Discover the Top Affiliate Marketing Programmes for UK Businesses in 2025

We’ve been looking into the world of affiliate marketing for UK businesses and found that picking the right affiliate marketing programmes can really make a difference. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash, whether you’re a blogger, influencer, or just someone with a website. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you a list of some of the best affiliate marketing programmes available in the UK for 2025, so you can spend less time searching and more time earning.

Key Takeaways

Affiliate marketing is a growing industry in the UK, with spending increasing significantly in recent years.
Choosing the right affiliate marketing programmes is key to success, whether you’re a beginner or experienced.
Factors like commission rates, cookie duration, and payment methods should be considered when selecting a programme.
Affiliate networks can simplify the process of finding and joining multiple programmes.
It’s important to understand the terms and conditions of each programme to ensure a good fit for your business.

What to expect in this article:

1. Amazon Associates UK

Right then, let’s kick things off with a titan of the online world: Amazon Associates UK. It’s pretty much a given that most people in the UK have bought something from Amazon, so tapping into that massive customer base makes a lot of sense for us as affiliate marketers. They’ve got an absolutely enormous range of products, literally millions of them, spanning pretty much every category you can think of – from the latest tech gadgets and fashion bits to books and home essentials.

When you join, you get access to tools like SiteStripe, which is handy for creating links directly from Amazon pages. The real magic happens because you earn a commission not just on the item you link to, but on anything else the customer buys in that same session. So, a link to a cheap pen could potentially earn you commission on a big-ticket item if they add it to their cart. It’s a bit of a game-changer.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key details:

Commission Rates: These vary quite a bit, generally from 1% up to 20% depending on the product category. For instance, video games might be around 2%, while certain digital games could be as high as 20%.
Cookie Duration: It’s a 24-hour window for the initial click, but if someone adds an item to their cart within that time, you can still get paid for up to 90 days. That’s a decent safety net.
Payment: You can get paid via bank transfer, a cheque, or an Amazon gift certificate. Just be aware that payments usually land about 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale happened.
Minimum Sales: To keep your account active, you need to make at least three qualifying sales within a 180-day period. It’s not a huge ask, but something to keep in mind.

It’s a solid starting point for anyone new to affiliate marketing, or for those with a broad audience who want to promote a huge variety of items. Just remember that for certain high-value items like fine art, there’s a commission cap, so it’s worth checking the specifics for your chosen product category.

2. eBay Partner Network

Right then, let’s talk about the eBay Partner Network, or EPN as we in the biz call it. If you’ve got a UK business and you’re looking to get into affiliate marketing, this is a pretty solid option to consider. eBay’s been around the block, hasn’t it? Since 1995, in fact, and it’s still a massive marketplace with millions of products listed all the time. We’re talking everything from vintage finds to brand new gear.

Joining up is fairly straightforward. You don’t even need an eBay account to start, though having one can speed things up a bit. Once you’re in, you get access to tools to create your affiliate links. You can link to specific items, whole categories, or even eBay’s deal pages, which is handy for matching your content. The real kicker, though, is how you get paid. It’s a commission, usually between 1% and 4%, but it’s based on eBay’s revenue from the sale, not the total price. This can be a bit confusing at first, as it means the percentage you earn can vary quite a bit depending on the product category. Some categories, like collectibles, might give you a 3% commission, while others, like business equipment, might be closer to 2.5%. There’s also a bonus for bringing in new customers, which is always a nice little boost.

Now, here’s the bit you really need to pay attention to: the cookie duration. It’s only 24 hours. This means if someone clicks your link but doesn’t buy anything within that day, you won’t get a commission. However, if they add something to their cart within those 24 hours and then buy it later, you do still get credited, as long as it’s within the cart’s expiry period, which is usually around 90 days. So, you’ve got to be quick with your calls to action to get people to buy on the spot.

Here’s a quick rundown of what we found:

Commission Rate: 1% – 4% (based on eBay’s revenue, varies by category).
Cookie Duration: 24 hours (unless added to cart).
Payment Threshold: $10 minimum.
Payment Schedule: Monthly.

