What is CPA (Cost Per Action)?
Definition
A pricing model where the advertiser pays only when a specific action is completed, such as a form submission, app install, or purchase. CPA aligns incentives because both advertiser and affiliate benefit from genuine conversions.
Related Terms
A performance-based model where the affiliate earns a commission only when an actual sale is completed. CPS minimizes risk for advertisers while rewarding affiliates who can drive high-intent buyers.
The payment an affiliate earns for driving a qualified action such as a sale, lead, or sign-up. Commission structures vary from flat fees to percentage-based payouts and often include tiered bonuses for top performers.
A server-to-server callback that fires when a conversion occurs, passing transaction details to the affiliate's tracking platform. Postbacks are more reliable than pixel-based tracking because they are not affected by browser privacy restrictions.