Amazon Associates vs. Walmart Affiliate Program: Who Pays More?

Affiliate marketing can be a solid income stream — but choosing the right affiliate partner can make a big difference in how much you earn. Two of the biggest retailers in the world, Amazon and Walmart, both offer affiliate programs. But which one pays better?

In this post, we’ll compare the Amazon Associates and Walmart Affiliate programs side-by-side, focusing on commission rates, cookie duration, product variety, and overall earning potential.

1. Commission Rates: Who Pays More?

Let’s get to the point — commission rates.

✅ 

Amazon Associates

Amazon pays commissions based on product categories. Here are some examples (as of the most recent data):

• Luxury Beauty: 10%
• Furniture, Home, Lawn: 8%
• Apparel: 4%
• Electronics: 3%
• Amazon devices: Up to 4%
• Grocery: 1%

➡️ Note: Rates can change, and Amazon has cut commissions in the past, especially during the pandemic.

✅ Walmart Affiliate

Walmart also offers tiered commissions, though it’s typically a bit more restricted. Here’s a sample:

• Baby Products: 4%
• Home & Furniture: 4%
• Apparel: 4%
• Electronics: 1% or lower
• Grocery/Health/Beauty: 1%

➡️ Some categories, like tires or prescription drugs, may be excluded altogether or have 0% commission.

🟡 Verdict: Tie or Slight Edge to Amazon, especially in niche categories like luxury beauty or furniture.

2. Cookie Duration: How Long Do You Get Credit?

A cookie tracks referrals from your link — the longer it lasts, the more likely you’ll get credit.

• Amazon Associates: 24-hour cookie
  
  • Short window, but you earn on anything the user buys in that session.
• Walmart Affiliate: 3-day cookie
  
  • Slightly longer window, but users must buy the specific item you linked to.

🟡 Verdict: Depends

• Amazon’s 24-hour window is shorter, but broader.
• Walmart’s 3-day window is longer, but stricter.

3. Product Variety & Trust Factor

• Amazon has millions of products, global shipping, Prime loyalty, and strong trust.
• Walmart has a wide catalog too, but less international reach and fewer unique niche items.

Also, many affiliate marketers report higher conversion rates with Amazon, likely due to convenience and brand trust.

🟢 Verdict: Amazon Wins — better for impulse purchases and variety.

4. Ease of Use & Tools

• Amazon: Easy-to-use affiliate dashboard, product link generator, browser extension for quick links.
• Walmart: Also powered by Impact (a popular affiliate platform), offers custom links and creatives — but less beginner-friendly.

🟢 Verdict: Amazon Wins for Beginners

5. Payout Thresholds & Timing

• Amazon: $10 minimum payout (via direct deposit, gift card, or check).
• Walmart (via Impact): $10–$50 minimum, depending on your settings and country.

Both are fairly reasonable, but check your payment settings carefully.

💰 So, Who Pays More?

Here’s a breakdown:

🟢 Overall Winner: Amazon Associates

If you’re looking for:

• Higher commissions in niche categories
• Higher conversions
• Ease of use
  Amazon is still the affiliate king.

🧐 When Walmart Might Be Better

• You promote baby, home, or grocery items often.
• Your audience shops at Walmart.com regularly.
• You want to diversify your affiliate income (smart move).

✍️ Final Thoughts

While both Amazon and Walmart offer great affiliate programs, Amazon typically wins when it comes to commission potential and conversions. But don’t underestimate Walmart — it’s growing fast, and its 3-day cookie window can be valuable in the right niche.

💡 Pro tip: You can join both and A/B test performance. What converts better? Where do your readers shop more? Let the data guide you.

Want more affiliate comparisons like this? Drop your favorite program in the comments and we’ll break it down!