While the short cookie duration can be a bit of a challenge, the sheer volume of products on eBay and the potential to reach a wide audience make the eBay Partner Network a worthwhile programme for many UK businesses. It’s particularly good if your audience is into bargain hunting or looking for unique items.

3. Shopify

Right then, let’s talk about Shopify. If you’re even vaguely thinking about selling stuff online, you’ve probably heard of it. It’s basically a platform that lets you build your own online shop without needing to be a coding wizard. Loads of businesses in the UK, from tiny startups to bigger operations, use it to get their products out there, whether that’s through a website, social media, or even in person.

We’ve seen a massive jump in the number of UK businesses using Shopify, which just shows how popular it is for getting started. The affiliate program itself is run by Impact Radius, and it’s pretty straightforward. You get a decent commission for every new merchant you send their way who signs up for a paid plan. It’s a solid way to earn if you’re already talking about ecommerce or helping people set up online stores.

What’s good about it is that Shopify gives you a bunch of stuff to help you out. Think pre-made graphics, bits of text you can use, and a dashboard so you can see how you’re doing. They also give you a 30-day cookie window, which is pretty generous – gives people a good amount of time to decide if they want to sign up after clicking your link.

Feature	Detail
Commission	Up to $150 per referral
Cookie Duration	30 days
Payment Methods	Direct Deposit, PayPal
Products Promoted	Ecommerce platform

Just a heads-up, they do have a few requirements before you can join. You’ll need your own active website, a decent audience already, and the ability to create your own content, like blog posts or guides. Plus, having some experience with Shopify or similar platforms is a big plus. They do review applications manually, but it’s usually pretty quick, often within five working days. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the ecommerce space.

4. Fiverr

Next up, we have Fiverr, a massive online marketplace where freelancers offer all sorts of digital services. Think graphic design, writing, web development – you name it, someone on Fiverr is probably doing it. Big names like Facebook and Google even use it, which tells you something about its reach.

Fiverr really shines with its flexible commission structures. You can go for a fixed commission per sale, which ranges from $15 to $150 depending on the service category the buyer picks. Alternatively, there’s a hybrid model: you get a $10 commission upfront, plus 10% of the revenue for a whole year. They also have specific programs for Fiverr Business and Fiverr Learn, offering different commission rates for those too.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:

Commission Rates: $15 – $150 per sale (CPA) or a $10 CPA plus 10% revenue share for 12 months.
Cookie Duration: A decent 30 days, giving you a good window to earn.
Payment Methods: They pay out via PayPal, Payoneer, or wire transfer, with a minimum payout threshold of $100.

What’s great about Fiverr is the sheer variety of services you can promote. This means you can likely find something that fits your audience’s needs perfectly, making your affiliate efforts more effective.

5. Etsy

Next up, we have Etsy, a fantastic place for anyone looking to sell or buy unique, handmade, and vintage items. It’s a bit like a digital craft fair, really. For us affiliate marketers, it’s a pretty solid option, especially if your audience appreciates artisanal goods or one-of-a-kind finds.

Etsy’s UK affiliate program is straightforward. You get a flat commission rate, which is quite competitive in the market. We found that the 30-day cookie window is a real plus, giving us a decent amount of time to earn from a referral. It’s not the highest commission out there, but it’s consistent.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

Commission Rate: 5% on sales.
Cookie Duration: 30 days.
Payment Methods: Check, international wire, ACH.

They also provide a good range of resources to help us out, like banners and links that can be tracked. It’s great that they support multiple languages too, which is handy if we’re reaching a wider audience. If you’re into promoting creative products, this is definitely one to consider. You can find out more about becoming an affiliate on the Etsy affiliate program page.

6. Awin

Next up, we’ve got Awin, and honestly, it’s a bit of a giant in the affiliate world. They’ve been around for ages and have bagged a load of awards, which tells you something, right? We’re talking about a network that connects you with over 21,000 brands, covering pretty much every sector you can think of – fashion, finance, travel, you name it.

What’s good about Awin is the sheer variety of advertisers. You can find big names like Marks & Spencer, Boots, and LookFantastic on there. This means you’re likely to find brands that fit your niche and audience. The commission rates can vary quite a bit depending on the advertiser, but some offer pretty decent percentages, and the cookie duration is often a generous 30 to 90 days. That’s a good amount of time for a sale to happen after someone clicks your link.

