Affiliate marketing is definitely one of the best marketing methods. It is performance-based and cost-effective because you only pay for the result, which is sales or leads. As a business in the US, your first step to running an affiliate marketing program is finding the best American affiliate marketing agencies.
Well, you’re in the right place. We’re going to explore the best American affiliate marketing agencies and what makes them unique. We will also introduce you to the best affiliate marketing platform to choose for your business.
Top 10 American Affiliate Marketing Agencies
It’s not that easy to find the best affiliate marketing agency for your business. You should check out different agencies, their features and pricing, or even read their users’ feedback. To make all these easy for you, we have created this list with a comprehensive review of each of them.
1. CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
Formerly known as Commission Junction, CJ Affiliate is one of the largest American affiliate marketing agencies, founded in 1988. So, it has a long road ahead, which shows how established it is.
Best for: Mid-to-large e-commerce businesses. CJ Affiliate also has one of the best fashion affiliate programs.
Features of CJ Affiliate:
- A vast network of publishers and advertisers;
- Advanced tracking and reporting tools;
- Centralizes performance data across all your affiliates in one dashboard;
- Fraud protection measures;
Pricing:
- CJ Affiliate is free for affiliates, and they will receive 3% to 50% commissions based on the product and advertiser they promote.
- Advertisers should pay an initial deposit and setup fee. However, it isn’t listed on its website.
CJ Affiliate Users’ Feedback and Review
Like all other agencies, CJ affiliate has good and bad reviews, which might be your concern, too. First, let’s see if its users are satisfied with the pricing and the quality of affiliates on this platform.
Although large businesses might praise CJ’s extensive affiliate reach and robust platform, smaller businesses mostly find it costly and complex. On Reddit, one small business has found the costs of setup fees and the commission rates expensive. And others think that CJ is losing its reputation.
One business has claimed that many of the affiliates they got were coupon sites that didn’t add much new revenue.
CJ Affiliate Pros and Cons:
According to people’s review, here are the pros and cons of using CJ Affiliates:
Pros:
- User-friendly interface;
- Vast network of affiliates;
Cons:
- Poor customer support;
- Expensive, especially for small businesses;
- No quality affiliates;
2. Rakuten Advertising (formerly LinkShare)
Rakuten Advertising is renowned for its advanced technology and data-driven approach, which helps brands maximize their growth through affiliate marketing. The network leverages AI and data to optimize campaigns and reach engaged audiences across various digital channels.
Best for: Established retailers and brands that want a well-regarded network with strong publisher relationships.
Features of Rakuten Advertising for Businesses:
- AI-driven affiliate recommendations;
- Cadence of payments: Rakuten acts as an intermediary, collecting payments from advertisers and then paying affiliates, with a schedule that aligns with merchant payment cycles;
- Intuitive interface with robust reporting;
- Multiple payout options (direct deposit, PayPal in some regions, check);
Pricing:
- Typically, affiliates can earn a fixed commission of up to $30 per qualified referral.
- Rakuten Advertising does not publicly disclose specific pricing details for businesses.
Rakuten Advertising Users’ Feedback and Reviews
Rakuten Advertising has a mixed reputation in the industry. On the positive side, it is recognized for its innovative solutions and strong support for both advertisers and publishers. However, it’s not without criticism.
Most of the issues and dissatisfactions are from the affiliates complaining about accounts being terminated without warning and delayed payments.
Rakuten Pros and Cons
It’s time to sum up the pros and cons of Rakuten:
Pros:
- Advanced Technology.
- Global Reach.
- High-Quality Partners.
Cons:
- Payment Issues.
- Account Terminations.
- Complexity.
3. Awin
Awin is a global affiliate marketing network that connects advertisers and publishers to promote products and services online. This American affiliate marketing agency has over 21,000 advertisers and 241,000+ publishers worldwide.
Best for: Brands that plan to scale globally or need a large, diverse affiliate base.
