An affiliate network is an intermediary that connects advertisers (brands and merchants) with publishers (content sites, coupon and cashback sites, influencers and media buyers) who promote the advertisers' products in exchange for a commission on sales or leads. The network supplies the tracking technology, signs up and vets publishers, validates transactions and pays publishers on the advertiser's behalf, charging a fee for doing so.
The largest networks connect hundreds of thousands of publishers with tens of thousands of brands: Awin, for example, reports one million publishers and 30,000 advertisers, and says it generated £18bn in revenue for advertisers and £1.2bn for publishers in its last financial year. Alongside these multi-brand networks, large retailers such as Amazon and eBay run their own affiliate programmes that behave like networks for publishers, and ClickBank operates a marketplace focused on digital products.
This list covers twelve networks and network-style programmes operating under the names shown in November 2026, ranked by the scale figures they publish.
Contents
- What is an affiliate network
- History and market
- Key features to compare
- Pricing models
- How to choose
- Methodology
- The list
- Comparison table
- Alternatives by use case
- Recent developments
- Frequently asked questions
- See also
What is an affiliate network
An affiliate network performs four jobs. It tracks clicks and conversions through links, codes and server-to-server calls; it runs a marketplace where advertisers list programmes and publishers apply; it handles validation, allowing advertisers to approve or decline transactions such as returns or fraud; and it manages payment, collecting commissions from advertisers and paying publishers in many currencies.
Networks differ from affiliate marketing software, which gives a company the tracking and payout tools to run its own programme but leaves partner recruitment to the company. The two increasingly overlap: in April 2026 Rakuten Advertising and impact.com, a software platform, announced an alliance combining Rakuten's network and managed services with impact.com's technology for contracting, tracking and payments. Networks also differ from influencer marketing platforms, although several networks, including Admitad and Rakuten Advertising, now sell influencer services.
Within the category there are three broad types. Multi-brand networks such as Awin, CJ, Rakuten Advertising, Webgains and Tradedoubler work with thousands of advertisers across retail, travel, finance and telecoms. Single-merchant programmes such as Amazon Associates and the eBay Partner Network pay publishers for traffic to one marketplace. Performance and CPA networks such as ClickBank and MaxBounty focus on direct-response offers paid per sale or per action.
History and market
Origins
The first wave of networks appeared around the turn of the century. Tradedoubler was founded in Stockholm in 1999 by Felix Hagnö and Martin Lorentzon, later a co-founder of Spotify, and has been listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange since 2005. ClickBank launched in 1999, and Awin traces its history to 2000. MaxBounty says it has operated since 2004 and FlexOffers was founded in 2006 as the CardOffers.com Partnership Network.
Consolidation
The industry has consolidated into a few groups. Awin is part of the Axel Springer group, and Commission Factory, the Australian network founded in 2011, is part of the Awin Group. Webgains belongs to ad pepper media International. Rakuten Advertising is the affiliate and media business of the Rakuten group, which says its businesses reach more than 1.2 billion members worldwide.
Networks meet platforms
The boundary between networks and SaaS platforms has blurred. Awin now sells self-service plans with published monthly fees, and Rakuten Advertising's April 2026 alliance with impact.com moves contracting, tracking and payments for its advertisers onto impact.com's infrastructure while Rakuten keeps managed services and performance intelligence.
Key features to compare
Publisher base and fit
Size matters less than relevance. Awin reports one million publishers, Webgains more than 250,000, FlexOffers 75,000 publisher sites and MaxBounty more than 30,000 affiliates; the mix of coupon, content, cashback and influencer partners differs between them.
Geographic reach
Awin operates from 17 locations, Webgains reports sales in more than 150 countries, Tradedoubler runs regional teams across Europe and beyond, and Commission Factory focuses on Asia-Pacific.
Fee structure
Advertisers usually pay a network fee on top of publisher commission. Awin publishes its fees: a 3.5% tracking fee on its Access plan and 2.5% on Accelerate, plus a monthly charge.
Commission rules
Flexible rules by product, category, new or existing customer, coupon or publisher let advertisers reward incremental sales; Awin's Accelerate plan supports unlimited commission groups with these rules.
Payment reliability
For publishers, prompt payment is critical. ClickBank says it has never missed a payment since launching in 1999, and MaxBounty's terms state that it pays affiliates only after receiving full payment from the advertiser.
