Trying to make money from your finance blog? You’re not alone.
Many bloggers feel stuck. Traffic’s growing slowly. Ad revenue is thin. And sponsored posts? Not consistent.
That’s where affiliate marketing comes in.
You recommend products or services you trust. If your readers sign up or buy through your link, you earn a commission. It’s simple in theory—but picking the right programs is what makes or breaks your results.
This isn’t about hype. It’s about steady income you can build over time.
I’ve reviewed dozens of finance affiliate programs. Some pay peanuts. Some are hard to get into. And a few? Actually worth your time.
This list focuses on the best options in 2025—programs that pay well, fit naturally into finance content, and are beginner-friendly.
Let’s get into it.
1. Credit Karma Affiliate Program
Credit Karma’s affiliate program is a smart pick for beginner finance bloggers. It’s free for users, trusted by millions, and you get paid for leads—not just purchases.
That matters. Because most readers won’t buy something right away. But many will check their credit score for free.
Credit Karma offers credit monitoring, loan comparisons, and financial tools. All at no cost to your audience.
What You Earn:
- Around $2–$5 per lead (varies by campaign)
- Bonus tiers available based on volume
Why It Works:
- High trust
- Easy sign-up
- Fits perfectly into credit score, budgeting, and debt posts
Example Posts That Convert:
- “How to Check Your Credit Score for Free”
- “Best Credit Monitoring Tools in 2025”
- “How I Raised My Credit Score in 3 Months”
2. Personal Capital (Now Empower)
Empower’s affiliate program (formerly Personal Capital) is one of the highest-paying finance programs out there—perfect for bloggers focused on investing or wealth building.
You earn for every qualified lead who signs up and links an investment account.
It’s not for every blog. But if your readers are into tracking net worth, early retirement, or building a portfolio, it’s a solid fit.
What You Earn:
- $100+ per qualified lead
- Some affiliates report $150+ per conversion
Why It Works:
- High payout
- Strong reputation
- Appeals to serious savers and investors
Example Posts That Convert:
- “How I Track My Net Worth Every Month”
- “Best Tools for Long-Term Wealth Building”
- “How to Start Investing Without Feeling Overwhelmed”
3. Acorns Affiliate Program
Acorns is beginner-friendly, mobile-first, and designed for people who think investing is complicated. That’s why it converts well on finance blogs aimed at first-timers.
The app rounds up purchases and invests spare change. It’s a soft introduction to investing that feels doable for readers on tight budgets.
What You Earn:
- $10–$20 per new user
- Occasional bonus campaigns
Why It Works:
- Easy to explain
- Simple user experience
- Works great with low-income or starter investing content
Example Posts That Convert:
- “How I Started Investing with Just $5”
- “The Best Investment Apps for Beginners”
- “Too Broke to Invest? Try This First”
4. CIT Bank Affiliate Program
CIT Bank offers high-yield savings accounts and CDs—two things that readers interested in saving money are actively searching for.
As of 2025, their rates remain competitive. It’s not a flashy product, but it’s one that helps readers make smarter decisions with their cash.
What You Earn:
- $50–$100 per approved account
- Rates vary by product and campaign
Why It Works:
- Trustworthy brand
- Ideal for savings and emergency fund content
- Rarely gets flagged as “salesy”
Example Posts That Convert:
- “Best High-Yield Savings Accounts in 2025”
- “Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund”
- “How I Saved $1,000 on a Low Income”
5. SoFi Affiliate Program
SoFi’s wide product range makes it one of the most flexible affiliate programs in the finance space.
From student loan refinancing and investing to credit cards and high-yield savings—they’ve got something for nearly every financial goal.
They’re also known for slick user experience and competitive offers.
What You Earn:
- $25–$150+ per conversion (varies by product)
- High-volume bonuses available
Why It Works:
- Broad product selection
- Trusted among millennials and Gen Z
- Works in multiple post categories
Example Posts That Convert:
- “Best Student Loan Refinancing Options”
- “How to Open Your First Investing Account”
- “Top Free Tools for Managing Your Money”
6. Robinhood Affiliate Program
Robinhood is still one of the most popular apps for beginner stock traders and investors, especially younger readers.
