Affiliate
Amazon Associates: the 3-sales-in-180-days rule explained
When to apply, what counts as a qualified sale, and the mistakes that get beginners rejected.
Platform rules change often. Requirements below were checked against official pages in October 2026; always confirm on the linked source before applying.
Amazon Associates approves you provisionally. You then need at least 3 qualified sales within 180 days, or the application is withdrawn (Amazon Associates help).
What doesn't count
- Your own, friends' or family's orders.
- Since April 14, 2026, purchases referred via paid or boosted ads, with limited exceptions (Amazon).
Who qualifies
Sites need robust original content (around 10 posts is a common rule of thumb). Social pages need an established, substantive organic following, "in most cases, at least 500" (Amazon).
When to apply
Because the clock starts at application, apply once you have an audience that already asks "where did you get that?"