Deriv turnover for CFDs: how commissions work

The Deriv Turnover for CFDs commission model—also widely known as the Introducing Broker (IB) plan—is a volume-based compensation structure designed for partners who refer active traders. Unlike revenue-share models that rely on net spreads or client losses, this model pays you a fixed commission based on the trading volume (turnover) generated by your referred clients.

This guide explains exactly how the model works, how to calculate your potential earnings using real-world scenarios, and how to position this plan to build a scalable, daily income stream.

Quick summary

• What you can potentially earn: A fixed commission for every trade your clients make, regardless of whether they win or lose.
• The "IB" advantage: Widely known as the Introducing Broker model, this plan focuses on trading volume rather than net revenue.
• Payout frequency: Commissions are calculated daily and credited to your account every 24 hours.
• Best for: Partners who refer high-frequency traders, algorithmic (EA) users, or run trading education communities.
• Key asset: Works across Forex, Commodities, Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, and Deriv’s exclusive Synthetic Indices.
• Availability: This plan is available to partners targeting non-EU global audiences.

What is the Deriv turnover for CFDs commission model?

The Deriv turnover for CFDs model is a partnership plan where you earn a fixed commission for every trade your referred clients execute. The commission is calculated based on the probability of turnover (trading volume), usually measured per $100,000 of turnover.

To get started, simply share your unique Deriv referral link. When a user signs up and begins real trading in CFDs, their trading volume is automatically tracked to your partnership account.

Because it pays on volume rather than company profit, it is ideal for partners with clients who trade frequently, use algorithmic strategies, or trade high volumes, regardless of their profitability.

Key benefits of the Deriv turnover for CFDs commission model 

“Like the Options Turnover model, this works for social media influencers, but it's particularly suitable for those who run trading academies or communities and trading event hosts. If you're working with active CFD traders or teaching people how to trade CFDs, this plan fits well.” - Gonzalo Bareiro, Education Specialist at Deriv.

• Volume-based earnings: Higher trading volumes by your clients mean increased potential commissions. Commission structures also differ by contract type and asset.
• Earning commissions: Your commission is calculated using a published schedule (per $100,000 turnover), which varies by asset class such as major forex, metals, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more.
• Daily payouts: Commissions are credited to your Deriv MT5 account every 24 hours.
• Multi-asset coverage: Earn on Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, and Synthetic Indices.
• Round-trip commissions: You receive a commission both when a client opens and closes a position, maximising potential earnings for every full trade cycle.

Revenue share vs. turnover: which model fits your business?

Choosing the right commission plan is the most critical decision a partner makes. While the Revenue Share model pays a percentage of the net revenue earned from a client (which can fluctuate), the Turnover model pays strictly on activity.

Here is how to decide which aligns with your business model:

If your audience consists of aggressive traders who open and close multiple positions a day, the Deriv Turnover for CFDs model is often the superior choice for consistent cash flow.

How exactly is your commission calculated?

Many partners find the term "per $100,000 turnover" confusing. It is important to understand that turnover does not mean deposit.

In CFD trading, turnover is the total value of the contract. Because Deriv offers leverage, a client with a small deposit can generate massive turnover.

The 3-step calculation formula

To calculate your commission, use this standard formula:

(Commission Rate ÷ 100,000) × Volume in Lots × Contract Size × Price

Let’s break this down into two specific scenarios to help you forecast your earnings.

Scenario A: Forex

• The Client: An active forex trader using a signal service.
• The Trade: Opens 1 Lot of EUR/USD.
• The Price: Exchange rate is 1.1000.
• The Rate: Let’s assume the payout is $10 per $100,000 turnover (check your dashboard for live rates).

Step 1: Calculate Turnover 1 Lot of EUR/USD has a contract size of 100,000 units. *100,000 units × $1.1000 price = *$110,000 Turnover**.

Step 2: Apply Commission You earn $10 for every $100,000. *$110,000 ÷ 100,000 = 1.1 units of payout.* *1.1 × $10 = *$11.00 Commission**.

Step 3: The Roundtrip Boost You earn this when they open, and again when they close. Total Earnings: $22.00 for a single completed trade.

Scenario B: Cryptocurrency 

• The Client: A trader speculating on Bitcoin volatility.
• The Trade: Opens 1 Lot of BTC/USD.
• The Price: Bitcoin is at $50,000.
• The Rate: Assume a payout of $20 per $100,000 turnover.

Step 1: Calculate Turnover 1 Lot of BTC at $50,000 = **$50,000 Turnover**. (Note: This is half of the $100k benchmark).

