> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.tapfiliate.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# FAQ: Managing Balances, Payments, and Testing

> A guide for Advertisers on interpreting reporting data, managing affiliate payments, and utilizing development environments

November 9, 2026

1. **[Why does my affiliate have a negative balance?](#h_8747a14c18)**
2. **[How do I interpret "Reports" vs. "Balances"?](#h_940872f2e4)**
3. **[How can I check an affiliate’s payment history?](#h_a0000d9ba8)**
4. **[How do I set up a Sandbox account for testing?](#h_6bdf3fc640)**
5. **[Best Practices for Data Accuracy](#h_cb94616a63)**

***

### ❓Why does my affiliate have a negative balance?

A negative value in the "Balances" section indicates an **overpayment**. This happens if the payments made to a publisher exceed their earned commissions. Conversely, a positive value indicates an **underpayment** (commissions owed to the affiliate).

Example of a negative balance in the advertiser portal:

![](https://mintcdn.com/tapfiliate-help/1iW9-M7MOhKRwS9v/images/1906148/01-f283279a-8c17-4c44-8eb2-3587ede1291b.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=1iW9-M7MOhKRwS9v\&q=85\&s=b0e90e978fea616bdc5f78e5da07af1b)

Example of a negative balance in the affiliate account:

![](https://mintcdn.com/tapfiliate-help/1iW9-M7MOhKRwS9v/images/1906148/02-0e7b330e-1c20-4d19-81ed-10940e96886e.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=1iW9-M7MOhKRwS9v\&q=85\&s=ce1df6cef10d9cfd95e6b25a48a08cc4)

### ❓How do I interpret "Reports" vs. "Balances"?

* **Report Section:** A snapshot of total commissions earned by a publisher for a specific period.
* **Balance Section:** A running tally reflecting the net balance between total commissions earned and total payments made.

### ❓How are the balances calculated?

Balances are calculated as follows:

* **All approved commissions** minus **paid out amounts**

![](https://mintcdn.com/tapfiliate-help/1iW9-M7MOhKRwS9v/images/1906148/03-sofyanaumova-chrome-zdsyltx1kn.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=1iW9-M7MOhKRwS9v\&q=85\&s=be667835eef34dd6b3e51444345456b4)

This means that *if there are changes in commissions that have already been paid out*, the change will be reflected in the affiliate's **current** balance.

## Example:

1. An affiliate creates a conversion with \$10 commission. At this point, the affiliate's balance is \$0.
2. When the commission is **approved,** the affiliate's balance becomes **\$10**.
3. When the affiliate's balance is settled (paid out), the affiliate's balance goes back to \$0.
4. If a refund happens for the order/conversion, you can disapprove the conversion/commission tied to it.
5. After disapproval, the affiliate's balance becomes -\$10.

**Note:** An affiliate's balance will be set back **only if they've already been paid out** the commission for the conversion that's being disapproved.

### ❓How can I check an affiliate’s payment history?

To view past payments, go to the **Affiliates** section, select the affiliate, and click **"Go full profile"** to see all financial transactions associated with them.

<video autoPlay muted loop playsInline src="https://mintcdn.com/tapfiliate-help/1iW9-M7MOhKRwS9v/images/1906148/04-chrome-sazy2lr3is.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=1iW9-M7MOhKRwS9v&q=85&s=e310562791c329ea83814730e06a4a4e" />

### ❓How do I set up a Sandbox account for testing?

We offer sandbox environments for development and staging.

* **Requirements:** You must have an active paid Tapfiliate account. If the paid account is canceled, the sandbox account will also close.
* **How to start:** Create a new account and [contact support](https://tapfiliate.com/contact/) to switch it to "Sandbox mode".
* **Usage:** Includes 1,000 monthly clicks, views, and conversions. Usage beyond this is billed at USD 1 per 1,000 extra events.

### Best Practices for Data Accuracy

1. **Verify Tracking Links:** Ensure affiliates use correct links to avoid inaccurate data.
2. **Review Reports Regularly:** Identify anomalies early.
3. **Communicate:** Reach out to affiliates to clarify mismatches.
4. **Document:** Keep records and screenshots of any data confusion to assist Support in resolving issues.

***

### Next Steps

1. **[FAQ: Can I use Tapfiliate to run programs for others?](https://support.tapfiliate.com/troubleshooting-faq/faq-account-program-management/faq-can-i-use-tapfiliate-to-run-programs-for-others.md)**
2. **[The Payout Process: Settling Balances and Generating a Payout File](https://support.tapfiliate.com/core-program-functions/handling-affiliate-payouts/the-payout-process-settling-balances-and-generating-a-payout-file.md)**


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