The BitPay Card Affiliate Program once provided a way to earn commissions by promoting a crypto-to-fiat prepaid Mastercard. However, BitPay’s program is currently paused, lacks transparency, and is strictly U.S.-centric.
In contrast, the UPay Affiliate Program delivers higher commissions, monthly payouts, and global accessibility, making it a compelling alternative.
By promoting both, affiliates can target BitPay’s niche U.S. crypto spenders and UPay’s vast international audience, diversifying income streams.
Key Takeaways
BitPay’s Potential
- Offers crypto-to-fiat spending via a prepaid Mastercard.
- Program details remain unclear, and new card applications are paused.
- U.S.-only focus limits market reach.
UPay’s Edge
- Provides nine versatile card options (e.g., Platinum, Stellar, Sapphire, Precious, Euro, Privilege, Prestige, Seamless, etc.) for individuals, businesses, and Web3 companies.
- Commission structure: Earn $30 per card activation plus 0.6% on monthly recharge volumes.
- Payouts are processed on a monthly basis with global coverage in 168+ countries (excluding 30+ regions such as China, Russia, and Iran).
BitPay Affiliate Program Overview
BitPay has been a pioneer in the crypto payment space since 2011, enabling users to convert digital assets to fiat via its prepaid Mastercard. Although BitPay’s brand is well-established—with over $1B in annual crypto transactions—the affiliate program is now on pause, and details remain opaque.
Why BitPay Could Appeal to Affiliates
- Established Trust: BitPay is a recognized brand, trusted by businesses like Microsoft, AT&T, and Shopify.
- Crypto Integration: Supports major cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 15 others), facilitating seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions.
- Mass Payment Tools: Businesses can leverage BitPay’s platform to pay affiliates in crypto.
Limitations of BitPay Affiliate Program
- Program Pause: No new card applications are currently accepted, stalling affiliate opportunities.
- U.S.-Only Availability: The card is not available in Europe, Asia, or Africa, which restricts market potential.
- Opaque Commission Details: Lack of transparency around commission structures makes it difficult for affiliates to forecast earnings.
UPay Affiliate Program Overview
Launched in 2023, UPay has rapidly established itself as a global payment platform with a strong emphasis on digital asset management and international reach. UPay’s affiliate program is designed to cater to a wide range of users by offering nine specialized card types and a transparent, performance-driven compensation plan.
About UPay’s Card Product
UPay is available in over 168 countries, with services excluding 30+ regions (such as China, Russia, and Iran) due to regulatory constraints.
UPay’s nine card options include:
- Platinum Card: Premium virtual card with high spending limits.
- Stellar Card: Ideal for users facing traditional credit challenges.
- Sapphire Card: A balanced card offering affordability and essential features.
- Precious Card: A physical card crafted from precious metal for a luxurious experience.
- Euro Card: Designed specifically for European users to eliminate cross-border fees.
- Privilege Card: Optimized for both online and in-person transactions.
- Prestige Card: Tailored for professionals managing business expenses.
- Seamless Card: Offers integration with major payment platforms (Alipay, WeChat Pay, PayPal, Facebook).
- Additional Options: Continuously expanding to meet diverse market needs.
UPay’s Affiliate Commission Structure
- Activation Commission: Earn a fixed $30 for every card activation.
- Recharge Commission: Receive 0.6% of the monthly recharge volume from referred users.
- Tiered Rewards: High-performing affiliates enjoy additional bonuses based on volume and sustained performance.
Payout Frequency
- Monthly Payouts: Commissions are processed on a monthly basis, ensuring stable and predictable income.
UPay’s Specialized Affiliate Tracks and Support
UPay’s program is designed with flexibility in mind, featuring two primary tracks:
- Corporate Card Partners: Ideal for businesses managing payroll and expenses across borders. This track offers streamlined card issuance, flexible top-ups, and real-time expenditure tracking.
- Distributor Agents: Tailored for affiliates with strong networks in finance or crypto, providing customizable rate structures and detailed revenue monitoring.
Additional support for UPay affiliates includes:
- VIP Account Managers: Dedicated managers to provide personalized guidance.
