May 18, 2022
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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. However, making money with bitcoin and cryptos goes beyond trading and investing. We’ll review the best crypto and bitcoin affiliate programs in this post.
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-sharing program.
Crypto exchanges and trading apps make up the bulk of affiliate program offers, followed by wallets and payment tools. Many programs don’t disclose their cookie duration, but you can assume 30 to 90 days. Many merchants lure publishers with recurring commission affiliate programs that pay for a user’s lifetime trading activities. For example, 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 payments to three months. Here are the top crypto affiliate niches and commission examples.
Top Niches | Commission Examples |
Trading | $1,200 per active user |
Lending | $500 per transaction |
Wallets | 15% per sale |
De-Fi | $25 per transaction |
Payments | 10% per sale |
NFTs | 20% per sale |
Best Cryptocurrency Affiliate Programs
Many crypto merchants pay affiliates cash, bitcoins, and cryptos, including litecoin, ethereum, and ripple. Furthermore, several companies run programs on Impact and CJ Affiliate. The benefits of dealing with reliable networks are their tracking and payment efficiencies. You’ll also find many merchants using in-house affiliate marketing software.
Some bloggers limit your earning potential and possibilities by listing 10 to 15 programs. Instead, I’ll provide you with a robust list of legitimate programs to increase your income and options. My list considers company reputation, customer reviews, website rankings, earnings per click (EPC), payout minimum, and personal fortunes made (well, maybe not “fortunes”). Now, let’s explore various CPA crypto offers for beginners and experienced affiliates.
Crypto Trading Affiliate Programs
Paxful
Paxful is a top exchange for buying Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether.
- Commission rate: 50%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
CoinSmart
CoinSmart takes the cryptic out of crypto. It offers trading tools for all crypto investors, i.e., beginners to advanced traders. CoinSmart pays a one-time commission of up to $50 for a referral’s verification and trade. Learn more and join the CoinSmart affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to $50
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Paybis
Paybis is a UK-based cryptocurrency exchange allowing users to purchase cryptos via credit, debit, and bank transfer. It supports many high-volume cryptos, including Bitcoin, Ripple, Litecoin, and more. Paybis pays a 20% recurring commission on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Paybis affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 20%
- Payment type: BTC or cash
- Affiliate software/network: Affise
Eightcap
Eightcap offers trading of 1,000+ financial instruments and securities, including 250+ cryptos, forex, indices, commodities, shares, and derivatives. Also, it uses MT4 and MT5 trading software. Eightcap pays a one-time commission of up to $900 per active client or rebates up to $6 per lot. Learn more and join the Eightcap affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to $900 CPA or up to $6 per lot
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Cellxpert
StormGain
StormGain offers a convenient trading platform for those who want to profit from the growth or decline of crypto assets. Also, it allows you to trade the most popular coins with a multiplier of up to 300x. StormGain pays a one-time commission of up to $1,200 for each qualified trader or up to 50% of gross revenue (spread). Learn more and join the StormGain affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to $1,200 CPA or up to 50% on gross revenue
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Cellxpert
ChangeNow
ChangeNOW provides a fast and straightforward cryptocurrency exchange. It has almost 300 coins available and doesn’t place trading limits, i.e., users can exchange as much as they want. ChangeNow pays a 0.4% recurring commission on a transaction’s total amount. Learn more and join the ChangeNow affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 0.4%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Coinrule
Coinrule makes automated trading easy with its crypto trading bot. Coinrule empowers traders to compete with professional algorithmic traders and hedge funds. No coding is required. Coinrule pays a recurring commission of up to 30% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Coinrule affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 30%
- Payment type: Cash or crypto
- Affiliate software/network: FirstPromoter
Coinbase
Coinbase supports heavily traded cryptos, including bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, and more. It also offers tools and products for pro traders and businesses. Coinbase pays a 50% recurring commission on a referral’s transactions for up to three months. Learn more and join the Coinbase affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 50%
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Binance
Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume and provides a comprehensive investing platform with access to hundreds of cryptos. Binance pays a recurring commission of up to 50% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Binance affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Crypto.com
Crypto.com offers standard, margin, and derivatives trading, a Visa card, a wallet, decentralized finance, interest, credit, payment rewards, and NFT products. Crypto.com pays a 10% recurring commission on a referral’s transactions and up to $20 per lead on CJ Affiliate. Learn more and join the Crypto.com affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 10% or up to $20
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency or cash
- Affiliate software/network: In-house and CJ Affiliate
Gemini
Gemini is a secure and regulated exchange and custodian. Customers can buy, sell, and store more than 30 cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, bitcoin cash, ether, litecoin, and Zcash. Gemini pays a one-time commission of up to $55 for a referral’s first trade. Learn more and join the Gemini affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to $55
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact and Rakuen Advertising
Bitfinex
Bitfinex‘s mission is to give its users the ultimate cryptocurrency trading experience. It offers trading tools, innovative technology, and excellent customer service. Bitfinex pays a recurring commission of up to 55% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Bitfinex affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 55%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
