Top 10 Affiliate Marketing Programs for 17-Year-Olds

Making money online as a teenager can feel impossible. You’re stuck in a loop—too young for most jobs, too old to ask for handouts. But what if you could start earning without waiting for permission? The best way? Affiliate marketing. It’s one of the few online business models where you don’t need a product, experience, or upfront investment. In this guide, you’ll discover the top 10 affiliate marketing programs for 17-year-olds, carefully chosen to maximize earnings with minimal barriers.

Why Affiliate Marketing Works for Teens

Traditional jobs require long hours, strict schedules, and often pay low wages. But affiliate marketing allows you to earn passive income by promoting products online. Share a link, and when someone buys through it, you get paid. The key is choosing the right programs—ones that accept younger affiliates, offer solid commissions, and align with products you genuinely like.

How to Choose the Best Affiliate Program as a Teen

Not all programs are friendly to under-18 affiliates. Here’s what to look for:

✅ Age Requirement – Some programs allow minors with parental consent.
✅ High Commissions – Look for payouts of at least 10-30%.
✅ Recurring Revenue – Monthly commissions on subscriptions are gold.
✅ Easy Approval – Some programs require websites; others accept social media influencers.
✅ Low Payout Threshold – You don’t want to wait forever to get paid.

With that in mind, here are the best programs you can join today.

1. Amazon Associates – Best for Beginners

Why It’s Great

Amazon sells everything, making it easy to promote products you love. If you’re on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, you can link to anything—from gadgets to fashion and books.

✅ Commission Rate: 1-10% (varies by category)
✅ Payout Threshold: $10 (check options: direct deposit, gift card, or check)
✅ Approval Difficulty: Easy—just make a sale within 180 days

📌 Pro Tip: Create “best of” lists or product reviews on social media for higher conversions.

2. ClickBank – Best for Digital Products

Why It’s Great

ClickBank specializes in e-books, online courses, and software with high commission rates—often 50% or more. No inventory, no shipping, just pure profit potential.

✅ Commission Rate: 30-75%
✅ Payout Threshold: $10
✅ Approval Difficulty: Easy—no website required

📌 Pro Tip: Look for high-converting products with positive reviews to boost earnings.

3. Shopify Affiliate Program – Best for E-Commerce Enthusiasts

Why It’s Great

If you’re interested in online stores, Shopify’s affiliate program pays when someone signs up for a free trial and converts to a paid plan. A single sale can earn $58 to $2,000!

✅ Commission Rate: Up to 200% per sale
✅ Payout Threshold: None—pays monthly
✅ Approval Difficulty: Medium—best for content creators

📌 Pro Tip: Create beginner-friendly Shopify tutorials to drive sign-ups.

4. Fiverr Affiliates – Best for Promoting Services

Why It’s Great

Fiverr lets you earn when people buy freelance services like logo design, writing, or video editing. Perfect if you know people looking for affordable help online.

✅ Commission Rate: $15-$150 per referral
✅ Payout Threshold: $100
✅ Approval Difficulty: Easy

📌 Pro Tip: Share Fiverr deals on social media or within niche communities.

5. Rakuten Advertising – Best for Brand Name Products

Why It’s Great

Rakuten connects you with Nike, Walmart, and thousands of top brands. If you have an audience that loves shopping, this is a goldmine.

✅ Commission Rate: Varies by brand
✅ Payout Threshold: $50
✅ Approval Difficulty: Medium

📌 Pro Tip: Promote exclusive Rakuten cashback deals to encourage purchases.

6. Impact – Best for Tech & SaaS Products

Why It’s Great

Impact offers partnerships with companies like Canva, Grammarly, and Airbnb, making it ideal if your audience is into tech, writing, or travel.

✅ Commission Rate: Varies (often 20-50%)
✅ Payout Threshold: $10-$50
✅ Approval Difficulty: Medium

📌 Pro Tip: Compare commission structures to maximize earnings.

7. MaxBounty – Best for CPA Offers

Why It’s Great

MaxBounty pays for actions like signing up for free trials, making it easier to earn without selling. Some offers pay $5 to $100 per lead.

✅ Commission Rate: CPA-based (varies by offer)
✅ Payout Threshold: $50
✅ Approval Difficulty: Medium (requires approval)

📌 Pro Tip: Focus on freebie offers with high conversion rates.

8. Udemy Affiliate Program – Best for Online Courses

Why It’s Great

Udemy sells thousands of affordable courses in business, tech, and personal development. A single recommendation can help someone level up while earning you a commission.

✅ Commission Rate: 10-15%
✅ Payout Threshold: $50
✅ Approval Difficulty: Easy

📌 Pro Tip: Share course discount codes to increase conversions.

9. Bluehost Affiliate Program – Best for Website Creators

Why It’s Great

If you promote blogging or website creation, Bluehost pays up to $65 per referral—even if the customer spends just a few dollars on hosting.

✅ Commission Rate: $65 per signup
✅ Payout Threshold: $100
✅ Approval Difficulty: Medium

📌 Pro Tip: Create step-by-step guides on how to start a blog to drive sales.

10. Honey Affiliate Program – Best for Cashback Lovers

Why It’s Great

Honey is a free browser extension that finds discounts and cashback deals. Since it’s free, it’s an easy sell, and you earn when people install it.

✅ Commission Rate: Varies
✅ Payout Threshold: $10
✅ Approval Difficulty: Easy

📌 Pro Tip: Use TikTok or YouTube shorts to showcase how much you save with Honey.

How to Get Started Without a Website

💡 Use Social Media – TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube work great for affiliate promotions.

💡 Leverage Reddit & Quora – Answer questions and link to helpful resources.

💡 Start a Free Blog – Platforms like Medium let you share affiliate links without owning a website.

The key? Pick one program, start small, and stay consistent.

Final Thoughts: Your First $100 Online

Affiliate marketing is one of the few ways a 17-year-old can earn online without experience or upfront costs. The programs listed above are beginner-friendly, pay well, and accept young affiliates.

The sooner you start, the sooner you can earn. Pick a program that matches your interests, take action, and watch your first commissions roll in!

Ready to start? Choose a program and start promoting today. 🚀

Can a 17-year-old do affiliate marketing?

Yes! Many affiliate programs allow 17-year-olds to join, often with parental consent. Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and Fiverr Affiliates are great starting points.

What are the best affiliate marketing programs for 17-year-olds?

Some of the best options include Amazon Associates, ClickBank, Shopify, Fiverr Affiliates, and Udemy. These programs offer high commissions and easy approvals.

How can a 17-year-old start affiliate marketing without a website?

You can start by using social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram. Sharing affiliate links in content such as reviews and tutorials works well.

How much can a 17-year-old make with affiliate marketing?

Earnings vary, but beginners can make $50-$500/month with consistency. Advanced affiliates can earn thousands by scaling their promotions and traffic sources.

Do you need parental permission for affiliate marketing at 17?

Some programs require parental consent if you’re under 18. It’s best to check each program’s terms, but a parent’s help can also make account setup easier.