About American Eagle

American Eagle Outfitters (often abbreviated as AE) is a leading global specialty retailer known for offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories, and personal care products at affordable prices. Founded in 1977, the brand targets primarily 15-to-25-year-old men and women.

They are particularly famous for their denim (jeans) and their sub-brand Aerie, which focuses on lingerie, activewear, and swimwear while promoting body positivity and inclusivity (#AerieREAL). The brand projects an image of youth, freedom, and individuality.

American Eagle Affiliate Program Overview

The American Eagle affiliate program allows partners to earn commissions by referring customers to their online store. It is a performance-based partnership ideal for fashion and lifestyle creators.

Feature Details
Industry Fashion & Retail (Apparel, Accessories, Personal Care)
Product Type Physical Products (Jeans, Tops, Activewear, Intimates)
Affiliate Program Type CPS (Cost Per Sale)

American Eagle Affiliate Program Offers

This section outlines the rules and assets provided to affiliates to help them promote the brand effectively.

Feature Details
Promotional Materials Banners, Text Links, Product Data Feeds, SmartLinks, Deep Linking.
Affiliate Cookie Duration 60 Days (Standard program via CJ/Impact)

(Note: Some sub-networks may offer 14-30 days)
Accepted Traffic Sources Blogs, Content Sites, Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube), Influencer Networks.

(Restricted: Paid Search/PPC bidding on brand terms, Pop-ups)
Accepted Countries Primarily USA, Canada, Mexico, UK.

(Specific campaigns exist for MENA regions via different networks)
Explicit Content Strictly Prohibited. No sexually explicit, violent, libelous, or illegal content.
Religious or Political Content Restricted. Content must be “Brand Safe.” Highly controversial political or religious content is generally not permitted.

American Eagle Affiliate Commissions & Payments

Here is the breakdown of how and when you get paid.

Feature Details
MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) No. This is a single-tier affiliate program.
Commission Rate 2% – 5% per sale.

(Rates vary by region and network; influencers in the “Live Your Life” program may earn higher tiers)
Commission Structure Percentage of Net Sales (excluding shipping, taxes, and returns).
Payout Frequency Monthly (typically net 30 or net 60 terms).
Payout Methods Direct Deposit, Check, PayPal, Payoneer (Network dependent).
Minimum Payout $25 – $100 (Depends on the network, e.g., CJ is usually $100).

Suitable Affiliates for American Eagle

The program is highly visual and trend-focused, making it ideal for creators with a younger audience (Gen Z and Millennials).

  • Bloggers: Fashion and lifestyle bloggers who can create “Outfit of the Day” posts, denim reviews, or back-to-school shopping guides.
  • TikTokers: Creators who participate in fashion trends, “haul” videos, or try-on sessions (especially for Aerie leggings and AE jeans).
  • KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Everyday customers who genuinely love the brand and share honest reviews on social platforms.
  • KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Established fashion figures who can influence purchasing decisions through style advice and trend forecasting.
  • Influencers: Instagram and Snapchat influencers who focus on body positivity, casual style, and student life.
  • YouTubers: Creators producing long-form content like “Jeans Collection,” “Seasonal Hauls,” or “Brand Comparison” videos.
  • Video Editors: Curators on platforms like Pinterest or Instagram Reels who create aesthetic mood boards featuring AE clothing.
  • Livestreamers: Hosts on platforms like Amazon Live or TikTok Shop who demonstrate product fit, fabric quality, and sizing in real-time.

American Eagle Affiliate Software

American Eagle does not use in-house software for its general affiliate program. It utilizes third-party affiliate networks to manage tracking, reporting, and payments.

  • Primary Network: CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction) is the main partner for the US/Global program.
  • Other Networks: They may also work with Impact, Sovrn, or DCMnetwork (for specific regions like the Middle East).

3 Alternatives for American Eagle Affiliate Program

If you are looking for similar fashion programs to diversify your income, here are three direct competitors compared against American Eagle.

Factors American Eagle Gap (inc. Old Navy) Urban Outfitters Forever 21
Average Bill (AOV) ~$60 – $80 ~$50 – $70 ~$80 – $100 ~$40 – $60
Entry Fees Free Free Free Free
Withdrawal Threshold ~$50 – $100 ~$50 ~$50 ~$50
Payment Frequency Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly
Commission 2% – 5% 4% (1% on sale items) 2% – 5% 1% – 4%
Cookie Duration 60 Days 1 Day (24 Hours) 1 – 30 Days 30 Days
Conversion Rate High (Strong brand loyalty) High (Mass appeal) Medium (Niche aesthetic) Medium (Fast fashion)
Marketing Materials Banners, Data Feed Banners, Widgets Banners, Data Feed Banners, Text Links