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are the best affiliate programs for beginners? //

Affiliate marketing is essential for online entrepreneurs. Even if your website, ad or social media platform is set up correctly, you still need to find a partner company. Affiliate programs are a way to bridge that gap.


This post will cover everything you need to know regarding affiliate marketing programs. As a beginner, you’ll find out why these programs are important and learn more about the highest-paying affiliate programmes.

First, you must understand what they are and how to use them.

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What is an affiliate program?


Associate programs are also known as affiliate programs. They provide a third-party platform for individuals and companies to connect with one another.


Sign up both parties to the platform and discuss a collaboration. Then, they start working together.


These affiliate programs are complex, multi-faceted systems that help merchants and their affiliate companies. Both parties also receive some essential services.


What is an affiliate program?


Affiliate programs allow individuals and businesses to create profiles on their platforms and select the brands they wish to promote.


Affiliates are able to share the unique link with customers, site visitors, and followers on social media. Affiliates earn a commission when someone clicks on the link and makes a purchase from the brand.

Affiliate programs are used by companies to increase their sales. These programs are built on platforms with tracking technology that allows affiliates to be tracked.

8 of the best affiliate programs

1. Amazon Associates




Amazon Associates is the first affiliate program on our list.

Amazon Associates is one of the most popular affiliate programs for beginners since 1996span styling=”font-weight 400 ;”>. It was actually the first ever online affiliate marketing program.


It has been helping online marketers to make money since its inception by advertising to millions of Amazon customers each year. Referral fees are earned when an Amazon affiliate shares a link leading to a sale.

There are thousands of businesses learning how they can sell on Amazon every year. The potential for affiliates is endless.

Sign up to become an Amazon associate by clicking the Sign Up button on the Amazon Associates Page .

Commission rate Depending on product type, anywhere from 1% to 20 %.

Payment cycle: 60 days from the end of the current month. Amazon holds payment until you make at least $10 as an Amazon Associate.

Payment method: Direct deposit, check, or Amazon gift cards.

2. ClickBank


ClickBank is one of the most popular companies that offers affiliate programs that are appealing to all types of marketers. ClickBank’s affiliate information is open to everyone, making it an excellent platform for affiliate success.

ClickBank began as a garage in 1998. It quickly grew into one of the most popular affiliate and retail sites in the world. ClickBank boasts many affiliates who have earned billions of dollars promoting ClickBank products.


It’s a great place to start, regardless of your level of expertise, due to its 20-year track record and success. It’s difficult to resist the opportunity to promote tons of products and partner with many companies.


Categories include


  • Investment and business

  • Arts and entertainment

  • Travel

  • Sports

  • Green Products

  • Garden and home


To become an affiliate of ClickBank, you will need to create an account, enter your personal and payment information, and then close your account.

Commission rate Between 50 and 70% on average.

Payment cycle: Weekly, bi-weekly.

Payment method: Payoneer or wire transfer, check, direct debit.

3. eBay Partner Network



eBay has one of the most lucrative affiliate programs online. You can register to become an eBay associate through the eBay Partner Network. Commissions range from 50% to 70%.


eBay provides affiliates with the tools to help promote eBay’s products as efficiently as possible. eBay’s affiliate program is available for all marketing methods.


Contrary to other affiliate programs, eBay affiliates work directly with the company and their products. Although you may help sellers in a limited way, your primary relationship with eBay is between you.

You’ll work with a platform that business want to sell on, just like Amazon. Opportunities like eBay dropshipping make it possible to grow.

eBay does not require that you work exclusively with it as a bonus. An eBay affiliate can still make additional income by working with other merchants or programs.

You will need to apply for the affiliate program. This takes approximately five minutes. This is the easiest application process.

Commission rate Depending on product type, it can vary between 50% and 70%.

Payment cycle: Accounts that have made over 10 units of currency from a country will be paid on the 10th of each month (i.e. $10 US, PS10 etc. ).

Payment method: PayPal or direct deposit (if your country supports it).

