Affiliate marketing grows when programs are reliable. The AliExpress affiliate program is one such option, built for global scale and consistent returns. It pays up to 9%, covers more than 100 million products, and serves buyers in 190+ countries.
At EnactSoft, we look at this program through a practical lens. We not only describe it; we also connect it through Laraback, our affiliate marketing software. With Laraback, entrepreneurs can integrate AliExpress alongside Amazon, eBay, and dozens of other networks to launch cashback and coupon platforms without development barriers.
This guide explores the program from every angle..its numbers, history, rules, commissions, payments, policies, and the tactics that make affiliates successful in 2025.
AliExpress Affiliate Program: Key Numbers in 2025 #
Some details matter more than introductions. Here are the essentials of the affiliate marketing AliExpress today:
- Model: Cost-per-sale (CPS).
- Commission: Up to 9%.
- Products: 100M+ SKUs.
- Shoppers: 115M+ monthly buyers.
- Reach: 190+ countries.
- Cookie duration: 3 days.
- Minimum payout: $16 via direct portal.
- Payment cycle: Around 60 days after each sale.
- Withdrawal fee: $15 per transaction.
Affiliates start with these numbers before deciding if the program fits their business. To see how the program reached this point, let’s trace its history.
15 Years of Adjustments: How the Program Has Changed (2010–2025) #
The reason for its continued relevance? The AliExpress affiliate program has moved with the times.
It began in 2010, launched within the Alibaba ecosystem. Two years later, it introduced an API and started working with networks such as Awin. This gave affiliates better tools for scaling. By 2019, AliExpress launched the AliExpress influencer program, adding a bonus model for creators.
In 2023, the “Choice” catalog appeared. It offered curated SKUs with a flat 3% commission, signaling AliExpress’s focus on promoting specific lines. And in 2025, commissions were refreshed again, with smartphones capped at $50 per order.
This record shows a willingness to adapt. Programs that evolve stay relevant, and AliExpress continues to do so.
Four Reasons AliExpress Remains a Top Affiliate Choice #
Affiliates evaluate programs with a mix of data and experience. AliExpress continues to be chosen because:
- Global coverage feels practical. A blogger in Germany, a cashback app in Brazil, and a deal site in India can all send traffic to AliExpress and earn. Few networks have that breadth.
- Prices convert on their own. Products often cost 30–60% less than Western marketplaces, which increases purchase likelihood without aggressive selling.
- Variety sustains niches. Fashion, gadgets, and DIY products give affiliates endless angles.
- Order values stay modest but steady. Benchmarks place the average order around $35–40. On its own this is not high, but combined with volume, it creates stability.
Every AliExpress affiliate program review points to these strengths.
Once convinced of the appeal, affiliates turn to the exact commission structure.
AliExpress Affiliate Program Commission Rate 2025 #
The AliExpress affiliate commission rate 2025 depends on category and whether the shopper is new or returning.
Category | New Customer Rate | Returning Customer Rate | Cap per Order |
Fashion & Jewelry | 9% | 5% | None |
Home & Garden | 7% | 4% | None |
Tech Accessories | 6% | 3% | $50 |
Consumer Electronics | 4% | 2% | $50 |
“Choice” Items | 3% | 3% | None |
What this means in practice:
- Affiliates writing about fashion and jewelry can earn the highest rates.
- Consumer electronics bring larger orders but are capped, limiting maximum payout.
- The “Choice” catalog pays consistently but at lower levels.
The AliExpress affiliate commission rate 2025 numbers also refresh quarterly, so affiliates must monitor updates. Commissions show the earning potential. Payments show how soon it is realized.
How and When Affiliates Get Paid by AliExpress #
Payments define trust in any program. The affiliate marketing AliExpress program has minimum payout threshold and payment rules that balance accessibility with caution.
The minimum payout is $16 on the in-house portal. That is a realistic entry point compared with Amazon’s higher regional thresholds. However, payments only release after about 60 days. This delay is designed for fraud and return checks, which protect the platform but require patience from affiliates.
A $15 fee applies to each withdrawal, though this is sometimes waived by third-party AliExpress affiliate portals. Payment methods include wire transfer, PayPal, and WebMoney. Networks such as Awin also support ACH transfers in the U.S.
