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When it comes to reality television, we like to assume that the folks selling their drama are getting paid for it. That there’s some sort of benefit these folks reap for exposing their dirty laundry this way. However, 90 Day Fiancé fans may be shocked to learn that’s not exactly the case. In fact, regular cast members aren’t exactly paid a princely sum for their air time. And to make matters worse, 90 Day Fiancé alum Danielle Jbali claims that some foreign cast members aren’t paid at all. 

The average ‘90 Day Fiancé’ paycheck

Contrary to what some 90 Day Fiancé fans may think, it turns out that cast members aren’t exactly reeling in the wild big bucks from TLC. During a chat with Domenick Nati on The Domenick Nati Show, cast member Danielle Jbali revealed how much they earn. 

“I would say it’s around $10,000 if you’re in all the episodes for the season,” Jbali told Nati. That shaked out to around $1000 per episode of the show. And while $10,000 is nothing to scoff at, it’s certainly not the big pile of money some fans seem to assume reality television stars are raking in for their appearances.

Jbali went on to tell Nati that in order to make ends meet, she always has a job while filming for TLC. “I’ve always had a job, even doing the show, I’ve always kept my job. I’ve never quit my job. I’ve always kept it because you can’t live off of not knowing if you’re gonna be filming again,” Jbali explained. 

Jbali added that TLC used to only give cast members half of the money up front. “When I first started in 2014, we got half of it upfront and half of it at the end of the season. They hold it so if you break your NDA you don’t get the rest of your money,” she explained. It’s unclear if that’s still their practice. 

‘90 Day Fiancé’ cast members use Cameo and OnlyFans to supplement income

Because the money from 90 Day Fiancé isn’t going to buy anyone a house or replace income from a job, many cast members wind up turning to other platforms in order to keep their income healthy. 

The two most widely used platforms are typically Cameo and OnlyFans. Cameo offers fans an opportunity to purchase messages in video format from their favorite cast members. You can request things like congratulations, birthday wishes, a pep talk, you name it. 

OnlyFans, meanwhile, is more focused on the NSFW side of things. Here, reality stars will post risque photos or videos. Fans can subscribe to their channel for a monthly payment and receive updates and recent posts. It offers a more tailored NSFW experience for those who are interested.

Danielle Jbali says TLC doesn’t always pay foreigners

Danielle Jbali of 90 Day Fiancé
Danielle Jbali of 90 Day Fiancé |daniellejbali via Instagram

Not only are 90 Day Fiancé cast members paid a relatively low amount for their appearance on the show, it also seems TLC sometimes doesn’t pay the foreign cast members. 

Danielle Jbali revealed this shocking tidbit during her chat with Domenick Nati. According to Jbali, foreign cast members who travel to the U.S. can only be paid if they have a work permit in the U.S. 

Jbali said, “I understand that if they film in another country, the foreigner can get paid. But when they’re filming in the U.S., only the U.S. citizen gets paid unless they have the work permit.”

“When they get to the U.S., they’re not allowed to work until after they do the adjustment of status and get the work permit. But when they go overseas to film, like the other show, Before the 90 Days and The Other Way, they get paid because they’re in their country and they’re able to work,” she added.

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