15 best UK affiliate programs that pay high commission in 2025

Looking to earn passive income through affiliate marketing in the UK? We’ve analyzed and compared the most lucrative affiliate programs available to UK marketers in 2025, focusing on commission rates, payment terms, and program requirements.

Top UK affiliate networks and programs overview

The UK affiliate marketing landscape offers diverse opportunities across major networks and individual merchant programs. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the leading options:

Major affiliate networks

Awin stands out as one of the UK’s largest affiliate networks, having paid out £920 million in commissions in 2022. The network partners with major brands like MyProtein, LookFantastic, and Marks & Spencer, offering varied commission rates set by individual sellers. Payments are processed twice monthly with a low £20 threshold, making it accessible for new affiliates.

Another significant player is ShareASale, which provides access to over 2,500 merchant programs across multiple niches. The network features a user-friendly interface ideal for beginners and processes payments monthly with a £50 threshold via various payment methods including direct deposit and wire transfer.

Direct merchant programs

Amazon Associates UK remains one of the most popular direct merchant programs, offering commission rates between 1% to 20% depending on product categories. The program stands out for its:

90-day cookie window for items added to cart
Extensive product selection across all categories
Trusted brand recognition
Low payment threshold of £10

Specialized affiliate programs

eBay Partner Network offers specialized opportunities for promoting both new and used products, with commission rates ranging from 1% to 4% per sale. The program features a 24-hour cookie duration and flexible payment options through Electronic Funds Transfer and PayPal.

For those focusing on digital products and services, Shopify’s affiliate program offers substantial commissions of up to £150 per referral for eligible plans. The program provides comprehensive marketing resources, including a creative library and monthly newsletter to support affiliate success.

High-commission specialty networks

Skimlinks has emerged as a unique player in the UK affiliate space, providing instant access to 48,500 merchants without requiring individual applications. The network generates £1.9 million in daily sales and offers a streamlined approach to affiliate marketing, making it particularly attractive for content publishers.

Meanwhile, MarketerHire stands out with its impressive £2,500 flat rate commission per paying customer, while also offering referred customers a £1,500 credit to spend on the marketplace. The program features a generous 90-day cookie duration and flexible payment options through PayPal or Stripe.

For those interested in recurring commission models, AWeber offers escalating commission rates up to 50% based on referral volume, with a 90-day cookie window that helps maximize earning potential.

Technology-focused programs

In the technology sector, Liquid Web’s affiliate program offers some of the highest commission rates in the industry, ranging from 150% to 200% of the sale amount based on monthly referral volume. The program ensures a minimum commission of £150 per referral and features a 90-day cookie window, making it particularly attractive for affiliates in the web hosting niche.

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Best ecommerce and retail affiliate programs

The UK ecommerce and retail sector offers some of the most lucrative affiliate opportunities. Here’s an analysis of the top programs that consistently deliver strong results for affiliates.

Amazon Associates UK

Amazon’s affiliate program remains one of the most popular choices for UK affiliates thanks to its vast product selection and trusted brand reputation. Commission rates range from 1% to 20% depending on product category, with higher rates for luxury beauty (10%) and Amazon Games (20%). The program features a unique 90-day cookie window for items added to cart within the first 24 hours.

Payment threshold: £10
Payment methods: Direct deposit, check, or Amazon gift card
Wide range of products across all categories
Reliable tracking and reporting tools

Awin retail network

Awin hosts many of the UK’s leading retail brands on its network, including ASOS, Marks & Spencer, and LookFantastic. The network paid out an impressive £920 million in commissions in 2022, making it one of the most profitable platforms for retail affiliates. According to UpPromote, Awin’s comprehensive compliance team ensures quality partnerships while maintaining flexible requirements for affiliates.

Bi-monthly payments (1st and 15th)
Low payment threshold of $20
Accepts social media influencers
Access to major UK retail brands

Etsy affiliate program

For affiliates focusing on handmade, vintage, and unique products, Etsy’s program offers excellent opportunities. Authority Hacker reports that affiliates earn a flat 5% commission on all sales, with a generous 30-day cookie window. The program is particularly effective for lifestyle bloggers and content creators in the crafts, DIY, and sustainable shopping niches.

Sustainable and eco-friendly product focus
Category-specific promotional banners
Regular affiliate newsletters with promotional tips
Powered by 100% renewable electricity

Shein UK affiliate program

Shein’s program stands out in the fast-fashion sector with commission rates of up to 20% per sale. BixGrow’s analysis shows that the program is particularly attractive for fashion influencers, offering additional bonuses and increased commission rates for top performers. The 30-day cookie window provides ample time for conversion tracking.

Standard commissions of 10-20%
Special rates for influencers
Regular promotional campaigns
Extensive range of fashion items

These retail and ecommerce programs offer diverse opportunities for UK affiliates, with options suitable for different content creation styles and audience types. Success often comes from choosing programs that align with your niche and audience preferences while maintaining authentic promotional approaches.

High-paying technology and SaaS affiliate programs

The technology and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) sector offers some of the most lucrative affiliate opportunities in the UK market. Let’s explore the top programs that provide exceptional earning potential for tech-focused affiliates.

Shopify affiliate program

Shopify’s affiliate program stands out with its attractive commission structure, offering up to £150 per referral for eligible Shopify plans. The program provides comprehensive resources including a creative library and lead magnets to help affiliates succeed. With a 30-day cookie window and reliable payment processing via direct deposit or PayPal, it’s an excellent choice for those promoting eCommerce solutions.