Smaller affiliates often prefer networks like Admitad or Cuelinks, where payout thresholds are as low as $10–$25. For larger publishers, direct payouts are cleaner and easier to track once volumes scale.
How to Sign Up for the AliExpress Affiliate Program #
With AliExpress affiliate program review, so positive. There is always a bunch of people looking to join the program. To accommodate all types of stakeholders, the AliExpress affiliate registration process is straightforward:
- Log in with an Alibaba account.
- Add tax details such as TIN or national ID.
- Set up a payment method.
- Wait for manual review, usually 24–48 hours.
- Generate deep links or API connections.
For beginners, portals like Admitad or Awin can simplify onboarding. They remove the need for a direct compliance check present in the AliExpress affiliate registration, making the first steps smoother.
Once registered, affiliates face the choice of which portals to rely on.
Portals That Power the Program: AliExpress Affiliate Portals in 2025 #
AliExpress runs its own portal, but affiliates often join through networks that add features and flexibility.
- Admitad provides real-time click tracking, sub-ID support, and a $10 minimum payout.
- Awin offers detailed reporting and cross-device attribution.
- Cuelinks serves the Indian market well, though it enforces strict SEM keyword policies.
- Partnerize suits enterprise publishers needing advanced API integrations.
Using multiple AliExpress affiliate portals spreads risk. If one system delays payouts, another keeps income flowing.
Technical Resources That Help Affiliates Scale: Tools and Integrations #
AliExpress provides technical tools for affiliates who want scale:
- A Product API that returns real-time price and availability data.
- Data feeds in CSV or XML for bulk imports.
- Aliplugin for WordPress users.
These tools work, but they require management. Laraback handles this differently: affiliates connect their AliExpress account once, and the system syncs deals, maps categories, and publishes updates automatically. That frees affiliates from technical maintenance.
Rules Every AliExpress Affiliate Must Follow #
Rules matter in affiliate marketing. Ignoring them can cancel commissions. Theaffiliate marketing AliExpress enforces:
- No bidding on AliExpress or Alibaba-branded terms in search campaigns.
- No commissions on virtual products like gift cards.
- Regional restrictions: Russia excluded on most portals; some EU phone orders carry non-commissionable service fees.
- Requirement to disclose monetized links.
These restrictions exist to prevent brand confusion and fraud. They may feel limiting, but they also maintain program stability.
Understanding AliExpress Affiliate Tracking, Attribution and Cookies #
Tracking is how commissions are assigned. For AliExpress:
- Cookies last 3 days.
- The last click before purchase gets the credit.
- If a coupon code belongs to another partner ID, that partner gets paid.
- Server-to-server integrations improve accuracy. Networks like Admitad report affiliates gain 15–20% more confirmed sales with S2S compared to pixels alone.
For cashback platforms, API-based attribution is strongly recommended. It reduces disputes and protects earnings.
Benchmarks and Niches That Drive Affiliate Revenue #
Numbers matter, but what do they mean for affiliates in practice? Enter AliExpress affiliate minimum payout threshold
Here’s how that works. Conversion rates average 2–4% across markets. Order values often land in the $35–$40 range. With a 3% conversion rate, $35 order value, and 5% commission, affiliates may need around 450 clicks to reach the AliExpress affiliate minimum payout threshold.
This means new affiliates should not expect instant payouts but can realistically reach threshold once traffic builds.
Niches that consistently perform well include under-$5 gadgets, DIY home accessories, and niche fashion such as cosplay or pet clothing. These categories combine high curiosity with low buyer hesitation.
Strengths and Limitations of the AliExpress Affiliate Program #
Every program has positives and trade-offs. Affiliates recognize both. The AliExpress affiliate program reviews shed light on what consumers love and what they would rather do away with.
Strengths
- Global reach is built in. Affiliates do not need different programs for different regions.
- Rates stay consistent. Unlike some programs that cut commissions during sales peaks, AliExpress maintains its baselines.
- Endless product variety. With 100M+ SKUs, niche targeting is always possible.
