May 10, 2023
This page contains affiliate links, and we may earn commissions for purchases on other sites.
The standard way to make money in affiliate marketing is through sales commissions. For instance, I promote various business and marketing tools on my site. A click on one of my affiliate links, followed by a sale, will result in a commission for me. Successful affiliate marketers earning four and five monthly figures rely on sales commissions. However, affiliate commissions can be made much easier with pay-per-lead affiliate programs.
What is a pay-per-lead program? A pay-per-lead (PPL) affiliate program is a cost-per-action (CPA) program that compensates an affiliate for getting prospects and new users. PPL is also known as a cost per lead (CPL). Pay-per-lead programs commonly require a lead to:
- Sign up for a free trial
- Submit contact info, e.g., name, home address, email, etc.
- Subscribe to an email newsletter
- Create an account
- Register for a webinar or event
- Download or install an app
- Request a demo, e.g., a software or product demo
- Order a bank card, e.g., a debit or credit card
- Book/schedule a meeting, appointment, or visit
- Request a quote, e.g., a life insurance quote
- Deposit or transfer funds
- Complete a survey, poll, or form
Pay-per-lead programs are attractive because they set a low bar. Getting a person to sign up for something is more straightforward than getting that same individual to make a purchase. For example, Domestika pays $2 per new account, Tidio $5 per new user, and ShareASale $30 per new affiliate who generates sales.
Pay-per-lead programs can be helpful during slow periods and commission droughts (slumps happen to the best of us). On the other hand, because actions or objectives are less demanding than sales, PPL programs typically pay low commission rates, for example, $0.01 per lead. Also, focusing exclusively on pay-per-lead programs will not likely make you thousands monthly.
Best Pay Per Lead Affiliate Programs
Review top and high-paying PPL affiliate programs for beginners and experienced affiliates. First, I won’t waste your time with an incomplete list of 10 to 20 programs or so-called treasures and unproven programs with no EPC data. Additionally, you can forget companies starting with “Click” and questionable psychic reading and casino businesses.
My list showcases high-converting and reputable merchants in profitable niches. These programs are available on established affiliate networks to ensure you get paid for getting leads and new users. Additionally, review my affiliate category for more listicles if you have a specific niche in mind, like travel affiliate programs. Now, let’s get to it.
PPL SMB Affiliate Programs
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) typically require a handful of tools for operations, finance, human resources, sales, and marketing, for example, accounting and email marketing software. I’m only scratching the surface because hundreds of lucrative sales and lead programs exist in the SMB niche.
1-800Accountant
1-800Accountant provides accounting services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and independent contractors. The company offers services such as bookkeeping, tax planning, and tax preparation, among others, and seeks to make these services more accessible by leveraging technology.
The 1-800Accountant affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $1
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Semrush
Semrush is a powerful and versatile SEO, advertising, social media, and content marketing platform for online marketers. It features keyword, link building, market analysis, PPC, content, and video advertising research tools.
The Semrush affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
ShareASale offers tracking technology, reporting tools, and automated payment options to facilitate the affiliate marketing process. It also provides a platform where merchants and affiliates can connect and form partnerships.
The ShareASale affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $150 per merchant and $30 per qualifying affiliate
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Square
Square is a financial services and digital payments company. In addition to point-of-sale systems, Square offers a wide range of other financial and business services. These include solutions for payroll, customer engagement, marketing, online sales, and business analytics. The company also operates Cash App, a popular mobile payment service that allows individuals to send, spend, save, and invest money.
The Square affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $5
- Cookie/referral period: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Tidio
Tidio is an all-in-one customer service app that improves your customer support and helps generate more sales. Its live chat widget makes your business available 24/7, while AI-powered chatbots engage your customers in real-time.
The Tidio affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $5
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Zenefits
Zenefits provides a cloud-based software platform to help businesses manage their human resources services. It offers tools for tasks such as payroll, benefits administration, compliance, hiring, onboarding, and employee performance management.
The Zenefits affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $25
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
FreshBooks
FreshBooks provides cloud-based accounting solutions for small businesses and freelancers. The platform offers features for invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and project management. It also provides reporting and analytics tools to help businesses manage their finances effectively.
