Starting as a forex affiliate can be tough, with lots of jargon. You might be an Introducing Broker (IB), looking at CPA partnerships, or exploring hybrid models. Knowing these terms is key to your success.

The forex affiliate world has its own language. Each term, from CPA rates to conversion metrics, is important. This guide will clear up these terms, helping you talk to brokers, improve your campaigns, and increase your earnings.

Core Forex Affiliate Acronyms Every Beginner Must Know

Revenue Model Acronyms:

CPA (Cost Per Acquisition): CPA is the top choice for forex affiliate partnerships. It’s the fixed amount you earn when a client makes their first deposit and trades a certain volume.

Example calculation: If you earn $800 CPA and refer 5 clients monthly, you make $4,000 a month.

CPC (Cost Per Click): Though less common in forex, CPC pays for each click to the broker’s site, whether it leads to a conversion or not.

CPM (Cost Per Mile/Thousand) CPM is rare in forex but pays for every 1,000 ad impressions, not actions or clicks.

RevShare (Revenue Sharing): RevShare is a percentage of your clients’ lifetime revenue. Forex RevShare usually ranges from 20% to 45%.

Real-world example: If a client makes $2,000 in net revenue and you’re on a 30% RevShare deal, you earn $600.

Performance Tracking Acronyms:

FTD (First Time Deposit): FTD is the first deposit from a new client. Most CPA programs require an FTD, usually between $250 and $500.

CVR (Conversion Rate): CVR is the percentage of visitors who take the desired action. A 2-5% CVR is very good in forex affiliate marketing.

EPC (Earnings Per Click): EPC is your average earnings per click. If you made $1,000 from 500 clicks, your EPC is $2.00.

LTV (Lifetime Value): LTV is the total revenue a client generates over time. High LTV clients are very valuable for RevShare affiliates.

Broker Partnership Types: IB vs CPA vs Hybrid

IB (Introducing Broker) Programme

As an forex affiliate as an IB, you earn ongoing commissions from your clients’ trading. IBs often get:

• – Spread rebates (a part of the spread per trade)
• – Volume-based commissions
• – Ongoing monthly payments
• – Access to advanced trading tools and platforms

Pro tip: IB partnerships work best with long-term client relationships and ongoing support.

Pure CPA Partnerships

Forex affiliate CPA programmes pay once for each qualified referral. They offer:

• – Immediate payouts (usually within 30-60 days)
• – No ongoing client management needed
• – Predictable income per conversion
• – Easier to scale with paid advertising

Hybrid Models

Combining upfront CPA payments with ongoing RevShare. For example, hybrid models work as such:

• $600 CPA upon FTD
• Plus 15% RevShare on client’s lifetime activity

Technical Forex Affiliate Jargon Explained

Trading Platform Terms:

MT4/MT5 (MetaTrader 4/5): These are the top trading platforms. Most forex affiliate partnerships use them because they’re popular and reliable.

ECN (Electronic Communication Network): This model gives direct market access. It has tighter spreads but charges a commission.

STP (Straight Through Processing): Orders go straight to liquidity providers. This means faster execution.

Client Quality Indicators

QFTDs (Qualified First Time Deposits): Not all FTDs qualify for CPA payments. QFTDs need to meet certain criteria:

• – Minimum deposit amount (usually $250-$500)
• – Complete verification process
• – Meet minimum trading volume within a timeframe

Retention Rate: Shows how many clients stay active over time. Higher rates often mean better CPA offers.

Chargeback Rate: Shows how many deposits are disputed or reversed. High rates can lead to commission clawbacks or end partnerships.

Marketing and Campaign Acronyms:

Digital Marketing Metrics:

ROI (Return on Investment): It’s key for forex affiliate success. To calculate ROI, use: (Revenue – Costs) ÷ Costs × 100

Example: Spend $1,000 on ads, earn $3,000 in CPA commissions. ROI = ($3,000 – $1,000) ÷ $1,000 × 100 = 200%

CTO (Click-to-Open): Shows how many emails are opened compared to delivered. Forex content usually sees 18-25% CTO.

CTR (Click-Through Rate): Shows how many people click your links after seeing your content. Forex content usually gets 2-8% CTR.

Compliance and Regulatory Terms

KYC (Know Your Customer): Brokers must complete this verification before clients can trade. It affects when you can qualify for CPA.

AML (Anti-Money Laundering): These rules can delay or prevent client approval. This impacts your CPA earnings.

ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority): This EU body’s rules affect forex affiliate marketing. They include rules on leverage and bonuses.

Commission Structure Breakdown Table

Building Your Forex Affiliate Business: Action Plan

1. Optimizing Your CPA Campaigns

Understanding quality scores is vital. Brokers give quality scores based on client retention, average deposits, trading volume, and chargebacks. Higher scores mean better CPA rates or bonuses.

2. Leveraging LTV for Better Deals

Show brokers you can attract high-LTV clients. Use data on client lifespan, trading volumes, and deposit frequency. Clients with $1,000+ deposits have three times the LTV of minimum depositors.

Common Forex Affiliate Mistakes to Avoid

Misunderstanding Terms: Don’t confuse gross revenue with net revenue. This affects RevShare. Know the difference between CPA and CPC. Also, not all deposits are FTD or QFTD.

Ignoring Fine Print: Always check minimum trading volume for CPA, clawback policies, and geographic restrictions. Payment differences also matter.

Tools and Resources for Forex Affiliate Success

Essential Tracking Tools: Use sub-ID tracking for performance across sources. Most platforms support sub-ID reporting. Track conversions to measure landing page and campaign success.

How to Be Successful in Affiliate Marketing for Forex

Step 1: Learn the Terminology

Create a list of important terms. Participate in forex communities and forums. Follow developments and news in the industry.


Step 2: Select Your Model

Select a model based on your goals and budget. If you’re on a limited budget, start with CPA. With a large audience, use IB programs. Both can be used with hybrid models.

Step 3: Bargaining for Better Conditions

Make the most of your term knowledge. During calls, pose intelligent queries. Make a deal based on your knowledge. Use the appropriate language to demonstrate your professionalism.

Future-Proofing Your Forex Affiliate Knowledge

The forex affiliate industry is always changing. Stay current with:

• – Regulatory changes affecting terminology
• – New commission models and structures
• – Emerging technologies and platforms

Subscribe to industry newsletters, attend webinars, and maintain relationships with broker affiliate managers. They can explain new terms as they emerge.

Conclusion: Your Path to Forex Affiliate Mastery

When you speak the industry language fluently, you can negotiate better deals, optimize campaigns more effectively, and build stronger relationships with broker partners.

The terminology covered in this guide forms the foundation of successful forex affiliate partnerships. From CPA rates to LTV calculations, each term represents a tool in your affiliate toolkit.

Ready to put your newfound knowledge to work? Partner with a trusted broker that offers competitive CPA rates, support, and transparent terms.

With programmes like VT Affiliates providing industry-leading payouts up to $1500 per qualified client, your journey from beginner to expert forex affiliate starts today.