8 Credit Card Affiliate Programs

Hello there Sea Changers. Welcome back to my series of program lists to assist those of you looking to fund your sea change with affiliate marketing. Today we are going to look into an interesting and surprisingly lucrative niche where we investigate my 8 credit card affiliate programs to swipe this year. I use the term interesting as it is not an area I had ever really considered when it comes to affiliate marketing but my recent research into cyrpto currency and finance has revealed a very large cross section of opportunities here. So with a little work, this could be one that can be turned into quite a nice little sea change funding online business.

Before we begin however, I am conscious that there are a number of different areas or sub niches within this subject hence the quantity of affiliate programs to choose from may be just as large. So how have I picked my best 8? Well… I really just wanted to give you a good cross section of what is out there so I did some searching around and checked a few out and chose them by looking at:

• What they offer
• Commission rates
• Payment terms
• Cookie duration
• Application processes
• Affiliate/Marketing materials provided

What do we mean by credit card?

Most of us know credit cards as those little pieces of fantastic plastic with the words Visa, MasterCard or American Express on them that allow us to buy now and pay later. Indeed, back in the day, these cards were everywhere and a way of life. These days however things are a little tighter and banks and credit card companies have not only had to tighten their processes (to keep us all from overspending and ending up with debt we cannot service) but also incorporate other services as well.

To that end, many of today's modern credit cards come with extras such as interest free periods and extra security options. Many have also incorporates rewards type programs where users can earn rewards such as travel, merchandise and other items simply for spending on their cards.

And considering that over 268000 searches are undertaken online per month for the term ‘credit card', I don't think it is an area that is going to disappear anytime soon. To that end, there is quite a lot that we could look into when it comes to credit cards so for this post, I have tried to cover a good cross section of credit card affiliate program options including:

• General credit cards
• Prepaid and secured credit cards
• Credit reporting

And of course anything else that you may be looking to cover within this niche so if you are interested in setting up an online business in this space, let's check them out below.

Legalities and Financial Implications

Before we begin however, there are a couple of things I just wanted to to cover. Firstly it should be highlighted that legalities around the use of credit cards vary substantially from country to country. Secondly, by nature, the use of credit cards place users into a contracted arrangement in which debt must be paid with some suffering intense financial pressure and loss – not to mention legal implications of collection processes.

So if you are looking at this from an affiliate marketing point of view, great care must be given as to whether you could be construed as giving actual financial advice or not as many countries also regulate those who are legally able to do so. With all that in mind then, the list of affiliate programs below is provided on a factual basis only and due diligence should be undertaken in regards to their jurisdictional legalities prior to applying. They are also not provided with any financial advice in regards to the acquisition or use of credit cards.

So, now that that is all out the way, let's have a look at 8 programs that I have found below:

1. Bankrate

Bankrate is a large and well-known banking management site that offers access to financial products from a vast number of financial institutions such as banking, mortgages, investing, loans and insurance. In terms of its credit card offerings it provides information and application processes for products with institutions such as:

• American Express
• Capital One
• Chase
• Citibank
• And others

Each card outlines not only their interest rate and financial information but also rewards programs, welcome offers, fees and low interest transfers as well.

This is a great site for affiliates as it allows you to cover all aspects of credit card applications in the one spot. In addition to this there is also the obvious ability to branch out into other financial areas such as those listed above as well should it suit your site. There is also a great news section allowing readers to keep up to date with current events within the financial world.

Commission Rate: Up to 40%

Payment Terms: Monthly

Cookie Duration: Not Stated

Application required?: Yes, Bankrate's affiliate program is managed by RV Media. You will be required to apply for an account then for the Bankrate affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information to apply.