AWeber

AWeber offers one of the most competitive recurring commission structures in the email marketing space. Affiliates can earn up to 50% recurring referral payments, with commission rates increasing based on referral volume. The program features a generous 90-day cookie duration and a tiered commission structure:

30% for fewer than 10 referrals
40% for 10 or more referrals
50% for 50 or more referrals (within a 12-month period)

Liquid Web hosting

Liquid Web’s affiliate program offers exceptional earning potential in the web hosting sector, with commissions ranging from 150% to 200% of the sale amount. The program includes:

Minimum commission of £150 per referral
90-day cookie window
Multiple payment options including direct deposit, ACH, PayPal, or hosting credits
Volume-based commission increases

Elementor

As a leading WordPress page builder, Elementor’s affiliate program offers up to 50% commission per sale. The program features a 90-day cookie window and a £200 payout threshold, making it particularly attractive for web development professionals and WordPress content creators.

Instapage

Instapage provides a comprehensive commission structure that rewards long-term customer relationships. The program includes:

40% commission on first-year annual subscriptions
15% commission on subsequent years
30% commission on first-year monthly subscriptions
90-day cookie duration

These technology and SaaS affiliate programs stand out for their high commission rates, long cookie durations, and robust support systems. When combined with the growing demand for digital solutions, they represent significant earning potential for affiliates in the UK market. For those specifically interested in promoting marketing tools, programs like MarketerHire offer substantial flat-rate commissions of £2,500 per paying customer.

Finance and travel affiliate opportunities in the UK market

The finance and travel sectors offer some of the most lucrative affiliate opportunities in the UK market. Let’s explore the leading programs in these industries and their unique benefits for affiliates.

Top finance affiliate programs

The financial sector provides diverse opportunities for affiliates, with several standout programs offering competitive commissions and reliable partnerships:

Revolut – Offers substantial payouts for new customer sign-ups who activate and use their accounts
Wise (formerly TransferWise) – Provides competitive commission rates for international money transfer referrals
Trading 212 – Features attractive commission structures for referring new trading account holders

Awin stands out as a major player in the financial sector, partnering with numerous financial service providers and offering reliable tracking systems for affiliate marketers. Their diverse portfolio includes insurance companies, investment platforms, and personal finance tools.

Leading travel affiliate opportunities

The travel sector presents extensive earning potential for affiliate marketers, particularly as post-pandemic travel continues to surge. Here are some of the most promising programs:

Booking.com – Offers commission rates based on completed stays, with opportunities for increased rates based on performance
British Airways (via Awin) – Provides competitive commissions on flight bookings and holiday packages
Expedia – Features tiered commission structures and extensive inventory of travel products

Maximizing earnings in finance and travel niches

To optimize success in these sectors, affiliate marketers should focus on several key strategies:

Create detailed comparison content that helps users make informed decisions
Develop trust through transparent reviews and honest recommendations
Target seasonal opportunities, such as summer holiday bookings or year-end financial planning
Leverage multiple promotional channels, including blogs, social media, and email marketing

Many successful affiliates in these niches combine multiple programs to create diverse income streams. For instance, travel bloggers often partner with both accommodation providers and flight booking platforms to maximize their earning potential.

Compliance and regulatory considerations

When promoting financial and travel products, affiliates must maintain strict compliance with UK regulations:

Financial promotions must adhere to FCA guidelines
Travel promotions need to comply with ABTA requirements
All affiliate relationships must be clearly disclosed to audiences
Marketing materials should avoid making unrealistic promises or guarantees

The key to long-term success in these sectors lies in building trust while maintaining regulatory compliance. Successful affiliates focus on providing valuable, accurate information that helps their audience make informed decisions about financial products and travel arrangements.

How to join and maximize affiliate earnings

Joining and succeeding in UK affiliate programs requires a strategic approach and careful planning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you maximize your earnings through affiliate marketing in 2025.

Getting started with affiliate programs

Before diving into affiliate marketing, ensure you have a solid foundation:

Choose a specific niche that aligns with your expertise and interests
Create a professional website or build a strong social media presence
Develop a content strategy focused on providing value to your audience
Research and select affiliate programs that match your niche

Application process and requirements

Most UK affiliate programs have specific requirements for joining. Here are the typical steps and requirements:

Submit an application through the program’s website
Provide details about your platform and promotional methods
Share traffic statistics and engagement metrics
Accept the program’s terms and conditions
Complete any required training or onboarding processes

Optimizing your affiliate marketing strategy

To maximize your earnings, focus on these proven strategies:

Create high-quality, informative content that solves your audience’s problems
Use data analytics to track performance and optimize campaigns
Build trust with your audience through authentic recommendations
Leverage multiple promotional channels (blog, social media, email)
Stay updated with industry trends and program changes

Advanced techniques for higher earnings

Once you’ve established your foundation, implement these advanced strategies to increase your revenue potential according to industry experts:

Develop comprehensive product comparisons and buying guides
Create video content showcasing products in action
Implement email marketing campaigns for repeat engagement
Optimize your content for search engines and mobile devices
Test different promotional methods and track results

Managing multiple affiliate partnerships

Diversifying your income streams is crucial for success. Leading affiliate marketers recommend these management strategies:

Use affiliate management tools to track multiple programs
Create a content calendar to manage promotions
Monitor performance metrics across all programs
Maintain organized records for tax purposes
Regular review and optimization of underperforming partnerships

Compliance and best practices

Stay compliant with UK regulations and maintain professional standards by following these guidelines as outlined by industry authorities:

Always disclose affiliate relationships clearly
Follow advertising standards and guidelines
Keep accurate records of earnings and transactions
Maintain transparency with your audience
Stay updated with regulatory changes

By following these comprehensive guidelines and consistently applying best practices, you can build a successful and sustainable affiliate marketing business in the UK market. Remember that success in affiliate marketing requires patience, dedication, and a commitment to providing value to your audience.

15 Best UK Affiliate Programs That Pay High Commission [2025]