BitFlyer
Millions globally trust BitFlyer as a secure way to trade crypto. Getting started on BitFlyer requires three easy, fast, and safe steps. BitFlyer pays a one-time commission of $5 per lead. Learn more and join the BitFlyer affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $5
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
BitMart
BitMart is a cryptocurrency services company offering spot, futures, and OTC trading. BitMart pays a recurring commission of up to 70% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the BitMart affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 70%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
BitMEX
BitMEX is a P2P trading platform that offers leveraged contracts for purchase and sale in Bitcoin. BitMEX pays a recurring commission of up to 20% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the BitMEX affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 20%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Bitstamp
Bitstamp is one of the longest-running crypto exchanges and supports fiat currency, bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies. Bitstamp pays a recurring commission of up to 50% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Bitstamp affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Bybit
Bybit is one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges, with more than a million registered users. Bybit pays a 30% recurring commission on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Bybit affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 30%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
CEX
CEX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange offering Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Ethereum, Zcash, Dash, and other markets. CEX pays a 30% recurring commission on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the CEX affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 30%
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Changelly
Changelly is a fast and secure way to exchange, trade, and purchase 150+ cryptocurrencies. Changelly pays a recurring commission of up to 60% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Changelly affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 60%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Coinmama
Coinmama offers an easy, fast, and secure way to purchase Bitcoin and Ethereum. Affiliates earn Bitcoins while helping Coinmama gain new customers. Coinmama pays a recurring commission of up to 30% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Coinmama affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 30%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
CoinSpot
CoinSpot is one of Australia’s largest crypto exchanges with over 2 million customers. Users can buy and sell cryptos, DeFi, NFTs, and more. CoinSpot pays a recurring commission of 5 to 30 percent on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the CoinSpot affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 30%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
24 Best Bitcoin Services for Your Projects
eToro
eToro is a social trading and multi-asset brokerage company that focuses on providing financial and copy trading services. eToro pays a one-time commission of $200 per lead. Learn more and join the eToro affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $200
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: In-house and CJ Affiliate
FTX
FTX is a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange with quarterly and perpetual futures for various cryptocurrencies, leveraged tokens, and OTC. FTX pays a recurring commission of up to 40% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the FTX affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Gate.io
Gate is a top-ten crypto exchange by volume and weekly visits. It supports trading and investing in 1,000+ coins, including bitcoin, ethereum, eos, and many more. Gate.io pays a recurring commission of up to 50% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Gate affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Huobi
Huobi Global is a leading global digital asset exchange with a worldwide network of licenses. Huobi pays a recurring commission of up to 50% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Huobi affiliate program. (Alternatively, here’s the Huobi referral program.)
- Commission rate: Up to 50%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Kraken
Kraken is one of the world’s largest and oldest bitcoin exchanges with the widest selection of digital assets and fiat currencies. Kraken pays a 20% recurring commission on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Kraken affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 20%
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
KuCoin
KuCoin allows you to buy, sell, and trade hundreds of cryptocurrencies. It offers spot and derivative trading, lending, staking, and more. KuCoin pays a recurring commission of up to 40% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the KuCoin affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
LocalBitcoins
LocalBitcoins allows users to post advertisements regarding exchange rates and payment methods for buying and selling bitcoins. LocalBitcoins pays a recurring commission of up to 40% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the LocalBitcoins affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 40%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
OKX
OKX is a secure crypto exchange that makes it easy to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. OKX pays a recurring commission of up to 60% on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the OKX affiliate program. (Note: OKX requires you to get ten referrals before becoming eligible to join its affiliate program.)
- Commission rate: Up to 60%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Nexo
Nexo empowers millions of people to harness the value behind their crypto assets, shaping a new, better financial system. Users can buy, sell, exchange, borrow, and use a cashback card. Nexo pays a one-time commission of 10 BTC for a referral’s first trade. Learn more and join the Nexo referral program.
- Commission rate: 10 BTC
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Poloniex
Poloniex is one of the largest and most popular cryptocurrency platforms supporting 100+ spot trading markets. Poloniex pays a 20% recurring commission on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Poloniex referral program.
