Awin is a global affiliate network with thousands of advertisers in retail, travel, finance, telecoms and more, and it now runs the former ShareASale network on its platform. Publishers apply with a small refundable deposit, which Awin uses to deter fake accounts and returns with your first payment. Awin pays twice a month once you reach your threshold, which can be as low as £20, €20 or $20.
At a glance
| What it is | Global affiliate network |
| Sign-up | Small deposit, refunded with your first payment |
| Minimum threshold | £20, €20 or $20 |
| Default threshold | 50 in most currencies, if you don’t set one |
| Payment dates | Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th |
| ShareASale | Now runs on the Awin platform |
How it works
You complete Awin’s application, pay the small deposit and wait for your account to be approved. Then you browse advertisers, apply to their programs and start promoting with your tracking links. Earnings from all programs land in one balance.
The sign-up deposit
Awin is unusual in asking for a small deposit when you apply. It’s not a fee: Awin adds it to your account and returns it with your first payment once you reach your threshold. Some advertisers send invitation codes that let you skip it.
Getting paid
You set your own payment threshold, with a minimum of £20, €20 or $20 depending on currency. If you don’t set one, Awin applies a default of 50 in most currencies. Payments are processed twice a month, and balances below the threshold roll over.
ShareASale
Awin moved ShareASale publishers onto its platform. If you previously used ShareASale, your programs and history now sit in Awin.
Approval
Advertisers approve publishers individually. A complete profile with your promotional spaces, audience and methods helps.
Common mistakes
Publishers often skip the profile details, apply to advertisers outside their niche or forget to set a threshold, which leaves them on the higher default.
Getting started
Prepare your site or channels first, complete the application and profile, and set your payment threshold right away. Apply to a handful of advertisers that suit your audience.
Is it worth it?
Yes, especially for publishers with European or international audiences, thanks to its reach and low thresholds.
Disclosure
Awin and its advertisers require clear affiliate disclosure, and so do consumer rules in the UK and EU. Add a short, visible disclosure near your links.
Tracking results
Awin’s dashboard shows clicks, conversions and earnings by advertiser. Check it regularly and drop programs that don’t convert for your audience.
International audiences
Awin has strong coverage in Europe and pays in several currencies, which suits publishers with readers in more than one country. Choose the payment currency that matches your bank to avoid conversion fees.
Invitation codes
If an advertiser invites you, their code can let you skip the deposit.
Combining networks
Awin works well alongside Impact and CJ, since each brand chooses one network. Keep a simple list of which brands sit where.
Keeping records
Save copies of your reports and payment statements. They make tax time easier and help if you ever need to query a commission.
Owen’s take
Awin’s low thresholds and twice-monthly payments are friendly to smaller publishers. The deposit sounds odd but comes back.
Who it suits
It suits publishers with international or European audiences. It suits less well anyone unwilling to pay a refundable deposit.
Similar options
- CJ Affiliate is a long-running brand network.
- Impact hosts programs from many big brands.
- FlexOffers lists thousands of programs.
- Skimlinks automates affiliate links.
More options are in Affiliates & Referrals.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low $20 minimum threshold
- Payments twice a month
- Strong international reach
Cons
- Small deposit to apply
- Default threshold is higher if you don’t set one
- Approval needed per advertiser
FAQ
Does Awin charge to join?
It asks for a small deposit, refunded with your first payment.
What is Awin’s minimum payment threshold?
£20, €20 or $20, depending on currency.
How often does Awin pay?
Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th.
What happened to ShareASale?
Its publishers moved onto the Awin platform.
Can I skip the deposit?
Some advertisers provide invitation codes that bypass it.