Step 2: Apply Commission $50,000 ÷ 100,000 = 0.5 units of payout. *0.5 × $20 = *$10.00 Commission**.

Step 3: The Roundtrip Boost Total Earnings: $20.00 for the full cycle.

Example: How commissions add up

If your client is an active trader and opens 2 lots of gold (XAUUSD) at $2,000 per ounce with a roundtrip rate of $8 per $100,000 turnover:

Using the formula: (Commission rate ÷ 100,000) × volume in lots × execution price × contract size

Open position: ($8 ÷ 100,000) × 2 × $2,000 × 100 = $32

Close position: ($8 ÷ 100,000) × 2 × $2,000 × 100 = $32

Total roundtrip commission: $64

Similarly, if a client trades 1 lot of a volatility index at $15 per $100,000 turnover, simply apply the published commission rate using the formula to calculate your earnings.

Which CFD assets qualify for turnover commissions?

One of the strengths of the Deriv partnership program is its breadth. You are not limited to just forex. You can monetise diverse trading strategies across these asset classes:

1. Forex: Majors (EUR/USD), Minors, and Exotics. High leverage here means high turnover potential.
2. Synthetic Indices: Deriv’s proprietary markets (like Boom/Crash and Volatility Indices), which are available 24/7. These are excellent for partners with clients who trade on weekends.
3. Cryptocurrencies: Major pairs like BTC/USD and ETH/USD.
4. Stocks & Indices: CFDs on major global indices (US Tech 100, Wall St 30) and individual stocks.
5. Commodities: Gold (XAU/USD), Silver, and Oil.

Note: Commission rates vary by asset class. For the complete list of commission rates across all asset classes and platforms, please refer to the full list of rates available here. Commission rates are subject to change, and information is accurate as of the date of publication.

Why daily payouts matter for your cash flow

Most affiliate programs lock your funds for 30 days. The Deriv Turnover for CFDs model operates on a Daily Payout schedule.

How the payout cycle works

1. Trading day: Your clients trade throughout the day.
2. Calculation: At the end of the server day (GMT), Deriv calculates the total volume and applies the commission formula.
3. Credit: The funds are deposited directly into your Deriv MT5 account or fiat account the very next morning.

This liquidity is vital for partners running paid advertising campaigns. You can reinvest your Monday earnings into Tuesday’s ads, allowing you to scale your business faster without waiting for end-of-month checks.

Coaching your clients: how to market CFD trading

To maximise your potential turnover commissions, you need clients who trade actively and responsibly. Here is a strategy for different partner types:

For trading academies

Focus on risk management and strategy execution.

• Teach clients that CFD trading allows them to profit from both rising and falling markets.
• Encourage the use of stop-losses and disciplined position sizing. Remember, a client who blows their account stops generating volume. A client who manages risk stays active for years.

For signal providers

Focus on execution speed.

• Highlight Deriv’s fast execution speed on Deriv MT5 platform.
• Explain that your signals work best on tight spreads, which helps maintain their account balance, leading to more volume for you.

For tool/algo developers

Focus on automation.

• If you provide Expert Advisors (EAs), this commission model is your best friend. EAs operate 24/5 (or 24/7 on Synthetics), generating passive volume turnover while you sleep.

The Deriv Turnover for CFDs commission model offers a transparent, volume-driven path to partner success. By shifting your focus from "client losses" to "client activity," you align your business with the success and longevity of your traders.

FAQs

Is the turnover model available to EU partners?

No. Due to regulatory requirements, the Turnover for CFDs model is not available to clients or partners residing in the European Union. You should segment your marketing to target global audiences (Latin America, Africa, Asia, MENA) to ensure eligibility.

How do I get started with the Deriv Turnover for CFDs model?

Sign up as a Deriv partner and select the Turnover for CFDs commission plan. Once approved, you'll receive a unique referral link to share with potential traders. When users sign up through your link and begin trading CFDs, their volume is automatically tracked to your account and you start earning commissions.

Where can I see the exact commission rates?

Rates are dynamic and subject to change based on market conditions. You can view the live, specific rate table inside our Partners Help Centre. 

Can I switch between Revenue Share and Turnover? 

Deriv often allows partners to have different plans for different client groups. Contact your affiliate manager to discuss optimising your account structure if you feel a switch would increase your earnings.

How long does a referred client stay linked to my account?

Once a client signs up through your referral link, they remain linked to your partnership account for the lifetime of their trading activity. You continue earning commissions on their CFD trading volume as long as they remain active.