Originally published at https://marketaffiliatehelp.com/blog/amazon-associates-canada-vs-us--which-pays-more.html?utm_source=devto&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=mah_affiliate&utm_content=hostinger
Amazon Associates Canada vs US: Which Pays More?
Published 2026-04-20 · marketaffiliatehelp.com
Amazon Associates Canada vs US: Which Pays More?
If you're a Canadian affiliate marketer looking to maximize your earnings, you've probably wondered whether to join Amazon Associates Canada or the US program. It's a question I get asked constantly, and honestly, the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.
Both programs have their merits, but the "which pays more" question depends on several factors beyond just commission rates. Let me break down everything you need to know to make the smartest choice for your affiliate business.
Commission Structure: The Numbers Game
Here's where things get interesting. Amazon Associates US typically offers higher commission rates across most categories. For example, luxury beauty products can earn you up to 10% in the US program, while Canada caps most categories at 8%. Electronics and computers sit at 2.5% in the US versus 1-3% in Canada.
But here's the catch – higher rates don't automatically mean higher earnings. The US program operates on a tiered system where your commission rate increases based on monthly qualifying purchases. Canada uses a simpler, more predictable structure.
The US program also has more product categories with higher commission rates, particularly in niches like luxury goods and certain digital products. However, Canada's program tends to be more stable with less frequent rate changes.
Audience and Market Size Considerations
This is where Canadian affiliates need to think strategically. The US market is roughly 10 times larger than Canada's, which means potentially more customers and higher conversion volumes. If you're targeting American audiences with your content, the US program makes sense.
However, if your audience is primarily Canadian, promoting Amazon.ca often converts better than sending them to Amazon.com. Canadians prefer shopping domestically for faster shipping, easier returns, and no currency conversion headaches.
I've seen Canadian affiliates struggle with the US program because their audience bounces when redirected to Amazon.com, resulting in lower conversion rates despite higher commission percentages.
Currency and Payment Differences
Payment processing varies significantly between programs. Amazon Associates Canada pays in CAD directly to Canadian bank accounts with no conversion fees. The US program pays in USD, which means currency conversion costs and potential delays in international transfers.
With currency fluctuations, your USD earnings might look great one month and disappointing the next when converted to CAD. This unpredictability makes financial planning trickier for Canadian affiliates.
The payment thresholds also differ. Canada requires a $25 CAD minimum for direct deposit, while the US program requires $10 USD. Both offer gift card payments starting at lower thresholds.
Product Availability and Pricing
Amazon.ca doesn't carry every product available on Amazon.com. This limitation can hurt Canadian affiliates who want to promote specific items that simply aren't available to their audience.
Pricing differences between the two markets also affect your earnings. The same product might cost $100 CAD on Amazon.ca but $75 USD on Amazon.com. Even with higher commission rates, the absolute dollar amount of your commission might be lower on the cheaper US product.
Prime membership benefits also differ between countries, affecting customer behavior and purchase patterns. Canadian Prime members get different perks, which can influence conversion rates.
Geographic Restrictions and Compliance
Here's something many affiliates overlook: Amazon Associates has specific geographic requirements. The US program requires you to have a significant US audience or be promoting to US customers primarily. You can't just join whichever program you prefer.
Amazon tracks where your traffic comes from and where purchases are delivered. If you're sending primarily Canadian traffic to the US program, you might face account issues.
Tax implications also differ. US earnings might require additional tax paperwork and reporting, while Canadian earnings integrate more simply into your domestic tax situation.
Which Program Actually Pays More in Practice?
Based on data from Canadian affiliates I've worked with, the answer depends entirely on your niche and audience:
US Program wins for: Tech reviews, luxury goods, digital products, and affiliates with genuinely mixed North American audiences.
Canada Program wins for: General product reviews, Canadian-focused content, local SEO traffic, and affiliates prioritizing stable, predictable income.
Most successful Canadian affiliates I know actually use both programs strategically, directing traffic based on their audience's location and product availability.
Setting Up for Success
Regardless of which program you choose, having reliable hosting is crucial for your affiliate sites. I use Hostinger VPS for all my projects (affiliate link) because their Canadian data centers provide excellent loading speeds for both Canadian and US visitors, which directly impacts conversion rates.
Fast-loading sites convert better, and with Amazon's 24-hour cookie window, every second counts in keeping visitors engaged long enough to make purchases.
My Honest Recommendation
If you're just starting out and your audience is primarily Canadian, begin with Amazon Associates Canada. The simpler structure, local currency, and better audience alignment typically result in higher actual earnings, even if the rates look lower on paper.
Once you're established and understand your traffic patterns, consider expanding to the US program if it makes sense for your audience. Many successful Canadian affiliates run both programs simultaneously, using geographic targeting to optimize their earnings.
The "which pays more" question isn't just about commission rates – it's about conversion rates, audience behavior, and sustainable business practices. Focus on providing genuine value to your audience first, and the earnings will follow.
Ready to explore more affiliate programs beyond Amazon? Browse our comprehensive directory of Canadian-friendly affiliate programs to diversify your income streams and reduce dependence on any single program.