Managed services
Advertisers without an in-house team can buy programme management; Rakuten Advertising and Webgains emphasise full-service teams, and Awin offers optional expert service on Accelerate.
Data and AI tools
Rakuten Advertising promotes Affiliate Intelligence AI tools, and Awin's Advanced plan adds custom reports and competitor benchmarks.
Pricing models
For advertisers, networks charge in three main ways. Monthly fee plus tracking or override fee: Awin's Access plan costs US$99 a month plus a 3.5% tracking fee on transaction value (with a promotional US$49 until 30 November 2026), Accelerate costs US$199 a month plus 2.5% (US$99 promotional), and Advanced is custom-priced; on a US$100 sale with 6% commission, the partner receives US$6 and Awin US$3.50 on Access. Custom contracts with set-up fees, minimum monthly fees and network overrides are typical at CJ, Rakuten Advertising, Webgains, Tradedoubler, FlexOffers and Admitad, which do not publish standard rates. Marketplace models such as ClickBank's are free for affiliates, with terms for product sellers set by the marketplace.
For publishers, joining a network is normally free. Retailer programmes set fixed commission rates by product category: Amazon says associates can earn up to 10% in commissions from qualifying purchases and programmes, and eBay publishes a rate card for its Partner Network.
How to choose
Retail and e-commerce brands
Awin, CJ and Rakuten Advertising have the broadest retail publisher bases; Awin's self-service plans make it accessible to smaller brands.
Content publishers and creators
Amazon Associates offers millions of products and up to 10% commission, while the eBay Partner Network pays for traffic to its marketplace of 2.5 billion listings.
Digital products and direct response
ClickBank's marketplace focuses on digital and direct-response products; MaxBounty runs CPA campaigns.
Europe
Tradedoubler and Webgains have long European histories and regional teams.
Asia-Pacific and emerging markets
Commission Factory specialises in Australia and Asia-Pacific; Admitad operates regional sites across Asia, the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe.
US mid-market
FlexOffers, founded as the CardOffers.com Partnership Network, now covers a wider range of verticals for US advertisers and publishers.
Methodology
Networks were included if they connect advertisers with third-party publishers on a commission basis, provide tracking and publisher payment, were operating under the listed name in November 2026, and publish scale figures on their own websites. They are ranked by the scale they publish (publishers, advertisers, sales or commissions), with multi-brand networks of global reach placed ahead of single-merchant programmes and specialist CPA networks of similar size. Figures are company statements and are not independently audited; they are reported as given and not converted. No user ratings or private testing were used.
The list
1
Axel Springer-owned global network with 1m publishers and published plans
Best for: Retail, travel and finance brands of all sizes
Awin is a global affiliate network that traces its history to 2000 and is part of the Axel Springer group. It reports one million publishers, 30,000 advertisers, more than 1,400 employees and 17 locations, and says it generated £18bn in revenue for its advertisers and £1.2bn for its publishers in its last financial year; its partners work across finance and insurance, retail and shopping, travel and telecoms. Commission Factory, the Australian network, is part of the Awin Group.
Awin is unusual among large networks in publishing advertiser pricing. Access, for new programmes, costs US$99 a month plus a 3.5% tracking fee on transaction value, and includes access to more than a million partners, a simple dashboard, step-by-step guidance, a free first month and a three-month minimum term. Accelerate, the most popular plan, costs US$199 a month plus a 2.5% tracking fee and adds a choice of self-management or expert service, APIs, enhanced reporting, industry benchmarks and unlimited commission groups based on product, category, SKU, new or existing customer, coupon code, campaign, publisher or date. Advanced is custom-priced and adds custom reports, competitor benchmarks and branded private networks. Promotional prices of US$49 and US$99 applied until 30 November 2026, and alternative rates are available for businesses without transaction values.
Awin's strengths are its scale, transparency and flexible commission rules. Its limitations are that the percentage tracking fee rises with programme success and that competitor benchmarking requires the top plan.
Key features
- 1m publishers, 30,000 advertisers
- Published self-service plans
- Unlimited rule-based commission groups
- APIs and enhanced reporting
- Industry and competitor benchmarks
- Branded private networks (Advanced)
Pricing
Access: US$99/month + 3.5% tracking fee (first month free; 3-month minimum). Accelerate: US$199/month + 2.5%. Advanced: custom. Promotional US$49/US$99 until 30 Nov 2026.
