Aliexpress

The AliExpress Affiliate Program focuses on promoting millions of products available on AliExpress. Affiliates can easily generate custom links, track their performance, and earn a percentage of sales made through their referrals. With its global reach and competitive commission rates, it's an excellent opportunity to monetize traffic and grow your online income.

Category
E-Commerce and Retail
Rating
5.5 / 10
Commission
Up to 9%
Commission Model
RS
CPA
Cookie Duration
3 days
E-Mail
affiliate@aliexpress.com
Software
Proprietary affiliate software

Key Highlights

AliExpress Affiliate Program – Rating Breakdown
Overall: 5.5 / 10
Category: eCommerce Marketplace Affiliate Program
Commission Model: One-time CPS (% per sale) · Typical Cookie: 3 days (network-dependent) · Best For: Deal / product niche sites & high-intent shoppers

AliExpress pays one-time CPS commissions (percentage of the order value). Commission rates are category-based and are commonly referenced as reaching up to roughly ~9% on eligible categories, with some categories much lower (and some promotional “hot deals” sometimes paying 0%).

In affiliate terms, this sits in the “good one-time commission” range: you can earn consistent income if you drive volume, but it is not recurring and does not compound like SaaS subscriptions or lifetime revenue share.

Why not 7+: commissions are primarily one-time and category-dependent; real-world earnings depend heavily on product mix, returns/cancellations, and the confirmation/hold process.

Typical cookie window: 3 days (commonly documented via affiliate network implementations).

A 3-day cookie is short compared to many eCommerce programs. It means you benefit most when you capture high purchase intent (buyers ready to checkout quickly).

Important: cookie duration can differ depending on the exact portal/network and campaign setup. Always treat your affiliate dashboard campaign terms as the source of truth.
Affiliate takeaway: This program performs best with “buy now” traffic (deal pages, product comparisons, price-led content).

AliExpress affiliate tracking and payouts are often mediated through an affiliate network/portal (commonly Admitad/Mitgo), and the biggest practical factor is confirmation time.

One documented rule is that actions are processed/confirmed when the customer clicks “Confirm Goods Received” in their AliExpress account. That can extend the hold period significantly depending on shipping times and user behavior.

  • Positive: large marketplace scale; structured tracking; well-known network payment rails.
  • Limitation: confirmation/hold can be long; reversals can happen on cancellations/returns.
Why not 7+: payout speed is not “fast” in the affiliate sense; it’s tied to order confirmation/fulfillment cycles.

The program is generally clear on the big-picture mechanics (CPS commissions, category rates, standard affiliate tooling), but practical transparency varies by network/portal:

  • Commission rates can be shown per category/campaign, but may change with promos.
  • Cookie/attribution rules depend on the campaign configuration in your dashboard.
  • Confirmation rules and declines (returns/cancellations) can meaningfully affect final earnings.
Why not 8–10: “perfect” transparency would include a single official public page with fixed cookie + tier rules across all access paths.

The score is calculated using following formula:

(Trustpilot Score × 0.7) + (Internal Review Score × 0.3)

Trustpilot conversion rule (your methodology):
Trustpilot is 1–5. The internal review score is 1–10.
Therefore: Trustpilot Stars × 2 = Trustpilot Score (1–10).
  • Trustpilot rating (AliExpress): 2.2 / 5 → 2.2 × 2 = 4.4 / 10
  • Internal review score: 6.8 / 10
Calculation:
(4.4 × 0.7) + (6.8 × 0.3)
= 3.08 + 2.04
= 5.12 → rounded up to nearest 0.1 = 5.2 / 10
Affiliate reality: AliExpress is huge and widely used, but consumer trust is impacted by seller variability, shipping variability, and dispute/refund experiences. Trust depends strongly on product category and seller quality.

Product appeal is extremely high due to the combination of: huge catalog size, low prices, and global availability. AliExpress works particularly well for:

  • Gadget and accessory niches
  • Hobby/craft product roundups
  • Budget home items and impulse-buy categories
  • Deal pages and “under $X” lists
Why not 10: purchase hesitation can occur on long shipping times, uncertain quality, and returns/refunds depending on seller.

AliExpress is generally easy to promote because:

  • You can build content around specific products, categories, and trends.
  • Low prices increase impulse buys (especially on deal-focused pages).
  • There’s constant product churn for “new” content angles.

The main friction is keeping links up-to-date (products can go out of stock, sellers change, and listings can disappear). The best-performing affiliates use curated “evergreen” categories or update links frequently.

