individual financial circumstances
Companies may also change their products, rates, fees, offers, eligibility requirements, and terms after an article is published.
Before applying for, purchasing, or relying on a financial product or service, you should review the current information provided directly by the company.
Compensation and Comparisons
DollarOak may occasionally publish comparisons, lists, reviews, or guides that mention companies with which we have an affiliate or commercial relationship.
When compensation is involved, we aim to disclose the relationship appropriately.
The existence of an affiliate relationship does not mean every company, service, account, or product available in the market will necessarily be included in our content.
Likewise, the order in which products or companies appear should not automatically be interpreted as a complete ranking of every available option unless the article specifically explains that it is a ranking and describes the methodology used.
Readers should consider their own needs and independently compare available options before making financial decisions.
Sponsored Content Is Different From Affiliate Content
Affiliate content and sponsored content are not necessarily the same thing.
With an affiliate relationship, DollarOak may receive compensation only after a reader takes a qualifying action through a tracked link.
Sponsored content generally involves compensation for creating, publishing, or promoting specific content.
If DollarOak publishes sponsored material in the future, we intend to identify it clearly using language such as:
Sponsored
or
Paid Partnership
when appropriate.
We will not intentionally present paid promotional content as independent editorial content without disclosure.
Free Products, Services, or Other Benefits
In some circumstances, a company may provide free access, discounted access, promotional benefits, trial accounts, products, services, or other items of value for evaluation.
If such a relationship could reasonably affect how readers evaluate our coverage, we aim to disclose it clearly in the relevant content.
Receiving something of value does not guarantee positive coverage.
Affiliate Links and Financial Calculators
DollarOak’s financial calculators are intended to provide educational estimates based on the inputs, assumptions, formulas, and rules described with each tool.
An affiliate relationship with a financial company should not change the mathematical formula used to produce calculator results.
Where a calculator links to a commercial product or service through an affiliate relationship, we aim to disclose that relationship separately from the calculator’s calculations and methodology.
For more information about how our calculators are developed, see our Calculator Methodology.
No Guarantee of Products or Services
DollarOak does not control third-party companies linked from this website.
We cannot guarantee:
- Product availability
- Approval for financial products
- Interest rates or APYs
- Credit limits
- Loan terms
- Fees
- Promotional offers
- Customer service
- Third-party website availability
- Accuracy of information maintained by another company
A third-party provider is responsible for its own products, services, terms, policies, and representations.
You should review the provider’s official terms before making a decision.
No Additional Cost in Most Cases
Using an affiliate link generally does not cause DollarOak to add a separate charge to your purchase or transaction.
However, financial products and services may have their own fees, interest charges, subscription costs, commissions, or other expenses.
Those costs are determined by the provider and should be reviewed independently before you sign up or make a purchase.
Your Choice Matters
You are under no obligation to use an affiliate link.
If you prefer, you can visit a company’s website directly, search for the company independently, or compare the product with alternatives elsewhere.
DollarOak’s educational content remains available regardless of whether you use an affiliate link.
Financial Information Disclaimer
Affiliate relationships do not change the educational nature of DollarOak.
Content published on DollarOak is intended for general informational and educational purposes and should not be considered individualized financial, investment, tax, legal, accounting, or credit advice.
For additional information, please read our Financial Disclaimer.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Trust is particularly important when discussing money.
DollarOak aims to be clear about relationships that could reasonably matter to readers.
Our approach is to:
- Disclose relevant affiliate relationships
- Distinguish editorial information from paid promotions
- Explain important calculator assumptions and methodologies
- Use reliable sources where appropriate
- Correct material errors when they are identified
- Avoid presenting DollarOak as a bank, lender, broker, financial adviser, or financial institution
You can learn more about our publishing standards in our Editorial Policy.
Questions About This Disclosure
If you have questions about an affiliate relationship, disclosure, or commercial relationship mentioned on DollarOak, please contact us.
Visit our Contact page and choose the most appropriate inquiry type.
For information about how DollarOak handles personal information and website data, please review our Privacy Policy.
DollarOak
Built for Americans who want every dollar to count.