Paperwork
ASCAP vs BMI
Both are U.S. performing rights organizations that collect royalties when your songs are performed. ASCAP is free for writers; BMI is free for writers too, with a two-year agreement that renews. Pick your role below to see each one’s own terms; we do not rank them.
Key takeaways
You can only be in one
As a writer you can belong to one U.S. PRO at a time. Switching needs a release from the PRO you are leaving.
Terms differ on length and timing
BMI’s writer agreement starts at two years and renews automatically; the two PROs pay on different quarterly schedules.
SESAC and GMR are closed
SESAC is not accepting submissions and GMR is invitation-only, so for most writers the choice is ASCAP or BMI.
The facts, side by side
| Topic | ASCAP | BMI |
|---|---|---|
| Joining fee (writer) | Free. Joining is also free if you join as a writer and publisher at the same time.Source | Free. BMI says there are no fees or annual dues of any kind for songwriters and composers.Source, Source 2 |
| Joining fee (publisher) | $50, non-refundable (a publisher who is not already an ASCAP writer).Source | A one-time fee: $175 to affiliate an individual publisher, $250 for a publishing company that is a corporation (including sole-stockholder corporations) or an LLC, and $500 for a partnership. No annual dues. Due when the company is set up; neither refundable nor deductible from future earnings.Source, Source 2 |
| How to join | Open application. Writers apply themselves (managers cannot apply on a writer’s behalf) and verify their identity.Source | Open application online for songwriters, composers and publishers. BMI says more than 1.5 million songwriters and composers have chosen BMI.Source |
| Agreement term | Not stated on the pages checked. The writer agreement is linked from ASCAP’s membership agreement page.Source | Writer: initial term of two years, then automatic renewals unless cancelled under the agreement. Publisher: five years with automatic renewals. To leave, notice generally must be postmarked between six and three months before the term ends.Source, Source 2 |
| Writer and publisher shares | ASCAP royalties are split 50/50 between writers and publishers.Source | BMI treats writer and publisher payments as a single unit of 200%; with the usual division the writers’ shares total 100% and the publishers’ shares total 100%.Source |
| When you are paid | Each year is divided into quarters. For US performances, writers are paid three quarters after the performance quarter (for example, January to March performances are paid to writers in October) and publishers two quarters after.Source | Quarterly distributions in February, May, August and November (subject to change). Payments for the first quarter of a new affiliation may not be issued for 8 to 9 months after that quarter ends.Source, Source 2 |
| Payment minimums | Direct deposit pays any royalty of $1 or more. Checks are issued once at least $100 has accumulated.Source | Royalties paid by check or wire must reach a minimum of $250 from all sources to be paid in a given distribution.Source |
| How it describes itself | ASCAP says it is not-for-profit, founded and governed by its members, and not owned by private equity. ASCAP says 90 cents of every dollar it collects goes back to members.Source | BMI says more than 1.5 million songwriters and composers have chosen BMI.Source |
SESAC and Global Music Rights
The two other U.S. PROs are not open the way ASCAP and BMI are. SESAC says that for those interested in affiliating, it is not accepting any submissions at this time. SESAC: Help Center · checked October 20, 2026
Global Music Rights says it services a select, invitation-only client base. Global Music Rights: About · checked October 20, 2026
After you join
- Find your IPI number. Your PRO assigns it; see where to find yours.
- Register each song with your PRO, with every writer’s share agreed first (a split sheet helps).
- Register with The MLC as well, because a PRO collects performance royalties, not streaming mechanicals. See The MLC explained.
Questions people ask
Can I be in ASCAP and BMI at the same time?
As a writer you can belong to only one U.S. PRO at a time, according to ASCAP. You can switch, but ASCAP says you need a release form from your current PRO.
Which is better, ASCAP or BMI?
We do not rank them. This page lists each one’s own published terms side by side so you can compare fees, agreement length and payment timing.
Does it cost money to join?
Both are free for writers. For publishers, ASCAP charges $50 (a non-refundable fee for a publisher who is not already a writer member) and BMI charges a one-time $175, $250 or $500 depending on the type of publishing company, with no annual dues.
What about SESAC and GMR?
SESAC says it is not accepting submissions at this time, and Global Music Rights says it services a select, invitation-only client base. Neither has an open application.
Do I need to join a PRO to get paid for sync?
The sync fee itself comes from the license. A PRO collects performance royalties when a placement airs or streams, so a PRO affiliation is how writers collect that part.
Can I leave a PRO?
Yes, under the terms of your agreement. BMI says notice generally must be postmarked between six and three months before your term ends. Read your own agreement.