If you run performance traffic for finance or trading, one essential factor makes everything else work better: getting more QFTD via app installs. ((Qualified First-Time Deposit).

This guide breaks down effective strategies for IBs, hybrid partners, CPA affiliates, and UA teams promoting MetaTrader 4 and 5 brokers.

We’ll cover how to optimize your install-to-deposit journey, calculate payouts, and provide a checklist based on best practices for mobile attribution.

What QFTD from App Installs Can Do for You

Acquiring app installs is relatively inexpensive compared to driving deposits. A small percentage of installers take a revenue-generating action.

In many app categories, about less than 10% of installers make their first purchase. Thus, your systems should prioritize first funding events over vanity install volumes.

In forex, CPA programs pay when app users sign up, pass KYC (Know Your Customer), and make their first deposit (FTD), often including the first trade.

Many broker programs offer GEO-tiered CPA schedules and bonuses. Focusing on QFTD via app installs can significantly enhance revenue per 1,000 installs compared to pursuing CPI (Cost per Install).

Market Insights

According to research, as of Q1 2025, MT5 has captured a larger share of global trading volume than MT4 (54% for MT5 vs. 46% for MT4).

Ensure your funnel and creatives highlight MT5 where applicable.

The Business Case: Payouts and GEO Tiers

Good programs clarify their tiered payouts per qualified client. For instance:

• – Tier-1 GEOs: Higher rates
• – Long-tail markets: Lower rates

Typical Tier-1 CPA ranges from about $600 to $100, with QFTD tiers varying from $350 to $50, depending on GEO. This structure aids in planning and ensures you double-check your deals.

Top affiliates in premium programs can earn over $1,500 for each qualified referral. This shows the potential of high first-deposit volume when traffic quality is elevated.

Payout Math Example:

Here’s a quick breakdown for payout calculations:

Assumptions per month:

5,000 installs from 20,000 store visits (25% store CVR or Conversion Rates)

18% sign-up rate, 70% KYC (Know Your Customer) pass, and 20% first payment

Calculating QFTD:

5,000 × 0.18 × 0.70 × 0.20 = 126 QFTD from app installs

If your blended CPA across GEOs is $250, you could expect approximately $31,500 in payouts.

The Install-to-Deposit Funnel

There are four friction points in your funnel:

1. Store → Install
2. Install → Sign Up
3. Sign Up → KYC
4. KYC → First-Time Deposit (FTD)

Improving QFTD from App Installs

To enhance QFTD, focus on improving each step in the funnel:

Stage	Typical Pitfall	Changes that Make a Difference
Store → Install	Weak listing; poor screenshots	Localize creatives; highlight spreads and instruments
Install → Sign Up	Late permission prompts; complex sign-up process	Delay prompts, compress fields, allow single sign-on
Sign Up → KYC	Document upload drop-offs; unclear instructions	KYC checklist, sample photo tooltips, live chat support
KYC → FTD	Payment UX issues; unclear fees	Clear fee structures, multiple local payment options

These adjustments can significantly reduce friction and increase QFTD.

Attribution Foundations

Effective measurement is crucial. Leveraging mobile attribution tools (like AppsFlyer) allows you to track touchpoints and in-app events such as installation, registration, KYC, first deposit, and first trade.

1. Minimum Viable Event Schema Checklist

• – af_install: Base denominator
• – af_complete_registration + kyc_passed: Include timestamps and GEO
• – first deposit made: Amount, method, time
• – first_trade_executed: Symbol, timestamp
• – Revenue proxy tags (e.g., net deposits within 7/30 days)

Utilizing AppsFlyer’s documentation helps clarify pricing models and optimization loops (CPI vs. CPA). If your CPA forex offers only pay on the first deposit, focus on optimizing for actions rather than installs.

2. Creating a QFTD Forecast

Begin with a market plan rather than a media plan. Use data from AppsFlyer and public CPI metrics to inform your model.

Model Components

• – CPI by GEO and channel: Typically ranges from $1.75 to $4.50; finance can be higher.

• – Store CVR, install→reg, KYC pass, reg→deposit rates: Use data from the last 30 to 90 days.
• – CPA per GEO tier: Verify with your account manager.

Mini-Calculation Example:

Using a blended CPI of $3.50 for 10,000 paid installs:

• – Cost: $35,000
• – Install→Reg: 20% (2,000)
• – KYC Pass: 70% (1,400)
• – Reg→FTD: 25% → 350 QFTD from app installs

With a blended CPA payout between 200 and 70,000, you can achieve a ROAS of 2.0× before any revenue share or bonuses.

A Creative Playbook

To resonate with finance users, ensure clarity and speed in your messaging. Here’s what to show:

• – “Open an account in minutes,” backed by a clear three-step visual.
• – Screens demonstrating order fulfillment speed, especially for MT5.
• – Local trust anchors aligned with your target GEO.

