Affiliate marketing networks serve as intermediaries between merchants and affiliates, facilitating the promotion of products and services through a performance-based model. This marketing strategy has gained immense popularity in recent years, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and the ability to reach a broader audience. In essence, affiliate marketing allows individuals or businesses to earn commissions by promoting another company’s products.

Affiliates leverage their platforms—be it blogs, social media, or websites—to drive traffic and sales to the merchant’s offerings. The beauty of this model lies in its win-win nature; merchants gain exposure and sales without upfront costs, while affiliates earn money for their promotional efforts. The rise of digital marketing has significantly contributed to the growth of affiliate marketing networks.

With the increasing number of online shoppers, businesses are keen to tap into this lucrative channel. These networks provide a structured environment where affiliates can find suitable products to promote, track their performance, and receive payments seamlessly. Moreover, they offer various tools and resources that help affiliates optimize their marketing strategies.

As a result, affiliate marketing has become an essential component of many companies’ overall marketing strategies, allowing them to expand their reach and enhance their brand visibility.

How to Choose the Best Affiliate Marketing Network

When selecting a good affiliate marketing program, it’s essential to consider ease of use, support quality, and payment terms. A user-friendly platform allows affiliates to generate links, access materials, and track earnings with minimal hassle. Reliable support is crucial for addressing issues promptly. Moreover, understanding payment terms—such as commission rates, thresholds, schedules, and methods—is vital for ensuring a smooth cash flow.

• Ease of Use: Look for user-friendly platforms that simplify link generation and earnings tracking.
• Support Quality: Choose programs with dedicated support teams and quick response times.
• Payment Terms: Understand commission rates, payment thresholds, schedules (Net-30 vs. Net-90), and available payment methods.
• Focus on Marketing: Opt for programs that allow you to concentrate on marketing rather than technical difficulties.

15 Top Affiliate Marketing Networks and Platforms

The landscape of affiliate marketing networks is diverse, with numerous platforms catering to different niches and audiences. Each network has its unique features, commission structures, and product offerings, making it crucial for affiliates to choose the right one that aligns with their goals and target market. Some of the most prominent affiliate marketing networks include Commission Junction (CJ) Affiliate, Amazon Associates, Rakuten Advertising, and ShareASale.

These platforms have established themselves as leaders in the industry, providing affiliates with access to a wide range of products and services while offering merchants a robust framework for managing their affiliate programs. When selecting an affiliate marketing network, affiliates should consider several factors such as the types of products available, commission rates, payment terms, and the level of support provided by the network. Additionally, the reputation of the network plays a significant role in determining its reliability and effectiveness.

A well-established network not only offers a plethora of options for affiliates but also ensures timely payments and transparent reporting. As the affiliate marketing ecosystem continues to evolve, these top networks remain at the forefront, adapting to new trends and technologies while maintaining their commitment to helping both affiliates and merchants succeed.

1. Commission Junction (CJ) Affiliate

CJ Affiliate, formerly known as Commission Junction, is a well-established affiliate network that caters to both beginners and experienced marketers. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of major and minor brands, and tools to help marketers identify profitable programs. While there are some challenges, such as the fluctuating availability of big brands and a mild learning curve, CJ provides valuable metrics that aid in decision-making.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface suitable for beginners.
• Access to numerous big brand names.
• Opportunities for direct display advertising.
• Easy identification of profitable affiliate programs.
• Comprehensive support and tutorials.

Cons:

• Major brands may change frequently.
• Mild learning curve compared to Amazon.

Additional Info:

• CJ Affiliate has a diverse range of over 2,473 programs.
• Payment options include Direct Deposit and Payoneer with a threshold of $50.
• You get paid: Net 30
• Best suited for affiliate marketers with 3-6 months of experience.

2. Amazon Associates

The Amazon Associates Program is a well-known affiliate marketing platform that allows users to promote a vast range of products from Amazon. It is particularly user-friendly for beginners but comes with some drawbacks, including fluctuating commission rates and a short cookie duration.

Pros:

• Strong international brand recognition.
• Access to 385 million products for promotion.
• Excellent customer service benefits affiliates.
• Simple link creation and management.
• User-friendly affiliate dashboard.

Cons:

• Frequent changes to commission rates.
• Short 24-hour cookie duration.

Additional Info:

• One of the oldest and most popular affiliate programs, used by 58.5% of affiliate marketers.
• Ideal For beginners in affiliate marketing looking to establish their first site.
• Payment methods: Direct deposit, Check, Amazon gift certificate
• Payment threshold: $10
• You get paid: Net 60

3. Rakuten Advertising

Rakuten Advertising is a well-established affiliate marketing network that offers a wide range of brand partnerships and a reasonably user-friendly interface. Despite some drawbacks, such as a dated interface and limited metrics data, it remains a viable option for beginner affiliates looking to expand beyond major platforms like Amazon and eBay.