- Marketing Collateral: Access to pre-designed ad templates, comprehensive analytics dashboards, and strategic promotional resources.
- KOL Partnership Program: A specialized initiative for key opinion leaders offering premium commission rates and expanded market access.
Participation Requirements: BitPay vs. UPay
| Criteria | BitPay Affiliate Program | UPay Affiliate Program |
| Account Status | Likely requires a KYC-verified BitPay account (if active) | No existing UPay account needed to join |
| Audience Size | Minimum traffic/social following (speculative) | No minimum audience requirements; open to affiliates globally |
| Regional Eligibility | U.S.-only (card availability) | Available in 168+ countries; excludes 30+ regions (e.g., China, Russia, Iran) |
| Application Process | Currently paused indefinitely | Instant online approval |
| Payout Methods | Likely crypto or bank transfer (monthly) | Monthly payouts via crypto, bank transfer, or e-wallets; zero withdrawal fees |
| Marketing Support | Limited support (program inactive) | Advanced dashboard, VIP account managers, pre-designed templates, analytics tools |
Key Insight: UPay’s instant global sign-up and robust support system make it a more accessible and reliable option, especially when BitPay’s program remains in limbo.
UPay vs. BitPay: Which is Better for Affiliates?
| Criteria | BitPay Affiliate Program | UPay Affiliate Program |
| Commission Rates | Undisclosed (speculated at $10–20 per activation) | $30 per card activation + 0.6% on monthly recharge volumes |
| Ease of Participation | Paused; U.S.-only focus | No restrictions; global sign-up |
| Payout Frequency | Likely monthly | Monthly (ensuring stable, predictable cash flow) |
| Global Reach | U.S.-only | 168+ countries with multi-currency support |
| Tools & Support | None (program inactive) | Real-time analytics, customizable landing pages, VIP account managers, and a dedicated KOL Partnership Program |
| Fees | $2.50 ATM withdrawal fee on the BitPay Card | Zero forex and ATM withdrawal fees |
Verdict: UPay offers significantly higher upfront commissions and recurring income opportunities. For example, 100 activations could yield approximately $3,000 plus monthly recharge bonuses—far surpassing BitPay’s speculative figures.
UPay Affiliate Program: A Reliable Alternative
UPay’s affiliate program stands out as a modern, global solution for promoting digital payment cards. It offers a robust alternative for affiliates looking to expand their reach and maximize revenue.
Key Features of UPay’s Affiliate Program
- Diverse Card Options:
UPay’s nine card types (e.g., Platinum, Stellar, Sapphire, Precious, Euro, Privilege, Prestige, Seamless) cater to various segments—from individual consumers to large Web3 companies. - Competitive Commissions:
- Activation: $30 per card activation.
- Recharges: 0.6% on monthly recharge volumes, with tiered rewards for high performers.
- Monthly Payouts:
Provides a predictable, stable income stream. - Global Accessibility:
With availability in 168+ countries, UPay serves a truly international audience. - Enhanced Marketing Tools:
Affiliates benefit from VIP account managers, real-time analytics, pre-designed marketing templates, and a dedicated KOL Partnership Program, ensuring effective promotion and support.
How to Earn with UPay
- Join Instantly:
Sign up online without needing an existing UPay account. - Promote:
Share your referral links via blogs, social media, or email campaigns. - Track Performance:
Monitor activations and recharge volumes through a sophisticated dashboard. - Receive Rewards:
Earn $30 per activation plus 0.6% on monthly recharges, with additional bonuses for volume.
Conclusion
While the BitPay Card Affiliate Program once promised a route to earn commissions through crypto-to-fiat spending, its current inactive status, limited U.S. focus, and opaque commission details restrict its appeal.
In contrast, UPay’s Affiliate Program shines with higher commissions—$30 per activation plus 0.6% on monthly recharges—monthly payouts, and a truly global reach.
UPay’s diverse suite of card options, advanced support tools, and dedicated affiliate tracks (Corporate and Distributor) make it an ideal choice for affiliates aiming to maximize revenue by tapping into both U.S. crypto users and international markets.
For affiliates seeking a stable, scalable, and globally accessible opportunity, UPay emerges as the superior alternative.