A/B Testing Ideas

• – Replace generic hero banners with compelling visuals saying “Deposit & trade in minutes.”
• – Use animations to demonstrate order fulfillment processes.
• – Clearly display fees and minimum deposits tailored to Tier-1 and Tier-3 markets.

GEO Strategy: Maximizing QFTD

Avoid spending in countries where your app is not allowed. Focus on GEOs with proven funding rails and higher day-30 retention.

Pro Tips

• – Include local payment FAQs with the app to improve deposit confidence.
• – Segment campaigns into Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 groups for better CPI adjustments.

Pricing Model Insights

CPA is generally more effective than CPI for QFTD-focused strategies. While CPI can drive bursts, CPA aligns incentives directly with funding actions. Use AppsFlyer to understand the trade-offs between these models.

Hybrid models (CPA + rev-share) can yield higher earnings for high-activity traders. Recent comparisons show that viable country tiers and volume bonuses exist.

Weekly Data Monitoring

Create a one-page report covering:

• – By Source and GEO: CPI, spending, installs, registration rate, KYC pass rate, deposit rate, QFTD, eCPA, payout/QFTD, margin/QFTD
• – Cohorts: D1/D7/D30 retention; net deposits at D7/D30
• – Fraud Flags: Identify unusual installations or delayed events

Consistent measurement helps distinguish top earners from the rest.

Onboarding UX Improvements

Implement small changes to enhance QFTD:

• – Progressive Disclosure: Ask for only necessary information at each step.
• – KYC Helpers: Provide sample ID photos and tips for improving photo quality.
• – Funding Nudge: Display default deposit amounts after KYC completion.
• – Support Access: Keep a chat window available during KYC and deposit steps.
• – Welcome Trade: Facilitate a small first trade to ensure activation.

These modifications can lead to significant increases in completion rates.

Content and Channel Strategy

Build a robust content strategy around QFTD:

• – Education Flywheel: Create short how-to videos and market walkthroughs to build trust.
• – Influencer Seeding: Collaborate with creators who have trading audiences, compensating them based on QFTD rather than views.
• – CRM Integration: Use push notifications and emails post-installation to reduce KYC and funding drop-offs.

Example Forecast Table

Assess how fixing one link in your funnel can impact QFTD:

Scenario	Store CVR	Reg Rate	KYC Pass	Reg→FTD	QFTD / 5,000 Installs	CPA Payout
Baseline	25%	18%	70%	20%	126	$250
Raise Reg +3pp	25%	21%	70%	20%	147	$250
KYC +5pp	25%	18%	75%	20%	135	$250
Increase Deposit by 5pp	25%	18%	70%	25%	157.5	$250

Small gains at the deposit step can lead to significant increases in payouts, reinforcing the importance of minimizing funnel friction.

Partnering with the Right Broker

Choose partners with clear GEO rules, a seamless app UX, and proven support. Use public program pages to find CPA forex offers by tier and review QFTD calculators and payout ladders.

Many programs offer affiliates resources to model their earnings and avoid common pitfalls, with top-tier partners consistently achieving high monthly payouts.

Tips from the Pros

• – Highlight MT5 in your creatives while retaining MT4 for existing users.
• – Clarify deposit details in the onboarding checklist.
• – Monitor “time to KYC” and “time to deposit” to optimize user experience.
• – Tailor store listings to specific Tier-1 and Tier-3 needs.
• – Ensure your payouts align with actions, shifting from CPI to CPA where appropriate.

Glossary:

• – QFTD: Qualified First-Time Deposit—reflects compliance with broker requirements, often including KYC and first trade.
• – CPA: Cost per Action—payout for specific actions, not installs.
• – CPI: Cost per Install—suitable for bursts but less effective for QFTD-focused KPIs.-
• – MetaQuotes Trading Platforms: MT4 and MT5, with MT5 gaining popularity in 2024 and 2025.
• – MMP: Mobile Measurement Partner—tracks actions from source to action, like AppsFlyer.

Conclusion

Winning affiliates focus not just on traffic volume. But, it also focuses on creating funnels that consistently convert QFTD via app installs across permitted GEOs.

By optimizing your attribution and refining the deposit process, you can clarify the path from creative to commission.

If you’re an IB, hybrid partner, or CPA affiliate eager to convert installs into deposits, collaborate with a regulated, mobile-first broker such as VT Affiliates, organize your AppsFlyer events, and start optimizing for QFTD from app installs.

Reach out to a program manager, request your GEO-tier CPA sheet, and launch your first test within a week. Repeat the process weekly to ensure your eCPA and payouts align.