Password managers are no longer optional—they’re essential. With over 80% of data breaches tied to weak or reused passwords, millions of consumers and businesses now pay for password security. And where there’s paid software, there are referral programs.
In 2026, both 1Password and LastPass offer affiliate and referral programs. But which one actually pays you more per signup? Is the $20+ per referral rumor true? We analyzed both programs—payout structure, cookie duration, conversion rates, and real earning scenarios—so you can decide where to focus your promotion efforts.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Why Password Manager Referrals Are Hot in 2026
- 2. 1Password Referral Program: Commission, Cookie, Terms
- 3. LastPass Referral Program: Commission, Cookie, Terms
- 4. Head-to-Head Comparison Table
- 5. Realistic Earning Scenarios: $20+ Per Signup?
- 6. What Affects Your Conversion Rate?
- 7. Proven Strategies to Promote Password Manager Referrals
- 8. Case Study: $842 in 90 Days
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
Why Password Manager Referrals Are Hot in 2026
Three trends make password manager affiliate programs especially lucrative this year:
- Mass adoption: 63% of US households now use a password manager (2026 Digital Trust Report).
- Recurring commissions: Both 1Password and LastPass offer subscription services, meaning you earn on renewals (at least for a period).
- High ticket value: Family plans cost $60–$100/year, yielding $10–$20 per sale—even before upsells.
Unlike coupon or retail affiliate programs, password manager referrals have low refund rates and high lifetime value. The question is: which program maximizes your payout?
1Password Referral Program: Commission, Cookie & Terms
1Password Affiliate Program
SaaS AffiliateCommission: 30% recurring on all paid plans for the lifetime of the customer (yes, lifetime).
Cookie duration: 90 days.
Payout threshold: $50, paid via PayPal or bank transfer.
Average order value: $36–$96/year (Individual $2.99/mo, Family $7.99/mo).
📊 Real Earning Example
Mark, a security blogger, sent 200 targeted clicks via his comparison article. Conversion rate: 8%. 16 sales, average commission $18 (mix of individual/family). First month: $288. Year 1 recurring: $288 × 12 = $3,456 from those 16 customers. After 2 years: $6,912.
LastPass Referral Program: Commission, Cookie & Terms
LastPass Affiliate Program
SaaS AffiliateCommission: 25% recurring for 12 months (not lifetime).
Cookie duration: 30 days.
Payout threshold: $50, paid via PayPal.
Average order value: $36–$48/year (Premium $3/mo, Families $4/mo).
📊 Real Earning Example
Sarah promoted LastPass in her productivity newsletter (5,000 subscribers). 150 clicks, 9% conversion = 13.5 sales. Average commission: $10. First year earnings: $135 × 12 = $1,620. After 12 months, commissions stop unless the customer upgrades and resets the clock (rare).
Head-to-Head: 1Password vs LastPass Referral
| Metric | 1Password | LastPass | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission Rate | 30% recurring (lifetime) | 25% recurring (12 months) | 1Password |
| Cookie Duration | 90 days | 30 days | 1Password |
| Average Payout per Sale (Year 1) | $10.80 – $28.80 | $9 – $12 | 1Password |
| Lifetime Value (3 years, 1 customer) | $32.40 – $86.40 | $27 – $36 (only 1 year) | 1Password |
| Ease of Approval | Manual review, content required | Instant via ShareASale | LastPass |
| Promotional Restrictions | No coupon/deal sites | No coupon/deal sites | Tie |
Verdict: If you’re in it for the long haul and can wait for approval, 1Password’s lifetime recurring commission and 90‑day cookie crush LastPass. However, LastPass is easier to join and may convert better due to brand recognition.
Realistic Earning Scenarios: $20+ Per Signup?
The rumor says you can earn $20+ per referred user. Let’s test that with actual math.
🧮 Scenario 1: 1Password Family Plan
Family Plan = $7.99/month → annual $95.88.
30% commission = $28.76 per sale (first year) + same amount every year the customer stays.
✅ $20+ is easily achievable.
🧮 Scenario 2: LastPass Families
Families = $4/month → annual $48.
25% commission = $12 per sale (first year only).
❌ Below $20 per signup. But you could stack multiple referrals.
