Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways for beginners to start making money online. You don’t need to create your own product—just promote someone else’s and earn a commission. But with thousands of programs available, which ones are truly beginner-friendly?
This guide breaks down the top affiliate programs for beginners in 2025, based on ease of approval, high commission rates, product variety, and marketing tools.
What Makes an Affiliate Program Beginner-Friendly?
Not all affiliate programs are created equal. For beginners, the best programs typically offer:
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Easy sign-up process (no website or audience required)
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Low payout thresholds
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Trusted brands
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Variety of products
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Marketing support or tools
1. Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates is one of the most beginner-friendly affiliate programs in the world. With millions of products, you can promote almost anything.
Pros:
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Huge selection of products
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Trusted by consumers
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Easy to use link-building tools
Cons:
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Low commission rates (1%–10%)
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24-hour cookie duration
Best For:
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Review blogs, gift guides, product roundups
2. ShareASale
ShareASale is an affiliate network that offers access to thousands of individual affiliate programs across various niches.
Pros:
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Free to join
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Lots of niche merchants (fashion, education, software, etc.)
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Real-time reporting and tools
Cons:
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Some merchants require approval
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Interface can be overwhelming at first
Best For:
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Niche websites and blogs
3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
CJ Affiliate connects bloggers and marketers with major brands like Lowe’s, GoPro, and Grammarly.
Pros:
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Reputable, high-quality merchants
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Advanced tracking and reporting tools
Cons:
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Approval needed per advertiser
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Takes time to learn interface
Best For:
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Bloggers with some existing traffic
4. Impact
Impact is a modern affiliate platform used by big brands like Canva, Airbnb, and Adidas.
Pros:
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Clean, user-friendly dashboard
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Easy to join and track performance
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Often better commissions than older networks
Cons:
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Some programs are invite-only
Best For:
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Bloggers, YouTubers, and influencers
5. Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten is a lesser-known but trusted affiliate network with established global brands.
Pros:
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Reliable payments
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International brands and campaigns
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Quality over quantity
Cons:
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Interface is less intuitive
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Slower approval process
Best For:
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Long-term affiliate strategies
6. ClickBank
ClickBank is known for its digital products, such as online courses, eBooks, and membership programs.
Pros:
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High commissions (up to 75%)
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Easy approval
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No need for a website to start
Cons:
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Some low-quality products
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Requires vetting offers before promoting
Best For:
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Digital marketers and email marketers
7. Fiverr Affiliates
Fiverr’s affiliate program lets you promote freelance services from one of the largest marketplaces online.
Pros:
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High initial commissions (up to $150 per referral)
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Evergreen demand (design, SEO, writing, etc.)
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No complex tools needed
Cons:
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CPA model (you’re paid once per first-time user)
Best For:
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Business blogs, side hustle sites, freelancing guides
8. Canva Affiliate Program
Canva offers a great recurring revenue affiliate program, perfect for design, blogging, and business niches.
Pros:
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Monthly recurring commission for Pro users
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Trusted, popular tool
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High conversion rates
Cons:
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Limited to Pro subscription
Best For:
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Design tutorials, blogging guides, freelancer audiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a blog to join an affiliate program?
Not always. Many programs allow you to promote using YouTube, social media, or email marketing.
Q2: How do I get approved as a beginner?
Be honest in your application. Some tips:
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Have a clean, niche-focused website or content platform
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Mention your marketing strategy
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Avoid generic copy-paste descriptions
Q3: Which affiliate program pays the most?
ClickBank and Impact often offer high payouts, but the best depends on your audience and niche.
Q4: How soon can I earn money?
With the right traffic, beginners can start earning within 30–90 days.
Q5: Can I join multiple programs?
Yes! In fact, diversifying your affiliate partnerships reduces risk and boosts income potential.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to make money online—especially for beginners. By choosing the right affiliate programs and focusing on value-driven content, you can build a long-term income stream.
Start today: Pick one affiliate program from this list, sign up, and publish your first product-focused blog post or video.