They’ve had ups and downs, but they’ve built brand recognition that helps with conversions.
If your audience is interested in stocks, options, or crypto, Robinhood can be a strong addition.
What You Earn:
- $5–$20 per new funded account
- Bonus tiers sometimes available
Why It Works:
- Known brand
- Simple onboarding
- Works well with investing and side hustle content
Example Posts That Convert:
- “How I Started Trading Stocks with $100”
- “The Best Investment Apps for 2025”
- “Crypto vs Stocks – Where I’m Putting My Money”
7. FreshBooks Affiliate Program
If your blog covers freelancing, side hustles, or self-employment, FreshBooks is a smart affiliate choice.
It’s accounting software made for non-accountants. Invoices, expenses, taxes—all simplified.
And the commission’s solid.
What You Earn:
- $5 per free trial
- $55+ per paid subscription
Why It Works:
- High lifetime value for paid users
- Trusted by freelancers
- Payouts even for free trials
Example Posts That Convert:
- “How I Manage My Freelance Finances”
- “Top Tools for Side Hustlers in 2025”
- “How to Track Business Income on a Budget”
8. Rakuten Affiliate Program
Rakuten is a cashback platform that appeals to deal-seekers. It’s great for budgeting content, especially around shopping, groceries, or saving on bills.
It’s free, low-pressure, and often converts well with readers trying to stretch a paycheck.
What You Earn:
- $10–$25 per new signup
- Extra cash when your referrals refer others
Why It Works:
- Easy to recommend
- Feels like a “tip,” not a pitch
- Strong brand recognition
Example Posts That Convert:
- “How to Save on Everyday Shopping”
- “My Favorite Cashback Apps in 2025”
- “Ways I Save $200 a Month Without Changing My Life”
9. Amazon Associates (Careful Use)
Amazon’s affiliate program isn’t just for product reviews—it can work in finance too.
Recommend books, calculators, planners, or even budget-friendly tech. Just be aware the payout’s small unless you drive serious volume.
What You Earn:
- 1%–3% commission on most items
- Cookie lasts 24 hours
Why It Works:
- Easy to get approved
- Trusted by readers
- Useful for small, helpful links in bigger posts
Example Posts That Convert:
- “Best Budget Planners for 2025”
- “What Helped Me Stick to My Budget”
- “Top Books That Changed My Financial Life”
10. FlexOffers and CJ (Affiliate Networks)
Sometimes, you won’t apply directly to a brand—you’ll go through an affiliate network.
FlexOffers and CJ (formerly Commission Junction) are two of the best for finance bloggers. They offer access to programs like Chase, American Express, TurboTax, and more.
It’s more complex, but it opens up more doors.
What You Earn:
- Depends on the brand
- Some top programs pay $50–$200 per approved signup
Why It Works:
- Big selection
- Access to major financial institutions
- Great for bloggers who want flexibility
Example Posts That Convert:
- “Best Credit Cards for Beginners”
- “My Favorite Tax Filing Software in 2025”
- “How I Earned $500 in Credit Card Bonuses”
Tips to Make These Programs Work for You
It’s not enough to slap a link on a blog post and hope.
Here’s how to actually make affiliate marketing work—without turning your site into a sales page:
1. Match the offer to the reader
If your readers are broke, don’t push premium investing tools. Give them free apps or starter tools.
2. Focus on helpful content first
Build trust. Then offer a solution. Readers can smell a pitch from a mile away.
3. Use personal examples
Tell them what worked for you. If you used the app, share how. Show screenshots. Be honest if it wasn’t perfect.
4. Test multiple programs
Different blogs convert differently. Try 2–3 affiliate programs and track results before settling.
5. Build email funnels
A good email series turns cold readers into warm leads. Include your affiliate links in helpful emails, not spammy blasts.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate income takes time. But it’s real.
You’re not going to make $10,000 a month in 30 days. But you can build a steady stream that grows month by month.
Focus on your readers. Offer real value. Recommend what makes sense.
That’s how finance bloggers earn money with affiliate marketing—without losing their voice or their audience’s trust.
If you’re consistent, careful, and clear, your blog can make money while helping others make smarter choices with theirs.
