Awin: what it is, how it works & who it's for

Global affiliate network connecting brands with creators, publishers and cashback sites

Updated · Pricing checked October 2026

ShareASale customers were upgraded to the Awin platform during 2025, and ShareASale was scheduled to close by the end of 2025.

What is Awin?

Awin is a global affiliate marketing network that connects advertisers with publishers, content creators, influencers, cashback sites and tech partners who promote products in exchange for commission. Brands set up a program, partners apply to join, and Awin tracks every click and sale so commissions are paid only on completed conversions. Awin says it links more than 30,000 brands with over one million approved partners across 14 countries.

For advertisers, Awin offers tiered plans, from the self-serve Awin Access plan for new programs to managed services and custom setups for enterprises. For publishers and creators, joining is free, and they earn commission on sales they drive. Awin also absorbed ShareASale, its sister network, by upgrading ShareASale users onto the Awin platform in 2025, so former ShareASale programs now run inside Awin.

Awin at a glance

Awin infographic: how it works in 5 steps, key features, pricing model and who it is best for
Awin at a glance. Share or embed this infographic with a link to this page.

How does Awin work?

  1. Choose a plan and set up tracking

    Advertisers pick Access, Accelerate or Advanced and install tracking, using plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento or a setup wizard.

  2. Set commission rules

    Decide what partners earn per sale. Higher plans allow rules by SKU, coupon code, customer type, campaign and publisher.

  3. Recruit partners

    Use AI partner recommendations and profiles to invite creators, content sites, cashback sites and tech partners, or approve applications.

  4. Track and pay

    Awin tracks clicks and conversions, and advertisers pay partner commission plus Awin's tracking fee on each transaction.

  5. Analyze and optimize

    Review reports, benchmarks and insights from the Ava AI assistant to grow the partners that perform best.

Awin key features

Large partner network

Gives advertisers access to over one million partners, including influencers, editorial sites, cashback and loyalty sites and tech partners.

AI partner recommendations

Suggests relevant affiliates for your brand based on partner profiles and performance data.

Flexible commission rules

Lets you reward partners differently by product, category, new or returning customer, coupon code and more, depending on your plan.

Tracking and reporting

Tracks the customer journey across partners, with enhanced reporting, industry benchmarks and custom reports on higher plans.

Ava AI assistant

An AI helper that surfaces performance insights and recommendations inside the dashboard.

Private networks

Accelerate and Advanced plans include branded private networks for working with your own direct partners.

APIs and plugins

APIs automate tasks and reporting, and plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento simplify setup.

Why use Awin?

  • You only pay commission when a partner drives a completed sale.
  • The partner network is one of the largest in affiliate marketing.
  • The Access plan gives small brands a low-cost, self-managed way to start.
  • Flexible commission rules let you reward the partners and products that matter most.
  • International reach helps brands expand affiliate programs into new countries.

Who is Awin best for?

A good fit for

  • Ecommerce brands launching or scaling an affiliate program
  • Retail and travel brands selling across several countries
  • Former ShareASale advertisers and affiliates
  • Content creators and bloggers looking for brands to promote

Less suited to

  • SaaS companies wanting an in-house referral tool they fully control
  • Very small stores with few sales, since monthly and tracking fees add up
  • Brands that only want to work with a handful of known partners

Awin pricing

Pricing modelSubscription
Free planNo
Free trialFirst month free on Access
Starting price$49/month plus 3.5% tracking fee per transaction

Access costs $49/month with a 3.5% tracking fee and a 3-month minimum term, while Accelerate starts at $99/month with a 2.5% fee and adds APIs and unlimited commission groups. Advanced is custom priced, and partner commissions are paid on top.

Prices checked October 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official Awin pricing page before you buy.

Awin pros and cons

Pros

  • Very large and diverse partner network
  • Low-cost self-serve entry plan
  • Detailed commission rules on higher tiers
  • Strong international coverage

Cons

  • Costs combine a monthly fee, tracking fee and partner commission
  • Access plan has a 3-month minimum term and limited commission rules
  • Managing many partners takes ongoing time

Awin integrations and platforms

Works with

  • Shopify
  • WooCommerce
  • Magento

Available on

  • Web
  • API

Awin alternatives

Awin FAQ

How much does Awin cost?

For advertisers in the US, Awin Access costs $49 per month plus a 3.5 percent tracking fee on each transaction, with the first month free and a 3-month minimum term. Accelerate starts at $99 per month with a 2.5 percent fee, and Advanced is custom priced. Partner commissions are set by you and paid on top.

Is Awin free for publishers?

Yes. Publishers, content creators and influencers can join Awin without paying a fee. They apply to brand programs, share tracked links and earn the commission each advertiser sets on completed sales. Fees on Awin are paid by advertisers, who cover the monthly plan cost and Awin's per-transaction tracking fee.

What happened to ShareASale?

ShareASale was a sister affiliate network to Awin. During 2025, ShareASale advertisers and publishers were upgraded onto the Awin platform, keeping their tracking and partnerships, and ShareASale was scheduled to close by the end of 2025. New brands and affiliates are directed to sign up with Awin directly.

Awin vs CJ Affiliate: what's the difference?

Both are large affiliate networks with thousands of brands and publishers. Awin offers a published self-serve plan from $49 per month, making it easier for smaller brands to start, plus strong international reach. CJ Affiliate focuses more on enterprise programs with custom pricing and managed services. Larger brands often compare both and sometimes use more than one.

Does Awin integrate with Shopify?

Yes. Awin provides plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento to set up tracking on your store, and a setup wizard guides self-managed advertisers on the Access plan. Technical integration add-ons are available for stores that need extra help with tracking or custom setups.

Sources

This overview is based on Awin's official website and documentation, checked October 2026.