9 Best Banking Affiliate Programs for Beginners to Make Money Online

Looking to make money online but don’t know where to start? Banking affiliate programs are one of the most trusted and profitable ways for beginners to earn passive income. By promoting reliable banks and financial products — like savings accounts, credit cards, and loans — you can earn commissions for every sign-up or account opened through your referral link.

The best part? You don’t need to be a finance expert to start. Many banks offer beginner-friendly affiliate programs with ready-made banners, tracking tools, and promotional materials. In this guide, we’ll explore the 9 best banking affiliate programs for beginners that pay well, are easy to join, and can help you build a steady online income while promoting trusted financial brands.

What Are Banking Affiliate Programs?

Banking affiliate programs are income opportunities where you earn commissions by promoting financial services and products offered by banks or financial institutions. These can include:

• Credit cards
• Savings and checking accounts
• Personal or business loans
• Investment platforms
• Insurance or mortgage services

When someone clicks your affiliate link and completes a qualifying action—like opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, or requesting a loan—you earn a commission.

These programs are especially beginner-friendly because:

1. They involve trusted brands: Banks and financial institutions already have credibility, making it easier to convert leads.
2. They offer ready-made tools: Most programs provide banners, content materials, and tracking links to simplify promotion.
3. They fit various content types: You can share affiliate links through blogs, YouTube videos, social media posts, or newsletters.
4. They have high earning potential: Financial services often pay higher commissions than general consumer products.

In short, banking affiliate programs for beginners provide a structured and reliable way to earn passive income. You create valuable financial content, share your unique affiliate links, and get paid whenever someone takes action—making it a simple, scalable way to start earning online.

Why Choose Banking Affiliate Programs as a Beginner?

Starting with banking affiliate programs is a smart move for beginners because the financial niche offers trust, stability, and high earning potential. Unlike trendy products that lose appeal quickly, banking services are essential to everyone’s daily life — from saving money to using credit cards or getting loans.

Here’s why they’re a great starting point:

1. High Commissions
   Financial products typically pay more per lead or sale than other niches. Promoting credit cards, savings accounts, or loans can bring in significant commissions compared to low-cost consumer products.
2. Trusted and Recognized Brands
   Banks are well-known and reputable, which means your audience already trusts them. This reduces hesitation and makes conversions easier, even for beginners.
3. Evergreen Demand
   People will always need financial services — whether it’s opening accounts, finding better interest rates, or improving their credit. This makes the niche sustainable all year round.
4. Beginner-Friendly Tools
   Many banking affiliate programs provide marketing materials, banners, and tracking dashboards, helping beginners promote efficiently without technical skills.
5. Wide Range of Products to Promote
   You can choose from multiple categories — personal finance, savings, business accounts, or investment products — based on your niche or audience.
6. Educational Content Opportunities
   Creating helpful blogs or videos about money management, saving tips, or financial comparisons makes it easy to promote affiliate links naturally.

In short, banking affiliate programs for beginners offer a secure, long-term way to build income with minimal risk. You’re promoting essential services people already need — making success more achievable even if you’re just starting out.

How to Get Started With Banking Affiliate Marketing

Getting started with banking affiliate programs for beginners is simpler than it sounds. You don’t need to be a financial expert — just a good communicator who can connect people with the right banking solutions. Follow these steps to launch your journey successfully:

1. Pick a Specific Niche
   Focus on one area of finance to build authority and trust. For example:
   • Credit cards and rewards programs
   • Student banking or savings tips
   • Loans and mortgage advice
   • Personal finance and budgeting
     A focused niche helps you attract a more engaged audience and convert leads more effectively.
2. Join Reliable Affiliate Programs
   Apply to a few trusted banking affiliate programs such as:
   • American Express Affiliate Program
   • Chase Bank Affiliate Program
   • SoFi Affiliate Program
   • Bankrate Affiliate Network
   • Revolut Affiliate Program
     Start with 1–2 programs so you can learn how tracking, payouts, and commissions work.
3. Build a Blog or Platform
   Create a professional space to share your content — whether it’s a blog, YouTube channel, or social media page. A website focused on finance tips or money management helps you rank on Google and reach organic traffic.
4. Create Helpful and Trustworthy Content
   Write blog posts, guides, and reviews that educate readers. Examples include:
   • “Best Savings Accounts for Beginners”
   • “How to Choose the Right Credit Card for You”
   • “Simple Ways to Build Your Credit Score”
     Incorporate your affiliate links naturally where they add value.
5. Use SEO to Drive Traffic
   Research and use keywords like banking affiliate programs for beginners, best credit card affiliate programs, or make money with finance blogs. Good SEO brings steady visitors who are already interested in financial topics.
6. Track and Optimize Your Performance
   Use the analytics dashboard from your affiliate program to see which links perform best. Test different headlines, placements, and calls-to-action to improve conversions.
7. Stay Consistent and Build Trust
   Always disclose affiliate links, recommend only genuine products, and focus on helping your audience make smart decisions. Consistency builds credibility — and credibility builds commissions.