4. Commission Junction (CJ).

is an affiliate marketing program with a history of 20 years. It has helped merchants and affiliates since the beginning.


Its website states that the company has partnered with twice as many Internet Retailer 500 businesses than any other affiliate program. CJ boasts that its website is visited twice as often by merchants than other affiliate marketing programs.


It seems that this claim holds up well when you look closely at all it has to offer. This is a list of all the niches that you will find on the site.

With a reputation like this, it’s easy to see why it should rank high when you consider which affiliate program to select.

5. GiddyUp

GiddyUp is a good choice for beginners, as it provides an affiliate manager and useful tools to help you with various aspects of the program.


Partner with more than 150 DTC (direct-to-consumer) brands in a variety of verticals including electronics, travel, health, and wellness. GiddyUp affiliates have exclusive access to these ecommerce companies.

The company offers a creative library that can be used to support your digital marketing campaigns. It also provides robust tracking and real-time data so you can see your performance month after month.


Monitoring your performance will help you to identify areas for improvement and increase your commission.

Commission rate Variable based on referral types

Payment cyclespan styling=”font-weight 400 ;”>: On the 1st and 15th days of each month. To withdraw, you must have earned at least $25

Payment method: Foreign bank transfer, ACH and checks.

6. Impact


Impact is an affiliate marketing program that connects people with top brands such as Adidas, Uber, and Airbnb. It is well-known for its automation tools that can help you streamline your campaigns and increase sales.

These brands are available for free and you can manage and join partnerships with them.

Sign up with Impact to get access the Impact Marketplace. Here you can find top brands and reach out to their affiliate managers.

CPA (cost per action) is the most common way Impact pays. This means that you will get a commission if your audience purchases something using your affiliate link.

Commission rate Variable depending on the brand.

Payment Cycle: You choose the day on which you wish to withdraw your affiliate earnings each calendar month.

Payment method: PayPal, BACS, or direct transfer.

7. Awin

Awin is another great affiliate program. You don’t need a website to join. You can use any of your social media accounts, such as Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and YouTube.

Awin conducts a compliance check on all affiliates who apply to Awin. A $5 deposit is required to join the program. Awin will reimburse this amount once you have reached your first payment threshold.

Awin gives you access to more than 21200 brands, including household names. Visit the advertiser directory to search for programs you are interested in joining. Or, contact someone within the brand to discuss a partnership.

Commission rate Rates determined by individual sellers

Payout cycle: The 1st and 15th days of each month for previous month’s commissions. To cash out, you must earn at least $20

Payment method: ACH or BACS, international wire transfer, or ACH.

8. Rakuten Affiliate

The Rakuten affiliate program is last, but not the least. The market share for this program is 7.25%, making it the third largest among affiliate networks.


Rakuten has connections to more than 2,500 retail brands that sell all types of products. Click on the Apply button to continue.


Rakuten’s affiliate program has a unique feature: Most companies participate in the screening process. Don’t be surprised if you aren’t a good match.


Once you have been approved, the rest is easy. You can find the offer that best suits your content or ad and generate your affiliate link. Then, you can start making money as an associate.

Commission rate: Variable based on partner merchant’s commission rates.

Rakuten pays its merchants within 90 days. To receive your payment, you must earn at least $50 in commissions.

Payout method: Check or direct deposit.


Summary: 8 best affiliate programs for beginners in 2023


You now have a better understanding of some of the best affiliate programs for beginners. Take some time to look into them. It may take some time to find the right affiliate program for you, but it is worth it. Be sure to research and stay away from any scams.


These are the top 8 best affiliate programs for beginners in order to make money by 2023.


  1. Amazon Associates

  2. ClickBank

  3. Partner Program

  4. Commission Junction

  5. GiddyUp

  6. Impact

  7. Awin

  8. Rakuten Affiliate

You’ll be done with your affiliate marketing journey once you have chosen an affiliate program. This will allow you to start your side hustle that could one day lead to greater heights.


These affiliate marketing programs were you aware? How would you approach this? Leave a comment below to let us know what your approach is.

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Brad Smith
Author: Brad Smith

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