- Prices drive conversions. Value shoppers convert quickly on AliExpress deals.
Hurdles
- Long shipping times. 10–20 days can discourage buyers if not communicated clearly.
- Short cookie window. Affiliates must capture conversions quickly.
- Payout delays. Fraud checks mean waiting around two months for commissions.
Affiliates who succeed use remarketing to extend cookies, manage expectations on shipping, and spread earnings across multiple AliExpress affiliate portals.
AliExpress vs. Amazon vs. eBay: Affiliate Program Comparison #
Feature | AliExpress | Amazon | eBay |
Max Rate | 9% | 10% | 4% |
Cookie Length | 3 days | 24 hours | 24 hours |
Min Payout | $16 | $10–$100 | $10 |
SKU Count | 100M+ | 12M | 1.5B |
Reach | 190+ | 15+ markets | 30+ markets |
Amazon edges ahead in commission maximums but limits affiliates with a 24-hour cookie. eBay offers volume but lower rates. AliExpress balances margins with scale, making it an effective middle ground, and as discussed, it also provides a competitive AliExpress affiliate minimum payout threshold.
AliExpress Influencer Program vs. Classic Affiliates #
AliExpress runs two distinct models under its affiliate umbrella:
- Classic Affiliates: These are website or app owners who drive traffic through coupon platforms, cashback sites, deal blogs, or extensions. Commissions are earned only on confirmed sales, based on the standard AliExpress affiliate program commission rates.
- AliExpress Influencer Program: This option targets creators with at least 5,000 followers on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Influencers earn the same baseline commissions as classic affiliates but also qualify for bonus pools. Video views and engagement can unlock additional payouts of up to $10,000 per month.
For entrepreneurs running coupon or cashback sites, the classic program remains the better fit. Influencers who already create content, however, can layer the AliExpress influencer program into their monetization strategy for extra income streams. Classic affiliates dominate cashback models, while influencers extend AliExpress into content-driven commerce. Both can be used together.
How Affiliates Boost Traffic and Conversions with AliExpress #
Affiliates often succeed by combining search and conversion strategies.
- Long-tail keyword targeting doubles conversion likelihood compared to generic searches.
- Structured data (Product, AggregateRating) increases click-throughs.
- Translating content into Spanish, Portuguese, or German taps into high-growth regions.
- Shipping transparency reduces bounce rates.
- Price-drop alerts, tested by affiliates, have recovered more than 10% of otherwise lost sales.
These methods turn affiliate marketing AliExpress campaigns from static to scalable. Tactics drive clicks, but tools turn those clicks into a working business. That is where Laraback enters the picture.
Building Cashback and Coupon Sites with Laraback & How Laraback Makes AliExpress Integration Simple #
Clicks and commissions are only part of the story. To turn the affiliate marketing AliExpress into a working cashback or coupon business, you need infrastructure. That is where Laraback comes in.
Laraback is our affiliate software built on Laravel and React. It integrates AliExpress through supported networks and APIs, tracks cashback with real-time postbacks, and auto-syncs offers into SEO-ready pages, apps, and extensions. With built-in payouts, referrals, and fraud protection, affiliates can launch scalable multi-store platforms in days instead of months.
Common Issues in the AliExpress Affiliate Program #
Affiliates often face common hurdles:
- Tracking errors. Missing partner IDs lead to zero-click reports. Testing links solves this.
- Delayed payouts. When commissions remain pending past 90 days, disputes must be filed within the portal’s 15-day window.
- Policy violations. Running SEM campaigns without negative keywords can cause bans. Affiliates should filter “AliExpress” and “Alibaba.”
- Conversion dips. Shipping hesitation or expired cookies cause this; remarketing strategies help.
These are not failures of the program but familiar scenarios that careful management can fix.
What’s Next for AliExpress Affiliates in 2026 #
Affiliate programs evolve quickly, and AliExpress is no exception. Here are some of the developments industry experts expect in the next year:
- Expansion of “Choice” Catalog: What began as a curated set of discounted items may expand to cover new categories beyond fashion and accessories. While the flat 3% commission seems modest, the higher sales volume balances it out.