By following these steps, beginners can turn banking affiliate marketing into a steady, long-term income source while educating others about smart financial choices.

Tips to Succeed in Banking Affiliate Marketing

Success in banking affiliate programs for beginners depends on strategy, trust, and consistency. Since you’re promoting financial products, your audience expects accuracy, reliability, and transparency. Follow these practical tips to grow your earnings and credibility in the banking niche:

1. Focus on Building Trust
   Always recommend only products or banks you genuinely believe in. Transparency builds credibility and long-term relationships with your audience.
2. Create Educational, Value-Driven Content
   Teach your audience how banking products can help them — for example, “how to choose the best credit card for rewards” or “how online savings accounts can grow your money faster.” Informative posts convert better than pure promotions.
3. Target the Right Keywords
   Use SEO keywords naturally, such as banking affiliate programs for beginners, best finance affiliate programs, or credit card affiliate programs. This helps your content rank higher on search engines.
4. Diversify Your Content Platforms
   Don’t rely only on one channel. Combine a blog, YouTube, email newsletters, and social media to reach more potential leads.
5. Understand Your Audience’s Needs
   Beginners in finance want simple explanations, while experienced users may look for specific offers. Tailor your tone and content accordingly.
6. Stay Updated With Banking Trends
   Financial programs often change their commission rates or add new products. Keep up with updates from affiliate networks so you never miss a better opportunity.
7. Track and Analyze Performance
   Regularly review your affiliate dashboard to see which links or posts perform best. Double down on strategies that convert and improve or remove those that don’t.
8. Use Comparisons and Reviews
   Comparison posts like “Chase vs. American Express: Which Card Is Better?” perform well because they help readers make informed choices while encouraging clicks on your affiliate links.
9. Disclose Affiliate Partnerships
   Always include a short disclosure that you may earn a commission. It keeps your content compliant and reinforces trust with your audience.

By following these tips, you can turn banking affiliate marketing into a sustainable income source — one built on honesty, value, and smart financial education.

9 Best Banking Affiliate Programs for Beginners

Here are the 9 best banking affiliate programs that are beginner-friendly, trustworthy, and profitable.

1. Chime Affiliate Program

The Chime Affiliate Program is one of the most beginner-friendly options in the banking niche. Chime is a modern neobank that offers a seamless online banking experience with no hidden fees, automatic savings, and direct deposit options. It’s built around convenience and accessibility, which makes it appealing to younger audiences, freelancers, and people who prefer mobile-first banking.

Chime offers several attractive features for users, such as early paycheck access (up to two days sooner), automatic savings tools, and fee-free overdrafts. These benefits make it easy for affiliates to promote because they solve real financial pain points — helping people manage money smarter and avoid traditional bank hassles.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. Easy Affiliate Approval: Unlike traditional banks that have stricter requirements, Chime welcomes new affiliates, even those with small blogs or new websites.
2. Simple Promotion: You can easily promote Chime through personal finance, budgeting, or lifestyle content. Posts like “Best Online Banks for Beginners” or “How to Save Money Without Fees” naturally fit affiliate links.
3. Attractive Commissions: Affiliates earn a solid commission for every qualified new account sign-up or activation through their unique referral link.
4. Strong Brand Appeal: Chime’s reputation for transparency and simplicity makes conversions easier, especially among younger, tech-savvy audiences.
5. Global Accessibility: While it mainly serves U.S. users, Chime’s popularity and recognition make it easy to discuss in international finance content as a top digital banking example.

Best For:

• Finance bloggers teaching money management
• Lifestyle creators focusing on saving or budgeting
• Beginners seeking high-converting, low-barrier affiliate programs

In short, the Chime Affiliate Program combines ease of use, strong brand trust, and consistent payouts — making it an excellent starting point for anyone entering the world of banking affiliate programs for beginners.

