Want to earn recurring income promoting password security? The 1Password affiliate program pays $2 per signup plus 25% of first-year revenue—but is it worth your time compared to alternatives?
Here’s what makes 1Password different: Most password managers pay one-time commissions or low recurring rates. 1Password combines both—you get paid when someone signs up for free trials AND when they convert to paid plans.
This guide breaks down 1Password’s commission structure, payment terms, signup process, and realistic earning potential. We’ll also show you five strong alternatives if password management isn’t your focus.
Let’s start with what makes 1Password different from competitors.
Recommended for every Shopify merchant, UpPromote affiliate software helps you create programs, set commissions, and manage tracking and payments. We cover everything you need to run successful affiliate campaigns.
115,000+ users worldwide have used UpPromote to start affiliate marketing. Now is your turn.
What Does 1Password Do?
1Password is a password manager that securely stores, organizes, and auto-fills login credentials across devices. Launched in 2005, it’s evolved from basic password storage into comprehensive identity management.
Core features:
- Password management: Generate, store, and auto-fill unique passwords for every account. Works across browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) and platforms (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux).
- Secure data vault: Beyond passwords, stores credit cards, secure notes, software licenses, and identity documents. Everything encrypted with AES-256-bit encryption.
- Watchtower security: Monitors for compromised passwords, weak credentials, reused logins, and data breaches. Alerts users when accounts need updating.
- 1Password for Business: Team management features including shared vaults, role-based access, admin controls, and compliance reporting. Targets companies needing centralized credential management.
- 1Password for Families: Shared family vault for WiFi passwords, subscriptions, insurance documents. Up to 5 family members on standard plan.
What makes 1Password compelling for affiliates?
Strong brand recognition in cybersecurity space. Users searching “best password manager” consistently rank 1Password in top 3 alongside LastPass and Dashlane.
Unlike free alternatives (browser-based password managers), 1Password requires paid subscription—which means actual commission potential. Free tools pay nothing.
The product serves both consumers (individuals, families) and businesses (teams, enterprises). This dual market lets you target multiple audience segments with same affiliate link.
Bottom line: You’re promoting a legitimate security solution people actively search for, not trying to create demand for unknown software.
How the 1Password Affiliate Program Works
The 1Password affiliate program operates through Commission Junction (CJ), a third-party affiliate network. CJ handles application approval, link tracking, commission calculation, and payment processing.
Why this matters: You’re not dealing with 1Password directly for technical issues. CJ provides dedicated affiliate support, reliable tracking infrastructure, and established payment systems.
The basic flow:
Step 1: Join CJ network
Create publisher account at cj.com. Provide website/platform details, traffic sources, promotional methods.
Step 2: Apply to 1Password program
Search for “1Password” in CJ’s advertiser directory. Click “Apply to Program.” Approval typically takes 2-5 business days.
Step 3: Get affiliate links
Once approved, access 1Password’s link generator in CJ dashboard. Create custom tracking links for specific plans or landing pages.
Step 4: Promote
Share links through blog posts, reviews, email campaigns, social media, or video descriptions.
Step 5: Track & get paid
CJ tracks clicks, signups, and conversions. View real-time performance in dashboard. Receive monthly payments via direct deposit, PayPal, or check.
Cookie tracking:
45-day cookie duration. If someone clicks your link today but doesn’t purchase until 44 days later, you still get credited—as long as they don’t click a different affiliate’s link in between.
One critical advantage: 45 days is longer than most software affiliate programs (typically 30 days). Password managers require trust-building time, so extended attribution window improves conversion capture.
1Password Affiliate Commission Structure
1Password uses a hybrid commission model combining signup bonuses with revenue percentage.
Commission breakdown:
**2percompletedsignup∗∗Youearn2 per completed signup** You earn 2percompletedsignup∗∗Youearn2 when someone creates a 1Password account through your link—even if they start with free trial and never convert to paid.
Plus 25% of first payment
You earn additional 25% commission on their first subscription payment (monthly or annual). Minimum $2 commission applies.
Commission examples:
| Plan Type | Price | Signup Bonus | 25% Commission | Total Earned |
| Individual Monthly | $2.99 | $2.00 | 0.75(0.75 (0.75(2 min) | $4.00 |
| Individual Annual | $35.88 | $2.00 | $8.97 | $10.97 |
| Families Annual | $59.88 | $2.00 | $14.97 | $16.97 |
| Teams Annual (5 users) | $239.40 | $2.00 | $59.85 | $61.85 |
| Business Annual (50 users) | $2,394 | $2.00 | $598.50 | $600.50 |
Key insights:
The dual structure rewards both volume (signups) and value (annual plans). If you drive 100 signups but only 20 convert to paid annual plans, you still earn $200 from signups alone.
