Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to start making money online — even with zero experience. But the hardest part for beginners is often choosing the right affiliate network. That’s why we’ve created this list of the Top 10 Affiliate Networks for Beginners.
Whether you want to promote physical products, digital tools, or online courses, you’ll find a perfect match below.
What Is an Affiliate Network?
An affiliate network is a platform that connects affiliates (you) with companies offering affiliate programs. Instead of signing up with individual brands, you join one platform and get access to hundreds — sometimes thousands — of offers to promote.
Affiliate networks also provide:
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Affiliate links
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Tracking & analytics
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Payment management
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Support and resources
Let’s look at the top options for beginners.
1. Amazon Associates
Best for: Promoting physical products
Commission: 1% – 10% (varies by category)
Cookie duration: 24 hours
The Amazon Associates program is one of the easiest ways to start affiliate marketing. You can promote millions of products from the world’s biggest online retailer. It’s ideal for beginners due to:
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Brand trust
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Easy signup
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Vast product variety
Tip: Niche blogs and product reviews work great with Amazon links.
2. ShareASale
Best for: Variety of offers across industries
Commission: Varies by merchant
Cookie duration: Typically 30 days
ShareASale is a trusted affiliate network with over 20 years in the market. It features thousands of merchants across niches like fashion, health, finance, and home.
Pros:
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Beginner-friendly interface
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Tons of merchants
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Transparent reporting tools
3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
Best for: High-end brands and big payouts
Commission: Varies by merchant
Cookie duration: Up to 45 days
CJ Affiliate is ideal if you want to partner with well-known brands like Grammarly, GoPro, or Overstock. It’s a little more advanced but still accessible to beginners who are serious about building a long-term affiliate business.
4. ClickBank
Best for: Digital products & online courses
Commission: 30% – 75%
Cookie duration: 60 days
ClickBank is a top choice for beginners interested in high-commission digital offers, especially in niches like health, fitness, and self-development. It’s free to join and doesn’t require approval for most products.
Tip: Watch for product quality—some offers are better than others.
5. Impact
Best for: Working with popular SaaS and eCommerce brands
Commission: Varies by brand
Cookie duration: 30–90 days
Impact is home to major brands like Shopify, NordVPN, and Airbnb. The dashboard is modern and offers detailed performance tracking, making it a good long-term choice as you grow.
6. Rakuten Advertising
Best for: Trusted retailers and established brands
Commission: Varies
Cookie duration: Depends on merchant
Rakuten has been in the affiliate space for years and features brands like Walmart, Best Buy, and Macy’s. While the UI isn’t the easiest for total beginners, it’s worth learning if you’re serious.
7. PartnerStack
Best for: SaaS affiliate programs
Commission: High recurring commissions
Cookie duration: Varies
If you’re in the B2B space, PartnerStack is a goldmine. Promote tools like FreshBooks, Webflow, or Monday.com and earn recurring revenue as long as your referrals stay subscribed.
8. Awin
Best for: Global affiliate marketing
Commission: Varies
Cookie duration: 30 days
Awin gives access to thousands of brands worldwide, including Etsy, Under Armour, and AliExpress. The signup requires a small verification fee (~$5), but it’s refunded once you’re approved.
9. FlexOffers
Best for: Access to both big brands and niche offers
Commission: Varies
Cookie duration: Varies
FlexOffers is a flexible and beginner-friendly network with lots of offers in finance, education, lifestyle, and more. It also provides decent training and tools to get started.
10. Bluehost Affiliate Program
Best for: Blogging and web hosting niche
Commission: $65 – $130 per sale
Cookie duration: 60 days
Although not a network per se, Bluehost’s in-house affiliate program deserves a mention. It’s ideal for beginners running blogs or YouTube channels targeting freelancers, business owners, or new bloggers.
How to Choose the Best Affiliate Network
Not sure which to choose? Consider these factors:
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Niche relevance: Are the products/services a good fit for your audience?
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Payout terms: What’s the commission rate and cookie window?
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Ease of use: Is the platform beginner-friendly?
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Trust & support: Are the merchants reliable and well-reviewed?
Final Thoughts
Starting affiliate marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These Top 10 Affiliate Networks for Beginners are beginner-friendly, reliable, and proven to pay. Pick one or two that align with your niche, start promoting, and refine your strategy as you learn.