Amazon Associates
Best for product-review and unboxing channels
Amazon Associates is Amazon's in-house affiliate program. Commission rates are fixed per product category, and the 24-hour cookie credits any qualifying purchase a referred visitor makes during that window.
Program terms
- Commission
- 1% to 20% by product category
- Cookie window
- 24 hours (90 days for items added to cart)
- Payout threshold
- $10 (direct deposit or Amazon gift card); $100 (check)
- Payout frequency
- Monthly, around 60 days after the month end
- Payout methods
- Direct deposit, Amazon gift card, Check
- Markets
- Global
- Network
- In-house & Direct Programs
Pros
- Enormous product catalog across every niche
- Trusted checkout converts well
- Category-based rates are published and transparent
Cons
- Short 24-hour cookie window
- Category rates have been cut over time
- Strict operating-agreement rules on link disclosure
Visit Amazon Associates Opens the official affiliate page
How the Amazon Associates program works
Amazon Associates pays a category-based percentage on qualifying purchases made within the cookie window after someone clicks your affiliate link. Rates vary by product category and are published in Amazon’s commission income statement.
Who it suits
Creators who recommend physical products across a wide range of categories, and who can drive purchase-intent traffic that converts inside the short cookie window.