Amazon Associates is Amazon’s affiliate program. You share links to Amazon products on a website, newsletter, video or social account, and earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through them. Joining is free, but approval is conditional: you must make at least three qualifying sales within 180 days before Amazon reviews your account. In 2026, Amazon changed its operating agreement and, according to industry reports, cut commission rates for some publishers.
At a glance
| What it is | Amazon’s own affiliate program |
| Cost to join | Free |
| Approval | Three qualifying sales within 180 days, then review |
| Commission | Varies by product category |
| Attribution | 24-hour click window, plus 90 days for items added to cart |
| 2026 change | Operating agreement updated on 14 April 2026 |
How it works
You sign up, add the websites or social accounts where you’ll share links and start creating links to products. When someone clicks your link and buys within the window, you earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Your own purchases don’t count.
What changed in 2026
Amazon’s updated operating agreement took effect on 14 April 2026. It added a rule that a product must be shipped, streamed or downloaded and paid for within 180 days to earn a commission, and it narrowed commissions on other items in the same visit. Separately, Adweek and other trade press reported in May 2026 that Amazon had cut rates by up to 50% in some categories and removed some bonuses, though the cuts weren’t applied evenly to all publishers. Check your own rate card in Associates Central.
What you earn
Commission rates are set by product category and change over time, with some categories paying nothing. Because most purchases are lower-ticket items, many affiliates earn small amounts per sale and rely on volume.
The 24-hour window
Amazon’s click window is short: a reader must usually buy within 24 hours of clicking, or within 90 days if they add the item to their cart during that visit. That favours content that catches people ready to buy, such as reviews and comparisons.
Common mistakes
New affiliates often forget the three-sale rule and lose their account, use links in places Amazon doesn’t allow or skip the required affiliate disclosure. Read the operating agreement and program policies before you start.
Getting started
Build content around products people already want to buy, such as reviews, comparisons and gift guides. Make sure your site has a clear affiliate disclosure and privacy policy, then aim for your first three sales quickly.
Is it worth it?
As an easy way to earn from product content, yes. As a main income, the low rates and 2026 changes make it wise to combine with other programs.
Disclosure
Amazon requires a clear statement that you earn from qualifying purchases, and consumer rules in the US, UK and EU require affiliate links to be disclosed. Put the disclosure near the links, not only in a footer.
Owen’s take
Amazon converts better than almost any store, but it pays less than it used to. I’d use it alongside higher-paying programs, never as the only one.
Who it suits
It suits bloggers, reviewers and creators with product-focused content. It suits less well anyone who can’t make three sales in the first six months.
Similar options
- eBay Partner Network pays on eBay sales.
- Skimlinks turns product links into affiliate links automatically.
- Impact hosts programs from many big brands.
- Awin is a large global affiliate network.
More options are in Affiliates & Referrals.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to join
- Huge product range
- Strong conversion rates
Cons
- Three sales needed in 180 days
- Short 24-hour window
- Rates cut for some publishers in 2026
FAQ
How do I get approved for Amazon Associates?
Make at least three qualifying sales within 180 days; Amazon then reviews your account.
How long is the Amazon cookie?
24 hours, or 90 days for items added to cart during that visit.
What changed in April 2026?
A 180-day ship-and-pay rule and narrower commissions on other items bought in the same visit.
Did Amazon cut commission rates in 2026?
Trade press reported cuts of up to 50% in some categories for some publishers.
Do my own purchases count?
No, personal orders don’t qualify.