Marketing material provided: Banners, text links

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2. Avianca Life Miles

Avianca Life Miles is a rewards based credit card affiliated with the Avianca Airlines group – representing Latin American airlines integrated in Avianca Holdings S.A. Their credit card, like many within the airline industry is designed to be utilised in conjunction with travel on their services with offerings such as:

• No foreign transactions fees
• Free additional piece of baggage for travel between the United States and Central America
• A 50% discount on an award ticket redeemed for travel to Central America or Colombia from the United States after $12,000 spent each year
• An additional 50% discount on an award ticket redeemed for travel to Central America or Colombia from the United States after $24,000 spent each year
• 15% discount on purchases of miles
• No cap on the number of LifeMiles you can earn
• Chip-enabled card provides added security
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Protection against unauthorized charges
• Emergency Card Replacement
• Online Account Management
• Electronic Statements
• Auto-pay option

This site would work best when incorporated into airline, hotel or other travel niches as there is generally not enough to build an affiliate marketing site on their own. If this airline is not one that you would be looking at then i also suggest checking out others for their affiliate programs as most airlines do offer services such as this.

Commission Rate: $200 commission for approved applications

Payment Terms: Monthly

Cookie Duration: 30 Days

Application required?: Yes, the Avianca Life Miles affiliate program is managed by CJ Affiliates. You will be required to apply for an account then for the Avianca affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information to apply.

Marketing material provided: Text links, banners

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3. OpenSky

Our next site, OpenSky, is a subsidiary of Capital Bank (you join their affiliate program) that offers a range of “consumer friendly secured credit card” options designed to assist people with not only getting themselves a credit card but also to rebuild poor credit ratings as well. Each card is secured to a certain limit via the payment of a security deposit against the card. Funds available then match the amount of the security deposit but do not draw from it as the card is used.

This site would definitely make a great addition to any of the credit card, investment or finance niches. They also offer some great information and educational services in regards to credit scores and credit card management as well.

Commission Rate: $25 per sale

Payment Terms: Monthly

Cookie Duration: Not Stated

Application required?: Yes, the Capital Bank affiliate program is managed by CJ Affiliates. You will be required to apply for an account then for the Capital Bank affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information to apply.

Marketing material provided: Text links, banners

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4. Indigo

Indigo is another credit card company that offers “those with less than perfect credit the chance to build a positive payment history” this time without the need for a security deposit. Applicants are able to pre-apply without a credit score needed with monthly reporting to credit bureaus designed to increase and repair rankings within these agencies.

As per the site above, there is probably not enough on this site to base an entire affiliate marketing site around unless you are dealing solely with MasterCard or Celtic Bank (the underwriter) however it would be a great addition to any finance, banking or investment type affiliate business.

Commission Rate: Not Stated

Payment Terms: Monthly

Cookie Duration: Not Stated

Application required?: Yes, the Indigo affiliate program is managed by Commissionsoup (as are many other credit card companies so worth a look here too). You will be required to apply for an account then for the Indigo affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information to apply.

Marketing material provided: Banners, text links

5. Luxury Card

Luxury Card is a “global leader in the premium credit card market with a mission to shape the industry through innovation, value and service”. They offer a range of high end credit cards including, Gold, Black and Titanium versions all manufactured with a stainless steel front (black or gold-plated) and carbon back for that special luxury feel. Each card also offers:

• Luxury Card Rewards®
• MasterCard® Gold Card™ Benefits
• 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®
• MasterCard® Priceless®
• Luxury Card Travel®
• LUXURY Magazine®

As with most of the credit card sites listed here, this is probably not one that you would build an entire affiliate marketing business around however it would be a great companion/add on to just about any credit card, finance, investment or trading related site possible or within the luxury travel niches as well.

Commission Rate: $405 per sale

Payment Terms: Monthly

Cookie Duration: 30 Days

Application required?: Yes, the Luxury Card affiliate program is managed by Flexoffers. You will be required to apply for an account then for the Luxury Card affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information to apply.

Marketing material provided: Text links and banners

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6. USAA

Although more of an overall financial services company than just a credit card based one, USAA provides services to U.S. military members and their spouses, as well as children of USAA members. Their offerings in this area cover both Visa and American Express with a healthy rewards program offering bonuses for dining out, gas, groceries and other qualifying purchases.

And for those in the greater financial services niches they also offer a great range of:

• Banking: Checking & Deposits,
• Investments: Brokerages, Mutual Funds, IRAs
• Loans: Mortgages, Home Equity Line of Credit, Auto Loans
• Insurance: Auto, Life, Home, Renters, Valuable Property, Umbrella
• Shopping deals and discounts

Obviously this site would work best as a base or add on to any general credit card related affiliate business or incorporated within any mainstream finance, lending or investments site as well especially where the focus is on the military. And to assist with reader information there is also a fantastic range of calculators and a financial blog too.

