Why are my affiliate IDs dropping?

Common causes: a hop that strips query params, a 302 that doesn't preserve the URL, or a JS-based redirect that the network can't trace.

How many hops is too many?

Aim for ≤3. Each hop adds latency, drop-off risk, and another point where tracking can fail.

Can affiliates use 301 or 302?

Both work. 302 is more common for affiliate redirects since the destination changes per click. Both preserve UTMs if implemented correctly.

Why are my affiliate IDs dropping?

Common causes: a hop that strips query params, a 302 that doesn't preserve the URL, or a JS-based redirect that the network can't trace.

How many hops is too many?

Aim for ≤3. Each hop adds latency, drop-off risk, and another point where tracking can fail.

Can affiliates use 301 or 302?

Both work. 302 is more common for affiliate redirects since the destination changes per click. Both preserve UTMs if implemented correctly.

For affiliate networks

Affiliate Link Redirect Checker

Trace every hop in an affiliate link to verify your tracking ID survives.

Why affiliate links break

Affiliate links typically pass through 2–4 hops: cloaker, network, partner redirect, then the merchant. Each hop can drop tracking parameters.

Run any link through this checker before publishing — if your tracking ID doesn't appear in the final URL, your commissions are at risk.

Common use cases

Pre-launch verification

Confirm tracking IDs survive every hop before publishing a campaign.

Lost commission audits

Diagnose why a network isn't crediting clicks back to your account.

Cloaker QA

Verify that link cloaking still resolves to the right merchant URL after a network update.

Frequently asked questions

Other Redirect Checker variants

Pre-configured variants tuned to specific platforms and use cases.

For SEO audits

SEO Redirect Audit

Find redirect chains, loops, and chains that hurt rankings.

Open variant

Back to the full Redirect Checker

Get more from your links

The Affiliate Link Redirect Checker is just the start. Create a free LinkPilot workspace to track every click, manage custom domains, and share securely with your team.

No credit card required · Free forever plan