While the Plutus Affiliate Program has long appealed to crypto enthusiasts with its non-custodial wallet and crypto cashback features, UPay’s Affiliate Program is emerging as a strong competitor.
UPay offers a comprehensive suite of nine card types—such as Platinum, Stellar, Sapphire, Precious, Euro, Privilege, Prestige, Seamless, and more—designed for individuals, businesses, and Web3 companies.
With global eligibility in over 168 countries (excluding 30+ regions like China, Russia, and Iran), a competitive commission structure of $30 per card activation plus 0.6% on monthly recharges, and monthly payout periods, UPay presents a compelling alternative for affiliates looking to capitalize on global digital payment trends.
Let’s review both programs in depth, examine their strengths and limitations, compare their participation requirements, and help you decide which affiliate program might best suit your audience and earning goals.
Key Takeaways
Plutus Strengths
- Offers a crypto rewards Visa debit card with 3-8% crypto cashback.
- Non-custodial wallet with $10 PLU token referral rewards for each new user.
- Well-suited for DeFi enthusiasts in the EU market.
UPay Advantages
- Provides nine versatile card options (including Platinum, Stellar, Sapphire, Precious, Euro, Privilege, Prestige, Seamless, etc.) catering to individuals, businesses, and Web3 companies.
- Global reach: Available in 168+ countries with exclusion of over 30 regions (e.g., China, Russia, Iran).
- Commission structure features $30 per card activation plus 0.6% on monthly recharge volumes.
- Payouts are processed monthly, ensuring regular income.
- Offers tiered rewards for high-performing affiliates, specialized tracks (Corporate vs. Distributor Agents), dedicated VIP account managers, extensive marketing collateral (pre-designed templates, analytics dashboards), and a premium KOL Partnership Program.
Plutus Affiliate Program Overview
Founded in 2015, the Plutus Affiliate Program rewards users for referring new members to its crypto rewards Visa debit card. Plutus appeals mainly to a European audience, focusing on decentralization and crypto cashback. Here’s a quick breakdown:
How Plutus Affiliate Program Works
- Referral System: Affiliates share referral links. Both the referrer and referee earn $10 in PLU tokens when the referee deposits at least €20.
- Rewards: Commissions are paid in PLU tokens, which are subject to market volatility.
- Tracking: Users can monitor their referrals and earnings through Plutus’ integrated app dashboard.
Why Plutus Appeals to Affiliates
- Non-Custodial Security: Users control their private keys, which is attractive to those wary of centralized platforms.
- High Cashback Offers: Up to 8% crypto cashback on spending, especially attractive for premium users.
- Ambassador Perks: Top-performing affiliates gain access to exclusive benefits such as early feature access and additional rewards.
Limitations of Plutus Affiliate Program
- High Fees: For example, there is a £15 PLU withdrawal fee on the Starter plan and additional fiat withdrawal fees.
- EU-Centric: The card is available only within the EU/EEA, limiting its appeal for a global audience.
UPay Affiliate Program Overview
Launched in 2023, UPay is a rapidly growing global payment platform that aims to revolutionize digital asset management. UPay’s affiliate program is designed with global users in mind, offering a range of versatile payment cards and an affiliate system that rewards partners generously.
About UPay
UPay serves users in over 168 countries, though it excludes residents in 30+ regions (including China, Russia, Iran, and several other sanctioned areas) in compliance with international regulations.
UPay offers a suite of nine card types designed for diverse audiences:
- Platinum Card: A premium virtual card with high spending limits and exclusive benefits.
- Stellar Card: Ideal for those who face traditional credit challenges, offering a high approval rate.
- Sapphire Card: Balances affordability with essential card features.
- Precious Card: A physical card crafted from precious metal for a luxurious feel.
- Euro Card: Tailored for European residents to eliminate cross-border fees.
- Privilege Card: Optimized for both online and in-person transactions.
- Prestige Card: Designed for professionals engaging in digital advertising and business expenditures.
- Seamless Card: Integrates with leading payment platforms (Alipay, WeChat Pay, PayPal, Facebook) for unmatched flexibility.
- Plus Additional Options: UPay continues to expand its suite to meet diverse financial needs.
UPay’s cards are built for
- Individuals who want a secure and flexible method for spending digital assets.
- Businesses seeking streamlined expense management.
- Web3 Companies that need efficient payment operations.
UPay’s Affiliate Commission Structure
Wondering how much you will earn with UPay’s affiliate program? Here’s an overview:
- Activation Fee: Earn a fixed commission of $30 for every card activation.
- Recharge Commissions: Affiliates receive 0.6% of the monthly recharge volumes from referred users.
- Tiered Rewards: High-performing affiliates enjoy additional benefits and bonuses based on volume.
Payout Frequency
- Unlike some competitors, UPay processes payouts on a monthly basis, providing predictable and regular income streams for affiliates.
Participation Requirements: Plutus vs. UPay
| Criteria | Plutus Affiliate Program | UPay Affiliate Program |
| Account Status | Active Plutus account with deposited funds | No existing UPay account needed to join |
| Audience Size | No minimum, though rewards favor EU-based users | No minimum audience requirement; open to global affiliates |
| KYC/AML Compliance | Mandatory for cardholders | Mandatory identity verification |
| Promotional Guidelines | Prohibits misleading claims | Adheres to flexible yet ethical promotion rules with pre-approved collateral |
| Regional Eligibility | EU/EEA only | Available in 168+ countries; excludes 30+ regions (e.g., China, Russia, Iran) |
| Application Process | Instant via Plutus app | Online form with instant approval |
| Payout Methods | PLU tokens (monthly) | Monthly payouts via crypto, bank transfer, or e-wallets; zero withdrawal fees |
Key Insight: UPay’s expansive global reach and flexible affiliate requirements make it highly attractive to partners outside the EU, while Plutus remains focused on the European market.
