According to Ahrefs, on average, an affiliate marketer earns around $8,038 monthly. Affiliate marketing has taken the world by storm because it can earn high profits with minimal effort. It’s a win-win situation where you recommend products or services, and when someone makes a purchase through your unique link, you earn a COMMISSION. Joining some of the best affiliate programs can help you make the most of this opportunity.
The Numbers You Need to Know
The numbers around affiliate marketing are impressive globally, with phenomenal growth seen in recent years. Between 2018 and 2020, affiliate marketing spending in the UK alone increased by one-third, from £471 million to £627 million. This growth reflects a broader trend, with many of the best affiliate marketing programs coming from well-established brands.
However, not all affiliate programs are created equal. Factors like commission rates, payout schedules, and terms of participation can vary. Choosing the right affiliate marketing program can make all the difference in how to make money online and your overall experience.
Lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork and curated a list of the 10 best affiliate programs in 2025.
10 Best Affiliate Programs You’ll Wish You Joined Sooner
Your search for 'What are the best paying affiliate programs?' ends here. Here are the best affiliate programs for beginners and experts alike:
- HubSpot
HubSpot is a household name in the marketing domain. It offers a comprehensive CRM platform that streamlines everything from marketing and sales to customer service and commerce.
When it comes to the best affiliate programs, HubSpot’s affiliate program stands out for its simplicity and rewarding nature.
Program Details at a Glance
- Commission Rate: 30% recurring (for up to 1 year)
- Cookie Duration: 180 days
- Payment Methods: PayPal or direct deposit
- Payout Threshold: None
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Content Creators
- Digital Marketing Educators
- Software Reviewers
Pros
- Generous Commission: A 30% recurring commission is a solid offer with no cap on earnings.
- No Minimum Referrals: You don’t need excessive sign-ups to start earning. This makes the platform accessible to affiliates of all sizes.
- Performance-Based Tiers: You open higher affiliate tiers as you drive more conversions. This includes exclusive bonuses like content audits, promotional assets, and a dedicated affiliate manager.
- A Wealth of Resources: HubSpot’s Affiliate Resource Center has 400+ promotional tools.
- Open to All: The program is open to everyone, with no prior experience with HubSpot required, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marketer.
Cons
- No Payouts on Free Account Referrals: You only earn commissions from paid accounts, so free account sign-ups won’t count toward your earnings.
- Affiliate Links Only in Content: If you’re an agency, you can’t use affiliate links to refer clients you directly service. It’s strictly for content-based promotions.
- SEMrush
SEMrush is a powerhouse in SEO and digital marketing. It offers over 45 tools for keyword research and social media management.
With 90% of content marketers relying on it, it's no surprise that SEMrush has become synonymous with powerful online marketing solutions. Moreover, its affiliate program is consistently ranked among the best affiliate programs in the industry.
If you’re an affiliate marketer, the BeRush program is your golden ticket to earning serious commissions.
Program Details at a Glance
- Commission Rate: $200 for each new subscription, plus $10 for every free trial activated
- Cookie Duration: 120 days
- Payout methods: PayPal or wire transfer
- Perks: Access to a wealth of promotional materials like custom content, GIFs, images, and video ads in 7 languages
Who Should Consider This Program?
- SEO Experts
- Digital Marketers
- Bloggers and Website Owners
- Digital Marketing Agencies
Pros
- Generous Payouts: $200 for each subscription and $10 for every new trial.
- Recurring Earnings: Earn 40% recurring commissions for each renewal.
- Incredible Cookie Duration: A lengthy 120-day cookie window means you can continue to earn from leads you’ve generated long after the initial referral.
Cons
- Niche Audience: The product is geared more towards experienced users. This makes it less appealing to beginners.
- Flat Commissions: You’ll only earn commissions from new subscribers. This means you won’t earn from renewals after the first sign-up.
- Payout Threshold: Your account needs to hit $50 before you can request a payout.
- Shopify
Shopify is a popular Canadian e-commerce platform that has changed how businesses sell online. It offers several tools to help entrepreneurs and companies build and scale online stores.
Shopify’s affiliate program is among the best due to its impressive earning potential and the platform's credibility. This program can be an especially good fit if you have visitors from multiple countries. You can expand your reach and increase sign-ups, all thanks to the ability to edit affiliate links to work with Shopify’s localized websites.
Program Details at a Glance
- Commission rate: Affiliates earn $150 per referral for full-price plan sign-ups and up to $2,000 for referring Shopify Plus customers
- Cookie duration: 30-day cookie period
- Payment methods: PayPal or direct deposit, with a minimum payout threshold of $10.
- Perks: The program offers extensive marketing support, i.e., a creative library, lead magnets, and a personalized affiliate dashboard for tracking and managing your campaigns
Who Should Consider This Program?
