If you’ve been exploring ways to make money online, chances are you’ve stumbled across ClickBank. Maybe you saw a YouTube video promising easy affiliate commissions. Or maybe a friend told you they’re making passive income with digital products on ClickBank. But let’s be real—once the hype dies down, you’re left wondering: Is ClickBank a scam?

That’s a fair question. After all, the internet is flooded with get-rich-quick schemes and shady platforms. So when something like ClickBank pops up offering high commissions and “easy” earnings, your scam radar probably lights up.

In this article, we’re going to break it all down in a simple, no-fluff way. We’ll talk about what ClickBank really is, how it works, the red flags to look out for, and whether it’s worth your time.

Let’s get into it.

What Is ClickBank & Why Do People Call It a Scam?

ClickBank is an affiliate marketing platform and digital product marketplace that’s been around since 1998. That’s a long time in internet years. So, if it were a straight-up scam, it probably wouldn’t have lasted this long.

Here’s how it works:

• Vendors (aka sellers) list their digital products—think ebooks, courses, software, meal plans, etc.
• Affiliates (aka promoters) pick products from the marketplace and promote them online through links.
• When someone clicks your link and buys, you earn a commission—sometimes up to 75%.

Sounds good, right? So why do people think it’s a scam?

Honestly, it’s not ClickBank itself that’s shady—it’s some of the products on the platform. Since ClickBank allows vendors to upload their own content, it’s kind of like an open marketplace. And with that openness comes a mixed bag: some products are legit and helpful, while others are… well, kind of sketchy.

So let’s get more specific.

ClickBank Product Types: Legit or Scammy?

One of the main reasons people question ClickBank’s credibility is because of the types of products sold there. Let’s break this down in a table so you can clearly see what you’re dealing with:

Product Type	Legit Factor	Common Red Flags	What to Watch For
Health & Fitness eBooks	⚠️ 50/50	Over-the-top claims (“lose 30 lbs in 7 days!”)	Check author credibility and refund policy
Make Money Online Courses	⚠️ 40/60	Unrealistic promises (“Earn $10K/month overnight”)	Look for social proof and real reviews
Diet & Supplement Programs	⚠️ 30/70	Fake testimonials, shady before/after pics	Be wary of outrageous health claims
Productivity & Self-Help Guides	✅ 70/30	Generic content, reused material	Look for transparent author background
Software Tools & Plugins	✅ 80/20	Poor support, buggy programs	Check refund options and vendor responsiveness
Niche Training Programs	✅ 75/25	Outdated info, vague curriculum	Look for course previews or sample lessons

So you see, ClickBank isn’t a scam, but it does host both quality and low-quality products. The platform doesn’t always vet the content deeply, so the responsibility falls on you to do the research before promoting or buying.

7 Things You Should Know Before Using ClickBank

Let’s walk through some of the real talk stuff you should know if you’re thinking of using ClickBank—whether as an affiliate or a buyer. These aren’t salesy tips. Just real, practical advice.

1. Not All Products Are Created Equal

Some ClickBank products are genuinely helpful and worth the price. Others are slapped together for quick profits. You need to learn to spot the difference.

2. Sales Pages Can Be Misleading

ClickBank is known for flashy sales pages filled with urgency, timers, and bold promises. It’s smart marketing—but sometimes it crosses the line into manipulation.

3. Refunds Are Possible (And Common)

ClickBank offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on most products. So technically, you’re protected. But frequent refund requests = something’s not working as promised.

4. Affiliate Earnings Are Real (But Not Easy)

Yes, people do make money promoting ClickBank products. But don’t fall for the “push-button system” myth. It takes content creation, SEO, email lists, and a real strategy.

5. You’re Responsible for What You Promote

If you promote a scammy product, your audience will lose trust in you. Even if you didn’t make it, you’re part of the sale, so your name is on the line.

6. There’s a Lot of Hype

You’ll see screenshots of big payouts on forums or in Facebook groups. Some are real. Many are not. Focus on building a sustainable income, not chasing screenshots.

7. Reputation is Mixed—For a Reason

ClickBank isn’t evil. But it’s earned a mixed rep because it allows anyone to sell anything, which can attract low-effort creators looking for fast cash.

FAQs About ClickBank

Let’s clear up some of the most common questions people ask when they’re trying to figure out if ClickBank is legit or not.

Is ClickBank free to use?

Yes, signing up for ClickBank is 100% free. There are no hidden fees or subscription costs to become an affiliate. However, vendors may need to pay a product listing fee.

Can you really make money on ClickBank?

Yes, but it’s not guaranteed. Success depends on the product you choose, your promotional method, and how much effort you put into your marketing strategy.

Why do some people say ClickBank is a scam?

Usually because they bought a poor-quality product or followed bad advice and didn’t earn money. It’s easier to blame the platform than accept that not every opportunity is a goldmine.

How do I know if a ClickBank product is legit?

Do your research. Read reviews from real users, look for third-party blog posts or YouTube breakdowns, and avoid anything that promises results with zero effort.

What’s the refund process like?

Most ClickBank products come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. You can request a refund directly through ClickBank support, and they usually process it with no hassle.

Do you need a website to make money with ClickBank?

Not necessarily. Some people use YouTube, TikTok, or email marketing. But having a website definitely helps build trust and long-term success.

Final Thoughts: So, Is ClickBank a Scam?

No, ClickBank itself is not a scam—but it’s not squeaky clean either. Think of it like a big online flea market. You’ll find some gems, but you’ll also come across some junk. If you go in expecting easy money and overnight success, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you’re willing to do the work, vet products carefully, and build real value into your marketing efforts, ClickBank can be a legitimate way to earn income online.

Here’s a quick recap:

• ClickBank is a real company that’s been around for over two decades.
• It provides a platform for digital product creators and affiliates.
• Some products are high-quality. Others are full of fluff and hype.
• You can make money, but it takes effort, testing, and strategy.
• Always research before you buy or promote anything.

So don’t be scared off by the haters. Just be smart, skeptical, and selective—and you’ll be fine.