CPA Networks

What CPA Means and How the Model Works

CPA (Cost Per Action) is an online advertising model in which advertisers pay not for impressions or clicks, but for predetermined user actions.

Typical actions include:

• registration on a website or app;
• first deposit or purchase;
• mobile app installation;
• confirmed lead;
• subscription or any other verified action.

For a more detailed explanation of affiliate marketing terms and payment models, see the 3S.INFO Knowledge Base.

Why CPA Networks Are Needed in Affiliate Marketing

CPA networks act as intermediaries between advertisers and affiliates, managing their interactions. They ensure accurate tracking of user actions, monitor traffic quality, and handle financial settlements between parties.

Typically, a CPA network provides partners with a platform for managing offers, tracking, and traffic analytics — similar solutions are offered by platforms like Affise, Alanbase, Trackier, and iRev.

How a CPA Network Works

1. The advertiser submits an offer with its terms and target actions.
2. The affiliate selects the offer and receives a unique tracking link.
3. Users click the link and visit the advertiser’s landing page.
4. The CPA network tracks user actions through its system.
5. After verifying the actions, the affiliate receives a commission.

Payment Models in CPA Networks

CPA networks use different reward schemes depending on the vertical and business objectives. For a detailed explanation of each affiliate marketing payment model, see the 3S.INFO Knowledge Base.

• CPA — fixed payment per action;
• CPL — payment per confirmed lead;
• CPS — percentage of a sale;
• RevShare — share of advertiser revenue;
• Hybrid — combination of fixed payment and percentage.

Who Works with CPA Networks

CPA networks are used by various market participants:

• affiliates and traffic arbitrage specialists;
• content websites and media projects;
• marketing and affiliate agencies;
• advertisers seeking to pay for measurable results.

Benefits for Affiliates and Advertisers

For affiliates: access to verified offers with clear terms, centralized payments, real-time analytics and tracking, dedicated account managers, and the ability to work with multiple GEOs.

For advertisers: CPA networks enable payment only for actual results, scale traffic without increasing risk, filter low-quality sources, and access a large partner base while maintaining flexible offer management.

Considerations When Working with CPA Networks

When working with CPA networks, it is important to consider hold periods (traffic validation), traffic source requirements, promotion formats, and differences in rules across GEOs and verticals. Following offer terms helps avoid issues and ensures stable payments. See more about holds.

How to Choose a Reliable CPA Network

When selecting a CPA network, consider:

• experience and market reputation;
• availability of direct offers;
• supported verticals and regions;
• payment terms and regularity;
• quality of support and account management.

CPA Networks and Traffic Geography

Most CPA networks work with international traffic. Campaigns take into account specific GEO characteristics, including local payment methods, legal regulations, and user behavior.

How to Get Started with a CPA Network

To get started, affiliates need to register with a CPA network, select offers, and comply with their promotion requirements.

If you want practical experience working with CPA offers and start collaborating with an international partner network, you can
register with the 3SNET CPA network.