Tutorials for Beginners

A Complete Guide to Finding High-Converting CPA Offers [With Plenty of Useful Links Inside]

PropellerAds - complete guide to finding and choosing high converting CPA offers

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Many people picture affiliate marketing as something like this: you join a brand’s partner program and promote its products for a reward.

But in reality, it’s not limited to that. There are also CPA offers you can find in CPA networks, where advertisers pay only for a specific action, like a registration, sale, or app install.

It’s easy to get lost among all these models and terms, but don’t worry – this guide will explain everything clearly and help you understand how to pick the right CPA offers or partner programs for your site or campaign.


First, What is a CPA Offer?

A CPA offer is a deal where an advertiser pays you when a user completes a specific action – not just for clicks or views.

These actions can be:

  • Filling out a form or survey
  • Installing an app
  • Making a purchase
  • Signing up for a newsletter
  • or anything else the brand needs.

For example, a CPA offer can suggest that you promote a VPN app and earn $3 per install, or an iGaming site and get $70 for each new depositor. 

Eco offers

Every CPA offer contains all the specific details and requirements that affiliates like you have to meet. And when you respect all the conditions, you can charge for each lead or action generated.


Where to Find a CPA Offer?

You can find CPA offers in two main places:

  • Direct partner programs – when brands manage their own affiliate platforms and work with publishers directly.
  • CPA networks – platforms that collect hundreds of offers from different advertisers, so you can test, compare, and pick the most profitable ones.

Let’s take a closer look at each option.


Direct Affiliate Programs (aka In-house Affiliate Program)

Large companies usually choose to launch their own affiliate programs with a custom CPA offer – or several of them, but within a single brand. This way, affiliates and advertisers collaborate without a connecting entity. 

PropellerAds - direct affiliate program example showing collaboration between affiliates and brands
ProsCons
Higher rates – no extra network fees, so payouts are often biggerFewer payment methods compared to CPA networks
Personalized support from the brand’s own affiliate teamLimited number of offers – usually one or a few products only
Long-term relationships with advertisers who value quality trafficHarder to join – many direct programs are private or selective
Inflexible payout cycles – fixed schedules and higher withdrawal thresholds
PropellerAds-travel-affiliate-programs-2025

CPA Networks

Some affiliates prefer to skip the whole searching-for-an-offer part. And, they don’t want to sign a contract with every brand they want to cooperate with. So, they join a CPA network. CPA networks work as the middlemen between affiliates and advertisers, like a marketplace for CPA offers.

best ecommerce cpa networks
ProsCons
Access to hundreds of offers in one placePayouts may be lower than in direct programs
Easy to start – no need to contact advertisers directlyThe approval process can be strict for new affiliates
Wide choice of verticals, GEOs, and traffic typesSome offers have short lifespans or low caps
Built-in tracking and optimization toolsDelayed payments are possible depending on the network policy
Account managers help choose and optimize offersYou compete with many other affiliates for the same offers

In fact, many advertisers prefer to launch their CPA offers only through trusted networks, which also attracts affiliates to work with them. 


Where can you find reliable CPA networks and partner programs?

1. Google it!

PropellerAds - example of using Google search to find affiliate or partner programs

It may seem obvious, yet searching is still one of the most effective ways of finding offers.  In addition, you can check if a certain brand has a partner/affiliate program. But yes – the chance of finding something exclusive is low.

For example, this kind of search request usually works well: “OkCupid partner program” or “Wargaming affiliates”.


2. CPA Aggregators

In simple terms, CPA aggregators work similarly to search engines, but for CPA offers. Affiliates like you can use these platforms to search for offers based on specific verticals or certain conditions.

Just browse for specific industries and other elements. You’ll be able to find, analyze, and compare different offers before making a final choice.

Here is what to look at:

  • Feature a Vast Selection of Offers: Instead of having to look at each direct affiliate program and review every single offer, you’ll get the full list of programs to choose from with the aggregator.
  • Allow You to Compare CPA Offers: Not only do aggregators feature a collection of offers. But they usually also provide tools that help you compare them in order to decide which one suits you best.

For example, if you are searching for “VPN Guru”, you can compare conditions on this very offer in various CPA networks – most likely they’re different.

