A data-driven review of KW's 70/30 split, 6% royalty fee, CAP structure, and profit share program — based on KW's own published documentation.
70/30
Commission Split
6% on all GCI
Royalty Fee
~$21,000
Annual CAP
$700K+
GCI to Hit CAP
Keller Williams is the largest real estate franchise in the world by agent count. Its training culture, BOLD program, and KW University are genuinely strong — particularly for new agents who need structured education and mentorship.
However, the KW compensation model is one of the most expensive in the industry when all components are calculated together. The 70/30 split is only part of the picture. The 6% royalty fee — paid to KW corporate on every transaction, separate from the Market Center split — adds a significant layer of cost that many agents do not fully account for when they join.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Market Center split | 30% of GCI | Goes to your local Market Center |
| KW royalty fee | 6% of GCI | Goes to KW corporate — separate from split |
| Annual CAP | ~$21,000 | After paying $21K in splits (not including royalty) |
| Monthly desk fee | $50–$150/mo | Varies by Market Center |
| Technology fee | $45/mo | KW Command platform |
| E&O insurance | Varies | Per Market Center |
| CAP reset | Annual (anniversary date) | Resets each year on join date |
< 2%
of KW agents ever earned $100K+ in lifetime profit share
Source: KW Press Release, July 23, 2024
$700K+
GCI required to hit the $21K CAP — fewer than 1% of agents produce at this level
Source: KW compensation structure
Pros
✓Strong training (KW University, BOLD)
✓Large agent community and culture
✓Profit share model for recruiters
✓Established national brand
✓In-person Market Center offices
Cons
✗70/30 split + 6% royalty = highest total cost
✗CAP requires $700K+ GCI to hit
✗Monthly desk and tech fees
✗< 2% of agents earned $100K+ lifetime profit share
✗Royalty fee does not count toward CAP
Keller Williams agents in Texas typically start on a 70/30 split — the agent keeps 70% and the Market Center keeps 30%. Additionally, KW charges a 6% royalty fee on every commission that goes to KW corporate, separate from the Market Center split. The combined effective split is approximately 64/36 before hitting the CAP.
The KW Market Center CAP is approximately $21,000 per year, though it varies by Market Center location. To hit the CAP on a 70/30 split, an agent needs to pay $21,000 in splits — which requires approximately $70,000 in GCI from the split portion. However, the 6% royalty fee is separate and does not count toward the CAP.
To pay $21,000 in 30% splits, a KW agent needs approximately $70,000 in GCI. However, the 6% royalty fee is charged separately on all GCI and does not count toward the CAP. At $70,000 GCI, the agent also pays $4,200 in royalty fees. To truly maximize the CAP benefit, agents need $700,000+ in GCI — a level fewer than 1% of individual agents reach.
According to a KW press release from July 23, 2024, less than 2% of KW agents ever earned $100,000 or more in lifetime profit share. The profit share program requires recruiting agents to your Market Center and maintaining active production to qualify.
Keller Williams has strong training programs through KW University and BOLD, which benefit new agents. However, the 70/30 split plus 6% royalty creates one of the highest total broker costs in the industry. New agents who close fewer transactions pay proportionally more in splits without the benefit of hitting the CAP.
Compare to TBS
Request the TBS pricing sheet and calculate your exact annual savings compared to KW's 70/30 split plus 6% royalty.
Editorial Disclosure & Sources
Texas Broker Sponsor™ is a competing broker sponsorship service. This review is based on KW official documentation and a KW press release dated July 23, 2024. Fee structures vary by Market Center. Verify all information directly with Keller Williams before making a sponsorship decision.