Getting started is pretty straightforward. You sign up for free, browse the brands, and apply to join their individual programs. Once you’re in, you get access to a dashboard that’s actually quite useful for tracking your performance. They also have a dedicated team to help you out if you get stuck or want to improve your results.

Awin is a solid choice for those who want access to a wide range of established UK and international brands, and it’s particularly good if you’re looking for longer cookie durations to maximise your earning potential.

We found that Awin is particularly well-suited for affiliates who have a bit more experience and a decent-sized audience. While it’s open to everyone, the approval process for some brands can be a bit stricter, and having a proven track record can help. Plus, with longer cookie windows, it’s great for building those longer-term affiliate relationships.

7. CJ Affiliate

Next up, we’ve got CJ Affiliate, which you might remember as Commission Junction. These guys have been around the block since 1998, so they really know their stuff when it comes to connecting businesses with people like us who want to promote their products. They’ve got a massive catalogue of brands, over 3,000 in fact, with some really big names like Nike and Overstock on board.

What’s great about CJ is the sheer variety of opportunities. You’ll find commission rates that can swing anywhere from 3% all the way up to 50%, depending on who you’re working with and what they’re selling. They even have a two-tier system, which is pretty neat if you’re looking to bring other affiliates into the fold and earn a bit extra from their efforts. Plus, their cookie durations usually sit between 7 and 30 days, giving you a decent window to actually make a sale after someone clicks your link.

CJ Affiliate is a solid choice for UK businesses, especially if you’re into travel, tech, retail, or finance. Their deep-linking tools are a real lifesaver for creating content that points directly to specific products, which can seriously boost your conversion rates.

We found that their platform is pretty user-friendly, and they offer a bunch of tools to help you get the most out of your campaigns. If you’re someone who likes to pore over the data and really fine-tune your strategy, CJ’s analytics are top-notch.

Here’s a quick look at what they generally offer:

Wide Range of Brands: Access to over 3,000 advertisers across various sectors.
Flexible Commissions: Rates vary significantly, offering potential for good earnings.
Helpful Tools: Features like deep-linking and robust analytics.
Two-Tier Program: An option to earn from referred affiliates.
Decent Cookie Durations: Typically 7-30 days for tracking sales.

8. Rakuten Advertising

Next up, we’ve got Rakuten Advertising, and honestly, they’re a big deal in the affiliate world. They’ve been scooping up awards for being the top affiliate network for ages, which tells you something, right? We find they really shine when it comes to retail, direct-to-consumer brands, finance, and travel. They’ve got a massive network of publishers, over 150,000 of them, and they’re pretty proactive about bringing new affiliates on board.

What we like is how their tech helps us give our audience a more personalised experience. It means we can link to products that are actually relevant, and even better, they have this neat feature that automatically turns regular links into trackable affiliate ones. Plus, they offer a good amount of training and resources, which is always a bonus when you’re trying to get your head around a new platform.

Here’s a quick look at what Rakuten offers:

Commission Rates: These change depending on the advertiser, but some can be quite generous, even hitting 20% in certain cases.
Cookie Duration: Usually between 30 to 90 days, giving us a decent window to earn a commission.
Payment Methods: We can get paid via PayPal, direct deposit, or even a good old cheque.
Brands: You’ll find big names like Virgin Wines, Udemy, and NARS Cosmetics on their books.

Rakuten’s reporting tools are seriously impressive. They give us really detailed insights into how our links are performing, showing us clicks, conversions, and even earnings per click. It’s the kind of data that really helps us fine-tune our strategy.

We’d say Rakuten is a solid choice if you’re an experienced affiliate, especially if you’re focused on niches like fashion, beauty, or travel. They’re great for building those longer-term partnerships with brands.

9. ShareASale

ShareASale is another one of the big players in the affiliate marketing world. It’s part of the Awin group, which is a pretty solid endorsement in itself. What we like about ShareASale is its focus on retail, covering loads of different consumer categories. So, whether you’re into fashion, home goods, or something a bit more niche, you’ll probably find something that fits.