Commission Rate: Up to $80 per sign up

Payment Terms: Monthly.

Cookie Duration: Not Stated

Application required?: Yes, USAA's affiliate program is managed by CJ Affiliates. You will be required to apply for an account then for the USAA affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information to apply.

Marketing material provided: Text links and banners

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7. Viabuy

Out next site, Viabuy takes us into the world of personalised, prepaid credit cards with a range of options for:

• People with bad credit history and problems to open a checking account in other banks.
• People who consider it important to use a premium MasterCard.
• Consumers who require the highest standards of payment security.
• Companies interested in company salary payment and credit card solutions.

There is probably not enough here to base an entire affiliate marketing business around however their offerings would certainly be a great addition to any credit card, general finance or credit reporting type niche. And as with traditional credit cards, Viabuy offers a range of rewards benefits such as travel and shopping discounts as well.

Commission Rate: Not Stated

Payment Terms: Monthly

Cookie Duration: Not Stated

Application required?: Yes, you will need to write a short email to affiliate@viabuy.com and provide the following information:

• Address(es) of your website(s)
• Unique IP's per day (visitors per day)
• First name and surname, address, email address, phone number
• Experience with prepaid credit cards

Marketing material provided: Text links

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8. CreditRepair.com

As the name suggests, CreditRepair.com works in the credit score side of things (a good score is a must for most credit card applications) with a range of services including:

• Credits score reporting.
• Credit solutions management.
• Credit score challenges and disputes.
• Ongoing monitoring.

This would make a great addition to any credit card or financial services affiliate site or as a baseline for those looking to assist those new to the world of finance and credit. There is also a fantastic education section outlining everything you could need to assist in your affiliate posts.

Commission Rate: Not Stated

Payment Terms: Monthly

Cookie Duration: Not Stated

Application required?: Yes, CreditRepair.com's affiliate program is managed by CJ Affiliates. You will be required to apply for an account then for the CreditRepair.com affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information to apply.

Marketing material provided: Banners, text links

How to find your own affiliate programs

As stated earlier, by outlining the sites above I have really just tried to give you a good cross section of the types of programs that are out there by listing the really good ones in each ‘category'. That does not mean that you cannot find affiliate programs that better suit what it is that you are trying to do within this space especially as I could never even begin to cover every credit card related requirement or sub niche in the one post. Luckily for us, there is a simple way to find these programs online.

All you need to do is enter “affiliate: niche type” into your search engine (substituting ‘niche type‘ for whatever product it is that you are choosing to sell).

There are credit card affiliate programs for everything else that we have listed at the top of this page as well – you will just need to have a look around until you find one or two that suit your site. Once you have completed your searches, you can look through and find programs that:

• Relate to your niche/problems that you are solving.
• Have quality products – your brand can be severely damaged if you promote poor quality or untrustworthy products.
• Have solid payment and customer service arrangement.
• Pay decent commissions.
• Have good testimonials covering commission pay-outs and quality of product.

In most cases, you will need to apply for the program before you are allowed to promote their products – don’t take this step lightly or you will be rejected. Affiliate programs will generally want to know:

• Your website name.
• Traffic levels.
• Why you want to join – (so I can make money by selling your credit card program is unfortunately not generally a good enough answer).
• How you plan to promote their products.

Conclusion

So… There are 8 of the best credit card affiliate programs to swipe this year. I hope it has been helpful for you as you commence your own credit card based affiliate marketing business and as usual, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, need some advice or have any experiences to share. Oh, and especially comment if you have any experience with these, or any other programs as well.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul

Note: If you make a purchase from this page, there is a very good chance that I make a commission from it – these commissions do not increase your sale price. This may include sales made via Wealthy Affiliate.

Do you want further assistance with any of the above or need help to build your own credit card or finance based website?

Are you looking for a comprehensive training platform that can give you step by step training, 24/7 support, tools to develop and host your very own website, ongoing assistance with SEO and social media and access to some of the best affiliate marketing minds on the planet, then click on the following link to read more about Wealthy Affiliate.