Why not 8–10: link maintenance and product volatility add ongoing workload, especially on large content sites.

(Higher score = less competition)

Competition is very high. AliExpress keywords overlap heavily with: Amazon, Temu/Shein-style marketplaces, and thousands of niche affiliate sites. SEO competition is intense for broad “best” keywords.

The best affiliate angles are long-tail: specific product models, accessory compatibility, “cheap alternative” comparisons, and deal-led landing pages.

Support experience depends on how you access the program:

  • Via network/portal: support is typically ticket-based and “standard”.
  • High-volume partners: may get faster responses or an assigned contact.
Why not higher: most affiliates should expect standard support rather than proactive optimization.
🟠 Final Verdict
AliExpress is a high-appeal marketplace with a massive catalog and strong price-led conversion potential — but it is not a “premium affiliate” offer. The program performs best for affiliates who can drive high-intent shoppers within a short cookie window and who can manage link volatility and product quality variance.
Weighted score (internal):
Commission 5×0.20 + Cookie 3×0.05 + Payout 5×0.20 + Transparency 6×0.10 + Trust 5.2×0.20 + Product 9×0.10 + Ease 7×0.07 + Competition 2×0.03 + Support 5×0.05
= 1.00 + 0.15 + 1.00 + 0.60 + 1.04 + 0.90 + 0.49 + 0.06 + 0.25 = 5.49
Rounded up to nearest 0.1 = 5.5 / 10
Commission Structure
CPS (Pay-per-Sale) · Category-based rates · Promo-dependent

The AliExpress affiliate program runs on a CPS / Pay-per-Sale model: you earn a commission when a referred user completes a purchase. Rates are category-based and can vary by campaign, product, and promotional period. In most implementations, commission rates are commonly seen in the range of 0% up to ~9% (with some categories lower and some campaign-specific boosts possible).

How you get paid Commission is a percentage of the order value (CPS). You do not earn recurring revenue—each approved purchase is a one-time payout.
What determines the rate The product category and the specific campaign (some promotions or “hot products” can have different rules). Your dashboard is the source of truth for the exact % per product/campaign.
Approval / confirmation logic Many AliExpress network setups confirm actions after the buyer confirms order receipt, which can extend the validation/locking time.
What reduces earnings Cancellations, refunds/returns, out-of-policy traffic, and promo exclusions can reduce or reverse commissions before they become payable.
Important: AliExpress rates are not “fixed forever.” Treat the table below as typical affiliate expectations. Always verify the exact commission rate inside your affiliate dashboard for the specific product link you promote.
Category / Product type Typical commission range What affiliates should focus on
Fashion, accessories, home items Mid → High (often among best-paying) “Under $X” lists, seasonal gift guides, trend collections, and bundle-style recommendations. These categories often convert well due to price and impulse buying.
Gadgets & low-cost electronics accessories Mid (varies strongly) Model-specific content: “compatible with”, “replacement part”, “for iPhone/Android model X”, car accessories, smart-home add-ons. This captures high intent and improves conversion within short cookies.
Phones / high-ticket branded electronics Low → Very low (often restricted/capped) Avoid relying on these for profit. If you cover them, use them to attract traffic and monetize via accessories, add-ons, and low-risk complementary products.
“Hot products” / promo campaigns Can be higher (campaign-dependent) Use promo windows strategically: deal pages, limited-time offers, and email/push for returning audiences. Always check exclusions (some promo items pay reduced or zero commission).
New-buyer / incentive campaigns Bonus potential (when available) Content aimed at first-time buyers: “how to shop safely on AliExpress”, buyer guides, and best starter categories. These campaigns are often the easiest way to lift EPC when offered.

Commission best practices (what actually moves earnings):

  • Promote categories that pay: don’t build a site around low-paying/capped categories.
  • Use deep links to specific products: high intent converts better than homepage links.
  • Expect link volatility: products go out of stock and listings change—update links regularly.
  • Track by subID: so you can see which pages/campaigns generate approved orders.
  • Plan for validation time: if confirmation happens after “order received,” cash flow is slower than many eCommerce programs.
Affiliate takeaway: AliExpress is a volume-driven CPS program. The strongest strategy is promoting high-converting, low-risk categories (accessories, home items, hobby products) and using deal-led / high-intent content. Always confirm the exact commission rate in your dashboard per product/campaign, and build your cash-flow expectations around order validation/confirmation.
English
French
Portuguese
Spanish
Target Market
Global eCommerce · Price-led buyers · High-intent product search

AliExpress is a global marketplace with an enormous product catalog and a strong price/value positioning. For affiliates, the “target market” is less about one specific country and more about a buyer profile: budget-conscious shoppers, deal hunters, and people searching for specific products (accessories, gadgets, home items, hobby products). Performance is strongest where users are comfortable buying from marketplaces, and where shipping + delivery expectations are reasonable for the category.