They tend to work with a good mix of brands, from well-known names to smaller, up-and-coming ones. This means there’s always something new to discover. Plus, with over 260 new affiliate programs joining each month, it’s worth keeping an eye on their platform to see what’s hot.

We found their publisher management team to be really helpful, offering custom tools and real-time reporting. This kind of support is great for getting your campaigns on track. They’re open to all sorts of publishers, whether you’re a blogger, vlogger, or influencer, so it’s pretty accessible.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

Wide Range of Categories: Covers almost every retail niche you can think of.
Mix of Brands: From big names to smaller, unique businesses.
Publisher Support: Access to expert teams and custom tools.
Regularly Updated Programs: New opportunities are added all the time.

If you’re looking to monetize your content in the retail space, ShareASale is definitely worth checking out. It’s a solid network that caters to a broad audience, and we’ve seen some great results from affiliates using their platform to promote various products.

10. FlexOffers

Next up, we’ve got FlexOffers. Think of them as a massive hub, connecting you with over 10,000 advertisers across more than 65 networks. They’ve got a huge range of products and services, covering pretty much every category you can imagine, and they’re adding new brands all the time.

What’s really neat is their data feeds. You can get your hands on information for over 650 million products, and their product feed tool keeps everything updated daily. This means you’ll always know about the latest deals and coupons, which is super handy for keeping your content fresh and relevant.

FlexOffers also has a few perks for those who do well. Top performers can get paid weekly, and they even offer live support and dedicated account managers. Plus, there’s the FlexRev-Share program if you fancy bringing new businesses onto the platform – you get a cut of what they earn.

They’re pretty flexible with payment options too, offering bank transfers, wire transfers, checks, and PayPal. Just a heads-up, there’s a $25 minimum payout, unless you’re going for a bank transfer, which needs a $1,000 balance.

It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for variety and a platform that supports its affiliates with tools and dedicated help. We found their commission structures varied, with options like Cost Per Sale (2-50%), Cost Per Lead ($1-$50), and Cost Per Click, so there’s likely a model to suit your strategy. Plus, some campaigns have a 30-day cookie duration, giving you a decent window to earn.

So, What’s Next?

Right then, we’ve gone through quite a few of the top affiliate programmes available for UK businesses in 2025. It can feel a bit much at first, trying to figure out which one is the best fit for you. But honestly, the key is to pick a programme that genuinely aligns with what you’re about and who you’re talking to. Don’t just jump into the first thing you see; take a moment to look at the commission rates, how long the cookies last, and how you’ll actually get paid. We’ve seen how much this industry is growing, and there are some really solid ways to earn a bit of extra cash, or even build a whole business, if you get it right. So, get out there, do your research, and start building those affiliate income streams!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is affiliate marketing legal in the UK?

Yes, affiliate marketing is totally legal in the UK. We just need to make sure our marketing is clearly marked as an ad, so folks know what’s up. Usually, this means adding a little note to our content saying it’s an affiliate link.

Can you make money with affiliate marketing in the UK?

Absolutely! Loads of people in the UK make a good living from affiliate marketing. Some even earn millions! The amount you earn depends on the commission rates, which can be anywhere from about 5% to over 50%, and how many people click your links and then buy something or complete a task.

Does affiliate marketing work in the UK?

Affiliate marketing is a solid way to earn money online in the UK. The amount spent on it has grown a lot, showing it’s a popular and effective method. To do well, we need to follow the rules set by advertising watchdogs and data protection laws to keep things fair and honest.

What’s a good affiliate program to start with if we’re new?

For beginners, starting with big names like Amazon Associates is a good idea, especially if you’re into selling physical stuff. If you’re teaching others about online selling, Shopify is also a great place to begin.

How do we pick the best affiliate program?

We should look for programs that offer good commission rates, have a decent cookie duration (that’s how long we have to earn a commission after someone clicks our link), and offer payment methods that work for us. It’s also smart to check if the program fits our audience and the kind of content we create.

Should we join more than one affiliate program?

It’s a good idea to join a few different affiliate networks or programs. This way, if one program changes its rules or stops working for us, we can still earn money from the others. It spreads the risk and gives us more chances to make sales.