- VAT and Tax Adjustments in Europe: AliExpress may begin automatically collecting certain taxes in EU markets, raising net product prices by as much as 20%. Affiliates should watch how this affects conversion rates.
- Hybrid CPS + CPA Models: Rumors point to a “Group Buy” feature that could mix cost-per-sale with cost-per-action rewards, allowing affiliates to earn on more than just the final purchase.
- Growing Role of Influencers: The AliExpress influencer program is likely to expand its bonus pools as more creators use short-form video to drive e-commerce.
For affiliates, these changes mean keeping strategies flexible. The fundamentals, such as global reach, low product prices, and millions of SKUs remain solid, but adapting to new rules and features will be the key to growth in 2026.
Key Questions Affiliates Ask Before Joining AliExpress #
Can I promote AliExpress products on social media platforms? #
Yes. AliExpress lets affiliates share links on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc., if they join its affiliate or AliExpress influencer program, use approved tracking URLs, avoid trademark bidding, and follow each platform’s ad rules; violations void commissions.
How can I join the AliExpress affiliate program? #
Complete AliExpress affiliate registration on portals.aliexpress.com: submit tax-payment details, list your traffic source, then wait 24–48 h for approval. Alternatively, apply through trusted AliExpress affiliate portals such as Admitad or Awin for lower payout thresholds and extra reporting.
How does the commission structure work for AliExpress affiliates? #
Current affiliate marketing AliExpress commission rates are category-tiered: fashion pays up to 9% for new shoppers, electronics 4%, with roughly 40% lower rates for returning buyers. Phones and virtual goods carry $40 caps or 0% payouts; rates refresh quarterly.
What are the payment terms and minimum payout thresholds? #
The AliExpress affiliate minimum payout threshold is $16 on the in-house portal; networks vary $10–$25. Commissions lock for 60 days to screen returns and fraud, then pay monthly via PayPal, wire, or WebMoney; AliExpress deducts a $15 processing fee.
What are the cookie duration and tracking rules? #
Standard cookie length is three days with last-click attribution under the aliexpress affiliate program. Invite-only campaigns may extend to 30 days, but 3 days remains default. Server-to-server callbacks reduce lost orders and satisfy strict tracking compliance.
Can I use multiple affiliate networks for AliExpress? #
Absolutely. Many partners join several AliExpress affiliate portals—Admitad, Awin, Cuelinks—to diversify risk, access regional bonuses, and secure faster payouts. Ensure each link carries the correct PID so earnings from all channels aggregate correctly.
Is there a difference between the AliExpress influencer program and the standard affiliate program? #
Yes. The AliExpress influencer program rewards creators with identical baseline commissions plus video-view bonuses up to $1,000/month, while the classic affiliate route pays only per confirmed sale and targets website, app, or email traffic.
Are there restrictions on product types affiliates can promote? #
Yes. Virtual goods (gift cards, travel), certain adult items, and restricted brands earn 0% under affiliate marketing AliExpress commission rates. Paid-search ads cannot include “AliExpress” or close variants; violations may trigger account suspension.
How can I integrate the AliExpress affiliate program with my cashback platform? #
Laraback connects in under 30 minutes: paste API or Admitad keys, map categories, and toggle auto-import. The workflow lets entrepreneurs launch a multi-store coupon or cashback site, combining AliExpress with Amazon or eBay via the same dashboard.
How do I resolve disputes over AliExpress affiliate payouts? #
Open a ticket in the affiliate portal within 15 days of a rejected or missing order. Provide order ID, timestamp, and click log. Most disputes settle within one billing cycle, restoring valid commissions under official aliexpress affiliate program policies.
The Bottom Line: Why AliExpress Remains Worth It #
The AliExpress affiliate program remains one of the strongest in 2025. Its commissions of up to 9%, low $16 payout threshold, and millions of SKUs give publishers a solid foundation.
But income does not come from sign-up alone. Success requires integration, compliance, and smart optimization. That is why we built Laraback. It simplifies affiliate program management, connects AliExpress and other networks, and helps entrepreneurs run scalable cashback and coupon platforms.
AliExpress provides the opportunity. Laraback provides the infrastructure that makes it work. Reach out to plan your business model.