Today, a crypto exchange is not just a trading platform, but a powerful investment hub that unites a whole ecosystem of services, products and affiliate programs. Talking to various investors, I noticed that they are interested not only in low fees or a wide range of cryptocurrencies, but also in favourable terms of cooperation, exclusive bonuses, and special offers. This article explains how exchanges turn user loyalty into profit and what steps can help convince investors to choose your affiliate program.
Extra Value for Investors: The Role of VIP and Affiliate Programs in Exchange Choice
In 2025, the choice of an exchange for investors becomes a matter not only of trading convenience but also of additional value. In particular, according to a survey of my clients, 74% indicated that one of the key factors when choosing an exchange is the availability of VIP programs and beneficial affiliate offers.
Both loyalty models - VIP and affiliate - have a common goal: to attract new users and retain active ones, but they are implemented in different ways.
The VIP program is mainly aimed at traders and provides better conditions for trading on the exchange. The higher the trading volume and the number of native tokens on the balance, the more attractive the conditions. The privileges include the following:
Reduced trading fees;
Personal support;
Easier API integration (depending on the crypto exchange);
Extended rate limit;
Additional benefits - access to trading tournaments, exclusive prizes, etc.
Instead, the affiliate program focuses on KOLs and influencers. It provides an opportunity to earn additional income by attracting other users to the platform through special conditions and offers.
What do users of the program get?
Percentage of trading fees of invited users (percentages on crypto exchanges differ);
Personal bonuses and special offers;
Analytical dashboards for real-time monitoring of campaigns;
My opinion: both programs are a win-win model that will work if there is effective communication with clients. Investors get access to exclusive privileges and the possibility of passive income. And crypto exchanges get a stream of new users, an increase in trading volumes and liquidity, and, ultimately, capitalisation. Just imagine: one well-constructed affiliate or VIP program can bring millions to an exchange - and all without the stiff costs of traditional marketing.
In particular, after conducting a survey among my clients, 74% of them identified the following top cryptocurrency exchanges that offer favourable conditions under these programs.
It is worth noting that the entry threshold for programs on each exchange can vary significantly. For example, in the case of affiliate programs, platforms such as Binance or MEXC have long built their models, so today they focus mainly on large players and are less willing to cooperate with small KOLs. In comparison, WhiteBIT launched its affiliate program relatively recently, opening up additional opportunities for smaller partners. As a result, this approach creates more favourable conditions for those who are just starting to develop their audience or do not meet the requirements of the “big league”.
The Hidden Deal Killers: When Great Offers Go Nowhere
Over the years of talking to sales managers, especially those who work in crypto, I have noticed that there are several key blockers that often make deals unattractive to clients or slow them down at the very start. The reasons are not only technical or formal difficulties, but primarily issues that confuse the potential partner and make them doubt the offer.
Lack of clear value for the client
One of the main stumbling blocks. Quite often, sales managers make the mistake of talking about complex technical features or unique mechanisms, but forget to clearly explain what exactly the client will get, apart from the percentage. In my experience, if a person does not see a clear benefit for himself or herself (i.e. “why should I push this”), he or she will not participate in the process. As a result, even the coolest product can go unnoticed if you don't show how it will help your partner earn more, stand out in the market, or retain their audience.
Brand distrust or questionable reputation
Today, brand reputation is a kind of currency of customer trust. Most potential partners are afraid to question their reputation by promoting a new or not fully tested platform. They often ask questions like: ‘who is already working with you’ or ‘I heard you have a weak support team’. If there is no trust in the brand, there will be no deal. Therefore, the best approach is to immediately demonstrate real cases, a list of reliable partners, ratings, and public mentions in the media.
Confusing or non-transparent commission model
Sometimes partners simply get lost in complex payment schemes. Therefore, when they don't understand what they are being paid for and how much, they become suspicious. Questions such as ‘what are the real payments’ or ‘how do I check if I've been paid correctly?’ are quite common. In my experience, simple commission calculators, user-friendly dashboards with analytics, and fast payouts are the way to a successful deal.
Long onboarding process
Complicating the start of cooperation is one of the biggest mistakes. If a partner is forced to wait for weeks for confirmation, pass a complicated KYC, face an incomprehensible API, and not receive proper support, his motivation to conclude a deal will instantly disappear. I have repeatedly heard stories from partners when they burned out at the start and did not want to continue the process. Therefore, fast onboarding and personal support are key factors that help retain partners.
Competition among partners
A partner does not want to be ‘just another in the crowd’, promoting the same thing as others. If there is no sense of uniqueness, people do not want to take risks. That's why sales managers often offer exclusive terms, performance bonuses, and priority lead generation to make partners feel important and not competitive.
How to Truly Connect with Your Partners
From my experience of communicating with experienced sales managers, I see that it's not complex scripts that work best, but simple and honest communication. Here are some tips that are often found in real cases and really help:
Communicate clearly - there's nothing worse than a sales manager who speaks in presentation language. Explain what the partner will get as simply as possible. The person should clearly understand what they are getting and what it means for their business or audience.
Emphasise the benefits, not the features - people are not interested in the fact that you have the ‘second-highest niche score’. They want to know how much they will actually save or earn. Therefore, instead of dry numbers, it is better to talk about real bonuses, time savings, or increased income.
Add exclusivity - affiliates like the feeling that they have received something special. Exclusivity is not only about money, it is about status.
Work with trust through case studies - in my experience, it is real success stories and positive feedback that significantly increase trust and remove doubts that can be heard so often in conversations with partners.
Regular communication - mail, messengers, social media - it is important to keep in touch, remind yourself, share news, answer questions.
Sell relationships, not products - loyalty is the most valuable resource. If a partner sees that you are interested in their success not only today but also in a few months, they will stay with you for a long time.
