Are your affiliate commission rates competitive? Our 2026 benchmark data across 8 verticals shows what top-performing programs actually pay.
Quick Answer
What is a good affiliate commission rate by vertical in 2026?
Good affiliate commission rates in 2026 vary by vertical: Consumer Electronics 3-8%, Home & Kitchen 4-12%, Health & Personal Care 5-18%, Sports & Outdoors 5-15%, Fashion 6-20%, and SaaS 20-50%. Top-performing programs pay 2% above the vertical average, which drives 31% more T1 publisher activations within 90 days.
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2026 Affiliate Commission Benchmarks
Commission rate benchmarking is the single most impactful lever for publisher recruitment. A program paying below-market rates will struggle to attract T1 publishers regardless of brand strength.
Benchmarks by Vertical
Consumer Electronics
- ◆Market average: 3–5%
- ◆Top-performer rate: 6–8%
- ◆AOV range: $80–$400
- ◆EPC benchmark: $0.45–$0.90
Home & Kitchen Appliances
- ◆Market average: 4–7%
- ◆Top-performer rate: 8–12%
- ◆AOV range: $120–$600
- ◆EPC benchmark: $0.60–$1.40
Health & Personal Care
- ◆Market average: 5–10%
- ◆Top-performer rate: 12–18%
- ◆AOV range: $35–$150
- ◆EPC benchmark: $0.30–$0.80
Sports & Outdoors
- ◆Market average: 5–8%
- ◆Top-performer rate: 10–15%
- ◆AOV range: $60–$250
- ◆EPC benchmark: $0.50–$1.20
Fashion & Apparel
- ◆Market average: 6–10%
- ◆Top-performer rate: 12–20%
- ◆AOV range: $50–$200
- ◆EPC benchmark: $0.40–$1.00
Software & SaaS
- ◆Market average: 20–30%
- ◆Top-performer rate: 30–50%
- ◆AOV range: $50–$500 (monthly)
- ◆EPC benchmark: $2.00–$8.00
Key Insight: The 2% Rule
Our analysis across 40+ brand programs shows that increasing commission rates by 2% above the vertical benchmark drives 31% more T1 publisher activations within 90 days. The incremental commission cost is almost always offset within 60 days through incremental GMV.
How to Use This Data
Benchmark your program against your vertical, identify if you're below market, and model the GMV impact of a rate increase.