- Commission rate: 20%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Wazirx
Wazirx is one of India’s most trusted bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges to buy, sell, and trade bitcoin, ethereum, ripple, Tron, litecoin, and more. Wazirx pays a 20% recurring commission on a referral’s transactions. Learn more and join the Wazirx referral program.
- Commission rate: 20%
- 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 stores private keys—a string of letters and numbers that produce a specific bitcoin address. There are different types of wallets for various needs and budgets. Users gain maximum security with encrypted passwords.
Ledger Wallet
Ledger is a leader in security and infrastructure solutions for cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications. Ledger pays a 10% commission on sales. Learn more and join the Ledger Wallet affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 10%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house and Amazon Associates
Trezor
Trezor is a hardware wallet providing advanced security for handling bitcoin private keys. Trezor pays up to a 15% commission on sales. Learn more and join the TREZOR affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 15%
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Tune
Other Crypto Affiliate Programs
BlockFi
BlockFi helps crypto investors manage digital assets and earn crypto by offering crypto interest accounts, crypto trading, and crypto-backed loans. BlockFi pays a one-time commission of up to $500 on a referral’s transaction. Learn more and join the BlockFi affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to $500
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Blockonomics
Blockonomics is a decentralized and permissionless Bitcoin payment solution. Accept Bitcoin directly, invoice anonymously, or be your own bank. Blockonomics pays a recurring commission of 30% on a user’s transaction fees. Learn more and join the Blockonomics affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 30% (on the 1% it charges users)
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Bitcoin IRA
Bitcoin IRA allows you to invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum Classic with your IRA. Bitcoin IRA pays a one-time commission of $50 per lead. Learn more and join the Bitcoin IRA affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $50
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Cake DeFi
Cake empowers you to control your finances by creating cash flow and harnessing the potential of decentralized finance (DeFi). Cake pays $25 plus a recurring commission of up to 1% on transactions. Learn more and join the Cake DeFi affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $25 + up to 1%
- Payment type: Cryptocurrency
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
CoinGate
CoinGate primarily develops payment solutions for companies that want to integrate bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment methods. CoinGate pays a 10% commission on sales. Learn more and join CoinGate’s referral and affiliate programs.
- Commission rate: 10%
- Payment type: Cash
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
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. CoinPayments pays a 25% recurring commission on payment transactions. Learn more and join the CoinPayments affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 25%
- 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 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. Of course, bad actors, legal dramas, and theft will also make headlines, so stay close to developments.
Scour the marketplace for high-paying affiliate programs and referral offers because many exist. The crypto industry blurs the line between the two, and many merchants offer both. Binance and Coinbase, for instance, have referral and affiliate programs. Typically, referral programs are for existing customers to promote to their family and friends. Also, they lack sophisticated tracking and reporting. On the other hand, affiliate programs are for marketers and content creators to promote to their followers, subscribers, and fans.
Get paid twice. Not only do crypto referral programs pay some of the highest recurring commission rates in affiliate marketing, but some merchants pay commissions on sub-affiliate earnings. A sub-affiliate is an affiliate recruited through your direct affiliate. You can think of it as first and second-tier affiliates. Paxful, ByBit, BitMart, Bitfinex, KuCoin, and Paybis have sub-affiliate programs paying up to 10 percent.
Amazon and eBay have affiliate programs and sell crypto-related products, including apparel, books, accessories, and more. In addition, 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. Lastly, promote the companies you use, like, and trust to legitimize your recommendations on your tools and resources page.
The crypto market is volatile and not for everyone. So, consider if your audience is a good fit. However, digital currencies are an exciting development, so explore the many ways to make money with bitcoin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are crypto affiliate programs?
Crypto affiliate programs pay content creators (bloggers, YouTubers, etc.) for leads and new users. Many of these programs share revenue with affiliates based on trading fees.
What is the best bitcoin affiliate program?
While there are many excellent crypto and bitcoin affiliate programs, Paxful is one of the best because of its high commission rate and sub-affiliate program, which allows you to earn twice.
How do I promote crypto affiliate programs?
You promote recurring affiliate programs the same way you would standard programs, i.e., by creating and posting high-quality content about digital currencies via blogging, YouTube, social media, etc.
Does Blockchain have an affiliate program?
Yes, it does. Learn more about the Blockchain.com affiliate program.
How much money can you make with crypto and bitcoin programs?
Depending on a program’s commission rate and cookie duration, you can make a lot of money. Those two factors will influence how much passive income you make. Public interest and trading volumes will also determine your financial gain.