Best-fit audience Deal-oriented shoppers, “under $X” buyers, gadget/accessory buyers, hobby buyers (e.g., DIY, crafts), and users searching for low-cost alternatives to local retail.
Best-fit affiliate types SEO product niche sites, coupon/deals pages, comparison lists, TikTok/YouTube product discovery, “budget finds” pages, and seasonal gifting/impulse-buy content.
Where it converts best Countries with strong cross-border eCommerce adoption and buyers comfortable with marketplace sellers. Conversion improves when you match product category to realistic shipping expectations.
When it converts worst If your audience expects 1–2 day delivery by default, is very brand-loyal, or is highly sensitive to product authenticity/returns. In these cases, you’ll need careful product selection and clear expectations.
Region Country examples (common affiliate fit) Best-performing content angles
Europe Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Netherlands “Cheap alternatives”, accessory compatibility (phone models), home gadgets, niche hobby items, seasonal deals. Strong performance when products ship from EU warehouses (when available).
Latin America Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Argentina Price-led comparisons, budget electronics accessories, “top products under $X”, deal pages and coupons. Mobile-first content tends to perform well.
MENA UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco Value-driven shopping lists, trending gadgets, home accessories, and fashion add-ons. Conversion improves with clear shipping time and return expectations.
Asia-Pacific Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia (select categories) Gadget/accessory niches, DIY/hobby products, “TikTok made me buy it”-style discovery, and category roundups (kitchen tools, organizers, car accessories).
North America (select fit) United States, Canada (works best in specific “deal” and accessory categories) Ultra-specific long-tail product pages: replacement parts, accessories, niche hobby components. Broad “best” keywords are highly competitive and buyers often have fast-shipping expectations.

Affiliate targeting tips (most important for AliExpress):

  • Prioritize high-intent queries: “buy + model”, “replacement”, “compatible with”, “best cheap”.
  • Choose the right categories: accessories and low-risk items convert better than high-risk branded electronics.
  • Set expectations clearly: mention shipping time ranges and returns/refund basics to reduce friction.
  • Use deal mechanics: coupons, seasonal promos, “under $X” lists, and curated bundles perform well.
  • Think mobile-first: AliExpress is often a mobile shopping behavior, especially in deal markets.
Affiliate takeaway: AliExpress performs best for price-led, impulse-friendly products and high-intent shoppers. Target countries where cross-border marketplace buying is normal (Europe, LATAM, MENA, parts of Asia), and focus your content on accessories, bargains, and long-tail product searches where buyers are ready to purchase quickly.
Bank Transfer
Payouts & Payment Methods
Validation-heavy · Network-dependent payouts

AliExpress affiliate payouts depend on how you access the program: either via the direct AliExpress Portals setup or via an affiliate network (commonly Admitad/Mitgo). In both cases, the most important “payout reality” is that commissions become payable only after order validation — and AliExpress validations often depend on the user confirming receipt (“Confirm Goods Received”), which can delay approval.

When commissions become “approved” Many AliExpress network implementations process/confirm actions after the buyer clicks Confirm Goods Received. This means payouts are rarely “fast” compared to digital products.
Payout timing (practical expectation) Expect a cycle of Pending → Confirmed → Payable. The biggest driver of timing is shipping/receipt confirmation and return/cancellation risk.
Payment methods (most common) Via networks, payout methods usually include standard rails like bank transfer plus additional options that vary by country. Direct AliExpress Portals access is commonly listed as wire transfer (network options may be broader).
Minimum payout threshold Thresholds can differ by access path and payout method. Some directories list a low minimum for direct portal access, while networks often have method-dependent minimums defined in their publisher terms.
Careful but accurate wording:
AliExpress itself doesn’t publish one universal “payout method list” that applies to every affiliate worldwide, because payouts depend on the portal/network and country. Your dashboard payout settings are the only guaranteed source of truth.
Item How it works What affiliates should do
Commission confirmation In common network setups, actions are confirmed when the buyer clicks Confirm Goods Received. If the buyer does not confirm, validation can take longer or be declined for other reasons. Plan cash flow accordingly. Track Pending vs Confirmed and don’t treat pending as guaranteed revenue.
Payout schedule Network-driven: payment release depends on when commissions become payable and when you request/receive withdrawal. (Some networks pay weekly after withdrawal request; AliExpress validation is usually the bottleneck.) Treat it as “validation-first.” Your payout speed improves by focusing on categories with fewer returns and cleaner attribution.
Payment methods Direct portal is commonly listed as international bank transfer (wire). Via networks, available methods vary by country and can include additional payout options (network-dependent). Open your payout settings in the affiliate platform and select the best method for your region. If you run multiple sites, standardize one method for accounting.
Minimum payout threshold Thresholds can differ by method and currency. Networks usually define minimums in their publisher terms and payout UI. Some sources list a low minimum for direct portal setups. Verify the exact minimum inside your account and document it (screenshot) so you know when funds become withdrawable.
Common payout delays Order not confirmed, returns/cancellations, missing payout details, compliance review, or tracking disputes. Promote low-return categories, set shipping expectations, avoid misleading ads, and keep payout details consistent.