- Founded
- 2000^1
- Owner
- Axel Springer group^1
- Publishers
- 1m^1
- Advertisers
- 30,000^1
- Advertiser revenue generated
- £18bn (last financial year)^1
Strengths
- Largest published publisher base
- Transparent advertiser pricing
- Short minimum term on Access
- Strong in retail, travel and finance
Limitations
- Tracking fee scales with sales
- Benchmarks against competitors only on Advanced
- Large network can need active publisher vetting
- Promotional prices temporary
2
Commission Junction, a long-established global performance network
Best for: Large brands wanting a broad, established publisher ecosystem
CJ, the trading name of Commission Junction LLC, is one of the longest-established affiliate networks and describes its marketplace as the world's largest and most established partnership-based performance marketing ecosystem. It serves brands, publishers and creators and promotes its scale with three company figures: more than one billion customers reached monthly, more than 14 billion interactions a year and 157 million online and offline actions driven annually.
CJ's offering covers affiliate programmes for advertisers and agencies, a publisher network that includes influencers and fintech publishers, and support for both online and offline conversions. It runs CJU, its own events programme, and a developer portal for publishers and advertisers building integrations. It maintains a library of case studies and a media kit for prospective clients.
CJ suits brands that want access to an established publisher base and managed support. Its limitations are that it does not publish advertiser pricing, so set-up costs, minimum fees and network commissions must be negotiated, and that its public site gives few verifiable details about ownership, publisher counts or advertiser counts beyond its reach statistics.
Key features
- Global publisher marketplace
- Influencer and fintech publisher programmes
- Online and offline conversion tracking
- Developer portal and APIs
- Agency programme
- CJU events
Pricing
Quote-based for advertisers; free to join for publishers.
- Legal name
- Commission Junction LLC^3
- Monthly reach
- 1bn+ (company figure)^3
- Annual actions
- 157m (company figure)^3
- Pricing
- Quote-based
Strengths
- Long-established network
- Broad publisher base incl. influencers
- Developer tools
- Fintech publisher programme
Limitations
- No published pricing
- Limited public detail on scale
- Negotiated minimums
- Large network requires active management
3
Rakuten group network allied with impact.com since 2026
Best for: Global brands wanting managed affiliate programmes
Rakuten Advertising is the affiliate, influencer and media business of the Rakuten group, whose more than 70 businesses span e-commerce, digital content, communications, fintech and professional sports and reach more than 1.2 billion members worldwide. It operates across affiliate and influencer marketing using a global partner network and Rakuten's own properties, with full-service teams for brands. On its home page it claims more than 25 years in affiliate marketing, 1.2 billion consumers reached and more than 200 million transactions completed, and promotes Affiliate Intelligence, its AI and analytics tools.
In April 2026 Rakuten International and impact.com announced a strategic alliance. Under it, Rakuten Advertising contributes strategic expertise, programme management, global execution and performance intelligence, while impact.com provides the infrastructure for contracting, tracking and payments; Rakuten Rewards, the group's cash-back shopping platform, and impact.com will work on real-time tracking, attribution and shopper incentives. Advertisers working with Rakuten Advertising gain impact.com's platform capabilities, and impact.com customers gain access to Rakuten's managed services.
Rakuten Advertising's strengths are managed service and access to Rakuten Rewards' cash-back audience. Its limitations are quote-only pricing and the transition risk that comes with moving technology to a partner platform.
Key features
- Managed affiliate programmes
- Influencer marketing
- Rakuten Rewards cash-back audience
- Affiliate Intelligence AI tools
- impact.com technology via 2026 alliance
- Regional sites in the US, Europe, Brazil, Japan and Asia-Pacific
Pricing
Quote-based; managed-service contracts.
Ownership and history
Part of the Rakuten group. Strategic alliance with impact.com announced 28 April 2026.