Features of Awin for Businesses:
- Robust tracking system (with cross-device tracking and advanced attribution options);
- A rich affiliate marketplace spanning many countries;
- A browser extension;
- Transparent communication;
Pricing:
- Awin’s pricing varies by region and program size. For the U.S., a typical arrangement is a $550 setup fee and a deposit (e.g., $150) to fund commissions.
- Commission rates can vary from 10% to 50%.
Awin’s Users’ Feedback and Reviews
On Trustpilot, Awin averages ~2.8/5 stars, which, as one source noted, “doesn’t sound great, but it’s spectacular compared to some other affiliate networks”.
Awin’s strength is in having a lot of features, but that also means a learning curve. Besides that, both affiliates and advertisers complain that Awin’s interface can be “extremely unintuitive” and that support can be slow unless you’re a big account.
Awin’s Pros and Cons
Reading users’ feedback got us to the following pros and cons for this agency.
Pros:
- Large Network.
- Global Reach.
- Comprehensive Tools.
- Diverse Commission Models.
Cons:
- Tracking Fee (Awin charges an additional tracking fee of 3.5% of the transaction value).
- Complex Implementation.
- Cost (the more advanced plans can be expensive).
- Limited Support.
4. ShareASale
Although mentioned on the list of best American affiliate marketing agencies, ShareASale will not last a long time, as it was acquired by Awin in 2017 and is going to be closed by the end of 2025. Anyone using this platform will be directed to sign up on Awin.
Best for: Small to medium businesses in the US.
Features of ShareASale for Businesses:
- A huge pool of affiliates;
- Tools for creating affiliate links and data feeds for product catalogs;
- Real-time reporting;
Pricing:
- ShareASale’s pricing is a one-time $650 upfront, 20% of commissions ongoing, and small monthly minimum fees for businesses.
- Affiliates’ commission rates can range from 4% to 50%.
ShareASale’s Users’ Feedback and Reviews
Were its users satisfied? Let’s see what they say about ShareASale.
Some merchants have complaints about the quality of affiliates. ShareASale is known to attract a lot of coupon/deal sites and even some spammy affiliates.
This means merchants often need to manually approve affiliates and weed out those who just try to poach last-click credit with coupons.
ShareASale Pros and Cons
So, what are this platform’s pros and cons?
Pros:
- User-Friendly Platform.
- Real-Time Reporting.
- Established Reputation (especially after being acquired by Awin).
Cons:
- High Competition.
- Customer Service Issues.
- Transaction Fees.
5. Impact (Impact.com)
Impact Radius, now known as Impact, is a comprehensive partnership automation platform designed to help businesses manage and scale their affiliate marketing and other partnerships. Large brands widely use it to manage all kinds of partnerships: traditional affiliates, influencers, B2B referrals, media buying partnerships, etc.
Best for: Mid-size to enterprise businesses.
Key Features of Impact’s Affiliate Marketing:
- Flexibility and advanced technology;
- Sleek interface and robust APIs for integration with your analytics or CRM systems;
- Easy link creation tool for partners;
Pricing:
- Impact is a subscription-based platform requiring businesses to pay a monthly fee. (It hasn’t been mentioned.)
- Affiliates can join for free, and the commission can vary based on the brand and product.
Impact’s Users’ Feedback and Reviews
Impact has an average 4.5/5 rating on G2 with 700+ reviews, which shows it is highly regarded among enterprise users. While it mostly receives positive feedback, the primary drawbacks appear to be its cost and complexity.
Impact Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of this platform:
Pros:
- Partnership Automation.
- Ease of Use.
- Fraud Detection.
- Customizable Contracts.
Cons:
- Approval Process.
- Cost (Expensive for Small Businesses).
- Potential for Manual Processes.
6. Partnerize (formerly Pepperjam)
Partnerize is one of the best American affiliate marketing agencies designed to automate and optimize affiliate marketing programs. It offers a suite of tools for tracking, managing, and scaling partnerships, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to enhance their affiliate marketing efforts.