Annual plans pay significantly better than monthly. A Families annual plan (59.88)generates59.88) generates 59.88)generates16.97 commission versus monthly equivalent (4.99×12months)earningonly4.99 × 12 months) earning only 4.99×12months)earningonly4.00 per first payment.
Business plans offer highest earning potential. One enterprise signup can pay $600+ versus dozens of individual conversions needed to match.
What about recurring commissions?
1Password only pays on first payment—no ongoing revenue share. This differs from true SaaS affiliate programs offering lifetime recurring commissions (10-30% monthly for customer lifetime).
The tradeoff: Higher upfront percentage (25% vs. typical 10-15% recurring programs) but no long-term passive income.
Compare to competitor programs:
| Program | Commission Structure | Cookie Duration |
| 1Password | $2/signup + 25% first payment | 45 days |
| LastPass | 20% recurring (monthly) | 90 days |
| Dashlane | 33% first payment only | 30 days |
| NordPass | 30% recurring | 30 days |
| Bitwarden | 20% first year | 60 days |
1Password’s signup bonus gives immediate earnings even on unconverted trials. But LastPass and NordPass offer better long-term value through recurring commissions.
Payment Terms & Processing
CJ processes all payments for the 1Password affiliate program.
Payment schedule:
Monthly payments issued at end of each month for previous month’s earnings.
Payment methods:
- Direct deposit (ACH bank transfer)
- PayPal
- Check (mailed)
Minimum payout threshold:
No minimum. You receive payment regardless of amount earned. If you earn 5inamonth,youget5 in a month, you get 5inamonth,youget5.
This is rare—most affiliate networks require $50-100 minimum before processing payment.
Payment timeline example:
- January 1-31: You earn $247 in commissions
- February 28: CJ processes payment
- March 1-5: Funds arrive in your account (depends on payment method)
Payment delays:
- Direct deposit: 5-7 business days after processing
- PayPal: 3-5 business days
- Check: 10-14 business days (international up to 30 days)
Tax considerations:
CJ issues 1099 forms for US affiliates earning $600+ annually. International affiliates receive year-end earning statements. You’re responsible for reporting income according to local tax laws.
Pros & Cons
What works:
✅ Dual commission structure – Earn on both signups and conversions
✅ No minimum payout – Get paid from first dollar earned
✅ 45-day cookie duration – Longer attribution window than most competitors
✅ Strong brand recognition – Users actively search for 1Password
✅ Multiple pricing tiers – Target individuals, families, and businesses
✅ CJ network reliability – Established tracking and payment infrastructure
✅ Free trial available – Lower barrier for audience to test product
✅ Cross-platform support – Works on all major devices and browsers
What doesn’t:
❌ No recurring commissions – Only paid on first transaction, not lifetime value
❌ Limited affiliate resources – No pre-made banners, email templates, or promotional materials in dashboard
❌ Self-service support – Must contact 1Password team directly for materials; no dedicated affiliate manager
❌ High competition – Password manager reviews are saturated niche with established publishers
❌ Annual plan dependency – Need users to choose annual billing for meaningful commissions
❌ No referral bonuses – No incentive for promoting to existing 1Password users
The biggest earning limitation: No recurring revenue. A customer paying 59.88annuallyfor5yearsgenerates59.88 annually for 5 years generates 59.88annuallyfor5yearsgenerates16.97 one-time commission versus $299.40 total paid over that period.
Compare to LastPass affiliate program: 20% recurring monthly commission means you earn every month that customer stays subscribed. After 12 months, that catches up to 1Password’s one-time payment.
Here’s the opportunity most affiliates miss: Focus on business plans instead of individual subscriptions. One company with 50 employees pays $600 commission versus 35 individual signups needed to match.
Who Can Join the 1Password Affiliate Program?
The 1Password affiliate program accepts most publishers with relevant audience and established platform.
Ideal publishers:
Technology blogs and review sites
Sites covering software, productivity tools, cybersecurity, or digital privacy.
Business and productivity influencers
Content creators focused on remote work, digital nomad lifestyle, small business management, or entrepreneurship.
Cybersecurity educators
Platforms teaching online safety, data protection, identity theft prevention, or enterprise security.
General tech YouTubers
Video creators covering app reviews, software comparisons, or productivity workflows.
Email newsletter operators
Newsletters focused on tech news, security updates, or business tools.
Basic requirements:
- Active platform: Website, YouTube channel, social media account, or email list with regular content.
- Relevant audience: Followers interested in technology, security, business tools, or productivity.
- Quality content: Professional presentation, clear niche focus, honest recommendations.
- Compliance: No spamming, cookie stuffing, trademark bidding, or fraudulent traffic methods.
1Password reviews applications for brand alignment
They check whether your content fits their target market (individuals concerned about security, businesses needing credential management). Generic coupon sites or deal aggregators may face rejection.
