Last updated on April 12, 2021
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Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continue to surge in search engine queries and public interest. A growing desire for bitcoin, blockchain, and digital currencies has produced many exchanges, apps, products, services, and blogs. The appetite to own cryptocurrencies is increasing as well. However, making money with bitcoin and cryptos goes beyond trading and investing in them.
Many crypto companies utilize affiliate marketing programs to grow their customer base, sales, and trading volumes. A merchant may use one or multiple cost per action (CPA) models, including cost per sale/pay per sale, cost per lead/pay per lead, and cost per transaction/pay per transaction. A transaction could be a trade, money transfer, deposit, or other activity involving money. For instance, the merchant will pay affiliates a commission rate of 40 percent on referral trading fees. That compensation plan is equivalent to a revenue share program.
Crypto exchanges lead affiliate program offers, followed by wallets and financial planning apps. Many programs don’t disclose their cookie duration, but you can assume 30 to 90 days. Many merchants lure publishers with recurring affiliate programs that pay for a user’s lifetime activities. Suppose you refer Alice to Paxful. Alice gets verified and starts trading, takes a break for a year, and then resumes trading. Regardless of when Alice trades, you’ll earn a percentage of her trading fees. On the other hand, some companies limit recurring payouts to months or cycles; for example, Coinbase limits recurring earnings to three months.
Best Cryptocurrency Affiliate Programs
Let’s review the best crypto and bitcoin affiliate programs in 2021. Although the advertiser pool remains small, new programs are surfacing monthly. Many programs pay affiliates in cash, bitcoins, and cryptos, including litecoin, ethereum, and ripple.
Some bloggers limit your earning potential and imagination by listing 10 to 15 programs. Instead, I’ll provide you with a robust list of legitimate offers to increase your options and income. My list is based on company reputation, customer reviews, website rankings, earnings per click (EPC), payout minimum, and personal fortunes made (well, maybe not “fortunes”). Several crypto companies use Impact, which is one of my favorite affiliate networks. The benefit of dealing with trustworthy networks is tracking and payment efficiencies.
Crypto Trading Affiliate Programs
1. Paxful
Paxful is a top exchange for buying Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether.
- Cost per action (CPA): Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 50%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
2. Binance
Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume and provides a comprehensive investing platform with access to hundreds of cryptos. Learn more and join the Binance affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
3. CEX
CEX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange offering Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Ethereum, Zcash, Dash, and other markets. Learn more and join the CEX affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 30%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
4. Kraken
Kraken is one of the world’s largest and oldest bitcoin exchanges with the widest selection of digital assets and fiat currencies. Learn more and join the Kraken affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 20%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
5. YouHodler
YouHodler is a “one-stop-shop” crypto-fiat wallet to get crypto-backed loans. It offers lendings, savings, storage, and exchange products to boost your returns. Learn more and join the YouHodler affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to $130
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring
- Payment type: Cash or cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: Affise
6. Bitfinex
Bitfinex‘s mission is to give its users the ultimate cryptocurrency trading experience. It offers trading tools, innovative technology, and excellent customer service. Learn more and join the Bitfinex affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 55%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
7. BitFLyer
Millions globally trust BitFlyer as a secure way to trade crypto. Getting started on BitFlyer requires three easy, fast, and secure steps. Learn more and join the BitFlyer affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per lead
- Commission rate: $5
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
8. BitMart
BitMart is a cryptocurrency services company offering spot, futures, and OTC trading. Learn more and join the BitMart affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 70%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
9. BitMEX
BitMEX is a P2P trading platform that offers leveraged contracts that are bought and sold in Bitcoin. Learn more and join the BitMEX affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 20%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
10. Bybit
Bybit is one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges, with more than a million registered users. Learn more and join the Bybit affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 30%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
11. Changelly
Changelly is a fast and secure way to exchange, trade, and purchase 150+ cryptocurrencies. Learn more and join the Changelly affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 60%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
12. Coinbase
Coinbase supports heavily traded cryptos, including bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, and more. It also offers tools and products for pro traders and businesses. Learn more and join the Coinbase affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 50%
- Commission type: Recurring (limited to three months)
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
13. Coinmama
Coinmama offers an easy, fast, and secure way to purchase Bitcoin and Ethereum. Affiliates earn Bitcoins while helping Coinmama gain new customers. Learn more and join the Coinmama affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 15%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
14. CoinSmart
CoinSmart takes the cryptic out of crypto. It offers trading tools for all levels of crypto investors, i.e., from beginners to advanced traders. Learn more and join the CoinSmart affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per lead
- Commission rate: Up to $50
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
15. eToro
eToro is a social trading and multi-asset brokerage company that focuses on providing financial and copy trading services. Learn more and join the eToro affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per lead
- Commission rate: $200
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: In-house and CJ Affiliate
16. Exmo
Exmo is a cryptocurrency exchange and wallet that promises to offer low commissions, high security, fast deposits/withdrawals, and a user-friendly interface. Learn more and join the Exmo referral program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
17. FTX
FTX is a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built by traders, for traders. It supports quarterly and perpetual futures for all major cryptocurrencies, leveraged tokens, and OTC. Learn more and join the FTX affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
18. KuCoin
KuCoin allows you to buy, sell, and trade hundreds of cryptocurrencies. If offers spot and derivative trading, lending, staking, and more. Learn more and join the KuCoin affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
19. LocalBitcoins
LocalBitcoins allows users to post advertisements regarding exchange rates and payment methods for buying and selling bitcoins. Learn more and join the LocalBitcoins affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
20. OKEx
OKEx is a secure crypto exchange that makes it easy to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. Learn more and join the OKEx affiliate program. (Note: OKEx requires you to get 10 referrals before becoming eligible to join its affiliate program.)
