29 Highest Pay Per Lead Affiliate Programs 2023 (Best Offers)

September 22, 2023

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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, affiliates can earn commissions much quicker by getting merchants’ leads. Therefore, this post will review the best pay-per-lead affiliate programs for beginners, bloggers, and social media marketers.

What Is a Pay-Per-Lead (PPL) Affiliate Program?

A pay-per-lead affiliate program 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 user 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 Semrush $10 per trial.

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

First, I won’t waste your time with an incomplete list of 10 to 20 programs or unproven programs without EPC data. Instead, my list includes high-paying and reputable merchants in profitable affiliate marketing niches. Also, these programs are available on established affiliate networks to ensure you get paid for your promotional activities.

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 is lucrative for these reasons:

• Niches: Business tools and digital marketing
• Commission rate: $10 per lead and $200 per sale
• Cookie/referral period: 120 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

ShareASale

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.

Affiliates get the following from the ShareASale affiliate program:

• Niches: Business tools and affiliate marketing
• Commission rate: $150 per merchant and $30 per qualifying affiliate
• Cookie/referral period: 60 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: ShareASale

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 is rewarding for these reasons:

• Niches: Small business tools, website chat apps, and customer service
• 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 payroll, benefits administration, compliance, hiring, onboarding, and employee performance management tools.

Marketers get the following from the Zenefits affiliate program:

• Niches: Talent management, hiring, and business tools
• Commission rate: $25
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps you improve your grammar, style, and clarity. It can identify over 250 writing errors, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling. It also offers suggestions for improving your writing. ProWritingAid is available as a free online tool or premium subscription and is an excellent Grammarly alternative.

The ProWritingAid affiliate program offers the following benefits:

• Niches: Content creation and writing tools
• Commission rate: $0.25 per lead and $20 per sale
• Cookie/referral period: 30 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 various 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 compensation:

• Niches: E-commerce, online payments, and business tools
• Commission rate: $5
• Cookie/referral period: 45 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

FreshBooks

FreshBooks provides cloud-based accounting solutions for small businesses and freelancers. The platform offers invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and project management features. It also includes reporting and analytics tools to help companies to manage their finances effectively.

The FreshBooks affiliate program has the following benefits:

• Niches: Accounting, invoicing, and tax planning
• Commission rate: $10
• Cookie/referral period: 120 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: ShareASale

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 and cloud-based versions.

Affiliates get the following benefits from the QuickBooks affiliate program:

• Niches: Accounting, invoicing, and tax planning
• Commission rate: $5
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate

Ecomail

Ecomail is an email and omnichannel marketing platform allowing users to communicate with customers using email, SMS, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Features include marketing automation, split testing, segmentation, opt-in forms, and e-commerce integrations.

The Ecomail affiliate program is attractive for these reasons:

• Niches: Business tools and digital marketing
• Commission rate: $1 per lead and 20% per sale
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

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.

Affiliates get the following benefits from the Atlassian affiliate program:

• Niches: Project management, workflow, productivity, and business tools
• Commission rate: $5 to $30
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

ClickUp

ClickUp is a task and team management platform that makes your personal and professional lives more productive with docs, reminders, goals, calendars, inboxes, whiteboards, and more. Its automation and integrations enhance your workflow.

Marketers get the following from the ClickUp affiliate program:

• Niches: Project management, teamwork, and business tools
• Commission rate: $20
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

Monster

Monster is one of the largest job search websites in the world, and it lists millions of jobs in various industries. When you search for a job on Monster, you can filter your results by location, job title, industry, and other criteria. You can also create a profile and upload your resume so employers can find you.

The Monster affiliate program has the following benefits:

• Niches: Hiring, job search, and career
• Commission rate: $15
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate

Domestika

Domestika is an online learning community that focuses on creative fields. Originating from Spain and growing internationally, it offers various courses in illustration, design, photography, and more.

The Domestika affiliate program offers the following incentives:

• Niches: E-learning, education, and career
• Commission rate: $2 per lead and 40% per sale
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform offering video courses 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.

Affiliates get the following from the LinkedIn Learning affiliate program:

• Niches: E-learning, education, and career
• 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 compensation:

• Niches: E-learning, education, and career
• Commission rate: $5
• Cookie/referral period: 45 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

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 is rewarding for these reasons:

• Niches: Banking and personal finance
• 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.

Marketers get the following from the CIT Bank affiliate program:

• Niches: Banking, personal finance, and lending
• 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 has the following benefits:

• Niches: Credit scoring, reporting, and personal finance
• 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 are struggling to make the required payments.

The National Debt Relief affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:

• Niches: Debt, credit, and personal finance
• 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.

Affiliates get the following benefits from the YNAB affiliate program:

• Niches: Budgeting, cash management, and personal finance
• Commission rate: $6
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: Impact

Allianz Care

Allianz Care is one of the world’s leading international health insurance providers. Its health and protection solutions are particularly suited to the high net-worth expatriate audience living, working, or studying abroad and HR managers of international companies or governmental organizations.

The Allianz Care affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:

• Niches: Insurance and travel
• Commission rate: $10
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate

Esurance

Esurance sells direct-to-consumer (DTC) personal car insurance and other types of coverage, such as homeowners, renters, and motorcycle insurance.