Best for: Brands that prioritize a high-quality affiliate program with hands-on support.
Features of Partnerize for Businesses:
- AI-powered partner optimization.
- Real-time insights, and flexible partner contracting.
- Direct communication between affiliates and merchants within the interface.
Pricing:
- Partnerize doesn’t publicly list pricing. However, its pricing is likely custom or subscription-based.
Partnerize Users’ Feedback and Reviews
Pepperjam historically enjoyed a decent reputation among affiliates and advertisers alike. The network was praised for being transparent and partner-centric. Let’s see what users don’t like.
There are lots of complaints about it being a scam and not offering good customer service. The pricing also seems to be high for small businesses.
Partnerize Pros and Cons
According to its users’ feedback and reviews, here are the pros and cons of this platform:
Pros:
- Robust Tracking Capabilities.
- User-Friendly Interface.
- Scalability.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming Partner Onboarding.
- Pricing.
- Complex Implementation.
- Limited Free Trial.
7. ClickBank
ClickBank is a well-established affiliate marketing platform that connects digital content creators with affiliates. It offers a wide range of digital and physical products across various niches, making it a popular choice for both sellers and affiliates.
Best for: Digital product creators and info-product marketers.
Features of ClickBank for Businesses:
- A massive affiliate base.
- ClickBank handles the tracking, payment to affiliates, and even refunds.
- A ranking system (Gravity) that shows which products are selling well via affiliates.
Pricing:
- The exact pricing details for sellers are not publicly disclosed, but it is known that ClickBank takes a cut of each sale made through the platform.
- The commission rates vary based on the brands and products. (Vendors often offer 50-75% commission on digital products.)
ClickBank Users’ Feedback and Reviews
The platform is often described as a legit agency, and some brands have found it profitable for their business as it has helped them drive more sales. A common issue is that ClickBank became infamous for hosting a lot of low-quality or even “spammy” products.
ClickBank Pros and Cons
Based on the reviews, here are the benefits and drawbacks of using ClickBank:
Pros:
- High Commission Rates (Means More Quality Affiliates).
- Large Database of Affiliates.
- Handling the Payouts to Affiliates.
Cons:
- Low Payment Rates for Sellers.
- Oversaturation.
8. FlexOffers
Another famous American affiliate marketing agency is FlexOffers, which offers a diverse selection of affiliate programs across various niches, including technology, fashion, health, and finance.
Best for: Digital product creators and info-product marketers.
Features of FlexOffers for Businesses:
- Quick affiliate link generation;
- A strong focus on niche categories;
- They bring lots of affiliates so that advertisers can get traffic without heavy recruiting;
Pricing:
- For businesses, FlexOffers has a straightforward cost structure. It requires a $500 one-time setup fee and a $500 refundable deposit (funds your affiliate commissions) to get started.
- Commission rates on FlexOffers can vary widely depending on the advertiser and the product. It can be percentage-based or CPA (Cost Per Action).
FlexOffers Users’ Feedback and Reviews
The platform is generally seen as a reliable network with a few caveats. Some businesses complain about the quality of publishers and customer service.
FlexOffers Pros and Cons
Now, check out this platform’s pros and cons:
Pros:
- User-friendly Dashboard.
- Flexible Payment Options.
- Competitive Commission Rates (Which Brings More Affiliates).
Cons:
- Network Access Fee.
- Quality of Publishers and Affiliates.
9. PartnerCentric
Let’s continue the list of top American affiliate marketing agencies with the largest woman-owned affiliate agency in the US that provides outsourced program management. PartnerCentric emphasizes custom strategy and boutique service.
Best for: Brands that want expert affiliate program management with a personal touch.
Features of PartnerCentric for Businesses:
- Affiliate recruitment;
- Fraud monitoring;
- Detailed reporting;
Pricing:
- PartnerCentric’s pricing will depend on the program scope. Expect a monthly management fee or retainer, possibly combined with performance incentives.
