If you want to earn money online by sharing Amazon product links, the Amazon Affiliate Program is one of the best ways to do that. But it’s important to understand how commissions work so you can maximize your earnings.
This guide will explain in simple words how Amazon pays commissions when someone buys products through your affiliate links — whether you are a blogger, YouTuber, influencer, developer, or any online creator.
What Is the Amazon Affiliate Program?
Amazon Affiliate (also called Amazon Associates) is a program where you get paid a commission for sending customers to Amazon. You share special links called affiliate links. When someone clicks your link and buys something from Amazon, you earn money.
Do You Get Paid Only When Someone Buys the Exact Product You Shared?
No. This is an important point.
Even if you share a link to one product, the person might buy something else from Amazon after clicking your link.
In that case, you still get commission for the product they actually buy.
For example:
- You share a link for a laptop with 1% commission.
- The buyer clicks your link but buys headphones with 5% commission.
- You get paid the 5% commission for the headphones.
How Does Amazon Track Sales and Commissions?
When someone clicks your affiliate link, Amazon places a small file called a “cookie” in their browser. This cookie tracks that the customer came from your link.
- The cookie lasts for 24 hours.
- If the customer buys anything on Amazon during these 24 hours, you get commission.
- If the customer adds a product to their cart within 24 hours, the cookie lasts up to 89 days for that product in the cart.
What Does This Mean For You?
- You earn commission on all products bought after clicking your link, not just the one you shared.
- The commission rate depends on the product category.
- This system gives you more chances to earn because buyers may purchase different products.
Tips to Increase Your Affiliate Earnings
- Share links to products that match your audience’s interests.
- Create honest and helpful content about those products.
- Always tell your audience that you use affiliate links (this is required by Amazon and laws).
- Use clear calls to action, like “Check out the product link in the description.”
Conclusion
Amazon Affiliate commission is simple: you get paid for what the buyer actually purchases through your link, even if it is different from the product you recommended.
This is good for everyone — bloggers, developers, YouTubers, influencers, and anyone who shares affiliate links.
FAQs
How do Amazon Affiliate commissions work?
You earn a commission when someone clicks your Amazon affiliate link and buys a product on Amazon within 24 hours.
Do I get commission if the buyer purchases a different product?
Yes, you get commission for any product the buyer purchases after clicking your affiliate link, even if it is different from the product you shared.
How long does the Amazon affiliate cookie last?
The cookie lasts for 24 hours after the user clicks your link. If the user adds a product to their cart during this time, the cookie lasts 89 days for that product.
Can I earn commission if I buy products myself using my affiliate link?
Usually, Amazon does not pay commission on purchases you make yourself through your own affiliate links.
If I use my affiliate link to buy products on another Amazon account, will I get commission?
You might earn commission if the purchase is made from a different Amazon account. However, Amazon’s policies prohibit self-referrals and abusing the system. Always follow Amazon’s rules to avoid account suspension.
Can I share my Amazon affiliate link on social media or websites?
Yes, you can share your affiliate links on blogs, YouTube, social media, emails, and websites, as long as you follow Amazon’s guidelines and disclose that the links are affiliate links.
Do I need to disclose that my links are affiliate links?
Yes, Amazon requires that you clearly inform your audience that you may earn a commission from purchases made through your links. This is also required by law in many countries.
When do I get paid by Amazon for affiliate sales?
Amazon pays commissions approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale was made, and only if your earnings reach the minimum payment threshold.
What is the minimum payout for Amazon Affiliate earnings?
The minimum payout varies by country and payment method but is generally around $10 to $100. You can check your Amazon Associates account for exact details.
Will I get commission only if the user clicks my link from my website or YouTube?
No, you will earn commission as long as the user clicks your Amazon affiliate link from any source — website, YouTube, Instagram, Telegram, email, etc. The important thing is that the user must click your exact affiliate link. If they click someone else’s link, they will get the commission, not you.
Will my Amazon affiliate account get suspended if no one buys through my link?
Yes, if your account does not generate at least one qualified sale within 180 days of approval, Amazon may deactivate your affiliate account. This is part of their policy to ensure active participation. You can reapply to the program anytime after your account is closed.