The Esurance affiliate program offers the following incentives:

• Niches: Insurance and asset protection
• 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, focusing on proactive prevention measures.

Affiliates get the following from the Hippo affiliate program:

• Niches: Insurance and asset protection
• 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 provides various insurance products, including professional liability, general liability, cyber insurance, and property insurance.

The Hiscox affiliate program offers the following compensation:

• Niches: Insurance, asset protection, and business services
• Commission rate: $25
• Cookie/referral period: 7 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate

EliteSingles

EliteSingles is an innovative matchmaking service designed for sophisticated and ambitious professionals of all ages seeking satisfying relationships.

The EliteSingles affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:

• Niches: Dating, matchmaking, and relationships
• 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.

Marketers get the following from the Match affiliate program:

• Niches: Dating, matchmaking, and relationships
• Commission rate: Up to £4
• Cookie/referral period: Up to 30 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate

Opera Desktop

Opera is a free and open-source web browser developed by Opera Software. It is based on the Chromium web browser but has several unique features, including a built-in ad blocker, a free VPN, and a battery-saving mode. Opera is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

The Opera Desktop affiliate program pays the following:

• Niches: Internet browser, online security, and internet privacy
• Commission rate: $0.10
• Cookie/referral period: 45 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate

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 is profitable for these reasons:

• Niches: Password management, online security, and internet privacy
• Commission rate: $2
• Cookie/referral period: 45 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate

Byte

Byte is a teledentistry company that provides aligner products and programs for at-home use to straighten teeth faster and more affordably than traditional braces. It is popular for individuals seeking a speedy and cost-effective dental alignment program.

The Byte affiliate program offers the following incentives:

• Niches: Dental, health, and beauty
• Commission rate: $45
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: ShareASale

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 is lucrative for these reasons:

• Niches: Stationery, art, gifts, and home furnishings
• 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 survey users on various topics, including consumer products, health and wellness, and entertainment.

Affiliates get the following from the Survey Junkie affiliate program:

• Niches: Market research, surveys, and business tools
• Commission rate: $1.25
• Cookie/referral period: 24 hours
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: ShareASale and Impact

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 compensation:

• Niches: Market research, surveys, and business tools
• Commission rate: $1.75
• Cookie/referral period: 30 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: FlexOffers, CJ Affiliate, and 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 is appealing for these reasons:

• Niches: Online courses, e-learning, and business tools
• Commission rate: Up to $10
• Cookie/referral period: Up to 45 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate and ShareASale

Wayfair Professional

Wayfair Professional is a separate arm of the Wayfair brand whose objective is to give their business and trade customers a one-stop shop to turn their business spaces from good to great.

Marketers get the following from the Wayfair Professional affiliate program:

• Niches: Interior design, office furniture, and architecture
• Commission rate: $1 per lead and 5% per sale
• Cookie/referral period: 14 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate

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 incentives:

• Niches: Accounting, taxation, and small business services
• Commission rate: $1
• Cookie/referral period: 120 days
• Payout threshold: $50
• Affiliate software/network: ShareASale

Amazon Associates

Amazon is one of the world’s largest online retailers, with a diverse range of products, including books, electronics, clothing, home goods, consumer electronics, kitchenware, apparel, and more. Amazon Associates is the name of Amazon’s affiliate program.

Instead of commissions on product sales, affiliates earn fixed commissions (“bounties“) for actions customers take on specific offers, such as activating a free trial or signing up for a program. Popular bounty programs include Amazon Fresh, Audible Plus, Amazon Wedding Registry, Amazon Baby Registry, and Amazon Prime.

• Niches: All
• Commission rate: $3 to $15
• Cookie/referral period: 24 hours
• Payout threshold: $10
• Affiliate software/network: In-house

Start Earning

Some bloggers dismiss pay-per-lead programs that pay less than $5. However, that’s a nonsensical and amateurish point of view. For instance, does it make sense only to promote programs that pay $25+ but hardly (or never) convert or promote programs that pay less but convert regularly?

Seasoned affiliate marketers understand the nature of pay-per-lead programs, i.e., they pay low commission rates for low-friction cost-per-action activities, such as email submissions and free trial signups. So, while affiliates can’t expect to make fortunes with pay-per-lead programs, a well-rounded marketing strategy targets merchants that frequently convert, regardless of how much they pay. That’s the approach I use to make thousands in commissions annually.

Start by reviewing high-potential and high-paying PPL affiliate programs in your niche. ShareASale undoubtedly has the most PPL offerings of the top affiliate networks. Impact, FlexOffers, and CJ Affiliate also provide robust selections.

Affiliate NetworkPPL ListingsShareASale342 programsImpact297 programsFlexOffers101 programsCJ Affiliate85 programs

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 new user becomes a customer.

Partner with merchants and promote top-rated goods to generate commissions. You’ll promote cost-per-lead affiliate programs like any program, i.e., publishing high-quality, unique content about products and services through blogs, YouTube videos, social media, email marketing, etc. Also, adding calls to action, like “create a free account” or “request a free quote,” can guide users to act.