How to Join Amazon Associates (Affiliate Program)
Amazon Associates is the largest affiliate program in the world and a common starting point for creators. The application is simple, but the rules around disclosure and traffic quality are stricter than people expect.
Who can join
You need at least one place to put affiliate links — a website, blog, YouTube channel, app, or qualifying social profile. The destination must already have original content; brand-new empty sites are commonly rejected. Acceptable platforms include personal websites, public YouTube channels, public Instagram/TikTok accounts, and public Facebook pages. Private DMs, email blasts to non-opt-in lists, and PDFs are not allowed.
How to apply
Go to affiliate-program.amazon.com and click Sign up. Use your existing Amazon shopping account or create a separate one. You will provide:
- Account contact details and payee name (must match your tax info).
- Your websites/apps/channels — list everything you intend to use.
- A preferred store ID (your tracking handle).
- How you drive traffic and roughly how many monthly visitors you have.
Approval is conditional: you have 180 days to generate at least three qualifying sales. If you do not, Amazon closes the account and you can reapply later.
Generate your first link
Once logged into Associates Central, install the SiteStripe browser bar. It appears on every Amazon product page and gives you one-click text, image, and text+image links tagged to your store ID. Or use the Product Links tool inside Associates Central to search by ASIN.
Rules to know
- Always disclose: include a clear, plain-English affiliate disclosure (e.g. "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases") near where your links appear. FTC compliance is non-negotiable.
- No cloaking or shortening in ways that hide the destination. Pretty links are fine if the disclosure is visible.
- No pricing claims. Prices change all the time. Say "check current price on Amazon" instead.
- No email or paid-search links. Associates links cannot appear in email newsletters, eBooks, or PDFs, and you cannot bid on Amazon trademarks in search ads.
- One account per person. Two Associates accounts for the same operator can be banned simultaneously.
Hitting the qualifying threshold
The fastest way to your three qualifying sales is by linking to specific products in genuinely useful content — comparison posts, "what I actually use" videos, problem-solving tutorials. Generic banner ads convert poorly. Self-purchases through your own links do not count.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Amazon Associates earn per sale?
Commission rates vary by category and currently range from roughly 1% to 10%. Luxury Beauty and digital categories are typically higher; consumer electronics is on the lower end.
When does Amazon pay affiliate commissions?
Amazon pays roughly 60 days after the end of the month a commission was earned, provided your balance exceeds the minimum payout threshold for your chosen method.
Can I use Amazon links in TikTok or Instagram videos?
Yes, on approved public accounts. The platform must be declared in your Associates profile and you must include disclosure in the caption or bio.
Related guides
How to Join the Amazon Affiliate Program
Apply to Amazon's affiliate program — eligibility, application, and getting approved.
Amazon Affiliate Program Requirements
The rules you must follow to keep your Amazon affiliate account in good standing.
Amazon Affiliate Commission Structures
How much Amazon affiliates earn — by category, volume tiers, and special promotions.
Using the Amazon Affiliate Dashboard
Navigate the Amazon affiliate dashboard — reports, link tools, payouts, and creative assets.