CJ Affiliate, formerly Commission Junction, is one of the oldest affiliate networks, connecting publishers with brand programs in retail, travel, finance, software and more. Publishers join free and apply to each advertiser separately. CJ pays monthly, with a $50 minimum for direct deposit and $100 for checks, and offers Payoneer for international publishers. It doesn’t pay by PayPal.
At a glance
| What it is | Affiliate network for major brands |
| Cost to join | Free for publishers |
| Minimum payment | $50 direct deposit, $100 check |
| Payment timing | Monthly, around the 20th |
| Payment methods | Direct deposit, check, Payoneer |
| PayPal | Not offered |
How it works
You sign up as a publisher, complete your network profile and payment and tax details, and then apply to advertisers. Each advertiser reviews your application. Once approved, you create links and promote their products. CJ combines earnings from all your programs into one balance.
What you earn
Each advertiser sets its own commission and cookie terms. Commissions are confirmed only after the advertiser validates them, which can take 30 to 60 days or more.
Getting paid
CJ pays around the 20th of each month for commissions that have closed. If your balance is below the minimum, it rolls over to the next month. International publishers often use Payoneer to receive local currency.
Inactive accounts
Third-party guides say CJ deactivates publisher accounts with no earnings for six months in a row, after which you must reapply. Keep at least some activity going if you want to keep your account.
Approval
CJ and its advertisers are selective. A site or channel with real content, clear traffic sources and a well-written network profile has a much better chance of approval.
Common mistakes
Publishers often apply with a brand-new site, leave their profile thin or break advertiser rules on coupons and paid search. Some public reviews describe accounts closed before payment, so follow every policy closely.
Getting started
Build a site or channel with real content first. Then write a clear network profile explaining your audience and promotion methods, and apply to advertisers that match your niche.
Is it worth it?
For established publishers, yes: CJ has brands you won’t find elsewhere. Beginners may find approval hard.
Disclosure
CJ and its advertisers require clear disclosure of affiliate links, and consumer rules in most countries do too. Add a short disclosure near your links.
Tax forms
CJ asks for tax information in your account settings. Non-US publishers usually complete a W-8BEN form, and US publishers a W-9.
Tracking results
CJ’s performance reports show earnings per click and conversion rates by advertiser. Use them to drop weak programs and focus on strong ones.
Product feeds and deep links
CJ offers product feeds and deep linking, which let you link straight to specific products. Specific links usually convert better than homepage links.
Combining networks
CJ works well alongside Impact and Awin, since each brand picks one network. Keep a simple list of which brands you’ve joined where, so you can track earnings and payment dates in one place.
Keeping records
Save your own copies of key reports and correspondence. If an advertiser reverses commissions, clear records make it easier to raise a query.
Owen’s take
CJ is a serious network for serious publishers. Treat its rules carefully and it can be a reliable source of brand commissions.
Who it suits
It suits established sites and creators with clear traffic. It suits less well new sites or anyone who needs PayPal payouts.
Similar options
- Impact hosts programs from many big brands.
- Awin is a large global network.
- FlexOffers lists thousands of programs.
- Rakuten Advertising runs retail brand programs.
More options are in Affiliates & Referrals.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Major brand advertisers
- Free to join
- One balance for all programs
Cons
- No PayPal payouts
- Strict approvals
- Inactive accounts can be closed
FAQ
Is CJ Affiliate free?
Yes, publishers join free.
What is CJ’s minimum payout?
$50 for direct deposit and $100 for checks.
When does CJ pay?
Monthly, around the 20th.
Does CJ pay by PayPal?
No; it uses direct deposit, check or Payoneer.
Can CJ close an inactive account?
Third-party guides say accounts with no earnings for six months are deactivated.