- Parent
- Rakuten group^6
- Consumers reached
- 1.2bn+ (company figure)^4
- Transactions
- 200m+ (company figure)^4
- Pricing
- Quote-based
Strengths
- Strong managed-service model
- Access to Rakuten Rewards audience
- Global presence
- Combined with impact.com technology
Limitations
- No published pricing
- Technology transition under the alliance
- Best suited to larger budgets
- Scale figures are company statements
4
AA
Amazon's own affiliate programme, paying up to 10% on qualifying purchases
Best for: Content creators and publishers recommending retail products
Amazon Associates is Amazon's affiliate marketing programme, which Amazon describes as one of the largest in the world. It lets content creators, publishers, bloggers and social-media influencers link to products on Amazon and earn from qualifying purchases and programmes, using link-building tools that include customised options for large publishers and individual creators.
Unlike a multi-brand network, Amazon Associates covers a single retailer, but one with millions of products, so it functions as a network for publishers. Amazon says associates can earn up to 10% in commissions from qualifying purchases and programmes, with rates set by product category, and that its conversion rates help maximise earnings. The programme operates in many countries through local Amazon stores, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Italy, Spain, India, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, the UAE, Singapore, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, Ireland, Turkey and Egypt. Amazon says tens of thousands of creators, publishers and bloggers earn through it.
Amazon Associates is free to join and simple to start. Its limitations are that commissions are capped at up to 10% and vary by category, that each country programme is separate, and that publishers depend on a single retailer's terms, which it can change.
Key features
- Millions of products to link
- Link-building tools for publishers and creators
- Category-based commission rates
- Separate programmes in 20+ countries
- Free to join
Pricing
Free for publishers; commissions up to 10% on qualifying purchases and programmes, varying by category.
- Operator
- Amazon^7
- Commission
- Up to 10%^7
- Countries
- 20+ local programmes^7
Strengths
- Huge product catalogue
- High conversion on Amazon
- Free and easy to join
- Available in many countries
Limitations
- Single retailer
- Commission capped at up to 10%
- Separate account per country
- Terms set unilaterally by Amazon
5
EP
eBay's affiliate programme with feeds, APIs and a creator storefront option
Best for: Publishers and creators promoting deals and collectibles
The eBay Partner Network is eBay's affiliate programme. It promotes eBay's scale to publishers: 2.5 billion listings, 80% of items new, 136 million buyers in 190 markets and 90% of listings at fixed "Buy it now" prices. Publishers can earn for traffic they drive to a specific item and also for traffic that leads to other sales, and eBay encourages them to send users to its high-converting deals and landing pages.
The programme offers two routes. eBay Ambassador is aimed at social-first creators, who can build a storefront, curate picks and earn; it is available only to users in the US and UK. The main EPN programme serves partners with more technical needs, giving access to product feeds and APIs to scale affiliate integrations and high-volume performance. A portal provides reports for tracking, analysing and optimising results, and eBay publishes a rate card, a payment calendar and network-status information for partners. Its special business models section covers audience-sharing partners and other non-standard publishers.
The eBay Partner Network suits deal sites, collectors' communities and comparison publishers. Its limitations are that it promotes a single marketplace, that the creator programme is limited to two countries, and that commissions depend on eBay's category rate card.
Key features
- 2.5bn listings to promote
- Product feeds and APIs
- eBay Ambassador creator storefronts (US, UK)
- Reporting portal
- Published rate card and payment calendar
Pricing
Free for publishers; commissions per eBay's published rate card.
- Operator
- eBay^8
- Listings
- 2.5bn^8
- Buyers
- 136m in 190 markets^8
Strengths
- Very large inventory
- Feeds and APIs for scale
- Creator storefront option
- Published rate card
Limitations
- Single marketplace
- Ambassador only in US and UK
- Commission depends on category
- Less brand variety than multi-brand networks
6
Digital and direct-response product marketplace since 1999
Best for: Affiliates promoting digital and direct-response offers
ClickBank is an affiliate marketplace and payments platform for digital and direct-response products that has operated since 1999. It says it has paid US$7.5bn in commissions, has around 100,000 active affiliates and is trusted by more than five million people, and that it has never missed a payment since launch; these are company figures.
ClickBank works differently from retail networks. Product owners, or sellers, list offers in ClickBank's marketplace, and affiliates choose which to promote; ClickBank provides the tracking and pays affiliate commissions. It promotes some of the highest commissions in the industry, with revenue-share and CPA models, and customised offers for top affiliates. It also offers training such as Affiliate Foundations, aimed at helping new affiliates earn their first commission. For sellers it markets an affiliate marketplace, tracking and direct-response expertise to help products scale online.