Pros:

• Hosts numerous big brand affiliate programs.
• Intuitive interface despite its age.
• Handles over $100 million in sales annually.
• One of the oldest affiliate networks.

Cons:

• Outdated interface.
• Limited metrics data available.
• Slow approval process for affiliates with low traffic.

Additional Information:

• Acquired LinkShare in 2005 and has since won multiple awards.
• Offers payment through PayPal, direct deposit, or check with a $50 payment threshold, get paid Net 30
• Suitable for affiliates seeking alternatives to Amazon and eBay.

4. ShareASale

ShareASale is an affiliate network that offers a wide range of products and services to promote, especially from smaller and lesser-known companies. While it provides a superior merchant search function and a favorable payment process, its outdated interface and unpredictable approval process may deter some new marketers.

Pros:

• Thousands of products and services to promote.
• Strong focus on smaller, worthwhile affiliate programs.
• Superior merchant search function compared to competitors like Commission Junction.
• Quick payment process (Net 30).

Cons:

• Outdated user interface.
• Unpredictable approval process for affiliate programs.
• Generally overlooked by many marketers due to its appearance.

Info:

• Best Suited For: Affiliate marketers interested in emerging brands and niche products.
• Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Wire, Payoneer
• Threshold: $50; get paid Net 30

5. FlexOffers

FlexOffers is a versatile affiliate marketing network that provides access to numerous advertisers across various industries. It offers a wide range of tools and resources for affiliates, including customizable links and banners, making it easier to integrate into affiliate marketing strategies.

Pros:

• Onboarding Process: Simple and helpful; they assist with application errors.
• Advertiser Accessibility: Allows applications from affiliates using Wix or Blogger; offers access to 12,000 advertisers.
• Filtering through their thousands of advertisers is easy with a streamlined interface that sorts by 7 and 30-day EPC.
• Earnings Program: Flex-Rev$hare allows earning from sub-affiliates.

Cons:

• Customer Support: Limited options (knowledge base and email only).

Info:

• Payment Information: Payment methods include check, bank transfer, and PayPal;
• Payment threshold is $25 with net 60 terms.

6. Awin

Awin is a prominent affiliate marketing network known for its accelerated payment options, user-friendly platform, and a vast selection of programs. With over 16,500 advertisers and 225,000 publishers, it stands out for its efficiency and payment reliability. However, it faces stiff competition due to a high influx of new marketers and is primarily focused on the UK and EU markets.

Pros:

• Accelerated payments allow for prompt commission receipt.
• Wide variety of affiliate programs available.
• Intuitive platform design and easy tracking via dashboards.
• Collaborates with well-known brands like Emirates and Etsy.

Cons:

• High competition with 260 new affiliates joining daily.
• Primarily concentrated on UK and EU advertisers.

Info:

• Acquired ShareASale; both operate separately.
• Payment methods include SEPA, BACS, Payoneer, etc.
• Minimum payout threshold is $20, with payments made once or twice a month.

7. Impact

Impact is a modern affiliate marketing network offering a wide range of brands and an intuitive user interface. It hosts over 2,500 affiliate programs, including well-known names like Adidas and Airbnb, and provides multiple payment options for affiliates.

Pros:

• Easy access to brands with instant approvals.
• Extensive selection of over 2,500 affiliate programs.
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Includes major brands such as Adidas and Airbnb.
• Multiple cash-out options like PayPal and direct transfer.

Cons:

• The platform’s complexity may overwhelm new marketers.
• Fewer big-name brands compared to Commission Junction.

Info:

• Offers a “brands to work with instantly” feature for quick onboarding of new affiliates.
• Payment methods include Direct Deposit, PayPal, and Wire Transfer;
• Payouts are monthly; threshold: Varies by payment method

8. ClickBank

ClickBank is a long-established affiliate marketing network, primarily focused on digital products, offering opportunities for affiliates to earn commissions with minimal barriers to entry. While it has advantages like easy link creation and recurring commissions, its Marketplace interface is outdated and some programs may have high refund rates.

Pros:

• Easy approval to promote programs.
• Ideal for affiliate marketers without a website.
• Average commissions of about $50 per sale.
• Recurring commission opportunities available.
• Minimal pre-selling required; merchants handle landing pages.

Cons:

• Outdated Marketplace interface.
• Some programs have high refund rates.

