Earning passive income that’s actually passive—who could say no?

Affiliate marketing is usually associated with bloggers, but all creators can find an affiliate program that pays them for recommending products or services.

But with so many affiliate programs, how do you know which one to sign up for? And what should you look for before you register?

We explore the 30 best affiliate marketing programs to help you increase your revenue through a mutually beneficial business relationship.

What to check before signing up with an affiliate program

All affiliate programs work primarily the same by paying a small amount of sales profit to creators who recommend products or services.

However, not all affiliate programs are created equal. Some offer lower commission structures, and others might have a short cookie duration window.

Here’s what to look for before committing to an affiliate program:

• Commission rate and payout method: The affiliate commission rate specifies the fixed amount or percentage you earn for each referred sale, so the higher, the better. You should also look for a payout method that’s easy for you, like PayPal, bank deposits, or checks.
• Minimum payout and sale threshold: Affiliate programs might require you to refer a certain number of sales or earn a specific amount of commissions before they send you a payment. For minimum payout and sales thresholds, the lower, the better since you’re eager to get paid.
• Cookie duration and cookie window: An affiliate program’s cookie duration or cookie window is how long after clicking your link you still get credit for a sale. For example, if someone in your audience follows your affiliate link and buys right away, you earn a commission for the sale. But what if they look at the product and wait a week before committing? The longer the window, the better for you.
• Reputation and track record of the program: Nobody wants to be scammed or deal with the hassle of waiting for a payout. Look at reviews for the affiliate program to make sure customers are happy with the experience.
• Promo terms: Affiliate programs may set rules about how, where, and when you promote products, so check that you can stick to the rules.
• Audience size requirements: Some affiliate programs only accept creators with large audiences or prefer to work with particular types of businesses.
• Eligible locations: You’ll need to verify that an affiliate program works with and pays out creators in your country.
• Is the product related to your niche?: You’ll have better luck with affiliate marketing if the products you recommend make sense for your audience and brand. Ideally, you stick to items or services you can personally vouch for.

Another point to note is that some creators might solely rely on Amazon for affiliate marketing, especially with their low cookie window. However, making consistent passive income can be tricky.

Instead, diversify your affiliate marketing by joining other, higher-paying programs — like the ones we’ve included below.

1. Top marketing and tech affiliate programs

People are always interested in hearing what tools other creators use to run their online businesses. When sharing your favorite resources, always check to see if they have an affiliate program. Here are a few examples of how creators could promote affiliate programs:

• Website designers can promote their website host
• Course creators can recommend their course or community platform
• YouTubers can share how they sell merch through ecommerce tools

ConvertKit

ConvertKit affiliate program lets creators earn a recurring commission for recommending their favorite email marketing tool to their audience.

• Commission: 30% commission for each active referral for 24 months
• Cookie life: 90 days
• Payout methods: PayPal and Stripe (for select countries)
• Payout threshold: $5

Sign up for ConvertKit’s affiliate program

BlueHost

You serve an audience of fellow creators, they may be interested in WordPress hosting services. If so, BlueHost has one of the most popular affiliate programs out there.

• Commission: 70% of each sale, capped at $100 per sale
• Cookie life: No limit—cookie life is 30 days but their custom tracking is hard-coded so you always get credit
• Payout methods: PayPal or direct deposit
• Payout threshold: One-time $100 minimum

Sign up for BlueHost’s affiliate program

ClickFunnels

Click Funnels is a marketing funnel tool whose affiliate program seems just as (or more) popular than the product itself, boasting $100 million+ in payouts.

• Commission: 30% recurring commission
• Cookie life: 30 days
• Payout methods: PayPal and direct deposit
• Payout threshold: $100

Sign up for the ClickFunnels affiliate program

Shopify

People who use Shopify for their ecommerce sales can refer their audience to sign up for paid plans or physical Point of Sale systems.

• Commission: Flat fee that varies by location
• Cookie life: 30 days
• Payout methods: PayPal or direct deposit
• Payout threshold: $25

Sign up for Shopify’s affiliate program

HubSpot

Hubspot offers a variety of tools, from marketing to sales CRM to content marketing and beyond, that creators can recommend.

• Commission: 30% recurring commission
• Cookie life: 180 days
• Payout methods: PayPal or direct deposit
• Payout threshold: $10

Sign up for HubSpot’s affiliate program

Semrush

Affiliates who share about SEO, PPC, PR, and marketing can refer Semrush to earn one-time commissions.

• Commission: Starting at $200 per sale and $10 per free trial
• Cookie life: 120 days
• Payout methods: PayPal or direct deposit
• Payout threshold: $10

Sign up for Semrush’s affiliate program

LeadPages

Affiliates promote the landing page builder to earn from a tiered commission program.

