September 11, 2025 · MarketReviews Team
Amazon vs eBay Affiliate Programs in 2025: Which One Pays More?
If you’re starting out in affiliate marketing in 2025, two of the most popular platforms are:
- Amazon Associates (Amazon Affiliate Program)
- eBay Partner Network (EPN)
Both allow you to earn commissions by promoting products online, but they differ in payouts, rules, and conversion rates.
This post breaks down Amazon vs eBay Affiliate Programs so you can decide which is better for you this year.
🔎 Quick Overview: Amazon vs eBay Affiliate
| Feature | Amazon Associates (2025) | eBay Partner Network (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Commission Rate | 1% – 10% (category-based) | Up to 70% of eBay’s commission fee |
| Cookie Duration | 24 hours | 24 hours (but higher payouts if bid leads to sale) |
| Product Range | 12M+ items (global) | 1.5B+ listings (auctions + buy now) |
| Approval Difficulty | Medium (must own website or traffic) | Easier (faster acceptance) |
| Payout | $10 minimum, monthly | $10 minimum, monthly |
| Best For | Beginners, bloggers, niche sites | Deal bloggers, auction niches, collectors |
💰 Commission Comparison in 2025
Amazon Associates
- Categories like luxury beauty and Amazon devices pay up to 10%.
- Low-margin items (electronics, video games) still around 1–3%.
- Amazon’s trust factor → High conversion rate, even with lower percentages.
eBay Partner Network
- Pays based on a percentage of eBay’s final seller fee.
- Can range from 50%–70% of what eBay earns.
- Example: If eBay charges the seller a $10 fee, you may earn $5–$7.
- Strong for collectibles, refurbished products, and auctions.
📌 Which One Pays More in 2025?
- Amazon: Better for high-converting traffic and niche blogs. Even 1–3% commissions add up because of the volume of sales.
- eBay: Higher potential payouts per item, especially with rare or high-ticket products.
👉 Winner: If you want consistent earnings → go with Amazon. If you’re in collectibles or auctions niche → eBay can outperform.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Amazon Associates
Pros
- Huge product variety.
- High trust = high conversions.
- Easy integration with WordPress plugins.
Cons
- Strict rules (easy to get banned).
- Only 24-hour cookie.
- Lower percentage on electronics.
✅ eBay Partner Network
Pros
- Higher % potential per sale.
- Works well for collectors and deal seekers.
- Easier approval.
Cons
- Auction model means sales aren’t guaranteed.
- Interface less beginner-friendly.
- Brand recognition lower than Amazon’s “Add to Cart” magic.
🚀 Best Use Cases
- Amazon Affiliate: Tech blogs, lifestyle blogs, parenting sites, product review websites.
- eBay Affiliate: Niche sites around cars, collectibles, refurbished tech, sneakers, luxury watches.
🌍 Global Reach in 2025
- Amazon has localized affiliate programs (US, UK, India, EU). You must apply separately for each region.
- eBay’s program is more unified, but traffic conversion depends on whether items ship internationally.
📈 Which Is Best for Beginners in 2025?
- If you want easy, predictable earnings → Start with Amazon Associates.
- If your niche is auctions, collectibles, or rare finds → eBay Partner Network is stronger.
- Many affiliates use both, depending on product type.
❓ FAQs
Q: Is it easier to get approved for Amazon or eBay?
A: eBay is slightly easier, but Amazon is still accessible if you have a blog or YouTube channel.
Q: Can I join both programs?
A: Yes, many affiliates diversify between Amazon and eBay.
Q: Which one pays faster?
A: Both pay monthly, usually around 60 days after sale confirmation.
✅ Final Verdict
In 2025, Amazon vs eBay Affiliate Programs comes down to:
- Amazon = Best for beginners & general niches
- eBay = Best for auctions, collectors & high-ticket niches
👉 Want to succeed? Start with Amazon Associates, then add eBay Partner Network to diversify.
🔗 Sources & Further Reading: