If you’re getting started with affiliate marketing, you’ve probably heard people arguing about which affiliate program pays the most money.

Some say Amazon Associates is the best because everybody shops on Amazon.

Others say ClickBank is better because you can earn much larger commissions from one sale.

And you’re probably wondering, “Which one should I actually spend my time promoting?”

Well, here’s something you need to know.

The affiliate program with the biggest commissions isn’t always the one that will make you the most money.

What matters is whether people actually buy the products you recommend, how much you earn from those purchases, and whether those commissions remain payable after refunds and adjustments.

Let’s break it down so you can make a better decision.

What Is Amazon Associates?

Amazon Associates is Amazon’s affiliate marketing program.

When you join, you can create special links to eligible products. If someone clicks your link and makes a qualifying purchase, you may earn a commission.

Amazon sells products in many categories, including:

• Pet supplies
• Beauty products
• Home and kitchen items
• Books
• Electronics
• Clothing and accessories
• Office supplies

That makes it useful for bloggers and content creators who recommend everyday products.

The downside is that many categories pay relatively small commission percentages.

What Is ClickBank?

ClickBank is an affiliate marketplace where marketers can find products from independent sellers.

Many offers are digital products, such as courses, guides, software, and educational programs, although the marketplace is not limited to digital products.

ClickBank offers different commission structures, including revenue sharing and qualifying CPA arrangements.

The commission rate depends on the individual seller and offer.

Some products can pay much more per sale than a typical Amazon product.

But you also need to research the seller, product quality, sales page, refund policy, and customer experience.

ClickBank vs Amazon Associates: Comparison Table

1. Which Program Pays More Per Sale?

This is where ClickBank often looks more attractive.

Amazon Associates Earnings Example

Let’s say you’re promoting a $100 pet product.

Amazon’s U.S. standard commission schedule lists pet products at 3%, although rates vary by category and may change.

ClickBank Earnings Example

Now imagine promoting a digital offer with a hypothetical $100 commissionable amount and a 50% revenue-share rate.

Those are illustrative calculations, not typical earnings claims. ClickBank’s actual commission calculation depends on the offer terms.

Winner for potential earnings per sale: ClickBank.

But there’s more to the story.

2. Which Program Is Easier to Promote?

Think about how people shop online.

Most people already recognize Amazon.

They know what the website looks like, how checkout works, and what to expect when ordering.

That familiarity can help when you’re recommending physical products.

ClickBank is different.

Someone considering a $97 course from an unfamiliar seller may want more information before buying.

They might ask:

• Who created this product?
• Does it really solve my problem?
• Are the claims believable?
• What do independent customers say?
• Is there a refund policy?

That means you may need more detailed content to build trust.

3. Which Program Pays Beginners Faster?

This is an important difference that beginners often overlook.

Amazon Associates

For U.S. affiliates, Amazon generally has a $10 direct-deposit payment threshold.

Amazon typically pays commissions approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which they were earned, subject to eligibility and account requirements.

ClickBank

ClickBank lets affiliates select a payment threshold starting at $10. The default threshold is $100.

However, ClickBank also has a Customer Distribution Requirement.

Its current accounting policy requires at least five qualifying sales from unique customers, with the applicable waiting period and payment-method diversity requirements, before payouts can begin.

That means you might earn your first commission but still have to meet additional requirements before receiving payment.

Winner for simpler initial payout requirements: Amazon Associates.

4. What About Refunds?

Here’s something people don’t always explain when talking about affiliate commissions.

Just because your dashboard shows a commission doesn’t necessarily mean you get to keep it.

If a customer requests a refund or a transaction becomes ineligible, the associated commission may be reversed.

ClickBank revenue-share commissions can be affected by refunds and chargebacks.

Amazon commissions can also be adjusted for returns, cancellations, and other non-qualifying purchases.

So you should always track your actual earnings after adjustments, not just your initial sales numbers.

5. Which Program Is Better for Your Website Niche?

Your niche should play a major role in deciding which affiliate program to use.

You can also use both programs if their products fit your website and you comply with their policies.

But don’t overwhelm readers with affiliate links. Make the content useful first.

6. What Could 100 Visitors Actually Earn?

Let’s look at a hypothetical example.

In this imaginary example, ClickBank pays more even though fewer visitors buy.

But what happens if nobody buys the ClickBank offer?

You earn nothing.

And if the Amazon visitors purchase more expensive qualifying products, that result could change too.

These conversion rates are examples only, not industry averages or earnings predictions.

The point is simple: conversion rates matter just as much as commission rates.

7. What If You’re Starting With No Website Traffic?

If nobody is visiting your website yet, joining another affiliate program won’t solve that problem.

First, you need to attract people who are interested in your topic.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Choose a specific niche. Focus on helping one type of audience.
2. Write useful articles. Answer questions people are already asking.
3. Create honest reviews. Explain benefits, drawbacks, and limitations.
4. Promote your content. Use relevant search, social media, or video strategies.
5. Measure results. Track clicks, completed sales, refunds, and expenses.
6. Improve over time. Update articles and expand topics that help readers.

For more help, read How to Get Traffic to Your Website.

8. Can You Use ClickBank and Amazon Associates Together?

Yes, provided you follow both programs’ terms.

For example, imagine you have a website teaching photography.

You could recommend cameras and accessories through Amazon Associates.

You might also review a photography course available through ClickBank, if it’s genuinely useful and appropriate for your audience.

Both recommendations would fit the same niche.

That’s much better than promoting unrelated products simply because the commission is high.

And remember to disclose affiliate relationships clearly.

For guidance, visit the FTC’s disclosure guidelines.

9. My Recommendation for Beginners

If I were starting a new website focused on reviewing everyday physical products, I’d consider Amazon Associates first.

Not because it pays the most.

It usually doesn’t.

But because the products may be easier to demonstrate, compare, and explain to readers.

On the other hand, if I had an audience specifically interested in a particular type of digital education, I’d research ClickBank offers that solve those readers’ problems.

What I would not do is choose an affiliate program solely because someone on YouTube showed a screenshot of a huge commission.

You don’t know how much that person spent on advertising, how many sales were refunded, or what their actual profit was.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ClickBank pay more than Amazon Associates?

ClickBank can offer substantially higher commissions per sale. However, earnings depend on product quality, conversion rates, refunds, and the seller’s commission terms.

Is Amazon Associates free to join?

There is no standard signup fee, but applicants must satisfy Amazon’s eligibility and operating requirements.

Is ClickBank free for affiliates?

ClickBank affiliate signup is generally free. Payment-related fees and other applicable account policies may still apply.

Can beginners earn $1,000 per month?

Some affiliates earn that amount or more, but there is no guaranteed income or timeline. Many beginners earn little or nothing while learning and building an audience.

Do I need a website?

Not necessarily, but you need an approved promotional channel that complies with the program’s rules. A website can help you publish detailed tutorials and reviews.

Which affiliate program should I join first?

Choose based on the products your audience needs. Amazon may suit physical-product content, while ClickBank may suit carefully selected digital offers.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Chase Commissions. Build Something Valuable.

I know those big affiliate commissions can look tempting.

Who wouldn’t rather earn $50 or $100 from a sale instead of $3?

But I want you to ask yourself one question:

How likely am I to make that sale, and would I feel comfortable recommending this product to somebody I care about?

Because that’s where long-term affiliate marketing begins.

Build a website that helps people. Publish useful information. Recommend products that make sense for your audience.

Then evaluate the results instead of chasing whatever program promises the biggest payout.

That’s a much better foundation for an online business.

Updated October 2026. This article is for educational purposes only. Affiliate commission rates, policies, and payment requirements may change. Always review current program terms before participating.