- E-commerce bloggers and marketers
- Content creators
- Review sites
Pros
- High commissions: Up to $2,000 per sale for Shopify Plus referrals.
- Growing platform: Shopify is a renowned name, and its continued growth means there are always opportunities for new sign-ups.
- Comprehensive support: Shopify provides all the marketing tools and insights you need to succeed, from pre-made creatives to performance tracking.
Cons
- Competitive niche: The e-commerce space is saturated with affiliate marketers, so tough competition exists.
- Strict requirements: Shopify only accepts affiliates with an established, active website that creates original content. New bloggers may face difficulty joining, but seasoned marketers will thrive.
- Payouts in USD: Shopify’s payouts are made in USD via PayPal or direct deposit, which may not be ideal if you operate in another currency. However, it’s nothing a quick currency conversion can’t handle.
- Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates is ranked high among the best affiliate programs globally. With an extensive network of over 900,000 affiliate partners, it’s the go-to platform for influencers, bloggers, YouTubers, and content creators.
Amazon's large scale and diversity of products make it an attractive option for affiliates from nearly every niche. The program provides something for everyone, whether it's tech, beauty, fashion, or home goods.
Program Details at a Glance
- Commission Rate: 1% to 20%, depending on the product category, with flat commission rates for "special commission income"
- Cookie Duration: 24 hours (extended if the item is added to the cart within this time and the purchase occurs within 90 days)
- Getting Paid: Monthly, with commissions paid approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale occurred
- Payment Methods: Direct deposit, check, or Amazon gift certificate
- Payout Threshold: $10 minimum for wire transfers, $100 minimum for checks
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Beginners and general marketers
- Content creators
- Bloggers
- Influencers
- Review sites
Pros
- Massive product variety: You can promote virtually any type of product, from electronics to books and beyond.
- Easy-to-use tools: Amazon offers an easy setup with tools like the Product Advertising API, image and text banners, and a browser extension for quick link building.
- Amazon's proactive support: Amazon ensures higher sales by assisting referred customers with follow-up emails to complete their purchases.
Cons
- Low commission rates: The average commission rate is lower than other affiliate programs.
- Short cookie duration: The 24-hour cookie window is relatively brief.
- Limited payment options: Amazon excludes PayPal, which creates challenges for affiliates outside the U.S. to receive payments easily.
Also Read: 15 Best WordPress Plugins for SEO, Design, Marketing, and More.
- TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is the undisputed king of travel planning. With over 795 million reviews and 1.4 million places to stay listed, it equips travelers with everything they need to plan the perfect getaway.
Their affiliate program is an attractive opportunity for those looking to monetize their travel content. As an affiliate, you’ll guide your audience toward amazing travel experiences while earning a solid income based on user interaction with hotel booking partners.
Moreover, you don’t need users to complete a booking to start earning. Clicks alone are enough to generate revenue.
Program Details at a Glance
- Commission: 50% (or more) on referred hotel bookings
- Cookie Window: 14-day cookie window
- Payout Methods: PayPal or Wire Transfer
- Payout Threshold: $50 minimum
- Bonus: Earning potential regardless of whether users make a booking. Revenue is based on clicks, with a multi-touch attribution model credits you even if users return through different channels or devices
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Travel Bloggers & Influencers
- Travel Reviewers
- Travel Enthusiasts
Pros
- Huge Content Library: With millions of reviews and places to stay, your audience has endless inspiration to choose from.
- Easy-to-use Affiliate Tools: You can access banners, buttons, logos, and text link generators to smoothly integrate affiliate links into your content.
- Multi-language Support: TripAdvisor allows affiliates to target global audiences with different languages and currencies.
Cons
- Variable Commissions: The commission you earn can fluctuate depending on factors like the booking partner, hotel, seasonality, and length of stay.
- Earnings Per Click May Vary: Some clicks may result in lower payouts than others, so earning potential can be inconsistent at times.
- Earnings Based on TripAdvisor’s Commissions: Affiliates earn a percentage of TripAdvisor’s commission, which may result in lower earnings than programs that offer commissions based on the full booking amount.
- NordVPN
NordVPN is a leader in the VPN industry, offering top-tier online privacy and security solutions. Known for its strong encryption and easy-to-use interface, it has become a trusted choice for users worldwide. This reputation makes the NordVPN Affiliate Program one of the best affiliate programs for those looking to monetize their platforms by promoting a high-demand service.
Program Details at a Glance
- Commission Rate: 30% to 100% on initial subscription purchases, 30% recurring on renewals
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Payout Methods: PayPal and wire transfer
- Payout Threshold: $10 minimum
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Tech Bloggers & Reviewers
- YouTubers & Streamers
- Security & Privacy Enthusiasts
Pros
- High Conversion Rates: NordVPN’s strong reputation and trusted service translate into high affiliate conversion rates.