No strict traffic minimums
Unlike some programs requiring 10,000+ monthly visitors, 1Password accepts smaller publishers with engaged audiences. Quality over quantity.
How to Join the 1Password Affiliate Program (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit the 1Password affiliate homepage
Navigate to 1password.com/affiliate/ and review program details.
Step 2: Click “Sign up now”
Redirects to Commission Junction (CJ) registration page.
Step 3: Complete CJ publisher application
Required information:
- Email address (becomes your login)
- Password (create secure credentials)
- Personal details (name, address, phone)
- Tax information (SSN for US, tax ID for international)
- Website URL or platform details
- Traffic sources and promotional methods
- Payment preferences (direct deposit, PayPal, or check)
Fill accurately—CJ verifies information before account approval.
Step 4: Verify email address
Check inbox for CJ verification email. Click “Create My CJ Publisher Account” button to confirm.
Step 5: Log in to CJ dashboard
Use credentials from Step 3 to access publisher portal.
Step 6: Complete onboarding checklist
CJ requires:
- Payment method setup
- Tax form submission (W-9 for US, W-8BEN for international)
- Account activation confirmation
Step 7: Find and apply to 1Password program
Navigate to “Advertisers” → “Search.” Type “1Password” in search bar.
Click program listing → “Apply to Program” button.
Application questions:
- How will you promote 1Password?
- What is your website traffic volume?
- What content topics do you cover?
- Do you have existing audience interested in security/productivity?
Answer honestly. 1Password reviews applications manually.
Step 8: Wait for approval
Typical response time: 2-5 business days. Check email for acceptance notification.
Step 9: Access affiliate links
Once approved, return to CJ dashboard. Find 1Password in “My Advertisers” list.
Click “Get Links” to generate trackable URLs for:
- Homepage (general promotion)
- Specific pricing pages (Individual, Families, Business)
- Free trial signup page
- Feature pages (Watchtower, Travel Mode, etc.)
Step 10: Start promoting
Insert affiliate links into content. Track performance in CJ dashboard’s “Reports” section.
Effective Promotion Strategies
Most affiliates fail with password manager programs because they create generic “Top 10” lists that get buried by established sites. Here’s what works:
Strategy 1: Migration Guides
Create tutorials helping users switch from competitors to 1Password.
Example topics:
- “How to Import LastPass Passwords to 1Password (Step-by-Step)”
- “Switching from Dashlane to 1Password: Complete Transfer Guide”
- “Moving from Browser Password Manager to 1Password”
Why it works: Users already recognize password management value—they’re just choosing which tool. Migration guides capture high-intent, ready-to-switch audience.
Target keywords: “[competitor name] to 1Password,” “switch from [tool],” “import passwords to 1Password.”
Strategy 2: Security Incident Content
Write about data breaches affecting specific companies or industries.
Example angles:
- “Target Data Breach: How 1Password Prevents Credential Theft”
- “After [Company] Hack: Why You Need Unique Passwords”
- “LastPass Security Issues: Should You Switch to 1Password?”
Timing matters: Publish immediately after major breach announcements when search volume spikes.
Strategy 3: Business Use Case Content
Target small business owners and team managers.
Example content:
- “How Remote Teams Use 1Password to Share Credentials Safely”
- “1Password for Agencies: Managing Client Logins Without Spreadsheets”
- “Small Business Password Policy: Implementation with 1Password”
Strategy 4: Feature Deep-Dives
Explain specific 1Password capabilities competitors lack.
Example topics:
- “1Password Travel Mode: Delete Sensitive Vaults at Border Crossings”
- “Using 1Password Watchtower to Find Compromised Passwords”
- “1Password CLI: Automating Password Management for Developers”
SEO advantage: Low-competition, high-value keywords. “1Password Travel Mode” has search volume but few ranking pages.
Strategy 5: Comparison Content
Create detailed head-to-head comparisons addressing specific user concerns.
Comparison angles:
- “1Password vs LastPass: Which Handles Family Sharing Better?”
- “1Password vs Dashlane: Security Features Compared”
- “1Password vs Bitwarden: Open Source vs Proprietary”
Conversion tip: End with clear recommendation based on use case. “Choose 1Password if [scenario]. Choose [competitor] if [different scenario].”
Strategy 6: Video Tutorials
Create YouTube walkthroughs showing actual product usage.
Video ideas:
- “1Password Setup Tutorial: Beginner to Expert in 15 Minutes”
- “Top 5 1Password Features Most People Don’t Use”
- “Managing Family Passwords with 1Password”
Include affiliate links in video description, pinned comment, and end screen cards.
What doesn’t work:
Generic “best password managers” lists. These pages dominated by established tech sites (PCMag, TechRadar, Wirecutter) with massive domain authority. You won’t outrank them.