The FreshBooks affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Keap
Keap provides customer relationship management (CRM), sales, and marketing automation solutions primarily for small businesses. The app integrates various tools that help businesses manage customer interactions, track client information, automate marketing campaigns, and streamline sales processes.
The Keap affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $25
- Cookie/referral period: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate and PartnerStack
QuickBooks
QuickBooks is an accounting software package developed and marketed by Intuit. It’s primarily designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering on-premises accounting applications as well as cloud-based versions.
The QuickBooks affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $5
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Sage
Sage is a cloud-based accounting and invoice management software for small businesses. It offers features such as expense management, invoice creation, and cash flow forecasting.
The Sage affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: £5
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
PPL Education Affiliate Programs
The e-learning niche is growing exponentially. Here are a few companies worth reviewing, and you can explore other e-learning companies for affiliate programs.
Domestika
Domestika is an online learning community that focuses on creative fields. Originating from Spain and growing internationally, it offers a wide range of courses in areas such as illustration, design, photography, and more.
The Domestika affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $2
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds offers an online course platform for creating, selling, and promoting your online classes. Users can monetize their skills, experiences, and audience with content for continuing education, compliance training, and employee/customer onboarding.
The LearnWorlds affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: Up to $10
- Cookie/referral period: Up to 45 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate and ShareASale
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that offers video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. Courses completed on LinkedIn Learning can often be displayed on the user’s LinkedIn profile, showcasing their acquired skills to potential employers or connections.
The LinkedIn Learning affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $8
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: FlexOffers
Pluralsight
Pluralsight offers a variety of video training courses for software developers, IT administrators, and creative professionals. It also provides skill assessments, learning paths, and analytics to help users track their progress and reach their learning goals.
The Pluralsight affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $5
- Cookie/referral period: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
PPL Financial Affiliate Programs
The financial industry is highly competitive, and many financial companies use affiliate programs to attract new customers. So it’s no wonder the finance niche has many high-paying sales and lead programs for investing, insurance, credit reporting, credit cards, loans, and related products/services.
Chime
Chime provides fee-free mobile banking services through its digital platform. As a neobank, Chime doesn’t operate physical branches and instead delivers all banking services online.
The Chime affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie/referral period: 24 hours
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact and CJ Affiliate
CIT Bank
CIT Bank operates primarily online without traditional physical branch networks. It offers a range of banking products including savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and home mortgage loans.
The CIT Bank affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $100
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Credit Karma
Credit Karma offers financial tools and resources, including free credit scores, identity monitoring, credit card recommendations, loan advice (car, home, and personal), and more.
The Credit Karma affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $3
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
National Debt Relief
National Debt Relief offers debt settlement services. They work with individuals who have significant amounts of unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loans, and who are struggling to make the required payments.
The National Debt Relief affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $27.50
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
YNAB
You Need A Budget (YNAB) is a personal budgeting software that helps users take control of their finances. It operates on the principle that every dollar should be “given a job,” meaning that all income should be allocated to specific expenses, savings goals, or debt payments.
The YNAB affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $6
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
PPL Insurance Affiliate Programs
Esurance
Esurance sells direct-to-consumer (DTC) personal car insurance, along with other types of coverage such as homeowners, renters, and motorcycle insurance.
The Esurance affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Hippo
Hippo streamlines the insurance process, offering quick online quotes and modern coverage options to fit today’s lifestyles. Its goal is to provide more comprehensive and affordable coverage, with a strong focus on proactive prevention measures.
The Hippo affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $5
- Cookie/referral period: 90 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Hiscox
Hiscox offers coverage for small businesses, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals. It offers various insurance products, including professional liability, general liability, cyber insurance, and property insurance.
The Hiscox affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $25
- Cookie/referral period: 7 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
PPL Dating Affiliate Programs
Dating/matchmaking is another highly competitive market. Therefore, many dating affiliate programs are available, with advertisers paying high commission rates. Using PPL programs to get new users is almost necessary, given free dating apps are plentiful.
EliteSingles
EliteSingles is an innovative matchmaking service designed for sophisticated and ambitious professionals of all ages seeking satisfying relationships.
The EliteSingles affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $7
- Cookie/referral period: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Match
Match redefines how single men and women meet, flirt, date, and fall in love through online dating. Match allows users to create a profile, search for potential matches, and communicate with other members through direct messages and chats.
