With over 5,000 stores worldwide, Ace Hardware dominates hardware retail. Their affiliate program lets you earn commissions on tools, home improvement, and DIY supplies sold on AceHardware.com.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Ace Hardware affiliate program—from commissions to approval to earning strategies.
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What is Ace Hardware?
Founded in 1924, Ace Hardware is the world’s largest hardware cooperative. They offer over 100,000 products across paint, lawn & garden, tools, and home goods.
The company operates through over 5,000 independent stores in 65 countries. Each store focuses on personal service, not big-box efficiency.
In 2021, Ace Hardware reported $7.8 billion in yearly revenue. Their co-op model lets local owners use Ace’s brand, supply chain, and marketing.
How the Ace Hardware Affiliate Program Works
The Ace Hardware affiliate program pays you to promote their products through your content.
You join through Impact (a major affiliate network). After approval, you get custom tracking links and promo materials—product feeds, banners, logos.
The program works best for home improvement blogs, DIY YouTube channels, and construction influencers. Anyone with hardware-interested audiences can benefit.
Commission Structure and Payment Terms of Ace Hardware Affiliate Program
- Base commission: 2% on all qualifying purchases
- Cookie duration: 10 days
- Excluded categories: Gift cards, delivery/assembly services
Payment details:
- Payouts: Monthly via direct deposit, BACS, or PayPal
- Minimum threshold: $10
- Processing: Done through the Impact network
The 10-day cookie means you earn commissions on purchases made within 10 days of the click. This includes repeat orders during that time.
Pros and Cons of the Ace Hardware Program
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Strong brand recognition | Highly competitive DIY market |
| Over 100,000 products | Low 2% commission rate |
| 10-day cookie tracks multiple buys | Short cookie duration vs. competitors |
| Ready-made promo materials | $10 minimum payout threshold |
Why the brand matters: Ace Hardware’s 100-year reputation drives higher conversion rates than unknown retailers.
The competition reality: Home improvement is a crowded niche. You need special content to stand out.
The commission tradeoff: 2% is low (3–5% is typical). You will need high traffic or higher-priced item sales to earn real income.
How to Join Ace Hardware Affiliate Program in 5 Steps
Step 1: Access the application
Visit the Ace Hardware affiliate page and click “Sign up now.”
Step 2: Complete the form
Give your website URL, traffic stats, content focus, and payment details.
Step 3: Wait for approval
Ace Hardware checks applications within 1–2 business days. They prefer sites with existing DIY/home improvement content.
Step 4: Access your dashboard
Once approved, log into Impact to get your unique tracking links and promo assets.
Step 5: Start promoting
Place links in your content and share them across your channels.
Is This Program Worth Your Time?
If you’re hoping this program will become your main source of income, you’ll be disappointed. The 2% commission rate is low—it’s definitely not a get-rich-quick scheme.
I see Ace Hardware as a solid source of extra income, not a standalone business.
The main strength of the program isn’t the commission rate; it’s the brand recognition . People trust Ace. When I link to a tool from them, my audience converts well because they know and like the “helpful hardware folks.” Plus, their 10-day cookie is great for capturing multiple small purchases, which adds up.
For me, it became a valuable way to monetize the tools I already use in my tutorials. If you’re consistently making helpful content, this program validates that it works with steady, volume-based payments. I found that combining it with other programs (like those for higher-ticket items like appliances) was key to diversifying my revenue stream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an Ace Hardware affiliate app?
No. You access the program through Impact’s web dashboard only.
Do beginners qualify for approval?
Yes, if you have published DIY or home improvement content. New sites without content usually get rejected.
Does joining cost anything?
No. The Ace Hardware affiliate program is free to join.
Are there minimum traffic requirements?
Ace Hardware doesn’t list exact thresholds. But applications with 1,000+ monthly visitors and 10+ articles have better approval rates.
Can I promote other hardware affiliate programs at the same time?
Yes. You can combine Ace Hardware with Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other complementary programs.
Alternative Hardware Affiliate Programs
Since the home improvement and DIY niche is huge, it’s wise to diversify your income beyond just Ace Hardware. Affiliates often succeed by promoting a mix of high-volume (low commission) and high-ticket (higher commission) retailers.
Here are the best hardware and home improvement affiliate programs to consider combining with Ace Hardware:
1. The Home Depot Affiliate Program
- Unique Focus: As the largest home improvement retailer in the US, Home Depot offers massive brand trust and an inventory size that is nearly unmatched. They are the go-to for major appliances and contractor-level tools.
- Commission Structure: Commissions are variable. You can earn up to 8% on high-margin categories like home décor, furniture, and garden center items. However, the rate is often much lower (1–2%) on large appliances, building materials, and tools. They also offer bounties for installation service leads (like furnace or flooring installation).
- Ideal Content Fit: Review sites focusing on large appliances (refrigerators, washers), smart home tech, and seasonal sales guides (Black Friday/Holiday deals).
- Network: Impact.
2. Lowe’s Creator Program
- Unique Focus: Lowe’s positions itself as slightly more focused on décor, fashion-forward home trends, and installation services than Home Depot. Their “Creator Program” is designed specifically for publishers.
- Commission Structure: Commissions vary but are competitive, often offering 2% to 4% on most products. They frequently provide higher promotional commissions during specific sales events (e.g., 6% during spring gardening season).
- Ideal Content Fit: Influencers, interior design blogs, and content creators who generate visual content (Instagram, TikTok). The program lets creators build custom storefronts and unique product idea lists.
- Network: Impact.
3. True Value Hardware Affiliate Program
- Unique Focus: True Value operates a cooperative model similar to Ace Hardware, supporting independent retailers. This makes them a strong local-market alternative. They focus heavily on everyday hardware, paint, and outdoor supplies.
- Commission Structure: Affiliates can expect commissions in the 3% to 4% range, which is higher than Ace’s 2% base rate.
- Ideal Content Fit: Blogs that review specific niche products like paint brands or hand tools, and sites targeting localized audiences looking to support independent businesses.
- Network: FlexOffers and Admitad.
4. Walmart Affiliate Program
- Unique Focus: While not a dedicated hardware store, Walmart offers a massive selection of high-volume, low-cost tools, DIY gear, and seasonal items (like grills and patio furniture). Their strength is price comparison.
- Commission Structure: Commissions vary by category, typically ranging from 1% to 4%. The volume potential is extremely high, especially around major shopping holidays.
- Ideal Content Fit: Deal sites, coupon aggregators, and publishers who focus on comparing prices between Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart for everyday essentials. Their simple, self-serve link tools make promotion easy.
- Network: Self-managed portal and various sub-networks.
5. Tractor Supply Affiliate Program
- Unique Focus: Tractor Supply program is ideal for niche publishers focused on rural living, farming, homesteading, or large outdoor projects. They specialize in fencing, power equipment, animal care, and large-scale DIY.
- Commission Structure: Commissions generally fall in the 2% to 4% range. Because their products are often high-ticket (e.g., generators, riding mowers), the average dollar per conversion is high.
- Ideal Content Fit: Blogs and YouTube channels covering land management, livestock, off-grid living, and heavy-duty equipment reviews.
- Network: FlexOffers and Admitad.
