Every broker IB program pays in one of four ways: CPA, per-lot rebates, revenue share or a hybrid of them. None is always best. The right choice depends on how much your clients deposit and how actively they trade.
CPA (cost per acquisition)
You get a one-off payment for each referred client who meets the qualification rules, for example "deposit at least $200 and trade at least 2 lots within 30 days".
Example: a $400 CPA and 20 qualified clients in a month gives $8,000, paid once.
- Good for: large audiences of newer traders; predictable, upfront income.
- Watch out for: strict qualification rules, high minimum deposits and clawbacks if a client withdraws early.
Rebates (per lot)
You earn a fixed amount for every standard lot your clients trade, for as long as they trade.
Example: a $8 per lot rebate and 20 clients trading 15 lots a month each gives 300 lots, or $2,400 that month, and again the next month if they keep trading.
- Good for: active traders, signal groups and experienced communities.
- Watch out for: different rates per instrument (for example lower on indices or gold) and whether the rebate is per side or per round turn.
Revenue share
You receive a percentage of the revenue the broker makes from your clients, usually spreads and commissions. Some programs calculate it on net revenue after costs.
Example: if your clients generate $10,000 of revenue for the broker in a month and your share is 30%, you earn $3,000 that month.
- Good for: long-term, loyal client bases.
- Watch out for: how "revenue" is defined, and whether negative months carry forward against future earnings.
Hybrid
A mix, such as a smaller CPA plus a per-lot rebate, or CPA for the first deposit and revenue share afterwards. Hybrids reduce the risk of each model on its own and suit mixed audiences.
Side by side
| Model | When you're paid | Income pattern | Best for | Key question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPA | Once per qualified client | Upfront, one-off | Big audiences of newer traders | What exactly qualifies a client? |
| Rebates | Per lot traded | Recurring, grows with volume | Active traders | Which instruments, and per side or round turn? |
| Revenue share | Share of broker revenue | Recurring, can vary a lot | Loyal long-term clients | How is revenue defined; do losses carry forward? |
| Hybrid | Mix | Upfront + recurring | Mixed audiences | How do the parts interact? |
How to choose for your audience
- YouTube or Instagram creator, mostly beginners: CPA or hybrid.
- Signal group or community of active traders: rebates.
- Trading academy with students who stay for years: revenue share or hybrid.
- Local networker with a few high-value clients: rebates or revenue share.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What are the exact qualification rules and time windows for CPA?
- Are rebates paid on all instruments and account types?
- How is revenue calculated for revenue share, and are negative balances carried forward?
- When and how are payouts made, and is there a minimum?
- When can a payment be clawed back?
- Do rates rise with volume? Are there tiers?
Compare real programs on IB2broker
On IB2broker you see each broker's model, rates, payout frequency and conditions side by side, with reviews from IBs who actually partnered. Rates are visible to verified IBs. Next, read how to check a broker's regulation before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Which IB commission model pays the most?
There's no single answer. For active, long-term clients, rebates and revenue share usually pay more over time. For many new clients, CPA pays more upfront.
Can I switch models later?
Often yes, by agreement with the broker, especially as your volume grows. Get any change in writing.
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