Make money in your sleep? With affiliate marketing, it’s possible.
If you’ve ever dreamed of earning passive income from home in your pajamas, affiliate marketing might just be your golden ticket. The concept is simple: promote someone else’s product, and when someone buys it through your special link—you get paid.
But here’s the catch: not all affiliate programs are created equal. Some pay better. Some convert faster. And some are just perfect for beginners in Canada who are looking to break into the online income world without feeling overwhelmed.
So let’s break down the best affiliate programs for beginners in Canada—no fluff, just the real deals that actually pay.
Amazon Associates – Promote Almost Anything and Get Paid
Perfect for: Beginners who want a huge product variety
Amazon is like the Walmart of the internet—and as a Canadian affiliate, you can earn a commission on just about anything sold on their site. From electronics to pet food, if it’s on Amazon.ca, you can promote it.
Commission Rate: Up to 10% depending on product category
Best Part: Trusted brand with millions of items to promote
Shopify Affiliate Program – Earn Big by Promoting E-commerce
Perfect for: Bloggers, YouTubers & entrepreneurs in the e-commerce space
Shopify is a powerhouse in the online store world—and their affiliate program reflects that. If someone signs up for a paid Shopify plan using your referral link, you earn cash. A lot of it.
Commission Rate: Avg. $58 per referral; up to $2000 for Shopify Plus
Best Part: Trusted by online businesses worldwide
eBay Partner Network – Promote Auctions and Hot Deals
Perfect for: Bargain-hunters and deal bloggers
Like Amazon, eBay offers a wide variety of products—and their commission model is performance-based. That means the better you market, the more you earn.
Commission Rate: Varies by category, paid as a cut of eBay’s revenue
Best Part: Millions of items with rotating deals to promote
Bluehost Affiliate Program – Tap Into the Website Boom
Perfect for: Tech bloggers and online business influencers
With more Canadians launching websites than ever, Bluehost’s hosting service is in demand. Promote their plans and earn a flat fee per sale.
Commission Rate: $65 per sale
Best Part: One of the highest paying web hosting affiliate programs
CJ Affiliate – Access to Thousands of Brands
Perfect for: Bloggers and niche marketers who want variety
CJ (Commission Junction) connects affiliates to big-name brands in every niche—tech, fashion, finance, and more.
Commission Rate: Varies by advertiser
Best Part: You can work with companies like Lowe’s, Expedia, and Samsung
ClickBank – Digital Products with High Commissions
Perfect for: Affiliates who want big commissions and digital goods
ClickBank is full of downloadable content like eBooks, courses, and software. It’s easy to promote and often comes with super high payouts.
Commission Rate: 50%–75%
Best Part: Recurring income on subscription products
Rakuten Advertising – Global Brands You Know and Love
Perfect for: Lifestyle and travel influencers
Rakuten connects you with household names in fashion, travel, and tech. Their platform is user-friendly and full of tools to boost performance.
Commission Rate: Varies per brand
Best Part: Access to brands like Walmart, Best Buy, and Expedia
Fiverr Affiliate Program – Help People Hire Freelancers
Perfect for: Digital marketing bloggers and freelancers
Fiverr is a go-to site for finding services from graphic design to SEO. If someone hires through your link, you get paid.
Commission Rate: Up to $150 CPA or 10% revenue share
Best Part: Multiple commission models to choose from
Wealthy Affiliate – Promote Affiliate Training and Earn Recurring Revenue
Perfect for: Bloggers in the “make money online” niche
Wealthy Affiliate teaches people how to become successful affiliates—and they pay you a recurring commission when your referrals stay active.
Commission Rate: Monthly recurring commissions
Best Part: Great for building long-term passive income
Awin – Join a Massive Affiliate Network with Endless Options
Perfect for: Niche bloggers who want access to 13,000+ advertisers
Awin is a massive global network that includes everything from retail and fashion to finance and travel. You only need a basic website to get started.
Commission Rate: Varies by merchant
Best Part: Low entry barrier for beginners
Final Thoughts: Pick One and Start Earning Today
Affiliate marketing in Canada has never been easier to break into. Whether you’re writing blogs, making YouTube videos, or running a niche website, there’s an affiliate program made for your style. Start small, focus on trust, and pick products that your audience truly needs.
👉 Remember: Consistency > Perfection.
Start now, improve as you go, and the money will follow.
Affiliate Program Comparison Chart (Canada – 2025 Edition)
| Affiliate Program | Commission Rate | Best For | Payout Method | Sign-Up Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | Up to 10% (varies by category) | Product-focused blogs & review sites | Direct deposit, gift card, check | Amazon account + Canadian tax info |
| Shopify Affiliate | Avg. $58/signup; up to $2000 | E-commerce educators & influencers | PayPal | Website or content about online biz |
| eBay Partner Network | % of eBay revenue (varies) | Deal bloggers & auction promoters | PayPal | Approved content source |
| Bluehost | $65 per referral | Bloggers, entrepreneurs, course creators | PayPal | Website or content about web hosting |
| CJ Affiliate | Varies by advertiser | Niche bloggers & content creators | Direct deposit or check | Website + traffic proof |
| ClickBank | 50–75% | Digital product promoters & course blogs | Direct deposit, Payoneer, check | Easy sign-up, no website required |
| Rakuten Advertising | Varies | Fashion, travel & lifestyle bloggers | PayPal, direct deposit | Website & approval process |
| Fiverr | Up to $150 CPA or 10% rev share | Freelance service bloggers & marketers | PayPal | Quick signup, no content limits |
| Wealthy Affiliate | Recurring commissions | “Make money online” niche blogs | PayPal | Join Wealthy Affiliate + approval |
| Awin | Varies (by 13,000+ merchants) | Bloggers in any niche | Direct deposit, PayPal | Small $5 application fee (refundable) |
FAQs About Affiliate Marketing in Canada
1. Do you need a website to start affiliate marketing in Canada?
No, but having one helps. You can also promote affiliate links on social media, YouTube, or email newsletters.
2. Is affiliate income taxable in Canada?
Yes. All affiliate income must be reported to the CRA. Keep good records and consider speaking with an accountant.
3. What are the easiest niches for Canadian beginners?
Popular beginner niches include tech, health, fitness, personal finance, and lifestyle.
4. How do I get paid from these affiliate programs?
Most pay via PayPal, direct deposit, or check. Payout thresholds and frequency vary.
5. Can I join multiple affiliate programs at once?
Absolutely! Just make sure you don’t overwhelm your audience with too many offers.
