Commission splits play a major role in an agent's take-home pay. The Coldwell Banker commission split may start at 50/50 for new agents and increase to 90/10 for experienced agents.
For example, on a $500,000 home sale with a 3% commission, the gross commission is $15,000. Some Coldwell Banker offices deduct their 6% franchise fee first, leaving $14,100. At a 50/50 split, the agent’s share is $7,050 before other fees. At a 90/10 split, it jumps to $12,690.
Beyond splits, agents often pay monthly desk or administrative fees that can exceed $100, as well as transaction or referral fees. These recurring costs mean the actual payout can be lower than the split alone suggests.
Compared with other brokerages, Coldwell Banker’s model is competitive but not as agent-friendly as some brands that offer higher splits with fewer deductions. Still, the company delivers global recognition, training, and support that can benefit new agents.
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Coldwell Banker fees at a glance
Here’s an example of how Coldwell Banker’s commission model plays out on a $500,000 home sale with a 3% commission (close to the average commission rate). This scenario shows what agents actually take home once franchise and other fees are factored in, though these can vary by office.
| Starting split (50%) | Max split (90%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross commission (3%) | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Franchise fee (6%) | $900 | $900 |
| Agent commission after split | $7,050 | $12,690 |
| Desk/tech fee | $110 | $110 |
| Net pay | $6,940 | $12,580 |
How the Coldwell Banker commission split works
Coldwell Banker agents typically start on a 50/50 split,[1] with the potential to increase to 90/10 as their production grows.[2] These tiers generally reset each year on the agent’s contract anniversary.
Traditionally, Coldwell Banker deducted its 6% franchise fee before applying the split. More recently, the company has been encouraging brokerages to take the full franchise fee from the agent’s portion after the split. Because of this shift, how the franchise fee is applied can vary by location.
For example, on a $10,000 commission, the traditional method leaves $9,400 to split after the franchise fee. This results in $4,700 for a 50/50 split or $8,460 for a 90/10 split. If the franchise fee is taken after the commission split, the agent’s take-home pay would be lower.
While lower splits may reduce potential earnings, agents gain access to Coldwell Banker’s national brand, in-house training, and marketing support. These resources can help newer agents build their business faster.
For top-producing agents, however, the structure may be less competitive compared with brokerages that offer higher splits with fewer deductions.
Coldwell Banker commission caps
Coldwell Banker doesn't have a standardized, company-wide commission cap. In most offices, agents remain on their agreed split and continue paying the royalty fee throughout the year, even as their production grows.
For top-producing agents, the lack of a cap can limit long-term earnings compared to firms like Keller Williams or eXp Realty that offer caps. Still, Coldwell Banker’s brand recognition and support may offset this trade-off for agents who value a strong platform for building their business.
Other fees
In addition to the Coldwell Banker commission split, agents are responsible for several fees that affect their earnings. The largest is the franchise fee — typically 6% of gross commission income, though some offices charge up to 8%.[3]
Most Coldwell Banker offices also require a monthly desk or technology fee of around $110, which covers office space, platforms, email, and administrative support.[2]
Agents may also incur transaction fees and out-of-pocket marketing expenses, such as for signage and advertising.
Because fees can vary by office, it’s important to request a fee breakdown before joining to understand the full cost of doing business.
Coldwell Banker pros and cons
- Strong brand recognition. With over a century in business, Coldwell Banker boasts name recognition that can help agents attract clients.
- Training and support. Many offices provide access to Coldwell Banker University, mentorship, and resources that benefit new agents.
- Global reach. The network spans dozens of countries, giving agents access to referral opportunities and international brand credibility.
- Lower starting splits. New agents may start at a 50/50 split, which can feel restrictive compared to other brokerages.
- Franchise fees. The 6–8% royalty fee — deducted either off the top or from the agent’s share, depending on office policy — reduces take-home pay.
- Variable additional costs. Desk, transaction, and other fees vary by office, making it difficult to predict true earnings without a local breakdown.
Coldwell Banker commission split: What agents think
Agent feedback on the Coldwell Banker commission split is mixed. Many highlight the value of the brand and training for new agents, while others feel the lower starting splits and ongoing fees make it harder to maximize income.
One agent emphasized the balance of fees and support:
“CBR gives you all the support necessary to succeed if you want to. There is a monthly desk fee plus a commission split structure, but the training and support is worth the trade off. ”
— Indeed
Another highlighted the training and support available:
“Tons of free training. License updates for free. You can put as much or as little time into this as you want. Managers always willing to help. I would highly recommend CBP to anyone.”
— Indeed
A former agent described the trade-off of training versus costs:
“I spent my first year at CB. I learned a ton and had a great mentor. I left after a year because it is very expensive.”
Others criticized the ongoing fees and lack of leads:
“Lots of fees, no real training and no real support—you are on your own, but the fees never end. No leads given. Need to know a lot of people so that you can build a client base.”
— Indeed
How Coldwell Banker compares
| Category | Coldwell Banker | Century 21 | Keller Williams | RE/MAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission split | 50/50 to 90/10 | Typically 70/30 to 90/10 | Typically 70/30 | 95/5; also offers RAPP options (80/20, 70/30, 60/40) |
| Commission cap | No universal cap | $200,000 GCI (varies by franchise) | Two caps — $3,000 franchise; $18K–24K+ office (varies by market center) | RAPP functions like a soft cap around $23K |
| Franchise fee | 6–8% | 6–8% | 6% | 5% corporate marketing fee |
| Desk fee | $110+/mo | $0–100+/mo | $75–100+/mo possible | $300–2,500 per month |
| Other fees | Marketing materials | $295–395 transaction fees possible | Transaction fees vary ($50–399). May have startup fees (e.g., $245) | Admin or transaction fees (varies by office) |
Coldwell Banker offers splits between 50/50 and 90/10 and charges 6–8% franchise fees, as well as monthly desk fees. Unlike Keller Williams, which caps fees as low as $18,000 at some offices, Coldwell Banker has no universal cap, so top producers continue to pay throughout the year.
RE/MAX advertises a 95/5 split, but steep desk fees of $300–2,500 per month offset the benefit for some. Century 21 is more similar to Coldwell Banker, though many offices let agents reach 100% commission after hitting a cap — something Coldwell Banker generally doesn’t offer.
Bottom line
Coldwell Banker’s commission split structure can work well for new agents who value training, support, and a recognizable brand. The trade-off is lower starting splits, ongoing franchise fees, and no universal cap.
For experienced agents, brokerages like Keller Williams or RE/MAX may offer a stronger earning potential once caps or high splits are reached. Still, Coldwell Banker remains a top option for those prioritizing stability and brand credibility over maximizing take-home pay.
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FAQ
Does Coldwell Banker charge desk fees?
Yes. Many offices charge monthly desk or technology fees, often starting around $110. Exact amounts vary by location.
How is commission split in real estate?
The gross commission is typically divided between the agent and their brokerage. The specific split can vary widely depending on the brokerage, the agent’s experience, and any caps or fees, often ranging from 50/50 for new agents up to 90/10 or higher for top producers.
What is a commission split cap?
A cap sets a limit on how much an agent pays the brokerage in a year. After reaching the cap, the agent keeps 100% of their commission for the remainder of that period.
What is a franchise fee?
A franchise fee is a percentage paid to the parent company, usually 5–8% of the commission income. At most brokerages, it’s deducted from the agent’s share after the commission split.