- Global Reach: The affiliate program is open to all geos and traffic types.
- Dedicated Affiliate Managers: These professionals provide personalized support to maximize your earnings.
Cons
- Competitive Niche: The VPN market is crowded, so standing out in this space requires targeted traffic and compelling promotional strategies.
- Dependence on Subscription Sales: While the potential for high earnings exists, success is closely tied to the quality of traffic and the subscription plans selected by users.
- eBay Partner Network
eBay has grown from a humble auction site into a global e-commerce powerhouse. It is a major player with over 2.1 billion listings and 135 million active users across 190 markets.
The eBay Partner Network (EPN) allows affiliates to monetize their platforms by promoting eBay’s vast product catalog. Whether you’re targeting niche collectors or casual shoppers, eBay’s diversity ensures there’s something for everyone. And with 90% of listings featuring a “Buy It Now” option, conversions become much easier.
Program Details at a Glance
- Rate: 1%–4%, depending on the product category (e.g., 1% for real estate, 4% for fashion and automotive)
- Cookie Duration: A short 24-hour window
- Payout Threshold: Just $10, with flexible payment options like PayPal, direct deposit, or even eBay gift cards
- Affiliates partnering with eBay can earn commissions when their referrals:
- Make a purchase
- Place a bid
- Win an auction within 24-hours of clicking the affiliate link
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Content creators
- Bloggers
- Publishers
- Influencers
Pros
- Massive product range: eBay offers an extensive variety of products, catering to diverse audiences and niche markets.
- Trusted global marketplace: eBay is a well-established platform with a strong reputation.
- Low payout threshold: Affiliates can access their earnings sooner, as the payout threshold is relatively low compared to other networks.
Cons
- Cookie Duration: The 24-hour cookie window limits the time for affiliates to earn commissions from referred visitors.
- Commission rates: The commission rates may appear lower in some categories, reducing potential earnings for affiliates in those segments.
8. Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten has earned the title of the top affiliate marketing network for 11 years straight—and for good reason. Rakuten Advertising offers one of the most dynamic and globally recognized affiliate programs in the e-commerce industry.
Known primarily for its cashback platform, Rakuten connects consumers with top-tier brands like Nike, Walmart, Target, Sephora, and Lululemon. While consumers benefit from cash rewards, affiliates gain access to an impressive portfolio of merchants spanning fashion, beauty, technology, and more.
Program Details at a Glance
- Commission: Typically ranges from 3% to 20%
- Cookie Duration: Varies by merchant
- Payout Methods: PayPal, direct deposit, check
- Payout Threshold: $50 minimum
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Content creators
- International marketers
- Professionals targeting high-ticket brand partnerships
- Users of advanced attribution tools
Pros
- Access to a vast network of global brands: Partner with top-tier brands from around the world to expand reach.
- Flexible commission structures: Tailor commission models to fit unique marketing strategies.
- Industry-leading reputation: Gain trust from over 500,000 merchants and more than 14 million active users
Cons
- Commission rates and cookie durations: Variations by merchant can affect potential earnings.
- Higher payout threshold: Compared to some competitors, the payout threshold may be higher, requiring more effort to reach.
9. Teachable
Teachable is a giant in the e-learning space, offering a platform where creators can develop, market, and sell their online courses. Their affiliate program is an excellent way to earn a recurring income by referring new creators to the platform. This makes it a go-to for many in the online education and digital entrepreneurship space.
Program Details at a Glance
- Rate: Up to 30% recurring commission on each referred sale.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Payout Method: Payments are made via PayPal. Affiliates must have a PayPal account to receive payouts.
- Affiliate Perks: Monthly email updates, in-depth reporting tools, and a dedicated affiliate dashboard
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Coaches, entrepreneurs, and anyone in the business of teaching
- Content creators, bloggers, and influencers
- Digital marketers
- Review sites
Pros
- Recurring Commissions: Earn commission on referrals for up to one year.
- Long Cookie Duration: 30 days, giving affiliates ample time to earn commissions from referred users.
- Comprehensive Support: Teachable provides affiliate partners with a toolkit that includes promotional materials, tracking tools, and monthly updates.
Cons
- Niche-Specific Audience Needed: You’ll need an audience interested in course creation or e-learning to maximize your earnings.
- Unsubscribes Cut Commissions: If your referral unsubscribes within the first two months, you won't earn any commissions from that sale.
10. Fiverr
Fiverr has established a unique presence in the freelancing world, where freelancers and clients can easily connect for various services. The Fiverr affiliate program stands out as one of the best affiliate programs in 2025 due to its competitive commission structure and broad service offerings.