Thin affiliate content with no unique value. If your review just restates 1Password’s homepage, readers leave without converting.
Top 5 Password Manager Affiliate Alternatives to 1Password
Looking for better commission structures than 1Password’s standard one-time payout? These five programs offer superior terms, whether you’re focused on recurring passive income or high immediate payouts.
1. NordPass Affiliate Program
- Commission: 30% Recurring Monthly
- Cookie: 30 days
- Best For: Promoting alongside NordVPN or to audiences already interested in Nord Security products.
- Affiliate Value: NordPass leverages the massive Nord brand recognition. The recurring commission model is a major draw, generating passive income. For example, a two-year customer paying just about $4.49/month nets you about $32.33 total, significantly more than 1Password’s typical $4 one-time fee.
2. Dashlane Affiliate Program
- Commission: 33% of First Payment
- Cookie: 30 days
- Best For: Audiences willing to pay a premium for advanced features (e.g., dark web monitoring, built-in VPN).
- Affiliate Value: Dashlane targets the high-end user, resulting in a higher Average Order Value (AOV). With annual plans ranging from $59.99 to $119.99, a single conversion can earn you between $19.80 and $39.60. They also run frequent discount campaigns, which helps conversion rates.
3. Keeper Affiliate Program
- Commission: 30% First Payment (recurring options available)
- Cookie: 45 days
- Best For: B2B content targeting enterprise clients, MSPs, and regulated industries.
- Affiliate Value: Keeper emphasizes compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA) and serious business features. You earn much higher commissions on their enterprise plans ($300 – $1,500+ per year), making content focused on B2B security extremely lucrative.
4. RoboForm Affiliate Program
- Commission: 25% First Payment
- Cookie: 60 days
- Best For: The budget-conscious audience seeking the most affordable solution available.
- Affiliate Value: RoboForm has the lowest annual pricing in the space (about $23.88/year). While the commission per sale is lower (about $5.97), its affordability leads to higher conversion rates, especially for content targeting “cheap” or “affordable” keywords. The 60-day cookie also provides a longer attribution window.
5. LastPass Affiliate Program
- Commission: 20% Recurring Monthly
- Cookie: 90 days
- Best For: A long-term passive income strategy focusing on maximizing customer lifetime value.
- Affiliate Value: LastPass offers recurring commissions for the entire lifetime of the customer’s subscription. A user paying about $3/month for three years generates about $21.60 total commission. Its industry-leading 90-day cookie is highly beneficial for capturing purchases that take longer to finalize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should join the 1Password affiliate program?
Technology bloggers, cybersecurity educators, business/productivity influencers, and anyone with audience concerned about online security or password management. Also works for general tech reviewers covering software tools.
Is there a fee to join the 1Password affiliate program?
No. Joining Commission Junction network and applying to 1Password program is completely free. No setup costs, monthly fees, or minimum purchase requirements.
What are the minimum requirements to become a 1Password affiliate?
No minimum traffic or sales thresholds. However, 1Password reviews applications for brand alignment—your content should relate to technology, security, business tools, or productivity. Generic coupon sites may face rejection.
Can I promote 1Password alongside other password managers?
Yes. 1Password affiliate program doesn’t require exclusivity. You can promote multiple password managers in comparison content or recommend different tools for different use cases (e.g., “1Password for businesses, Bitwarden for open-source fans”).
Do I earn commissions if someone upgrades from individual to family plan?
No. You only earn on the first transaction through your affiliate link. If a customer later upgrades plan or renews subscription, you don’t receive additional commission. This is why annual plans are more valuable—higher upfront commission.
How long does 1Password affiliate approval take?
Typically 2-5 business days after submitting application through Commission Junction. Check email for approval notification. If rejected, CJ provides reason (usually content misalignment or incomplete application).
Final Take
The 1Password affiliate program makes sense if you meet three criteria:
- Your audience values security – Followers concerned about data breaches, identity theft, or password hygiene
- You can target business users – Higher commissions on team/enterprise plans versus individual subscriptions
- You prioritize upfront commissions – Prefer 60one−timepaymentover60 one-time payment over 60one−timepaymentover2/month recurring for 24 months
Skip 1Password if you have audience seeking free tools, want ongoing passive income (recurring commissions), or lack established platform (harder to get approved).
The bigger opportunity: Create content targeting businesses switching password managers or implementing security policies. One $2,394 enterprise conversion pays more than 140 individual signups.
My recommendation: Join 1Password if you’re already covering cybersecurity or productivity tools. Don’t build entire site around password manager reviews (too competitive). Use it as complementary monetization for existing security-focused content.
Want to run your own affiliate program instead? UpPromote helps brands set up complete affiliate systems in under 5 minutes, with tracking, commission management, and affiliate recruitment tools. Over $1.1B in affiliate sales powered by UpPromote globally.