Shakepay, a leading Canadian crypto exchange, offers a Visa prepaid card with Bitcoin cashback rewards and a modest referral system for user growth.
However, when compared to the expansive UPay Affiliate Program, Shakepay’s referral offerings appear limited.
UPay emerges as a strategic alternative—or even a complement—for affiliates looking for higher earnings, global reach, and advanced marketing tools.
Overview of the Shakepay Referral Program
Shakepay has built a strong reputation in Canada by offering a virtual Visa card that rewards users with Bitcoin cashback and engaging promotional contests. Let’s take a closer look at its core features:
Key Features of the Shakepay Card
- Virtual Visa Card: Shakepay’s card is a virtual Visa product that provides Bitcoin cashback rewards (up to 2% on purchases) and integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Canada-Exclusive: The service is strictly limited to Canadian residents, and no physical card option is available.
- Unique Perks: Shakepay leverages features like “ShakingSats” for passive Bitcoin accumulation and organizes “#shakepaid” contests to offer purchase refunds.
- Referral Rewards: Users can earn a $20 bonus for each referral—provided both the referrer and the referred complete a qualifying crypto purchase (minimum $100).
Limitations of Shakepay’s Referral System
- Regional Focus: The referral program is confined to Canada, reducing its market reach.
- Reward Variability: While the base reward is $20 per referral, historical fluctuations have seen rewards ranging between $5 and $30.
- Lack of Affiliate Infrastructure: Shakepay does not offer dedicated affiliate-specific tools, dashboards, or tiered reward systems for high performers.
UPay Affiliate Program: A Competitive Alternative
UPay’s Affiliate Program has been designed to meet the needs of modern digital marketers and fintech enthusiasts worldwide. With advanced support tools, a clear and competitive commission structure, and global reach, UPay offers a compelling alternative to Shakepay’s more localized referral system.
About UPay
Founded in 2023, UPay has rapidly established itself as a leading provider of secure, innovative, and globally accessible payment solutions. UPay’s mission is to revolutionize financial transactions by offering a user-friendly platform with advanced digital asset management tools and borderless payment capabilities.
The company proudly serves customers in over 168 countries, with service exclusions in 30+ regions (including China, Russia, and Iran) to adhere to international regulatory standards.
Who Can Benefit from UPay’s Affiliate Program?
UPay’s affiliate program is ideal for:
- Individual Affiliate Marketers: With no strict entry barriers, individuals can start earning by promoting UPay’s product suite.
- Corporate Partners: Web3 companies and financial institutions seeking to streamline payment operations can leverage UPay’s corporate card track.
- Distributor Agents: Agencies with established networks in the crypto and fintech space can benefit from tailored rate structures and performance incentives.
- KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders): Influencers in the digital finance arena can join UPay’s KOL Partnership Program for premium commissions and expanded market access.
UPay Card Offerings and Commission Structure
Diverse Card Options
UPay provides a robust portfolio of nine card types designed to meet a variety of user needs. These include:
- Platinum Card: Premium virtual card with high spending limits.
- Stellar Card: High approval rate virtual card for users with challenging credit profiles.
- Sapphire Card: A balanced, cost-effective virtual card.
- Precious Card: A physical card crafted from premium materials for a luxury experience.
- Euro Card: Tailored for European residents, minimizing cross-border fees.
- Privilege Card: A virtual card optimized for both online and offline transactions.
- Prestige Card: Designed for professionals with specialized spending needs.
- Seamless Card: Integrates smoothly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other popular payment platforms.
- (Additional Variants): UPay continues to expand its offerings in response to evolving market demands.
Updated Commission Structure and Payout Frequency
UPay’s affiliate program offers a transparent, performance-based commission system:
- Activation Bonus: Earn $30 for every card activation through your referral.
- Recharge Commissions: Receive 0.6% commission on the monthly recharge volumes of your referred cards.
- Payout Frequency: Commissions are disbursed on a monthly basis, providing a steady income flow.
- Tiered Rewards: High-performing affiliates can unlock additional incentives and rewards based on volume and overall performance.
