Amazon Associates Rules: 9 Mistakes That Can Get Your Account Closed
Amazon Associates is one of the easiest affiliate programs to join, and one of the easiest to get kicked out of. Accounts are often closed for simple, avoidable mistakes, sometimes with commissions forfeited. Here are the 9 we see most, and how to avoid each one.
1. Missing the required disclosure
Amazon requires the statement “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” (or “we earn”) on your site. The FTC also expects a clear disclosure near affiliate links. Put it in your footer and near links in posts.
2. Putting affiliate links in emails or offline materials
Amazon doesn’t allow affiliate links in emails, newsletters, PDFs or e-books you distribute, or in offline materials. Instead, link from your email to a blog post, and put the Amazon links there.
3. Showing static prices
Prices on Amazon change constantly. Typing a price into your post (“only $29!”) can break the rules and mislead readers. Use wording like “check current price”, or show prices only through Amazon’s official tools that update automatically.
4. Copying Amazon product images
Downloading product photos from Amazon and uploading them to your site isn’t allowed. Use images provided through Amazon’s official tools (such as SiteStripe or the Product Advertising API), or your own photos.
5. Buying through your own links
Purchases you make for yourself through your own links don’t qualify, and neither do orders from people you ask to buy on your behalf.
6. Offering incentives to click or buy
You can’t offer rewards, contests, cashback or “buy through my link and I’ll send you a bonus” deals for using your Amazon links.
7. Hiding that a link goes to Amazon
Readers should know they’re heading to Amazon. Label buttons clearly, such as “Check price on Amazon”, rather than disguising the destination.
8. Not making 3 sales in your first 180 days
New accounts must generate qualifying sales within the first 180 days or the application is closed. You can reapply, but it’s better to apply once you have some traffic.
9. Using paid ads that target Amazon’s brand
Bidding on “Amazon” or close variations in search ads, or sending paid ad traffic straight to Amazon with your links, is restricted. Send paid traffic to your own content first.
Simple habit: once a quarter, skim the current Operating Agreement and Program Policies in Associates Central. Rules change, and “I didn’t know” isn’t accepted as an excuse.
A quick compliance checklist
| Check | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Required Amazon statement in footer | ☐ |
| Disclosure near links in each post | ☐ |
| No Amazon links in emails or PDFs | ☐ |
| No typed-in prices | ☐ |
| No copied Amazon images | ☐ |
| Buttons clearly say “Amazon” | ☐ |
Want to see compliant Amazon links in action? Our desk accessories guide uses “check price” buttons, illustrative images and clear disclosures. New to affiliate marketing? Start with our beginner’s guide.
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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, InsightHive earns from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions from other links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change; check the retailer for current details.
This article summarizes common rules for general information. Amazon updates its Associates Program Operating Agreement and policies regularly; always check the current versions in Associates Central.