Simple payout tips (AliExpress-specific):

  • Choose categories with lower refund risk (accessories, home tools, hobby items) to increase confirmed rates.
  • Reduce confusion in your content: shipping time expectations and product compatibility reduce cancellations.
  • Set payout details early (don’t wait until your first withdrawal).
  • Use subIDs so you can spot which pages bring confirmed orders vs noisy clicks.
  • Verify your exact payout method + minimum in the dashboard (varies by network/country).
Affiliate takeaway: AliExpress payouts are validation-driven (often tied to “Confirm Goods Received”), so this is not a “fast payout” program. Payment methods and payout thresholds are platform-dependent (direct portal vs network). For accuracy, rely on your affiliate dashboard for the final payout method list, minimum threshold, and withdrawal cadence.
Affiliate Approval Process
Portal/Network signup → Channel review → Program access

AliExpress affiliate access typically works in one of two ways: (1) AliExpress Portals / in-house access or (2) via an affiliate network (commonly Admitad). In both cases, approval is based on whether you have a real promotion channel and whether your traffic methods comply with the program rules.

What AliExpress generally wants to see:
A stable online presence (site/blog/social channel), clear content topic, and compliant traffic practices. Applicants with no visible channel or unclear traffic sources are the most likely to be delayed or rejected.
Step 1 — Choose your access path Join via the official portal or via a network (e.g., Admitad). If you use a network, you first register with the network, then apply to the AliExpress program inside it.
Step 2 — Create your publisher profile Add your website/social links, describe your niche, and list your traffic sources (SEO, social, email, paid ads). This is the main part reviewers use to evaluate suitability.
Step 3 — Review / moderation Your account (and sometimes your channel) is reviewed for quality and compliance. Approval speed varies by platform and completeness of your profile.
Step 4 — Link generation + compliance rules Once accepted, you can generate deep links and start promoting. Your traffic remains subject to program rules (misleading methods, prohibited ad practices, etc.).
Requirement What reviewers typically check How to pass quickly
Active promotion channel A working site, blog, or social profile with visible content and a clear topic. Submit a channel with recent posts, clear navigation, and a focused niche (e.g., phone accessories, home gadgets, DIY tools).
Traffic source clarity Whether your acquisition methods are transparent (SEO, social, email, paid ads) and not high-risk. Write a short, specific description: top GEOs, content type, and whether you use coupons/deals or product reviews.
Content quality & positioning That your channel is not “thin”, copied, or purely auto-generated; that it matches eCommerce shopping intent. Use original content (comparisons, “best under $X”, compatibility guides, product roundups) and avoid scraped pages.
Compliance / permitted marketing Agreement acceptance + adherence to program rules and restrictions. Avoid misleading claims, cookie stuffing, forced redirects, or any “non-consensual” tracking methods. Keep promos honest (shipping time, pricing, refunds).

Most common reasons for approval delays or rejection:

  • No visible channel (empty website, private social accounts, or “coming soon” pages).
  • Unclear traffic source explanation (generic “I will promote online” without details).
  • Low-quality content (thin pages, copied/scraped listings, or auto-generated pages with no value).
  • High-risk promotion intent (misleading ads, prohibited methods, or suspicious incentive tactics).
Affiliate takeaway: To get approved fast, apply with a real channel, a clear niche, and a simple traffic description. If you’re using a network like Admitad, complete your network profile first and then apply to AliExpress inside the network dashboard.
Source basis: The AliExpress Affiliate Program Service Agreement governs participation and compliance expectations, and network access paths (e.g., Admitad) require registering with the network before joining the AliExpress offer.