Enhanced Affiliate Support and Marketing Tools
UPay sets itself apart by offering an array of sophisticated tools and support options:
- Dedicated Tracks: UPay offers tailored partnership tracks:
- Corporate Card Partners: Designed for Web3 companies and enterprises to streamline internal payment processes.
- Distributor Agents: Ideal for individuals or agencies with expansive networks in the crypto or fintech sectors.
- VIP Account Managers: Every affiliate receives personalized guidance from experienced managers.
- Comprehensive Marketing Collateral: Affiliates have access to pre-designed banners, email templates, and analytics dashboards.
- KOL Partnership Program: Key Opinion Leaders can enjoy premium commission rates and expanded market access, bolstering their influence in the digital finance ecosystem.
Participation Requirements: Shakepay vs. UPay
The following table compares the basic requirements for joining the Shakepay Referral Program versus the UPay Affiliate Program:
| Criteria | Shakepay Referral Program | UPay Affiliate Program |
| Minimum Audience | Active Shakepay account (no public requirement) | No strict requirements; open to individual marketers, corporate partners, and distributor agents |
| Geographic Eligibility | Canada-only | Global reach in 168+ countries (excludes 30+ regions including China, Russia, Iran, etc.) |
| KYC/AML Compliance | Mandatory (Canadian residency) | Mandatory |
| Marketing Support | Basic referral links | VIP account managers, pre-designed banners/templates, and real-time analytics dashboards |
| Payout Frequency | Unspecified (reports of delays) | Monthly payouts |
UPay’s low entry barriers and comprehensive support infrastructure make it accessible to affiliates regardless of experience level, while Shakepay remains limited by its regional focus.
UPay vs. Shakepay: Which is Better for Affiliates?
A side-by-side comparison highlights the key differences between Shakepay’s referral program and UPay’s affiliate program:
| Criteria | Shakepay | UPay |
| Commission Rates | $20 per referral | $30 per card activation + 0.6% on monthly recharge volumes |
| Payout Frequency | Unspecified; potential delays | Monthly |
| Global Accessibility | Canada-only | 168+ countries (with exclusions for 30+ regions) |
| Card Features | Virtual Visa with Bitcoin cashback | Offers 9 diverse card types (both physical and virtual), supports 50+ cryptocurrencies, and integrates with Apple/Google Pay |
| Fees | 1.43% conversion fees | Zero cross-border/ATM fees |
| Security | FINTRAC-regulated, secure with cold storage and 2FA | State-of-the-art encryption, 24/7 fraud monitoring, and multi-currency wallet security |
UPay’s platform clearly stands out with its global reach, diversified product offerings, and competitive commission structure. It offers robust tools and specialized tracks that cater to a wide array of affiliate partners—from individual marketers to large-scale corporate entities.
Read Also: Coinbase Card Affiliate Program: Features, Benefits & Commission
Shakepay Card 101 and the Crypto Landscape
The Shakepay Card is a virtual Visa debit card that offers unique benefits tailored for Canadian users:
- Bitcoin Rewards: Enjoy up to 2% cashback on purchases along with daily “ShakingSats” rewards.
- Regional Limitations: Available exclusively to Canadian residents, with rewards issued solely in Bitcoin.
- Security Measures: Shakepay complies with Canadian regulations (FINTRAC) and employs security features such as cold storage and two-factor authentication.
While Shakepay has built a loyal user base since its inception in 2014, its Canada-only model and fee structure (1.43% conversion fees) limit its scalability compared to global players like UPay.
With the crypto card market expected to grow at around a 9.7% CAGR, there is increasing demand for low-fee, borderless solutions that cater to an international audience.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Shakepay and UPay
While Shakepay’s referral program offers a simple, Canada-focused entry point with modest rewards, UPay’s Affiliate Program delivers a comprehensive, global solution for affiliates.
UPay’s offerings—such as a diversified suite of 9 card types, a transparent commission structure of $30 per activation plus 0.6% on monthly recharges, and monthly payouts—position it as a forward-thinking option for marketers looking to diversify their income streams.
For affiliates targeting a local audience in Canada, Shakepay may be an attractive option due to its ease of use and Bitcoin rewards. However, for those looking to tap into international markets and leverage more sophisticated support systems, UPay stands out as the future-proof choice.
