> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.wandreferrals.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.wandreferrals.com/payouts-and-tax-production-rollout-gate-pending/thresholds-and-auto-payout.md).

# Thresholds and automatic payouts

> **Production status:** Live payout rollout, including self-serve requests and scheduled/provider execution, is not approved. A universal server-side payout kill switch is not yet implemented, so do not infer these paths are technically unreachable. The settings below describe implemented interfaces for authorized controlled validation only; do not move real money before the safety gate, verified denial evidence, review, and separate rollout approval are complete.

## Minimum payout thresholds

Every payout path uses the same resolved minimum:

1. an explicit program threshold;
2. otherwise the store-wide threshold;
3. otherwise the $25 platform default.

This applies to merchant-created batches, affiliate self-service requests, scheduled payouts, and automatic payouts. A program override changes only that program; leaving it blank inherits the store setting.

Older programs may contain legacy self-service and automatic-payout threshold values. When all applicable legacy values already have the same effective behavior, Wand migrates them to the canonical setting automatically. If the values conflict, Wand preserves them, shows their sources for merchant review, and blocks payout creation for that program. An authorized merchant must explicitly select the canonical threshold; the decision is audited. Do not bypass the review by changing or deleting legacy values.

## Self-serve payout requests after rollout approval

Enable **self-serve payouts** on a program to let affiliates request payment from their portal:

1. The affiliate opens **Payouts → Request payout** for their available balance.
2. The request appears in your admin (statuses: Requested → Approved/Rejected → Paid/Failed/Canceled).
3. **Approve** or **reject** it. To skip manual review, turn on **auto-approve payout requests** so requests are approved automatically.

## Automatic payouts after rollout approval

> **Not merchant-configurable yet:** The scheduler can select only programs whose auto-payout fields have been populated, but the current merchant application has no supported editor or mutation for `autoPayoutEnabled`, method, or cycle. Do not rely on scheduled payouts unless those fields were set through an authorized provider-managed rollout and independently verified.

For provider-managed programs that have been configured out of band, the stored schedule supports:

* **Method** — PayPal or store credit (default PayPal). A stored Stripe option exists only for provider-managed test data; connected-account onboarding is not implemented, so it is unavailable to merchants and affiliates.
* **Cycle** — weekly (Mondays), biweekly (1st & 15th), or monthly (on a configured day).
* Only **payable** (or grandfathered mature), eligible, un-batched commissions are included, and only if the total meets the canonical resolved threshold.
* **PayPal** and **store credit** are paid automatically; **bank transfer** batches are created but left **open** for you to process manually.

## Payout account readiness

Affiliates set up **where** they get paid in **Settings → Payout account** in their portal. Each account has a readiness state — **Ready**, **Incomplete**, or **Blocked** — with reasons such as:

* "No payout method selected"
* "Selected payout method is not supported"
* "Selected payout method is disabled for this program"
* "Payouts are not enabled by the merchant"

Only **Ready** accounts can be paid. Encourage affiliates to complete this before payout day.

## Related

* [Payout methods & batches](https://github.com/wand-referrals-app/wand-referrals/tree/codex/gitbook-docs-foundation/docs/manual/payouts/payout-methods-and-batches/README.md)
* [Tax forms & withholding](https://github.com/wand-referrals-app/wand-referrals/tree/codex/gitbook-docs-foundation/docs/manual/payouts/tax-forms/README.md)
* [Getting your link & coupon (affiliate)](https://github.com/wand-referrals-app/wand-referrals/tree/codex/gitbook-docs-foundation/docs/manual/portal/getting-your-link-and-coupon/README.md)