What is the average affiliate commission rate by industry?

fiona_lopez
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:08:22 +0000

Commission rates vary based on margins and customer lifetime value (LTV). Here’s a quick breakdown:

E-commerce: 1%–10%. High volume, low margins (e.g., Amazon, Walmart).

Finance: $50–$500+ CPA. High barrier to entry but massive payouts for cards, loans, or insurance.

Travel: 1%–5%. Low on flights/hotels; higher on tours or travel insurance.

SaaS/Digital Products: 20%–50%. Often includes recurring commissions, making this the best for long-term passive income.

Pro-tip: Don’t just look at the percentage. Prioritize programs with high EPC (Earnings Per Click) and long cookie durations. For sustainable SEO growth, build authority in a niche where the product solves a high-intent problem.