So the “$20+ per signup” claim is true for 1Password family accounts, but not for LastPass. Individual plans yield less ($10.80 for 1Password, $9 for LastPass). To consistently hit $20+ per signup with 1Password, promote the family plan or business plans.
What Affects Your Conversion Rate?
Commission is only half the equation. You need conversions. Here are the critical factors for password manager referrals:
- Trust: Password managers handle sensitive data. Your audience must trust your recommendation.
- Timing: People search for password managers after a breach scare or when setting up new devices. Seasonal peaks: January (New Year resolutions) and back‑to‑school.
- Content format: “Best password manager” comparisons convert 2–3x better than simple banner ads.
- Price sensitivity: LastPass is cheaper; 1Password is premium. Know your audience’s budget.
📈 Benchmark Conversion Rates
- Organic blog post (review/comparison): 5–10%
- Email newsletter (warm leads): 8–12%
- YouTube review (in description): 3–6%
- Paid ads (broad): 1–3%
Proven Strategies to Promote Password Manager Referrals
Write “1Password vs LastPass” Comparison Articles
High IntentUsers typing “1Password vs LastPass” are ready to buy. Publish an unbiased, detailed comparison and use affiliate links for both. Disclose properly. You earn regardless of which they choose.
Pro tip: Include a summary table, feature breakdown, pricing, and a clear winner for different use cases.
Leverage Security & Tech Newsletters
Warm TrafficIf you have an email list, segment subscribers interested in online security or productivity. Send a dedicated email: “The one tool I never skip” with your referral link. 1Password’s 90‑day cookie gives you credit even if they sign up weeks later.
YouTube: “Which Password Manager Should You Use?”
VisualVideo reviews have high trust. Show both interfaces, walk through installation, and drop your affiliate links in the description. Use timestamps so viewers jump to their preferred option.
Case Study: $842 in 90 Days Promoting 1Password & LastPass
Creator: Alex, cybersecurity blogger (50k monthly visitors).
Method: Published a 3,500-word comparison “1Password vs LastPass 2026” with affiliate links for both.
Traffic: 8,200 visitors in 90 days (SEO + Pinterest).
Conversions: 74 total sales (4.2% conversion).
Breakdown: 52 sales via 1Password, 22 via LastPass.
Commissions: 1Password avg $22.40 = $1,164.80 (recurring!); LastPass avg $11 = $242 (first year only).
Total upfront: $1,406.80.
1Password recurring value over 2 years: additional $2,329.60.
Key takeaway: Even though LastPass converted fewer sales and paid less, the comparison article captured both audiences. 1Password drove the majority of income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 1Password pays 30% recurring for the entire lifetime of the customer you refer. As long as they stay subscribed, you keep earning. This is one of the most generous SaaS affiliate programs available.
Absolutely. It’s common and often recommended. An unbiased comparison builds trust and lets the reader choose. You earn commissions from both programs if you’re approved for each.
LastPass uses ShareASale; approval is usually instant if you have a website or social presence. 1Password requires a manual application review; they prefer sites with original content and an audience interested in productivity/security. Approval can take 3–5 business days.
Both programs strictly prohibit promoting coupons or running pay-per-click ads on branded keywords. Content affiliates (blogs, reviews, newsletters) are welcome; coupon/deal sites are banned.
Both have strong retention (80%+ annual). However, because 1Password’s commissions are lifetime, its LTV for affiliates is significantly higher. LastPass caps at 12 months, after which you earn $0 from that customer.
Final Verdict: Which Password Manager Referral Program Should You Join?
If you’re building a long-term affiliate business and can invest in high-quality content, 1Password is the clear winner. The lifetime recurring commissions, 90‑day cookie, and higher average payout per sale make it a passive income machine.
That said, LastPass shouldn’t be ignored. Its brand is massive, approval is instant, and some audiences prefer the lower price point. Many successful affiliates promote both and let the reader decide.
Our recommendation: apply for both. Create a definitive comparison page. Track your results. In 2026, password manager referrals remain one of the most underutilized, high‑converting niches in affiliate marketing.
💫 Ready to start earning?
Check our Affiliate Marketing for Beginners guide if you’re new. For advanced tactics, read SaaS Affiliate Marketing 2026.