ClickBank's strengths are fast access to high-commission offers and reliable payments. Its limitations are that its marketplace is dominated by digital and direct-response products, which vary in quality and suit some audiences poorly, and that its training materials emphasise earnings, which publishers should assess critically.
Key features
- Marketplace of digital and direct-response offers
- Revenue-share and CPA commissions
- Payment processing for sellers
- Affiliate training programmes
- Custom offers for top affiliates
Pricing
Free for affiliates; seller fees not detailed on the pages reviewed.
- Launched
- 1999^10
- Commissions paid
- US$7.5bn (company figure)^9
- Active affiliates
- ~100,000^9
Strengths
- High commission rates
- Long payment track record
- Easy to join
- Marketplace of ready offers
Limitations
- Product quality varies
- Narrow focus on digital/direct response
- Seller terms not shown on pages reviewed
- Earnings-focused marketing
7
Florida-based partner network with 12,000+ advertisers
Best for: US advertisers and publishers across many verticals
FlexOffers is a partner marketing network headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was founded in 2006 by Alexander Daskaloff under the name CardOffers.com Partnership Network and later rebranded as FlexOffers.com to serve advertisers and publishers across more verticals.
FlexOffers says it facilitates more than US$5bn in annual sales and works with more than 12,000 advertisers and 75,000 publisher sites. It presents itself as a one-stop shop for publishers that want links, payments, technology and support from one team, and partners with brands, publishers, creators and media companies. The company says it serves advertisers and publishers worldwide, with separate sign-up and login routes for each, and that publishers who want links, payments, technology and support handled by one team need not look elsewhere.
FlexOffers suits US publishers that want one account for many advertisers, and advertisers seeking an alternative to the largest networks. Its limitations are that pricing for advertisers is not published, that its scale figures are company statements, and that it has a smaller international presence than Awin or Rakuten Advertising.
Key features
- 12,000+ advertisers
- 75,000 publisher sites
- Links, payments and technology from one team
- Creator and media partnerships
Pricing
Quote-based for advertisers; free for publishers.
- Founded
- 2006 (as CardOffers.com Partnership Network)^11
- Founder
- Alexander Daskaloff^11
- HQ
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US^11
- Annual sales
- US$5bn+ (company figure)^11
Strengths
- Large advertiser catalogue
- Brand, creator and media partnerships
- Single account for publishers
- Long operating history
Limitations
- No published advertiser pricing
- Mostly US-focused
- Scale figures are company statements
- Smaller than top global networks
8
B Corp-certified European network owned by ad pepper media
Best for: European and UK brands wanting service-led programmes
Webgains is a global affiliate network that is part of ad pepper media International N.V. and has been certified as a B Corp since 2023. It says advertisers can reach more than 250,000 publisher partners, publishers can earn from more than 1,800 advertisers across many verticals, and it records sales in more than 150 countries.
Webgains positions itself on service: it emphasises understanding each brand's goals from the start, international service standards with fast response and reliable support, and clear, concise contracts so that clients always know where they stand. It serves advertisers, agencies and publishers, and offers free learning resources for those new to affiliate marketing or looking to improve their skills.
Webgains suits brands, particularly in the UK and Europe, that want a mid-sized network with hands-on account management and a sustainability commitment. Its limitations are that it does not publish advertiser pricing, that its advertiser base is smaller than Awin's or CJ's, and that it publishes no sales or revenue figures on its site.
Key features
- 250,000+ publisher partners
- 1,800+ advertisers
- Sales in 150+ countries
- Agency programme
- Free learning resources
- B Corp certified
Pricing
Quote-based for advertisers; free for publishers.
- Parent
- ad pepper media International N.V.^12
- B Corp
- Since 2023^12
- Publishers
- 250,000+^12
- Advertisers
- 1,800+^12
Strengths
- Service-led approach
- B Corp certification
- Wide international sales reach
- Clear contract terms
Limitations
- No published pricing
- Smaller advertiser base than leaders
- Less known in the US
- Limited public scale data
9
Stockholm-listed European network founded in 1999
Best for: Brands targeting the Nordics and continental Europe
Tradedoubler is an affiliate and performance-marketing company founded in Stockholm in 1999 by Felix Hagnö and Martin Lorentzon, who later co-founded Spotify. It became a leading European affiliate network and has been listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange since 2005. Matthias Stadelmeyer has been chief executive since 2014, having held senior positions at the company since 2007.