2. SoFi Affiliate Program

The SoFi Affiliate Program is one of the most versatile and profitable options in the financial niche. SoFi (short for Social Finance) is a leading U.S.-based fintech company that provides a wide range of financial products — including personal loans, student loan refinancing, credit cards, investing, insurance, and high-yield savings accounts.

SoFi’s mission is to help people achieve financial independence, which makes it easy to promote to audiences interested in money management, debt payoff, or smart investing. With its sleek mobile app, competitive rates, and user-friendly interface, SoFi appeals to both beginners and seasoned finance enthusiasts.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. High Commission Potential: SoFi is known for its generous payouts — affiliates can earn up to $100–$150 per qualified lead or account signup, depending on the product promoted.
2. Wide Product Variety: You’re not limited to one banking service. You can promote savings accounts, loans, credit cards, or investment tools, making it suitable for diverse content types.
3. Trusted Financial Brand: SoFi is a recognized name in the fintech industry, backed by strong consumer trust. Beginners benefit from this credibility since conversions happen more easily.
4. Beginner-Friendly Setup: SoFi offers ready-to-use banners, referral links, and tracking tools. Even new affiliates can integrate promotions effortlessly through blogs, YouTube videos, or social media.
5. Broad Audience Appeal: Whether your readers want to save money, invest, or refinance loans, SoFi has something relevant for them — making it easier to create content that converts.

Best For:

• Finance and investing bloggers
• Students and young professionals looking for refinancing or savings solutions
• Beginners who want to promote a reputable, high-payout affiliate program

Overall, the SoFi Affiliate Program is a top pick for anyone looking to start in banking affiliate programs for beginners. It combines strong brand recognition, high commissions, and multiple product options, making it one of the most flexible and profitable affiliate opportunities in the banking sector.

3. BMO Harris Bank Affiliate Program

The BMO Harris Bank Affiliate Program is a solid choice for beginners who want to promote a trusted, long-established financial institution. BMO Harris Bank is one of the largest banks in North America, offering a full range of services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, business accounts, and investment products.

Because BMO is a recognized and reputable brand, it’s easier to build audience trust when recommending its services. The program is designed to help affiliates earn by referring new customers who open accounts or apply for select financial products through their affiliate links.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. Strong Brand Reputation: BMO has been in the banking industry for over 200 years, giving affiliates instant credibility when promoting its services.
2. Good Commission Structure: Affiliates can earn attractive payouts for every qualified new customer — typically for account openings or credit card applications.
3. Ideal for North American Audiences: BMO serves customers in both the United States and Canada, making it a great fit for content creators targeting English-speaking markets.
4. Beginner-Friendly Marketing Resources: The program provides access to banners, tracking tools, and promotional materials, making it easy for newcomers to start promoting right away.
5. Relevant for Multiple Niches: Whether your content focuses on personal finance, small business banking, or savings advice, BMO’s diverse product lineup allows for flexible promotion.

Best For:

• Finance bloggers targeting U.S. or Canadian audiences
• Content creators in the banking, business, or money management space
• Beginners who want to partner with a traditional and credible bank

In summary, the BMO Harris Bank Affiliate Program offers the perfect mix of trust, stability, and earning potential. With its broad range of products, strong North American presence, and easy-to-use affiliate tools, it’s an excellent program for those starting out with banking affiliate programs for beginners.

4. Barclays US Online Savings Affiliate Program

The Barclays US Online Savings Affiliate Program allows you to promote one of the world’s most reputable and established financial institutions. Barclays is a global bank with a strong presence in the United States, offering high-yield online savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) with competitive interest rates.

The affiliate program focuses mainly on attracting new customers for Barclays’ online savings products, which are popular among individuals looking for safe, reliable, and profitable ways to grow their money. Because Barclays is a household name in the financial world, it’s an easy sell for affiliates — especially in the personal finance niche.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. High Commissions per Signup: Barclays offers generous payouts for qualified leads or account openings. Even a few conversions can bring in solid earnings.
2. Trusted Global Brand: As one of the oldest and most respected banks worldwide, Barclays carries strong brand authority, making promotions more credible and easier to convert.
3. Strong Appeal for Savers: The products are simple — high-yield savings and CDs — making them easy to explain and promote, especially to readers focused on saving money or achieving financial stability.
4. Beginner-Friendly Program Tools: Affiliates get access to performance tracking dashboards, banners, and ready-to-use creatives to simplify promotion.
5. Low Competition Niche: Not many beginners focus on promoting savings accounts compared to credit cards, giving you an advantage in SEO rankings.