Info:

• Established in 1998, focusing on digital products for instant delivery.
• Payment methods: Direct Deposit, Check, Wire Transfer, Payoneer
• Payment threshold: $50; Net 60
• For: Marketers who prefer promoting digital products

9. Partnerize

Partnerize is a leading partnership automation platform established in 2010. It leverages advanced technology and expert services to drive profitable growth through partnerships. The platform serves over 1,800 clients globally and handles transactions exceeding $10 billion annually, connecting with a vast network of partners, including influencers.

Pros:

• Partnerize is well-regarded for its excellent customer support
• The platform excels in managing, growing, and tracking affiliate marketing performance.

Cons:

• A major drawback of Partnerize is its user interface, which many users find unintuitive. This makes the platform challenging to navigate, particularly for newcomers.
• Partnerize reporting is complex and challenging. Users struggle to extract valuable insights from the platform’s tools, hindering decision-making and performance evaluation.

Info:

• Payment methods: ACH, Bank transfers, Paypal, Wire transfer
• Payment threshold: $0
• For: new and experienced affiliates alike.

10. AvantLink

The AvantLink network boasts an impressive 10-year history and a robust track record of successfully attracting premium merchants who specialize in catalog products. It has established itself as a reliable platform that can serve as a solid alternative if you encounter any issues or challenges with Amazon or the eBay Partner Network. By providing unique opportunities and diverse offerings, this network can effectively meet the needs of both merchants and affiliates alike.

Pros:

• They offer a customizable setup for playing with the API and adding third-party or proprietary apps, along with an easily customizable tracking program.
• AvantLink’s transparency comes from letting members view affiliate program details before signing up.
• This network offers numerous affiliate programs that are suitable for beginners.

Cons:

• Joining their network may take some time, as only ⅓ of applicants are invited.
• They have several features suited experienced or technical publishers.

Info:

• Programs offered: CPS
• Payment method: Check
• Minimum payment amount: $25
• You get paid: Net 10

11. eBay Partner Network

The wonderful aspect of this is that eBay provides an extensive variety of products, ensuring that there’s likely something suitable for nearly any business across various niches. While eBay primarily features physical products, there are also a limited number of digital products available. eBay grants affiliate partners between 50% and 70% of its revenue. This refers not to the entire purchase price of the item, but to a percentage of the commission eBay earns from sellers.

Pros:

• There is a wide range of products available, allowing for diverse options and choices for consumers.
• Low payout amounts can be advantageous for those who prefer smaller, more frequent earnings rather than waiting for larger sums.

Cons:

• The cookie duration is limited to just 24 hours, which may not provide enough time for potential customers to make a purchase decision.
• Additionally, commissions are calculated as a percentage of eBay’s revenue rather than the total order value, which could result in lower earnings for affiliates compared to other programs that might offer a more favorable commission structure.

Info:

• Programs offered: CPS
• Payment method: Direct Deposit; PayPal
• Minimum payment amount: $10
• You get paid: Net 30

12. Avangate

Unlike many other platforms listed here, Avangate does not offer any physical products. Instead, it provides access to over 1,200 affiliate programs focused on software solutions and digital products. This selection includes programs from leading merchants such as Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, and Movavi. Avangate also allows for deep linking, enabling you to create affiliate links that lead customers straight to the checkout, which can enhance conversion rates. Additionally, you will benefit from comprehensive analytics that track all essential metrics, including clicks, sales, EPC, conversions, refunds, and more. Other notable features include localized shopping carts, automated data feeds, and dedicated support.

Pros:

• Excellent for digital goods.
• Extensive selection of SaaS merchant programs.
• High commission rates.
• Commission rates are often up to 85%.
• Cookie durations vary from 30 to 180 days based on the merchant.

Cons:

• No physical products available.
• Minimum payout threshold set at $100.

Info:

• Programs offered: CPS
• Payment method: check, PayPal, wire transfer
• Minimum payment amount: $100
• You get paid: Net 30

13. Affiliaxe

Affiliaxe is an affiliate platform claiming to be the best for experienced affiliates. It has an invitation-only approval process that some reviewers find frustrating. However, approved members enjoy great benefits and high commissions, including over 700 offers in profitable niches like wellness, entertainment, dieting, and mobile content.

Pros:

• Wide Range of Offers: Affiliaxe provides diverse products for promotion.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is easy to navigate.
• Supportive Affiliate Managers: Affiliates receive assistance from dedicated managers.

Cons:

• Selective Acceptance: New affiliates may find it challenging to join.
• Reporting Features: Users desire more robust reporting options.

