Buying guide · Shopping · 6 min read
How Affiliate Links and Cashback Work
Many websites, including review and deal sites, earn money through affiliate links. Cashback and rewards sites use the same system and share part of that commission with you. Knowing how it works helps you judge recommendations and avoid surprises.
Reviewed November 2026- 1
What an affiliate link is
An affiliate link contains a tracking code that tells a retailer which website sent you. If you buy within a set period, the retailer may pay that website a commission.
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Does it change your price?
In most cases the price you pay is the same whether or not you use an affiliate link, because the commission comes from the retailer's marketing budget. Occasionally a site negotiates an exclusive deal, which is a lower price rather than a higher one.
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How cashback sites fit in
Cashback and rewards sites earn affiliate commissions and pass some of that back to you as cash, points or vouchers. