If you’ve ever dipped your toes into affiliate marketing, chances are Amazon Associates was one of your first stops—and with good reason. Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms on the planet. From household essentials and electronics to obscure niche products, you’ll find almost anything there. This makes it a goldmine for affiliate marketers.
But one question always lingers: What are the actual Amazon affiliate commission rates?
Let’s be honest: no one wants to spend hours creating content only to find out the commission is a measly 1%. That’s why it’s critical to understand Amazon’s payout structure before building your strategy.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know:
- Current Amazon affiliate commission rates by category
- What products give you the highest returns
- Hidden limitations and tips to maximize earnings
- Realistic expectations for both new and seasoned affiliates
Whether you’re a blogger, YouTuber, product reviewer, or just affiliate-curious, this article will help you figure out what’s worth your time.
Let’s jump into the details.
Amazon Affiliate Commission Rates by Category (2025)
Amazon doesn’t offer a flat percentage for everything you promote. Instead, it uses a category-based commission structure. Here’s a table to help you make sense of what you’ll earn depending on the type of product you link to.
Commission Rate Table (As of 2025)
| Product Category | Commission Rate |
| Amazon Games & Game Downloads | 20% |
| Luxury Beauty Products | 10% |
| Luxury Stores (e.g. fashion brands) | 10% |
| Physical Amazon Devices (Echo, Fire TV, Kindle) | 4% |
| Home Improvement, Tools | 3% |
| Furniture, Home, Garden | 3% |
| Outdoors, Lawn & Garden | 3% |
| Pantry, Groceries | 1% |
| Health & Personal Care | 1% |
| Baby Products (excluding diapers) | 3% |
| Headphones | 3% |
| Sports & Outdoors | 3% |
| Digital Music | 5% |
| Physical Books | 4.5% |
| Handmade Products | 5% |
| Apparel (Clothing, Shoes, Accessories) | 4% |
| Pet Products | 3% |
| Video Game Consoles | 1% |
| TVs, Computers, Laptops | 2.5% |
| Cell Phones & Accessories | 1% |
| Musical Instruments | 3% |
| Kitchen Appliances | 4% |
Note: Amazon updates its rates occasionally. Always double-check on the Amazon Associates Commission Schedule page for the latest numbers.
Key Takeaways from the Table:
- Highest commissions (10%–20%) are in luxury and digital categories.
- Lowest commissions (1%) come from competitive and low-margin products like groceries and electronics.
- Mid-tier categories (3%–5%) include furniture, home décor, and books—great for lifestyle bloggers and review sites.
7 Smart Tips to Maximize Your Amazon Affiliate Commissions
Now that you know the rates, let’s talk strategy. It’s not just about the percentage—it’s about how you promote. Here are actionable tips to help you boost your earnings, even in lower-commission niches.
- Focus on Volume or High-Priced Items
You might only get 3% from furniture or tools, but if you’re recommending a $1,000 desk, that’s $30 per sale. Targeting high-ticket items in lower commission categories can still be lucrative.
Real-world example: A YouTuber reviewing ergonomic office chairs can make decent money even at 3%—because the products are expensive and sought-after.
- Double Down on High-Commission Categories
Look for opportunities in categories like:
- Luxury beauty (10%)
- Amazon games (20%)
- Handmade crafts (5%)
You can build niche content around these—like “best indie beauty brands on Amazon” or “top handmade home décor ideas”—to capitalize on higher rates.
- Target Buyer Intent Keywords
Focus your content around people ready to purchase, using keywords like:
- “Best X under $100”
- “Top-rated [product] for [purpose]”
- “Affordable [product] for beginners”
This increases the chance they’ll click your affiliate link and complete a purchase.
- Use Native Shopping Ads and Banners Wisely
Amazon lets you embed:
- Product links
- Native shopping ads
- Custom banners
While too many can clutter your site, well-placed ads increase clicks. Add them at the end of your blog posts, in product roundups, or within buying guides.
- Create Comparison Tables
If you’re recommending multiple products, tables help users compare and decide quickly. They improve user experience—and boost clicks.
- Watch Out for “Non-Qualifying” Purchases
Some items, like subscriptions or gift cards, may not earn commissions—even if someone buys them via your link. Always check if the item is “commissionable” under Amazon’s rules.
- Use the 24-Hour Cookie Window to Your Advantage
Amazon only credits you for sales made within 24 hours of a click. That’s short! Encourage users to act quickly with language like:
- “Limited-time deal”
- “Click to check today’s price”
- “See current discounts here”
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Affiliate Commission Rates
How often does Amazon pay affiliate commissions?
Amazon pays on a net-60 basis. That means commissions earned in January are paid at the end of March. Payments can be sent via:
- Direct deposit
- Check
- Amazon gift card
Do I still get a commission if someone buys something else—not the item I linked to?
Yes! If someone clicks your affiliate link and buys anything from Amazon within 24 hours, you get a commission on the entire cart, not just the linked product. This is called the “cookie window” advantage.
What happens if someone adds a product to their cart but buys it later?
If they add the product to their cart within the 24-hour window, you get credit as long as they purchase within 89 days. This is one of the few exceptions to the 24-hour rule.
Can international users use my affiliate links?
By default, no. You’ll need to use a link localization tool like Geniuslink or Amazon OneLink to automatically redirect users to their country’s Amazon store (e.g., Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk).
Are there any products I can’t earn commissions on?
Yes. Some exclusions include:
- Free Kindle eBooks
- Gift cards
- Some subscription services
- Promotional items or trial memberships
Check Amazon’s “Non-Qualifying Items” list for updates.
Are there affiliate programs better than Amazon’s?
Depends on your niche. Amazon is convenient but not the highest-paying. For electronics or software, consider:
- Best Buy Affiliate Program
- B&H Photo Affiliate Program
- ShareASale or Impact for private brand offers
Final Thoughts: Is Amazon’s Affiliate Program Still Worth It?
The answer is: yes—but only if you play smart.
Let’s be real—Amazon isn’t the most generous when it comes to commissions, especially for low-margin products. That 1% on groceries or baby diapers won’t make you rich.
But here’s why thousands of marketers still rely on Amazon Associates:
- Trust factor: People already buy from Amazon, so conversions are high.
- Product variety: You can monetize almost any niche—from books to patio furniture to gaming gear.
- One-click convenience: Even if you recommend one product, you earn from everything they buy within 24 hours.
To succeed, you’ll need to:
- Focus on categories with decent commissions
- Recommend higher-priced items
- Optimize your content for conversions
- Combine Amazon with other affiliate programs
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—but don’t ignore Amazon either. When used strategically, even a 3% commission can add up fast.