• Commission: Between 10% and 50%
• Cookie life: 90 days
• Payout methods: Stripe or PayPal
• Payout threshold: $5

Sign up for the LeadPages affiliate program

Teachable

Course creators will love Teachable’s easy-to-implement partner program. You can start earning ongoing monthly income from your affiliate link.

• Commission: Up to 30%
• Cookie life: 30 days
• Payout methods: PayPal
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for Teachable’s affiliate program

CreativeLive

Are your followers interested in learning new skills through online classes? CreativeLive has a great affiliate program for virtually any niche.

• Commission: 30% revenue share for new customers
• Cookie life: 30 days
• Payout methods: Check or direct deposit
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for CreativeLive’s affiliate program

2. Great food, wellness and health affiliate marketing programs

If personal health and well-being is an important value to your readers, you may find opportunities to join food and health affiliate programs. Content creators across niches can share these affiliates, like:

• Fitness coaches recommending supplements
• Content creators sharing their favorite meal services
• Artists sharing their favorite studio snacks

Thrive Market

If you love ordering groceries from Thrive Market, you can join the affiliate program to earn commissions or refer subscribersto earn credit.

• Commission: Varying flat rate per membership referral
• Cookie life: 14 days
• Payout methods: Direct deposit, check, or Payoneer
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for Thrive Market’s affiliate program

The Vitamin Shoppe

The Vitamin Shoppe is a hyper-targeted affiliate program for, you guessed it, food and wellness bloggers who are interested in promoting vitamins and supplements.

• Commission: Up to 10% per referred sale
• Cookie life: 7 days
• Payout methods: PayPal
• Payout threshold: None

Sign up for The Vitamin Shoppe’s affiliate program

Blue Apron

Blue Apron is one of the leading meal delivery services, and you can get paid to refer new subscribers.

• Commission: Varying
• Cookie life: 30 days
• Payout methods: PayPal via CJ Affiliate network
• Payout threshold: None

Sign up for Blue Apron’s affiliate program

Bodybuilding.com

Creators can earn commission by promoting sports nutrition supplies and a fitness video subscription service.

• Commission: Up to 8%
• Cookie life: 7 days
• Payout methods: Unlisted
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for Bodybuilding.com’s affiliate program

MyProtein

Sells fitness products like protein powder, supplements, and activewear.

• Commission: Up to 8%
• Cookie life: 30 days
• Payout methods: Direct deposit
• Payout threshold: $20

Sign up for MyProtein’s affiliate program

3. Top affiliate programs for money management and small business finances

No matter if you blog about personal finance, money management, or couponing, we have a collection of affiliate programs that could be your next big source of income. Here’s a few ideas of who could use a finance affiliate program:

• Coaches and consultants that help small business owners save money
• Accountants that work with small online businesses
• Financial advisors that help families with budgeting
• Content creators sharing how they manage finances

FreshBooks

Accounting, invoicing, and profit-loss statements all in one place? That’s what you get with FreshBooks. See why it’s a favorite among online business owners.

• Commission: $200 per paid subscription and $10 per free trial signup
• Cookie life: 120 days
• Payout methods: Paid out via ShareASale
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for the FreshBooks affiliate program

QuickBooks

Quickbooks is another leading small business bookkeeping software with award-winning customer service and 4.3 million customers worldwide.

• Commission: Up to 10%
• Cookie life: Unlisted
• Payout methods: Check
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for QuickBooks’ affiliate program

You Need a Budget (YNAB)

Budget-tracking app has become a quick crowd favorite. You can set saving goals, track your spending, and put your earnings into their proper buckets. Affiliates get a kickback each time a referral signs up for a free trial.

• Commission: $6-$10 per free trial signup
• Cookie life: 180 days
• Payout methods: Direct deposit
• Payout threshold: $10

Sign up for YNAB’s affiliate program

Acorns

Acorns is an investing app with an affiliate program that earns you and your referrals $5 in investing credit each.

• Commission: $5 invested per referral
• Cookie life: No cookies—they use a link with an affiliate ID
• Payout methods: Investment
• Payout threshold: None

Sign up for Acorns’ affiliate program

4. Great affiliate marketing programs for the fashion and beauty niche

Instead of going straight to the retailer like most affiliate programs, it’s recommended to sign up with a program that works with brands to get you the best commission percentage. More than just bloggers can use these fashion and beauty affiliate programs:

• Personal stylists can curate orders for customers
• Vloggers can share their favorite outfits or shopping lists
• Writers can promote their favorite WFH outfits
• Consultants can curate professional clothing options for clients preparing for interviews or presentations

Sephora

Sephora keeps details of its affiliate program locked down, but partners can earn commission on more than 13,000 products.