The Match affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: Up to £4
- Cookie/referral period: Up to 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Other PPL Affiliate Programs
Grammarly
Grammarly offers grammar, punctuation, and spell-checking software to help students, writers, and professionals. Grammarly checks over 250 grammar rules and has AI tools to improve content.
The Grammarly affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $0.20
- Cookie/referral period: 90 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
1Password
1Password is a password management tool that helps users securely store and manage their passwords, credit card information, and other sensitive data. It uses strong encryption to ensure that this information is kept secure.
The 1Password affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $2
- Cookie/referral period: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Atlassian
Atlassian develops products for software developers and project managers. It’s best known for its issue tracking application, Jira, and its team collaboration and wiki product, Confluence.
The Atlassian affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $5 to $30
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Byte
Byte provides access to straighter teeth from invisible aligners in the comfort of your home.
The Byte affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $45
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Constant Contact
Constant Contact enables individuals and business owners to create and share professional-looking emails in minutes. It offers email marketing and complimentary digital marketing tools.
The Constant Contact affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $5
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact and CJ Affiliate
GoDaddy
GoDaddy is one of the most extensive website/digital services platforms supporting millions of customers globally. It provides a variety of services related to website building, domain registration, hosting, and online marketing.
The GoDaddy affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $2
- Cookie/referral period: 7 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Minted
Minted is an online marketplace connecting independent artists and designers with consumers looking for unique, high-quality stationery, art, and home decor products. It has been featured in numerous publications and has won several awards for its innovative approach to e-commerce and its commitment to supporting the creative community.
The Minted affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $1
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie allows users to earn money by taking surveys. It partners with market research companies to provide users with surveys on various topics, including consumer products, health and wellness, and entertainment.
The Survey Junkie affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $1.25
- Cookie/referral period: 24 hours
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Swagbucks
Swagbucks.com is a loyalty and consumer rewards program. Members get gift cards or cash for completing online activities like searching the web, playing games, watching videos, or shopping online.
The Swagbucks affiliate program offers the following:
- Commission rate: $1.75
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: FlexOffers and Impact
Your Next Move
Some bloggers dismiss pay-per-lead programs that pay less than $100. However, that’s a nonsensical and amateurish point of view. For instance, does it makes sense only to promote programs that pay $100+ but hardly (or never) convert or promote programs that pay less but convert regularly?
Legitimate affiliate marketers understand the nature of pay-per-lead programs. However, they typically pay low commission rates for easy cost-per-action activities, such as email submissions and free trial signups. Therefore, a well-rounded affiliate marketing strategy targets merchants/programs that frequently convert, regardless of how much they pay. That’s the approach I use to make five-figure commissions annually.
ShareASale undoubtedly has the most PPL offerings of the top affiliate networks. Impact and FlexOffers also provide a decent selection. Alternatively, Amazon Associates has many “bounty” offers that reward affiliates for free trial signups of its services, such as Prime Video.
| Affiliate Network | PPL Listings |
| ShareASale | 342 programs |
| Impact | 297 programs |
| FlexOffers | 101 programs |
| CJ Affiliate | 85 programs |
Your next move is to review and join high-potential PPL affiliate programs in your niche. Then, select merchants and high-quality products to start generating commissions. Secondly, some pay-per-lead programs have two commission tiers for leads that become customers, enabling affiliates to earn twice. For instance, a company might pay $7 per signup and $45 if the lead becomes a customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pay-per-lead affiliate program?
A pay-per-lead affiliate program pays marketers for getting merchants’ new users, leads, and prospects, but not sales.
How do I promote pay-per-lead affiliate programs?
You promote PPL affiliate programs like any program, i.e., publishing high-quality and relevant content about products and services through blogs, YouTube videos, social media, email marketing, etc. Also, a call to action, like “create a free account” or “request a free quote,” can guide users to take action.
How much money can you make with PPL programs?
Affiliates can’t expect to make fortunes with PPL programs alone. However, marketers can generate significant income by pairing PPL programs with standard cost-per-sale (CPS) and pay-per-sale (PPS) programs.
Can you become a millionaire from affiliate marketing?
Yes, but you must attract tens of thousands of users to your website, page, profile, or channel to earn millions in commissions.
