RevShare, short for Revenue Share, is a commission model where affiliates earn a percentage of the revenue generated by clients they refer to a broker. Instead of getting paid once per lead or sale (as in CPA), the affiliate continues earning as long as the client keeps trading.
For experienced affiliates, understanding how RevShare tiers work is not just helpful — it’s essential. Tiers determine how much of that revenue you actually take home. Knowing what affects your position in a tiered system can mean the difference between average and exceptional earnings.
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What Are Tiered RevShare Models?
At its core, the revshare definition revolves around a performance-based partnership where affiliates earn a recurring percentage of the revenue generated by their referred clients. Not all RevShare offers are flat-rate. Many brokers use tiered structures to reward affiliates based on performance. This means your commission percentage can increase as your referred clients become more valuable.
1. Tier Levels Based on Client Performance
Most tiered RevShare models are structured around how much revenue a client generates. Brokers might pay affiliates 20% for clients who generate up to $1,000 in revenue, and 30% for those who generate more.
Some models use sliding tiers:
● Tier 1: 20% RevShare for $0–$5,000 revenue
● Tier 2: 25% for $5,001–$15,000
● Tier 3: 30% for $15,001 and above
This type of structure encourages affiliates to bring in high-value traders with strong lifetime trading behavior.
2. Tier Conditions: Volume, Traders, or Deposits
Brokers define these tiers based on a few key factors:
● Monthly trading volume: Clients who trade more generate more spreads or commissions for the broker.
● Number of active traders: Some brokers reward affiliates who bring in not just one big trader, but many steady ones.
● Client deposits: Initial deposit amounts can be used to measure trader intent and future volume potential.
For example, AvaPartner structures some of its programs based on client activity and deposit levels to ensure a strong correlation between affiliate reward and trader quality (source: AvaPartner).
Broker Examples of Tiered Structures
While each broker customizes their tiers, most fall into recognizable models. Some use three tiers, while others stretch to five.
1. 3-Tier Model Example
A typical 3-tier model might look like:
● Tier 1: $0–$10,000 monthly client revenue → 20% RevShare
● Tier 2: $10,001–$30,000 → 25%
● Tier 3: $30,001+ → 30%
This model is easy to track and works well in mid-sized affiliate programs.
2. 5-Tier Model Example
In larger affiliate ecosystems, brokers often use more granular tiers:
● Tier 1: 15%
● Tier 2: 20%
● Tier 3: 25%
● Tier 4: 30%
● Tier 5: 35%+
These allow for more performance-based scaling and usually come with custom terms at the higher end. Many brokers in the trading niche reserve their top tiers for affiliates with consistent, high-LTV traffic.
3. High-Ticket vs. Volume-Based Models
High-ticket trading (like professional investors with large deposits) often benefits more from fewer, higher-value clients. Meanwhile, general verticals (like crypto or casual FX traders) might focus on bringing in many clients with moderate activity.
Factors That Influence Payout Movement Between Tiers
Moving between tiers is rarely random. Brokers use performance metrics to evaluate where you fit in the payout structure.
1. Number of New Clients Per Month
Brokers often set thresholds, like referring 5–10 new funded accounts per month to qualify for the next tier.
2. Monthly Traded Volume
This is one of the most critical metrics. If your referred clients collectively trade, for example, 100 lots per month, you’re more valuable to the broker than someone whose clients trade 20 lots.
Volume is especially important in margin-based products like FX and CFDs, where broker revenue is directly tied to spread or commission per trade.
3. Retention and Activity Rates
It’s not just about bringing traders in — it’s about keeping them active. Brokers track how long your clients stay on the platform and how often they trade.
4. Revenue Per Client (RPC)
RPC is calculated by dividing total revenue generated by the number of active traders. A higher RPC means your traffic is more valuable, which can justify moving you to a higher RevShare tier or even a hybrid plan.
How to Optimize for Higher Tiers
Knowing the mechanics is only half the equation. Smart affiliates tailor their strategy to climb faster — and stay there.
1. Funnel Strategy: Focus on Trader Quality
Design funnels that filter out low-intent users. Offer pre-qualification steps like demo accounts, trading guides, or investment calculators to attract serious traders.
Focus on keywords and content that appeal to experienced investors — for example, “advanced CFD strategies” or “MetaTrader expert tools” — rather than broad terms like “online trading.”
2. Creative Strategy: Lifetime Value Over Clickbait
Avoid creatives that focus on unrealistic earnings or quick wins — they may boost clicks but lower trader quality.
Instead, create ad copy and content that educates and sets realistic expectations. This tends to attract users who deposit more and trade longer, which boosts your tier eligibility over time.
3. Collaborate with Affiliate Managers
Establish a working relationship with your affiliate manager. Ask them directly what metrics you need to hit to move up tiers.
In many cases, especially with large brokers, they may offer custom RevShare agreements or early tier upgrades based on long-term performance forecasts.
Conclusion
RevShare can be highly rewarding, but only if you understand how broker tiers work and position your strategy accordingly.
The best way to protect and grow your earnings is to revisit the broker’s terms regularly. Tiers and terms can change as the market evolves, so staying informed keeps you in control.
Finally, monitor your referred client data closely. Look at who’s trading, how often, and how much they deposit. Aligning your funnel and campaigns with these insights is the most practical way to climb — and stay — at the top of the RevShare ladder.