Best For:

• Personal finance bloggers focused on saving and budgeting
• Investors or money management content creators
• Beginners looking for a trustworthy, high-payout affiliate program

In short, the Barclays US Online Savings Affiliate Program offers a combination of brand credibility, high commission potential, and evergreen demand. If you’re new to affiliate marketing and want to promote financial stability products, Barclays is one of the best banking affiliate programs for beginners to start with.

5. CIT Bank Affiliate Program

The CIT Bank Affiliate Program is an excellent opportunity for beginners who want to promote reliable online banking products with high customer value. CIT Bank is a U.S.-based online bank known for offering high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and mortgage options. Its focus on digital banking and competitive interest rates makes it a great fit for people seeking better returns on their savings.

Since CIT Bank operates entirely online, it’s ideal for affiliates who target audiences looking for convenient, fee-free, and high-interest banking solutions. The program’s simplicity and strong reputation make it one of the easiest to promote in the finance niche.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. Straightforward Products: CIT Bank’s services—like savings accounts and CDs—are easy to explain, even for new affiliates without deep financial knowledge.
2. Attractive Commission Rates: Affiliates can earn solid payouts for each new qualified account, especially for savings or deposit products.
3. Trusted Online Bank: As part of First Citizens Bank, CIT offers brand credibility and security that help beginners build audience trust.
4. Ideal for Finance Content: It’s easy to include CIT Bank in blog posts like “Best Online Savings Accounts” or “How to Grow Your Money Safely.”
5. Comprehensive Affiliate Support: The program provides banners, tracking tools, and creative resources to help new affiliates promote effectively.

Best For:

• Finance or money-saving blogs
• Content focused on online banking or passive income
• Beginners who prefer promoting simple, transparent products

In summary, the CIT Bank Affiliate Program combines simplicity, strong brand recognition, and consistent commissions, making it one of the most reliable banking affiliate programs for beginners. If your audience values digital convenience and high-interest savings, CIT Bank is a perfect choice to start earning affiliate income.

6. Aspiration Banking Affiliate Program

The Aspiration Banking Affiliate Program stands out in the financial world for its focus on ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly banking. Aspiration is a U.S.-based digital financial platform that offers checking and savings accounts designed to help users save money and make a positive environmental impact. One of its most popular features is that it plants a tree with every debit card purchase and allows users to track their carbon footprint.

Aspiration’s approach to “conscious banking” has made it especially popular among younger audiences and environmentally aware consumers. As an affiliate, you can earn commissions when new users sign up or fund their Aspiration accounts through your referral links.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. Unique Ethical Appeal: Unlike traditional banks, Aspiration’s eco-friendly and social impact features make it easy to promote through sustainability-focused blogs or social media.
2. Good Commission Rates: Affiliates can earn solid payouts for each qualified signup or funded account, often with low entry barriers for new marketers.
3. Strong Brand Story: Its mission-driven identity (“Do Well. Do Good.”) resonates with audiences tired of conventional banking, helping you connect emotionally with potential customers.
4. Beginner-Friendly Marketing Materials: Aspiration provides ready-to-use banners, product descriptions, and affiliate dashboards that simplify tracking and promotion.
5. High Conversion Potential: People are increasingly choosing ethical finance options — making Aspiration easier to promote than complex financial services.

Best For:

• Eco-conscious or sustainability bloggers
• Lifestyle and finance creators who promote mindful spending
• Beginners looking for a niche financial program with strong emotional appeal

In short, the Aspiration Banking Affiliate Program offers a refreshing blend of profit and purpose. It’s not just about earning commissions — it’s about promoting positive change through responsible banking. For those new to affiliate marketing, Aspiration provides an easy and rewarding entry point into the world of banking affiliate programs for beginners.

7. Axos Bank Affiliate Program

The Axos Bank Affiliate Program gives affiliates the chance to promote one of the most innovative online banks in the U.S. Founded in 2000, Axos Bank offers a full range of digital banking services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, personal loans, and business banking solutions. As a 100% online bank, it’s known for competitive rates, no hidden fees, and a seamless digital experience—making it an easy sell for today’s tech-savvy consumers.