Program Details at a Glance
- Commission Rate: Earn between $15 and $150 CPA for each first-time buyer you refer, or opt for the Hybrid model, which offers $10 CPA plus a 10% revenue share for 12 months.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Payout Methods: PayPal, Payoneer, or wire transfer.
- Payout Threshold: A minimum of $100
- The platform also offers additional earning opportunities through its various programs:
- Fiverr Business: Earn a $100 CPA once an account spends $100 plus a 10% revenue share for twelve months.
- Fiverr Learn: Promote online courses and earn a 30% commission on sales.
- Lifetime Earnings: Affiliates can earn 10% of every referred affiliate's earnings for life.
- For influencers with at least 5,000 subscribers, Fiverr has an exclusive program offering up to 100% more commission than standard rates.
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Content Creators
- Bloggers
- Social Influencers
- Publishers
- Review Sites
Pros
- Competitive Commission Rates: The potential earnings are attractive. Commissions reach up to $150 per sale.
- Global Reach: Affiliates can promote services to customers in over 160 countries.
- Dedicated Support: Access to professional support, tutorials, and a dedicated affiliate manager.
Cons
- First-Time Buyers Only: Commissions apply only when referring new customers. If someone already has an account but hasn't purchased anything by clicking your link, you won’t earn a commission.
- High Competition: The popularity of Fiverr means many affiliates are competing for attention in the same space.
Note! Commission rates and program terms may change over time. It is recommended to consult the official resources of each affiliate program provider to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Best Affiliate Programs: A Tabular Overview
| Program | Commission Rate | Cookie Duration | Payout Threshold | Pros | Cons |
| HubSpot | 30% recurring | 180 days | None | High commissionNo minimum referrals | No earnings from free accounts |
| SEMrush | $200 per subscription, $10 per trial | 120 days | $50 | High payoutsRecurring commissionsLong cookie | Flat commissions |
| Shopify | $150 per referral, up to $2,000 for Plus | 30 days | $10 | High commissions Growing platform | Competitive nicheStrict requirements |
| Amazon Associates | 1% to 20% based on category | 24 hours | $10 (wire) / $100 (check) | Vast product rangeEasy setup | Low commission ratesShort cookie duration |
| TripAdvisor | 50% on bookings | 14 days | $50 | Large content library | Variable commissionsInconsistent earnings |
| NordVPN | 30% to 100% on initial, 30% recurring | 30 days | $10 | High conversion ratesGlobal reach | Competitive niche Subscription dependency |
| eBay Partner Network | 1%–4% based on category | 24 hours | $10 | Massive product rangeTrusted marketplace | Short cookie window Modest commission rates |
| Rakuten Advertising | 3% to 20% | Varies by merchant | $50 | Access to global brandsFlexible commissions | Variable ratesHigher payout threshold |
| Teachable | Up to 30% recurring | 30 days | None | Recurring commissions Comprehensive support | Niche-specific audience neededUnsubscribes cut commissions |
| Fiverr | $15 to $150 CPA or hybrid model | 30 days | $100 | Competitive ratesGlobal reach | First-time buyers onlyHigh competition |
Chasing Affiliate Income: The Final Verdict
Congrats! You've discovered the top 10 best affiliate programs ready to grow your earnings in 2025. Remember, the key to success lies in aligning yourself with best paying affiliate programs that match your audience’s interests and complement your niche.
However, building a successful affiliate marketing strategy requires more than picking the "best" programs. You need a strong foundation in the form of a reliable website that attracts your target audience and converts visitors into loyal followers.
That's where FastCow steps in.
We offer industry-leading managed WordPress hosting solutions to help you create a stunning, user-friendly website without the technical hassles. With a powerful website as your base, you'll be well-equipped to use the best affiliate programs and turn your online hustle into a thriving business.
FAQs
- Will affiliate marketing still be profitable in 2025?
Yes, affiliate marketing will still be profitable in 2025. However, marketers are diversifying strategies due to changes in Google algorithms and focusing on email lists, digital products, and communities. - What are the best affiliate programs?
The best affiliate program depends on your niche, audience, and content strategy. Some key factors to consider when picking the best affiliate program for yourself include relevance, commission structure, reputation, and the support provided by the program. - Can you make $10,000 a month with affiliate marketing?
Yes, it is possible to earn $10,000 a month with affiliate marketing. However, it requires consistent effort, a profitable niche, and high-traffic strategies. - Is Affiliate Marketing Legal In The UK?
Yes, affiliate marketing is legal in the UK. Marketers must disclose affiliate links to comply with the CAP Code and ensure transparency in advertising.