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
21. Poloniex
Poloniex is one of the largest and most popular cryptocurrency market platforms in the world. It serves 100+ spot trading markets. Learn more and join the Poloniex referral program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 20%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
22. Wazirx
Wazirx is one of India’s most trusted bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges. Buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Tron, Litecoin, and more. Learn about the Wazirx referral program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 50%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Crypto Wallet Affiliate Programs
Like a traditional wallet that you use to store money, an altcoin or bitcoin wallet is used to store private keys—a string of letters and numbers that produce a specific bitcoin address. There are different types of wallets, and wallets are usually encrypted with passwords for maximum security.
23. TRASTRA
TRASTRA offers a cryptocurrency debit card for payments, a multi-currency wallet, and web and mobile apps for users in the EU and UK. Learn more and join the TRASTRA affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale and cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 5€ per card activation + 0.2% from crypto exchange volume
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring and recurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
24. Ledger Wallet
Ledger is a leader in security and infrastructure solutions for cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications. Learn more and join the Ledger Wallet affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 10%
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house and Amazon Associates
25. KeepKey
KeepKey is a hardware wallet that secures bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, and other altcoins. Learn more and join the KeepKey affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 25%
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: LeadDyno
26. TREZOR
TREZOR is a hardware wallet providing advanced security for handling bitcoin private keys. Learn more and join the TREZOR affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 25%
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Tune
Other Crypto Affiliate Programs
27. BlockFi
BlockFi helps crypto investors manage digital assets and earn crypto by offering crypto interest accounts, crypto trading, and crypto-backed loans. Learn more and join the BlockFi affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: Up to $500
- Commission type: One-time, nonrecurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
28. CoinPayments
CoinPayments is a digital currency payment solution allowing merchants to accept Bitcoin and over 1700 altcoins in their store through easy-to-use plugins, APIs, and POS interfaces. Learn more and join the CoinPayments affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per transaction
- Commission rate: 25%
- Commission type: Recurring
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Your Next Move
Can you make money with bitcoin and crypto affiliate programs? Yes, you can. Demand and access are increasing, millions of people trade cryptos, adoption is growing among institutional investors and big companies, and skeptics like Jamie Dimon, the CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase, are coming around. News about digital currencies and blockchain are breaking daily with M&A activity occurring frequently. Case in point, Binance acquired CoinMarketCap, a leading data source for the industry. Bad actors, legal dramas, and theft will also make headlines, so stay close to developments.
Be on the lookout for promising referral and affiliate programs. The crypto industry blurs the line between the two, and many merchants offer both. Binance and Coinbase, for instance, have referral and affiliate programs. Referral programs are typically for existing customers to promote to family and friends. Also, they lack sophisticated tracking and reporting. On the other hand, affiliate programs are for marketers and content creators, including bloggers, YouTubers, and influences. Moreover, crypto affiliate programs pay some of the highest commission rates in affiliate marketing.
Amazon and eBay have affiliate programs and sell crypto-related products, including apparel, books, accessories, and more. Coursera, Skillshare, and other e-learning sites have online courses on the topic. You might also promote other financial affiliate programs to increase your commissions.
The crypto market is exciting but volatile and not for everyone. So, consider if your audience is a good fit. Scour the marketplace for high-paying affiliate programs because many exist. Promote the companies you use, like, and trust to legitimize your recommendations, as I’ve done on my tools and resources page. Digital currencies are an exciting development so explore ways to profit from them.