Affiliates earn commissions when users open qualified accounts through referral links. Because of Axos Bank’s versatility and strong reputation, it’s suitable for various niches like personal finance, entrepreneurship, and small business.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. Diverse Products to Promote: From personal checking to small business accounts, Axos offers multiple earning opportunities for affiliates.
2. High Conversion Rates: People searching for better online banking options often find Axos appealing due to its fee-free structure and advanced mobile features.
3. Strong Brand Trust: With decades of experience in online banking, Axos has built credibility that helps beginners gain audience trust quickly.
4. Easy-to-Use Affiliate Dashboard: The program includes transparent tracking, reporting tools, and marketing creatives to help new affiliates perform effectively.
5. Good Commission Potential: Affiliates can earn attractive commissions per approved signup or account opening, depending on the product type.

Best For:

• Personal finance and business bloggers
• Entrepreneurs or small business audiences
• Beginners who want to promote both consumer and business banking options

In summary, the Axos Bank Affiliate Program combines reliability, product variety, and beginner-friendly tools, making it one of the top banking affiliate programs for beginners. It’s perfect for affiliates who want to build long-term income by promoting trustworthy digital banking solutions.

8. SoFi Affiliate Program

The SoFi Affiliate Program is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly options in the financial affiliate space. SoFi (short for Social Finance) is a modern, all-in-one financial platform offering student loan refinancing, personal loans, credit cards, investing, insurance, and banking services — all in one app.

Its clean, tech-driven approach to money management makes it ideal for millennials and Gen Z audiences who prefer to manage their finances digitally. Affiliates can earn commissions for actions like new account openings, loan applications, or investment signups, depending on the campaign.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. Wide Range of Products: You can promote multiple services — banking, investing, loans, and credit cards — giving more chances to earn commissions.
2. Trusted Fintech Brand: SoFi is one of the best-known fintech companies, offering instant credibility and easy audience trust.
3. Flexible Promotion Options: Works well for blogs, YouTube channels, or social media pages that discuss personal finance, debt management, or investing.
4. Attractive Payouts: Commissions are competitive, with tiered rewards for specific products like personal loans or investment accounts.
5. Beginner-Friendly Marketing Resources: Affiliates get access to banners, links, tracking tools, and regular campaign updates for smooth promotion.

Best For:

• Finance, investment, or student-focused bloggers
• Content creators targeting young professionals or recent graduates
• Beginners who want to promote a well-known and easy-to-trust brand

In summary, the SoFi Affiliate Program offers multiple earning streams, high brand value, and accessible tools, making it one of the best banking affiliate programs for beginners. Whether your audience wants to refinance student loans, start investing, or open a bank account, SoFi gives you several ways to monetize effectively.

9. Discover Bank Affiliate Program

The Discover Bank Affiliate Program is one of the most reliable and profitable options for beginners in the banking affiliate world. Discover is a well-established U.S. financial brand, known for its credit cards, online savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs. It combines traditional banking trust with modern digital convenience, making it appealing to a broad range of users.

Affiliates earn commissions when users open eligible accounts or apply for Discover financial products through their unique referral links. Because Discover is a household name with a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, conversions tend to be easier compared to lesser-known brands.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

1. Strong Brand Recognition: Discover’s credibility instantly builds audience trust, helping new affiliates gain traction faster.
2. Multiple Product Options: Promote savings accounts, CDs, and credit cards — giving flexibility to reach different financial needs.
3. Attractive Payouts: Commissions are competitive and depend on the product type (for example, savings or credit cards often pay higher).
4. Simple Promotion Process: Discover provides affiliates with all the essentials — from ready-made banners to performance tracking dashboards.
5. High Customer Satisfaction: Discover consistently ranks among the top U.S. banks for customer service, which boosts conversions.

Best For:

• Personal finance and money management bloggers
• Credit card comparison sites
• Beginners looking for trustworthy, easy-to-promote financial programs

In short, the Discover Bank Affiliate Program blends trust, flexibility, and steady commission potential, making it one of the best banking affiliate programs for beginners. With its broad appeal and strong marketing support, it’s a top choice for anyone starting in financial affiliate marketing.

Conclusion:

Starting your journey with banking affiliate programs for beginners is a smart and sustainable way to earn money online. These programs let you partner with trusted financial institutions while promoting services people actually need — from savings accounts to credit cards.

Whether you choose modern digital banks like Chime and SoFi, or established names like Barclays and Discover, each offers great earning potential and credibility. With the right niche, consistent promotion, and genuine recommendations, you can turn your affiliate links into a steady stream of passive income.

So, pick one or two of these beginner-friendly programs, join today, and start building your financial affiliate success story!