UPay vs. Plutus: Which is Better for Affiliates?
| Criteria | Plutus Affiliate Program | UPay Affiliate Program |
| Commission Rates | $10 per referral (fixed in PLU tokens) | $30 per card activation + 0.6% on monthly recharge volumes |
| Ease of Participation | Requires an active Plutus account & EU residency | Open globally; no residency or account prerequisites |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (with volatile PLU value) | Monthly (stable payouts via crypto or bank) |
| Global Reach | Limited to EU/EEA | 168+ countries with multi-currency support |
| Tools & Support | Basic app dashboard | Advanced analytics, VIP account managers, extensive marketing collateral |
| Fees | £15 PLU withdrawal fee, additional fiat fees | Zero withdrawal fees |
Verdict: While Plutus appeals to a niche EU audience with its decentralized ethos, UPay’s globally accessible platform, higher activation commissions, and robust support systems offer a competitive alternative for affiliates seeking broader market opportunities.
Plutus Card 101
The Plutus Visa debit card is designed for users who wish to combine everyday spending with the benefits of earning crypto rewards. Key features include:
- Crypto Cashback:
Earn 3-8% back in PLU tokens on every transaction, with higher tiers providing greater benefits. - Security and Control:
The non-custodial wallet model ensures users have full control over their assets. - Fee Structure:
Although there is no annual fee for the Starter plan, users should note the existence of a £15 PLU withdrawal fee and additional fiat withdrawal costs. - User Experience:
The card is particularly popular among users who value privacy and the decentralized finance (DeFi) approach to managing digital assets.
Despite its strong market presence in the EU, Plutus’ regional restrictions and fee structures may pose challenges for affiliates targeting a broader, international audience.
Plutus and the Cryptocurrency Market
Plutus has carved out a niche in the evolving digital payments space, appealing primarily to users who prefer decentralized financial services:
- Market Position:
Emphasizing non-custodial security and crypto cashback, Plutus attracts privacy-conscious individuals and those engaged in DeFi. - Regulatory Compliance:
Operating under EU e-money licenses, Plutus meets stringent regulatory standards. - Growth Prospects:
With a growing number of EU users adopting digital assets, Plutus continues to expand. However, token volatility and high withdrawal fees can diminish overall referral value. - Challenges:
Limited geographic reach and fee structures may restrict the scalability of its affiliate program, particularly for those targeting non-EU markets.
UPay Affiliate Program: A Reliable Alternative
In contrast to Plutus, UPay has positioned its affiliate program as a truly global solution for modern digital payments. Let’s explore what makes UPay a competitive alternative:
Multi-Currency and Versatile Card Options
UPay’s diverse suite of nine card types (including Platinum, Stellar, Sapphire, Precious, Euro, Privilege, Prestige, Seamless, and additional options) caters to a wide range of users. Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or a large Web3 company, UPay offers a card that suits your financial needs—providing both virtual and physical formats to maximize convenience.
Specialized Affiliate Tracks and Marketing Support
UPay recognizes that affiliates come with varied strengths and market reach. As a result, the program is divided into two main tracks:
- Corporate Card Partners:
Designed for Web3 companies and enterprises that need to manage payroll and employee expenses, this track provides tools such as streamlined card issuance, flexible top-up options, and real-time expenditure tracking. - Distributor Agents:
Perfect for individuals with a strong network in the financial and crypto sectors, this track emphasizes customer acquisition with customizable rate structures and detailed revenue monitoring.
Additionally, UPay goes a step further by offering:
- Dedicated VIP Account Managers:
Every affiliate receives personalized support to help optimize their campaigns. - Robust Marketing Collateral:
Pre-designed ad templates, comprehensive analytics dashboards, and strategic guidance are provided to empower affiliates. - KOL Partnership Program:
For key opinion leaders, UPay offers premium commission rates along with expanded market access, allowing influential voices to capitalize on their reach while promoting innovative digital payment solutions.
Regulatory and Operational Excellence
UPay’s commitment to security and compliance is evident in its adherence to global regulatory standards. With PCI-DSS certification and strict KYC/AML protocols, affiliates can confidently promote a platform that safeguards user assets and adheres to international financial regulations.
See Also: Nexo Affiliate Program
Conclusion
Both Plutus and UPay offer attractive affiliate opportunities within the digital payments landscape. Plutus excels with its established crypto cashback model and non-custodial wallet—a natural draw for DeFi enthusiasts in the EU.
However, UPay stands out as a competitive alternative, offering higher upfront commissions, a diverse suite of card options tailored for various user segments, a truly global reach (168+ countries), and comprehensive support mechanisms including tiered rewards, specialized affiliate tracks, and robust marketing collateral.
For affiliates looking to maximize their earnings while targeting a diverse, international audience, UPay’s affiliate program—with its $30 per card activation, 0.6% on monthly recharges, and monthly payouts—provides a reliable and forward-thinking option.
By promoting both programs, affiliates can strategically capture the benefits of Plutus’ established presence and UPay’s expansive, innovative offering, ensuring a balanced and lucrative partnership in today’s fast-paced digital payments market.