Tradedoubler's services for brands include partner programmes, influencer marketing, a SaaS product called Grow, white-label and in-house solutions, digital publisher channels, lead-generation campaigns and app marketing. Publishers can use a programme directory, developer portal and API documentation. It runs regional teams for the Nordics, UK, US, Australia, the DACH region, France, Poland, Spain and Latin America, Italy, Benelux and Central and Eastern Europe, and operates a private-network option.
Tradedoubler suits advertisers that want a European network with a mix of network and SaaS options, especially in the Nordic markets where it began. Its limitations are a lower profile in North America, quote-only pricing and the need to consult its stock-exchange reports for financial detail, as its website does not summarise them.
Key features
- Partner programmes across Europe
- Grow SaaS for in-house programmes
- White-label and private network options
- Influencer marketing
- Lead generation and app marketing
- Publisher API and developer portal
Ownership and history
Founded 1999 in Stockholm by Felix Hagnö and Martin Lorentzon; listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange since 2005.
- Founded
- 1999, Stockholm^13
- Listed on
- Stockholm Stock Exchange (since 2005)^13
- CEO
- Matthias Stadelmeyer^13
Strengths
- Long European track record
- Network and SaaS options
- Many regional teams
- Listed company with public reporting
Limitations
- No published pricing
- Weaker in North America
- Financial detail requires filings
- Smaller than Awin in Europe
10
Partnership platform with affiliate, creator, rewards and payout products
Best for: Brands targeting Asia, the Middle East and emerging markets
Admitad is a partnership-marketing company that combines an affiliate network with influencer, loyalty and payout products. Its product family includes Admitad Perform for affiliate marketing, Admitad Creator for influencer marketing at scale, Admitad Rewards for loyalty marketing, Admitad Mobile for app user acquisition, and Admitad Flow, which lets companies contract and pay any external partner with onboarding, compliance and global payouts on a single invoice.
For publishers, Admitad says its store offers more than 3,000 brands to partner with, and it serves coupon and deal sites, influencers, mobile apps and OEMs, and premium media publishers. It runs regional sites for markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia, Poland, the Czech Republic and China, and promotes seasonal campaigns, such as boosted rates from more than 60 brands for Black Friday 2026 and coverage of AliExpress's 11.11 sale.
Admitad suits advertisers seeking reach in Asia, the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe, and companies that want one vendor to pay many types of partner. Its limitations are that advertiser pricing is not published, that its company and ownership details are not set out on its home page, and that its brand count is smaller than the largest Western networks.
Key features
- Admitad Perform affiliate network
- Admitad Creator influencer marketing
- Admitad Rewards loyalty marketing
- Admitad Flow partner payouts
- Mobile user acquisition
- 3,000+ brands for publishers
Pricing
Quote-based for advertisers; free for publishers.
- Brands
- 3,000+ (company figure)^14
- Regional sites
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia, Poland, Czech Republic, China and others^14
Strengths
- Strong emerging-market reach
- Pays many partner types from one invoice
- Influencer and loyalty products
- Many regional sites
Limitations
- No published pricing
- Limited ownership information on site
- Smaller brand base than leaders
- Less presence in US retail
11
Canadian CPA network operating since 2004
Best for: Performance marketers and media buyers running CPA offers
MaxBounty is a cost-per-action (CPA) affiliate network headquartered in Canada that says it has been shaping the performance-marketing industry since 2004. It reports more than 30,000 affiliates and more than 3,000 active campaigns, and states that it was ranked the number one CPA network for 2024 by the mThink Blue Book.
MaxBounty pays affiliates for defined actions, such as leads, sign-ups or sales, rather than a percentage of revenue, which suits lead-generation advertisers. It offers advertisers an experienced team to help with insights, monitoring and strategy, and runs MaxBounty+, a programme for top affiliates. It attends industry events such as Affiliate Summit West.