PropellerAds - CPA aggregators platform example for finding and comparing affiliate offers

Keep in mind that there are dozens of different aggregators. And surprisingly enough, all of them promise quality CPA offers and countless benefits. 

We suggest you stick with established CPA aggregators that provide extremely attractive deals.

Here are some – if you’re not sure what CPA Aggregator is better, you could try some of the following:

  • OfferVault. OfferVault is among the most popular aggregators because it offers a huge variety of CPA offers. And their simple, intuitive platform. Moreover, they provide superb support and premium tools that help affiliates succeed in their CPA ventures.
  • Affbank. CPA aggregators like Affbank go one step beyond. They offer powerful tools that help affiliates make the best decisions. Like all reliable aggregators, Affbank offers a huge library of offers. But they also provide dedicated spy tools that publishers can use to check on their competitors’ performance.
  • oDigger. Besides providing a huge collection of options, oDigger also works as a CPA offer filter. This versatile platform provides different stats and payout details. This way, affiliates can choose the program that will benefit them the most.

3. Affiliate Forums

Affiliate forums offer a great alternative because they operate as a social media platform specifically for CPA offers. Many publishers look for industry knowledge and potential opportunities to build business relationships that improve their profitability.

Check out:

At the same time, alternative sources are also a great place where you can get feedback from other publishers. You’ll also find discounts or exclusive CPA offers. They also open new opportunities across the board. 

Popular forums and alternative choices, like social platforms and search engines, include:

  • Quora
  • Facebook Groups
  • WhatsApp Groups
  • Telegram Groups
  • Google Chat Groups

And, don’t forget about PropellerAds Chat!


4. Look at this checklist:

NetworkVerticals
AdComboDiet & Weight Loss, Accessories, Health & Beauty, Nutra, Health products, Sport, Home improvement, eCommerce
ClickDealerSocial & Relationship, Utilities, Nutra, mVAS, iGaming, LeadGen
Toro AdvertisingFinance, Astrology, Sports, Health & Beauty, Diet, Social & Relationship, eCommerce, Downloads, Education, Gaming, iGaming, Mobile Content, Software, Giveaway
MobideaCoupons & Vouchers, Giveaway, Mobile Content, Games, Mainstream, Social & Relationship, Videos, Music, Antivirus, Health & Fitness, Weight Loss, Finance
ZeydooGiveaways, Smart Surveys, Smartlink, Social & Relationship, Mobile Apps, Finance
WebvorkNutra
GasmobiEducation, Home Improvement, Solar, Insurance, Mortgage, Nutra, E-commerce, Finance, Loans, Giveaway, Surveys
LeadbitNutra, Finance, Giveaway
EveradNutra
AlfaleadsiGaming
CrakRevenueHealth, Gaming
CpamaticaSocial & Relationship, Gaming

There is a massive number of networks available. Yet, spotting the best offers can be extremely tricky. However, remember to always aim to join established networks that have good reviews and provide realistic terms. For both advertisers and alike.

Secrets of Leadgen offers

Quick note: Sometimes an offer looks amazing on paper – but turns out not so great in practice. The only way to know for sure is through testing. Here’s how our partner Svetoslav suggests testing CPA offers – three quick practical tips:

PropellerAds - practical tips for testing CPA offers to find high performing campaigns

How To Check a CPA Network or Affiliate Program?

CPA networks and direct partner programs can be very different depending on the industry, traffic type, and goal of the campaign. That’s why before you start working with any network or brand, it’s essential to analyze the offer and the program itself. 

Here’s what you should always check.


1. Payout Conditions

Advertisers often have specific requirements for what counts as a valid conversion. These may include device type, connection type, user gender, or other targeting filters. So make sure your traffic actually matches these conditions.

Also, read the fine print carefully. Many advertisers add unique restrictions, such as banning pre-landers, incentivized traffic, or brand bidding. Violating these rules can get your campaign banned, even if the traffic itself looks good.


2. Minimum Withdrawal and Payment Options

A flexible CPA network will let you withdraw smaller amounts – like about $100 or so; and choose from multiple payment methods.

Note: ​​Networks and aggregators usually provide more pricing models and payout options. However, direct affiliate programs might be the highest-paying offers.


