When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

AffiliateCMS.com

ClickBank Reviews

clickbank.com Affiliate network United States Est. 1998
Editor's rating
4.2/5
User rating
No reviews yet
Join ClickBank →
0
Commission
Up to 75%+ (digital)
Cookie
60 days
Min payout
$10 (configurable)
Payments
Weekly or biweekly
Programs
Advertisement

Overview

ClickBank is one of the oldest and largest affiliate networks for digital products, having operated since 1998. The platform connects publishers with vendors selling e-books, courses, software, and other information products, primarily through a self-serve marketplace model. Its main draw for affiliate marketers is the potential for high commissions on digital goods, though the quality and legitimacy of available products varies considerably.

Commissions and payouts

ClickBank offers commission rates up to 75 percent or higher on digital products, which is substantially above traditional retail affiliate programs. Payouts occur weekly or biweekly depending on your preference, with a low minimum threshold of $10 before funds can be withdrawn. Payment methods include bank transfer, check, and Payoneer, providing reasonable flexibility for international and domestic publishers.

How to join

Joining ClickBank requires creating an account on their website and completing a basic application process. Approval is typically quick, though the network reserves the right to decline applicants or accounts engaged in prohibited promotional methods. Once approved, you can immediately access the marketplace and begin generating affiliate links for available products.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • High commission rates, frequently 50-75% or more on digital products
  • Fast and flexible payouts with low $10 minimum threshold and multiple payment methods
  • Large marketplace with thousands of products available for promotion
  • Quick account approval process with minimal barriers to entry

Cons

  • Marketplace includes low-quality and predatory products; due diligence required before promotion
  • Limited support options and slow response times for account issues
  • Stricter compliance policies than some networks, with risk of account suspension for policy violations
  • 60-day cookie duration is shorter than many competing affiliate programs

Who it is best for

ClickBank works best for affiliate marketers with existing audiences in niches like self-help, fitness, finance, weight loss, and personal development. Publishers who can drive consistent traffic and have experience promoting digital products will see the strongest results. The network is less suitable for those seeking brand-name or mainstream retail products, as its catalog focuses almost entirely on independent vendors and digital goods.

Verdict

ClickBank remains a viable affiliate network for performance-driven publishers comfortable with its product ecosystem, though success depends heavily on audience relevance and promotional skill. The high commissions and favorable payout terms are attractive, but the marketplace includes predatory vendors and lower-quality products alongside legitimate offerings. Publishers should research individual vendors carefully and maintain strict compliance with ClickBank's terms to avoid account suspension.

Advertisement
Advertisement

User reviews

Be the first to review ClickBank. Share your experience to help other affiliates.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get approved as a ClickBank affiliate?
Approval is typically immediate or within a few hours of submitting your application. ClickBank has a relatively low barrier to entry compared to other networks, though they may request additional information or deny applications that appear to violate their policies.
Are the advertised commission rates of 75% actually what most affiliates earn?
Commission rates vary significantly by product, with many vendors offering 50-60% rather than the maximum 75%. You should check the commission percentage for each specific product before promoting it, as vendors set their own rates within ClickBank's framework.
What does the 60-day cookie duration mean for my earnings?
A 60-day cookie means a customer has 60 days from clicking your affiliate link to make a purchase for you to earn the commission. This is shorter than some competitors offer, so timely conversions are important for maximizing earnings.
When exactly do I get paid, and can I withdraw before the minimum is reached?
ClickBank pays out either weekly or biweekly depending on your preference, and you must reach the $10 minimum balance to initiate a withdrawal. Once approved for payout, funds typically arrive within a few business days depending on your payment method.
What kinds of products and vendors are available in the ClickBank marketplace?
ClickBank primarily hosts digital products including e-books, online courses, software, and information products in niches like health, fitness, finance, and self-improvement. The marketplace also includes some physical products and services, but digital goods are the dominant category.
Is ClickBank a legitimate and safe network to work with?
ClickBank itself is a legitimate, established company operating since 1998, but the marketplace includes vendors of varying quality and ethics. Publishers should research individual products and vendors before promoting them, as some may make unsubstantiated claims or operate deceptively.
Who should avoid ClickBank, and who is it really best suited for?
ClickBank is best for experienced affiliate marketers with audiences in health, finance, and self-help niches who understand performance marketing and can drive consistent traffic. Beginners unfamiliar with digital product promotion, publishers seeking mainstream retail affiliates, or those uncomfortable with the product quality variation should consider other networks.