PartnerCentric Users’ Feedback and Reviews
The platform receives high praise from its clients who mostly believe that their biggest strength is communication and transparency in reporting. However, like any other agency, PartnerCentric is not without complaints. Some clients think that their reporting system can be better.
PartnerCentric Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of using PartnerCentric:
Pros:
- Cost-Effective Customer Acquisition.
- Transparency and Control.
Cons:
- Limited Pricing Information
- Reporting and Analytics Need Improvement.
10. Acceleration Partners
Acceleration Partners has a strong global presence, managing programs in over 40 countries. This American affiliate marketing agency offers a wide range of services, including affiliate program management, influencer marketing, content marketing, and B2B partnerships.
Best for: Mid-market and enterprise companies that want expert management of their affiliate program.
Features of Acceleration Partner for Businesses:
- Data-driven strategies;
- Extensive affiliate industry connections;
- Program optimization expertise;
- Global program management;
Pricing:
- As a pure agency, Acceleration Partners charges management fees rather than taking a cut of affiliate sales. Pricing depends on the scope.
Acceleration Partner Users’ Feedback and Reviews
The platform has a great rate among its users believing it delivers excellent results for their businesses. On the flip side, because AP is so highly regarded, expectations are high. One client feedback was that AP initially lacked some strategic guidance at the very beginning, but then improved and delivered flawlessly.
AP Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of Acceleration Partner:
Pros:
- Scalable Strategies.
- Strong Knowledge of Regional Partners.
- Expertise in Partnership Marketing.
Cons:
- High Costs.
- Lack of Communication.
- Poor Performance Management.
Best Alternative to American Affiliate Marketing Agencies: Algorift
Up until now, we have checked different American affiliate marketing agencies alongside their pros and cons. If none of these agencies is suitable for your business, then Algorift will be the best alternative.
Algorift is positioning itself as the superior alternative to traditional affiliate marketing agencies – especially for companies that want more control, lower costs, and direct relationships with their marketing partners.
Furthermore, Algorift is an Amazon affiliate tool, making it possible for businesses to sell their products on Amazon, with better features and more control.
Here are the key advantages of Algorift and why it stands out against the backdrop of other American and Canadian affiliate marketing agencies:
- Free Sign-Up for Businesses and Affiliates;
- Direct Business-to-Affiliate Connection (No Third-Party Middleman);
- Global Reach Without Extra Hassle;
- Customizable Commission Rates;
- No Lock-In and Full Control;
- Transparent Pricing with Free Plan;
You can check out Algorift on its free plan to see whether it’s a suitable option for your business.
Bottom Line
Affiliate marketing is a great choice for most businesses to drive more sales, especially on social media. If you have a business in the US, it’s essential to check out the reviews of the top American affiliate marketing agencies to find the perfect service for your business. If you are looking for an alternative with more affordable prices and better control over your campaigns, then Algorift is the service you should check.
FAQs
Q1: What Exactly Does an Affiliate Marketing Agency Do?
An affiliate marketing agency specializes in managing and optimizing affiliate programs for businesses, handling tasks such as recruiting affiliates, tracking performance, creating marketing materials, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They help businesses expand their reach, increase sales, and maximize ROI by leveraging a network of affiliates who promote products or services in exchange for commissions.
Q2: Do I Really Need an Affiliate Marketing Agency?
Whether you need one depends on your resources and expertise. If you lack the time, knowledge, or infrastructure to manage an affiliate program effectively, hiring an agency can be beneficial. Still, if you can handle it in-house, you may not require their services.
Q3: How Do I Choose the Right Affiliate Marketing Agency in the U.S.?
Look for agencies with experience in your industry, a proven track record of success, transparent pricing, and strong communication. Reading reviews, asking for case studies, and checking client testimonials can also help in making an informed decision.