3. Support and Assistance

Good affiliate programs don’t just approve your account but help you grow. A responsive account manager can recommend profitable offers for your GEOs, share converting creatives, or even help with tracking setup and optimization ideas.


4. Reputation and Reviews

Before you sign up, check affiliate communities, forums, or Telegram chats for feedback.

Reliable networks are known for on-time payments, honest stats, and helpful support.

If you find too many reports of delayed payouts or “missing conversions,” better look for another network.


5. Tracking and Transparency

Trustworthy CPA programs offer clear dashboards and real-time stats. You should be able to track where every lead comes from and see accurate conversion data. If tracking looks inconsistent or conversions disappear without reason, take it as a red flag.


How to Choose a CPA Offer that Converts

Now that we saw what a CPA offer is, and the different types of affiliate programs, it’s time to go over the juicy stuff – finding a CPA offer that converts.

What you’ll need to do:


1. Assess the Product You Want to Advertise

PropellerAds - affiliate guide to assessing product legality and placing risk warnings for offers

Check to see if there are any legal restrictions that apply to the products you want to market. Make sure that all the products that will appear on your platform are licit – it will help you avoid a mountain of legal issues.

Moreover, you have to decide if you’ll place a risk warning. Even if it may scare some users from signing up, you’re building a positive connection with consumers. This also depends on the legal side of things – some locations will need you to display one, whereas others will leave it up to the affiliates.

Here’s an example: if you have a Forex offer, you are obliged to place a risk warning. Yet, some countries forbid (or have very serious limitations) the promotion of leveraged products, e.g., France or Belgium. 

You would think that brokers would know. However, often they either ignore or simply don’t know about these restrictions (really happens!). It’s always better to double-check.

A short comic insert: you can come across messages like this in affiliate chats and forums 

‘I’m looking for someone who can test and pick the best CPA offers for me – I’ll cover the budget and share 50% of the profits.’ Well, maybe that’s kind of a lifehack for some…but we’d better get down to more proven methods.


2. Check the Offer Conditions

PropellerAds - guide to checking CPA offer conditions formats traffic GEOs and conversion rules

You wouldn’t sign up for a bank loan or take out a car without checking out the conditions. The same goes for CPA offers.

Make sure you read all the terms and conditions. And pay special attention to the small print to verify you can meet all the requirements that allow you to charge for each acquisition.

So here’s what you should check:

  • Ad format types you can use. Using a disallowed ad format (for example, Pop instead of Push) can lead to rejected traffic or even a ban. Some offers only allow native ads, banners, or In-Page Push.
  • Traffic types you must gather. Each offer accepts traffic from specific sources like SEO, social, or push. Sending traffic from other channels may be marked as low-quality or fraudulent.
  • Accepted GEOs. If you send traffic from countries not listed in the offer, your conversions won’t count. For instance, the offer works only in Brazil, but you send traffic from Mexico.
  • What is considered a conversion? Every offer has its own payout point – registration, deposit, purchase, etc. Misunderstanding it may cause you to drive traffic that doesn’t get paid.
  • Capping (how many leads per day). If you exceed the daily lead limit, extra conversions won’t be paid for – and the offer might even be paused for your account.
  • Other limitations. Many offers forbid brand bidding, incent traffic, or some other limitations. Breaking these rules can get you banned and lose your earnings.

Tip: Some CPA networks provide you with conversion rate estimates for each offer (based on past performance). This helps you see whether the offer converts well before you start sending traffic.


3. Contemplate Seasonality Whenever Possible

PropellerAds - guide on CPA offer seasonality comparing evergreen and seasonal product performance

Remember that some products are evergreen while others are seasonal. If you choose a CPA offer for seasonal products, you have to check your calendar and accept these deals at the right time of the year. 

On the other hand, evergreen products are ideal if you want to sign up for an offer that is profitable year-round. However, these usually provide lower payouts than their seasonal counterparts.


To Sum Up

Once you find a good, reliable CPA offer, you are welcome to run it a PropellerAds. It can become even more profitable with our smart tools, bidding models, and targeting options.

Join our Telegram for more insights and share your ideas with fellow-affiliates!

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