• Commission: Varies
• Cookie life: 1 day
• Payout methods: Unlisted
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for Sephora’s affiliate program

CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)

CJ Affiliate, formerly Commission Junction, lets you earn commission across various websites and brands.

• Commission:
  • Ulta (5%)
  • Free People (4%)
  • Zappos (8%)
  • Forever 21 (4%)
  • Urban Outfitters (5%)
  • LOFT (5%)
  • Lululemon (2.5%)
• Cookie life: Cookie-less tracking
• Payout methods: Check or direct deposit
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for CJ Affiliate’s affiliate program

Collective Voice (formerly ShopStyle Collective)

Collective Voice is an affiliate program built for creators that lets you create a curated shop to link in your social bios.

• Commission: Retailer commissions vary, Collective Voice keeps 30% of earnings
• Cookie life: Varies by retailer
• Payout methods: Unlisted
• Payout threshold: $25

Sign up for Collective Voice’s affiliate program

Rakuten

Rakuten claims to be the #1 affiliate market network, featuring brands like Allsaints, Jansport, Starface, and Benefit cosmetics.

• Commission: Varies by retailer
  • Benefit Cosmetics (4%)
  • Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (8%)
• Cookie life: Varies by retailer
• Payout methods: PayPal, direct deposit, or check
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for Rakuten’s affiliate program

ShareASale

ShareASale is another affiliate platform with a variety of brands to promote.

• Commission: Varies by retailer
  • Modcloth (7%)
  • Warby Parker (20%)
  • ROMWE (10%)
  • Lulu’s (7%)
  • Rent The Runway (7%)
  • Spirit Beauty Lounge (10%)
• Cookie life: vVaries by retailer
• Payout methods: Payoneer, direct deposit, or check
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for ShareASale’s affiliate program

LTK

LTK is an affiliate marketing platform that partners with over 7,000 retailers across a million brands and creators in 160+ countries.

• Commission: Varies by retailer, but can range from 7% to 25%+
• Cookie life: Varies by retailer
• Payout methods: PayPal
• Payout threshold: $25

Sign up for LTK’s affiliate program

Target

Is there a certain product your audience members can order from Target? For ease of use and fast shipping, this may be a great opportunity for your style or beauty blog.

• Commission: Up to 8%
• Cookie life: 7 days
• Payout methods: Unlisted
• Payout threshold: Unlisted

Sign up for Target’s affiliate program

5. Top affiliate programs for interior design, home organization, and lifestyle

If you have a knack for creating beautiful and functional spaces, you could earn a commission. Here’s who can use interior design and lifestyle affiliate programs:

• Interior designers and bloggers who turn store-bought furniture into something completely unique
• Home organization bloggers with the best toy storage tips
• YouTubers, content creators, and podcasters who feature their creative environment on social media

Etsy

No matter if you’re looking for handwoven blankets, throw pillows, or the latest art prints, you’ll be able to find it all on Etsy. Since Etsy is the biggest marketplace for handmade goods, being an affiliate partner will be a unique opportunity to add to your income while supporting other small businesses.

• Commission:
  • Standard publisher rate 4%
  • User-Generated content: 2%
  • Cashback/Loyalty (evaluated on an individual basis): 2%
• Cookie life: 30 days
• Payout methods: Direct deposit or check
• Payout threshold: $20

Sign up for Etsy’s affiliate program

Wayfair

As one of the largest online furniture and home decor retailers, Wayfair has a great affiliate program available for all users to enjoy.

• Commission: 7%
• Cookie life: 7 days
• Payout methods: Direct deposit, check, or Payoneer
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for Wayfair’s affiliate program

Ethan Allen

If your readers are interested in high-quality, high-end furniture and home decor, Ethan Allen is a crowd favourite. Keep in mind how much your average reader earns so you don’t price yourself out of your demographic.

• Commission: 2% commission for builders, architects, and home stagers. 7%-10% for interior designers.
• Cookie life: Unlisted
• Payout methods: Unlisted
• Payout threshold: Unlisted

Sign up for Ethan Allen’s affiliate program

Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond partners with CJ Affiliate to manage their home furnishings and decor commissions.

• Commission: Up to 3%
• Cookie life: 14 days
• Payout methods: Check or direct deposit via CJ Affiliate
• Payout threshold: $50

Sign up for Bed Bath & Beyond’s affiliate program

Sovrn Commerce

Sovrn Commerce is an affiliate marketplace with retailers across categories, including home and garden brands like William Sonoma, ACE Hardware, Anthropologie, Arhaus, and Balsam Hill.

• Commission: Varies by retailer
• Cookie life: Varies by retailer
• Payout methods: PayPal, direct deposit, or check
• Payout threshold: $10

Sign up for Sovrn’s affiliate program

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