Info:

• Programs offered: Programs offered: CPA, CPL, CPS
• Payment method: Payoneer, Paypal, Check, Wire
• Minimum payment amount: $100

14. MaxBounty

MaxBounty is a leading CPA affiliate network where advertisers pay for specific actions taken by users, such as sales or form submissions. It supports various models including CPA, CPL, and mobile, and focuses on diverse sectors like market research, diet, dating, and real estate. With a decade of experience, it is recognized for its reliability and effectiveness in generating affiliate income.

Pros:

• MaxBounty is a top CPA affiliate network.
• Advertisers pay for specific actions (sales, downloads, etc.).
• Supports models like CPA, CPL, and mobile.
• Works with various industries: market research, diet, dating, real estate.
• Known for high affiliate income potential with dedicated account managers.

Cons:

• Strict approval process: MaxBounty requires potential affiliates to have a website or blog with a decent amount of traffic to be accepted.
• Account cancellation without notice: There are reports of MaxBounty canceling accounts without informing the publishers.
• Exhaustive registration process: The multi-step sign-up can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
• Slow account approval rate: Some users have experienced delays in the account approval process.
• Limited customer support: MaxBounty’s support is primarily through a FAQ section, with little direct help desk support.
• No deep linking functionality: The network does not support deep linking, which can limit affiliate marketing strategies.
• Complex platform navigation: New users may find the platform difficult to navigate and use effectively.

Info:

• Programs offered: CPA, form submission, download
• Payment method: Check, Direct Bank Deposit, Wire Transfer, PayPal, Payoneer, Bitcoin
• Minimum payment amount: $100
• You get paid: Net 15

15. Px.com

If rank and rent lead generation is your focus, this affiliate network is essential. PX specializes in insurance, home services, and financial markets globally. They offer a full-service platform that automates lead generation using advanced technology. Customizers will appreciate the lead scoring and verification technology, which helps maximize revenue and improve lead conversions.

Pros:

• Offers a marketplace with over 500 integrated and pre-vetted lead sources.
• Provides access to over 3 million consumer inquiries per month.
• Includes real-time pricing, pre-integrated lead verification services, and sales-data performance measures.
• Allows for optimization of buyer and publisher relationships through the PX Open Exchange and PX Private Marketplaces.

Cons:

• Some users report that the lead quality could be improved.
• Customer service experiences vary, with some users reporting great experiences and others seeing room for improvement.
• The platform has been noted to have a learning curve for new users to fully utilize its features.

Info:

• Programs offered: CPS, CPL
• Payment method: Check, Wire Transfer, PayPal
• Minimum payment amount: $50

16. PartnerStack

If you’re an affiliate marketer promoting SaaS products like social media tools or accounting software, PartnerStack is a great starting point. Unlike other affiliate platforms, PartnerStack focuses exclusively on these businesses. While they have fewer registered merchants than Awin or ShareASale, they still offer over 200 programs in the SaaS sector.

Pros:

• Focus on SaaS businesses, offering a curated partner marketplace.
• Customizable onboarding and training for partners and affiliates.
• Drip Rewards system allows control over payout timings, beneficial for subscription-based services.
• Low payout threshold, facilitating easier access to earnings.
• Long cookie duration, extending the potential for earning from referrals.

Cons:

• Complex setup and steep learning curve can be challenging for new users.
• Fees on top of fees may increase the cost of using the service.
• Limited customization options might not meet all business needs.
• Some users report issues with payment delays.
• Navigation and reporting tools may need improvement for better user experience.

Info:

• Programs offered: 10-20% rev share, CPC/CPL for trusted partners
• Payment method: Stripe, Paypal or direct deposit
• Minimum payment amount: $5

17. Market Health

The Market Health Affiliate Program lets you promote top health and beauty offers online. We provide a high-paying affiliate program and excellent tracking software. If you have a website and want to profit from the booming health and beauty market, MarketHealth is ideal for you. Our offers cover health, beauty, supplements, weight loss, and skin care products.

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of products with 200 offers across 100 countries.
• Opportunity to upgrade to super affiliate status with 20 or more sales per day.
• Recognized as a global leader in health and wellness brands.
• Lucrative commission structure, with potential earnings up to $75 per sale or 100% revenue share.

Cons:

• Challenges with targeted audiences due to most offers being through global websites.
• Some offers may involve auto-subscribe customers into a recurring payment plan, leading to a higher rate of chargebacks and refunds.

Info:

• Programs offered: CPS
• Payment method: Check by Mail, Bank Wire, Skrill, Pre-Paid Debit Card via Payoneer
• Minimum payment amount: $20
• Cookie: 30 days

Conclusion

Choosing the right affiliate marketing network is crucial for your success as an affiliate marketer. By considering factors such as commission rates, available products or services, and support, you can select a platform that aligns with your goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marketer, the networks listed above offer diverse opportunities to help you succeed in the affiliate marketing space.