Its terms are explicit about payment risk: affiliates earn commissions only on actions reported by the advertiser and only after MaxBounty receives full payment from the advertiser, and MaxBounty is under no obligation to pay for actions the advertiser does not pay for. That protects the network but shifts risk to affiliates. Other limitations are that pricing for advertisers is not published and that CPA offers can attract lower-quality traffic if not managed closely.
Key features
- CPA campaigns paid per action
- 30,000+ affiliates
- 3,000+ active campaigns
- MaxBounty+ for top affiliates
- Advertiser strategy support
Pricing
Quote-based for advertisers; affiliates paid per action after advertiser payment.
- Operating since
- 2004^15
- HQ
- Canada^15
- Affiliates
- 30,000+^15
- Active campaigns
- 3,000+^15
Strengths
- Large CPA offer catalogue
- Experienced team
- Industry recognition
- Suited to lead generation
Limitations
- Affiliates paid only after advertiser pays
- No published advertiser pricing
- CPA traffic quality needs monitoring
- Narrower than retail networks
12
CF
Australian affiliate platform, part of the Awin Group
Best for: Brands selling in Australia and Asia-Pacific
Commission Factory is an affiliate-marketing platform built for the Asia-Pacific region, operating in Australia since 2011. It is part of the Awin Group, which it describes as backing it globally while it keeps a local team on the ground in Australia. It is headquartered in Sydney, with an office in Kuala Lumpur, and supports remote working.
Commission Factory describes itself as Australia's leading affiliate-marketing platform, connecting brands and partners across Asia-Pacific. It combines a locally built platform designed specifically for the region with access to Awin's global network and technology, which it presents as offering the best of both. For Australian and New Zealand retailers that want to expand into other markets, the Awin relationship provides a path to the one million publishers Awin reports globally.
The network suits brands whose customers are mainly in Australia and Asia-Pacific and that want local account management. Its limitations are a regional focus, quote-based pricing that is not published on the pages reviewed, and limited public data on the size of its own publisher and advertiser base.
Key features
- APAC-focused affiliate platform
- Local teams in Sydney and Kuala Lumpur
- Access to Awin Group network
- Brand and partner marketplace
Pricing
Quote-based; not published on the pages reviewed.
- Operating since
- 2011^16
- HQ
- Sydney, Australia^16
- Parent
- Awin Group^16
Strengths
- Local APAC expertise
- Backed by Awin globally
- Long operating history in Australia
- Regional offices
Limitations
- Regional focus
- No published pricing
- Limited public scale data
- Smaller publisher base than Awin itself
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest affiliate network?
Among multi-brand networks, Awin publishes the largest figures in this list: one million publishers, 30,000 advertisers and £18bn in revenue generated for advertisers in its last financial year. Amazon Associates, which Amazon calls one of the largest affiliate programmes in the world, is larger in reach but covers only Amazon's own products.
How much does it cost to join an affiliate network?
Publishers usually join free. Advertisers pay network fees: Awin's Access plan costs US$99 a month plus a 3.5% tracking fee on transaction value, and Accelerate US$199 a month plus 2.5%. CJ, Rakuten Advertising, Webgains and most other networks negotiate set-up and override fees individually.
What is the difference between an affiliate network and an affiliate program?
An affiliate programme is a single company's offer to pay partners commission, such as Amazon Associates. An affiliate network hosts many programmes, supplies tracking and pays publishers on behalf of advertisers, as Awin, CJ and Rakuten Advertising do.
Did impact.com buy Rakuten Advertising?
No. In April 2026 Rakuten International and impact.com announced a strategic alliance, not an acquisition. impact.com supplies the platform for contracting, tracking and payments, while Rakuten Advertising contributes programme management, global execution and performance intelligence, and Rakuten Rewards collaborates on attribution and shopper incentives.
Is ClickBank legitimate?
ClickBank has operated since 1999 and says it has paid US$7.5bn in commissions and never missed a payment. Its marketplace focuses on digital and direct-response products, whose quality varies, so publishers should review each offer before promoting it.
How much commission does Amazon Associates pay?
Amazon says associates can earn up to 10% in commissions from qualifying purchases and programmes, with rates that vary by product category. Each country's Amazon store runs its own Associates programme.
Which affiliate network is best for Australia?
Commission Factory has operated in Australia since 2011, is headquartered in Sydney and is part of the Awin Group, giving brands both local support and access to Awin's global publisher network.
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