Getting started as a forex affiliate can feel overwhelming, but understanding the language is the first step to building confidence and success. Whether you're joining a CPA program or planning to become an Introducing Broker (IB), knowing the right terms will help you communicate better and make smarter decisions.
In this article, we will cover a glossary of the 30 most important terms every new forex affiliate should know. From marketing metrics and commission types to trading-related concepts, these definitions will serve as your go-to reference as you grow in the affiliate world.
Let's start with the foundational terms you’ll encounter when joining any forex affiliate program. These concepts define the structure of how partnerships work, how you earn, and the different types of roles available in broker-affiliate relationships.
An individual or entity that promotes a broker in exchange for commissions based on referred client activity.
IB is a partner who refers clients to a broker and often maintains a relationship with them over time, earning ongoing commissions based on trading volume.
A commission model where the affiliate earns a fixed payout for each client who completes a specific action, usually registration, deposit, and minimum trading activity.
An earning model where affiliates receive a percentage of the trading fees or spreads generated by their referred clients over time.
A combination of CPA and Revenue Share, allowing affiliates to earn both upfront and recurring commissions.
A partner referred by another affiliate, often part of a multi-tier program, where the original affiliate earns a portion of the sub-affiliate’s commissions.
A branded version of the broker’s platform operated by a partner under their own name, often used by trading educators or business developers.
A custom affiliate agreement that is negotiated individually, often offering better commissions or promotional perks in exchange for exclusivity or volume commitments.
These terms focus on how affiliates get paid. Understanding these terms will help you evaluate offers from different brokers, manage expectations, and optimize your earning potential.
Rebate is a portion of the broker’s commission shared with the affiliate or directly with referred clients as a loyalty incentive.
A system where affiliates earn different commission rates based on client trading volume, performance levels, or the size of their referred network.
A maximum earning limit that is set per client or per month, often used in fixed CPA agreements to control costs for the broker.
The minimum amount an affiliate must accumulate before a withdrawal can be processed.
A feature that allows affiliates to withdraw their commissions every day rather than waiting for weekly or monthly cycles. It is one of the best advantages a broker can offer.
A payout that is delayed until a specific client condition is met, such as a certain number of trades or account age.
When a broker reverses an affiliate’s commission, usually because the referred client did not meet required conditions or engaged in fraudulent behavior.
These terms relate to how you attract potential clients and measure the effectiveness of your promotional efforts. Knowing these terms helps you optimize campaigns and understand how your traffic translates into revenue.
A unique tracking URL assigned to each affiliate, used to identify and credit new clients they refer to the broker.
The period during which a referred visitor’s activity is tracked. If they register or deposit within this time, the affiliate gets credited.
The percentage of users who complete a desired action, such as signing up or making a deposit, after clicking your referral link.
The ratio of users who click on your link or ad compared to the number of users who saw it (impressions). High CTR indicates engaging content.
A single instance of your ad, banner, or link being displayed. It does not require a click to be counted.
A dedicated page that visitors are directed to after clicking your referral link. Effective landing pages improve conversions.
The step-by-step path a user takes from seeing your content to registering and trading. Optimizing the funnel helps increase conversion rates.
A method of comparing two versions of content (e.g., banners or landing pages) to determine which performs better.
Even if you’re focused on affiliate marketing, understanding basic trading terms helps you better communicate with your audience and evaluate broker offers. Here are key trading-related concepts you’ll encounter in the forex space.
The difference between the bid and ask price of a currency pair is called spread. It represents the broker’s fee on each trade.
A standardized trading volume. One standard lot equals 100,000 units of the base currency; brokers may also offer mini, micro, or nano lots.
Leverage is a tool that allows traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. It amplifies both gains and losses.
The difference between the expected price of a trade and the price at which it is actually executed. It often occurs during high volatility.
The overnight interest paid or charged when a position is held open beyond the trading day, also known as a rollover.
The amount of capital a trader needs to open and maintain a leveraged position. It’s expressed as a percentage of the full trade size.
The reduction in a trader’s account from peak to trough before a new high is achieved. It's a measure of trading risk.
Entering the world of forex affiliate marketing is easier if you equip yourself with the proper terminology. The thirty terms outlined in this glossary are not only definitions. They represent essential knowledge that enables clearer communication, informed decision-making, and more strategic growth as a partner.
With the right foundation in place and the support of a structured and transparent partner program such as that offered by ZitaPlus, you are well-positioned to grow your influence and performance in the competitive forex space.
Can I participate in both a CPA and a revenue share program at the same time?
Some brokers offer hybrid models that allow you to combine both structures. However, not all programs support this, so it's important to confirm the available options before joining.
What is the main difference between a forex affiliate and an Introducing Broker (IB)?
A forex affiliate typically focuses on client acquisition through digital marketing, while an IB often builds long-term relationships and earns commissions based on ongoing client trading activity.
How long does a cookie typically last in affiliate tracking?
Cookie durations vary by broker but often range from 30 to 90 days. During this period, any qualifying action by the referred user may still be credited to the affiliate.
Do I need prior trading experience to become a forex affiliate?
No prior trading experience is required, though a basic understanding of trading concepts can improve your content quality and help build credibility with your audience.
Can I track which specific campaigns or links generate the most referrals?
Yes, most brokers, especially those with advanced partner portals like ZitaPlus, offer link tracking and performance reporting by campaign, platform, or traffic source.
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