What is an introducing broker (IB) in forex and how are IBs paid?
BrokerPays editorial team · Published Nov 3, 2026 · Data as of Nov 3, 2026
An introducing broker (IB) is a partner who refers traders to a broker and is paid by the broker for the business those clients bring: per traded lot, as a share of the broker's revenue, or as a one-off fee per qualified client (CPA). As of 3 November 2026, the median maximum rates published by brokers in the BrokerPays independent directory are $800 CPA, 50% revenue share and $8 per standard lot where the broker names the instrument.
All figures below are maximum values that brokers publish on their own websites and in their documents. Terms are set by brokers and change; check the source on each program page. Not investment advice.
- 370 partner programs of 207 brokers are tracked in the directory.
- Median maximum CPA: $800 per client (72 published values, range $50–2,000).
- Median maximum revenue share: 50% (104 values, range 10–90%).
- Median per-lot rate, instrument named by the broker (FX): $8 per standard lot (25 values, range $1.20–15); gold (XAUUSD): $7 (11 values).
- 81 of the 203 programs that publish a payout frequency pay daily.
Source: BrokerPays market overview and open data.
IB, affiliate, revenue share, per-lot rebate and sub-IB
The terms overlap, so it helps to separate the role of the partner from the payout model.
- Introducing broker (IB). A partner who brings clients and usually keeps earning while they trade. As of 3 November 2026, 162 of the 370 programs in the directory are IB programs.
- Affiliate (CPA). A partner, often a website or media owner, paid a fixed amount once per qualified client. Qualification normally means a minimum first deposit, a trading volume or a period. 125 programs are affiliate programs.
- Revenue share. A percentage of the broker's revenue from the referred clients. The base differs between brokers: spread, commission or net revenue, so 50% at one broker is not the same as 50% at another.
- Per-lot rebate. A fixed amount in USD for every standard lot (100,000 units in FX) a referred client trades.
- Sub-IB (multi-level). The partner also earns from sub-partners they bring in. 136 programs describe this option (programs with sub-IB).
- Hybrid. A combination, for example a smaller CPA plus revenue share.
How IB payouts work
The broker records the trades or deposits of referred clients, calculates the commission under the model in the agreement, credits it to the partner account and pays it out on a schedule once the balance reaches the minimum payout. Payout frequency, as published by 203 of 370 programs (as of 3 November 2026):
| Frequency | Programs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 81 | 40% |
| Weekly | 23 | 11% |
| Every two weeks | 4 | 2% |
| Monthly | 78 | 38% |
| On request | 17 | 8% |
The programs that publish daily payouts are collected on one page. Some brokers state different frequencies on different pages of their own site; in that case the directory shows both statements with links.
What the medians say by region
Per-lot medians for FX, where the broker names the instrument, differ by region (as of 3 November 2026; a median is shown from 5 values):
| Region | Median per lot | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Europe & global | $6.50 | 19 |
| Asia | $8.45 | 19 |
| Middle East & Africa | $8.73 | 16 |
| Latin America | $8.23 | 20 |
| CIS | $9 | 11 |
The revenue-share median is 50% in all five regions. The CPA median is $800 in Europe & global, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America, $765 in the CIS and $730 in Asia. A further 39 programs quote an amount "per lot" without naming the instrument (median $12, range $1–85); they are left out of the FX median because a rate on gold, indices or crypto is not comparable with a rate on EURUSD. Regions are assigned by one rule, described in the methodology.
How to become an introducing broker
- Decide which model suits your audience: CPA for one-off traffic, per lot or revenue share for clients you support over time.
- Shortlist programs that accept partners from your country (programs by partner country).
- Read the broker's partner agreement, not only the landing page.
- Register on the broker's partner page, receive your referral link or code and access to reports.
- Keep evidence of the terms you were offered: tier tables and conditions change.
What to check before signing
- Instrument for per-lot rates. "Up to $15 per lot" can refer to one pair or one account type.
- Tier. Headline maxima usually apply to the top tier; BrokerPays stores base, typical and maximum rates separately when brokers publish them.
- Accepted countries. Only 28 of 370 programs publish the countries from which partners are not accepted.
- Minimum payout. Published by 55 of 370 programs.
- Payout schedule and methods. Methods are published by 115 of 370 programs.
- Revenue-share base and CPA qualification. Spread or net revenue; deposit, volume and period.
Figures as of 3 November 2026. You can compare programs in the full table or read the fixed monthly BrokerPays Index, October 2026.
FAQ
What is a sub-IB?
A sub-IB is a partner recruited by another IB. The upper-level IB receives a part of the commission generated by the sub-IB's clients. As of 3 November 2026, 136 programs in the directory describe a sub-IB option; the share paid to each level is set by the broker.
How much does an IB earn per lot?
The median maximum published rate where the broker names the instrument is $8 per standard lot on FX (25 values, as of 3 November 2026). Actual income depends on the tier and on how much referred clients trade; published rates are not a promise of income.
What is the difference between an IB and an affiliate?
An affiliate is usually paid once per qualified client (CPA); an IB usually earns on an ongoing basis from client trading, per lot or as revenue share. Many brokers offer both, and hybrids exist.