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Which accounts do I need?
A few plain questions, then a list of the accounts you need, in order, with what each one costs. For US musicians. Each bandmate should answer for themselves, because each writer and performer signs up separately.
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Fees checked . Check the official site on the day you sign up.
From the free accounts checker at splitnspin.com/tools/accounts-checker. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Read more in the guide
- The checklist: every account in order, for the band, each songwriter and each performer.
- Every song is two copyrights: why one account is never enough.
- Common money leaks: what goes wrong when one of these is missing.
Questions
Do I need both a PRO and The MLC?
If you write songs, yes. They collect different money. A PRO (BMI or ASCAP) collects performance royalties, and The MLC collects US streaming mechanicals. Neither pays people who haven’t signed up and registered their songs.
Can bandmates be at different PROs?
Yes. Each writer belongs to one US PRO at a time, but bandmates can be at different ones. Each PRO pays its own writer’s share.
Does my distributor handle all of this?
Usually not. Most distributors collect only the recording’s money from stores and streaming services. Song money and digital radio money come through other collectors.
What will all of this cost?
BMI and ASCAP are free for writers, The MLC is free, and SoundExchange is free to join (it keeps a 4–6% admin fee). A distributor costs from nothing to about $25 a year. Prices checked on October 28, 2026.
I’m a session player. Do I need any of this?
If you didn’t write the song and you don’t own the recording, you may need none of these accounts. Session players’ share of digital radio money is paid through a fund run for the musicians’ and actors’ unions. Whether you get a share of the recording is up to the band, so agree that before release.
This tool is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Fees and rules change: check the official site on the day you sign up. For a big deal, such as a sync offer, a label contract or selling a catalogue, pay a music lawyer for an hour.