About Walmart
Walmart Inc. is an American multinational retail corporation headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, it operates a vast chain of hypermarkets (Supercenters), discount department stores, and grocery stores.
Walmart’s business model is centered on offering “Every Day Low Prices” (EDLP) through economies of scale, making it one of the world’s largest companies by revenue and the largest private employer globally.
In recent years, Walmart has significantly expanded its digital and e-commerce strategies to compete in the online retail space, offering a wide array of products ranging from electronics and home goods to clothing and groceries.
Walmart Affiliate Program Overview
The Walmart Affiliate Program is a performance-based marketing initiative that allows individuals and businesses (affiliates) to earn a commission by promoting Walmart’s products through unique tracking links or banners on their own platforms.
The program operates on a Cost Per Sale (CPS) model, meaning affiliates earn a percentage of the sales they successfully refer to Walmart. It provides affiliates with access to the brand’s vast catalog and strong brand recognition.
| Feature | Details |
| Industry | Retail, E-commerce, Wholesale Trade |
| Product Type | Digital and Physical Products (Electronics, Home, Fashion, Groceries, etc.) |
| Affiliate Program Type | CPS (Cost Per Sale) – Single-tier commission structure |
Walmart Affiliate Program Offers
Walmart provides its affiliates with various tools and terms to facilitate promotion and conversion. The cookie duration is notably longer than some key competitors, which can be an advantage for affiliates. The program maintains strict content guidelines to ensure all promotions align with Walmart’s family-friendly image.
| Offer Detail | Information |
| Promotional Materials | Banners, text links, access to data feeds for top-selling products, WordPress Plugin, Chrome Extension. |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | Typically 3 days (72 hours). |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Websites, blogs, social media profiles (YouTube, etc.), and email newsletters (must comply with terms). |
| Accepted Countries | Primarily the United States (Specific country acceptance should be confirmed upon application, as regional programs exist, e.g., Walmart Canada). |
| Explicit Content | Not Accepted (Prohibited; content must be family-friendly and high-quality). |
| Religious or Political Content | Not Accepted (Prohibited; content should be neutral and non-offensive). |
Walmart Affiliate Commissions & Payments
The Walmart Affiliate Program offers a commission structure that varies by product category, though a common rate is frequently cited. Payments are generally handled monthly through the affiliate network or platform the program uses.
| Payment Detail | Information |
| MLM | Not Applicable (Single-tier commission structure, not Multi-Level Marketing) |
| Commission Rate | Varies by product category. Often cited as up to 4% on eligible sales (some categories may be lower or excluded). |
| Commission Structure | Fixed percentage per sale (CPS), with rates based on the specific product category. |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (Payments are typically processed 30-60 days after the end of the month in which the sales were approved). |
| Payout Methods | PayPal, Direct Deposit, or Cheque (Varies based on the affiliate network used). |
| Minimum Payout | Typically $10 (Varies slightly based on the affiliate network used). |
Suitable Affiliates for Walmart Affiliate
The Walmart Affiliate Program is suitable for a wide range of content creators and marketers due to its massive, diverse product catalog that covers nearly every consumer need. The key requirement is having a platform with high-quality, relevant, and family-friendly content that primarily targets a US audience.
| Affiliate Type | Suitability |
| Bloggers | Highly Suitable. Especially those focusing on product reviews, parenting, home goods, fashion hauls, budgeting/deals, and comparison shopping. |
| TikTokers | Suitable. If they can effectively integrate product links (e.g., using a link-in-bio tool or through a Creator program), focusing on viral products, deals, or daily essentials. |
| KOC (Key Opinion Consumers) | Suitable. As they often focus on honest, accessible product reviews and everyday savings, which aligns well with Walmart’s brand. |
| KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) | Suitable. For those whose brand and content align with the general retail and family-friendly image of Walmart. |
| Influencers | Highly Suitable. Especially those in the lifestyle, fashion, tech, or home niche with a substantial US-based following. |
| YouTubers | Highly Suitable. For review channels, haul videos, recipe channels (for grocery and kitchen items), and setup guides (for electronics/home goods). |
| Video editors | Indirectly Suitable. They would need an audience platform (like a blog or social media account) to share the links; editing skill is a means to content creation, not the affiliate channel itself. |
| Livestreamers | Suitable. Especially for product demos, “shop with me” content, or reviewing new release items where links can be shared live. |
Walmart Affiliate Software
Walmart uses a combination of its own systems and external affiliate management networks to run its program. Historically, and in some current international markets (like Canada), Walmart has partnered with major third-party affiliate networks.
- Walmart primarily uses external Affiliate Management Networks to manage its affiliate program, such as Rakuten Advertising (LinkShare) and Impact Radius (or similar platforms depending on the region/campaign).
- In some sources, the program is also described as using a Custom/Proprietary system or simply being listed on directories like Post Affiliate Pro, which suggests a custom solution may be utilized alongside a major network for tracking and management.
- The brand does not exclusively rely on in-house affiliate management software but leverages established third-party platforms for the technology and tracking.
3 Alternatives for Walmart Affiliate Program
Walmart’s main competitors in the retail and e-commerce affiliate space offer robust programs that cater to similar audiences. The three main alternatives often cited are Amazon Associates, Target Affiliate Program, and the eBay Partner Network.
| Comparison Factor | Walmart Affiliate Program | Amazon Associates | Target Affiliate Program | eBay Partner Network (ePN) |
| Average Bill | Moderate-High. Wide range of products, including high-ticket items (electronics, appliances). | Moderate-High. Massive selection, including premium and high-end marketplace items. | Moderate. Focus on everyday essentials, groceries, and mid-range goods. | Varies Widely. Depends on product type (new, used, collector’s items). |
| Entry Fees | $0 (Free to Join) | $0 (Free to Join) | $0 (Free to Join) | $0 (Free to Join) |
| Withdrawal Threshold | Typically $10 (Varies by network) | $10 (Direct Deposit/Gift Card) or $100 (Cheque) | $10 (Via network like Impact) | $10 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly (Net 30-60 days) | Monthly (Net 60 days) | Monthly (Varies by network) | Monthly |
| Commission | Up to 4% (Varies by category) | 1% to 10% (Varies significantly by category, high for fashion) | 1% to 8% (Varies by category and sales volume tier) | 50% – 70% of eBay’s revenue (Varies by category) |
| Cookie Duration | 3 days | 24 hours | 7 days | 24 hours |
| Marketing Materials | Banners, Text Links, Data Feeds, Widgets/Extensions | SiteStripe (Link tool), Banners, Product Links, Custom Links | Banners, Text Links, Data Feeds | Tools for link generation, Banners, APIs (for advanced users) |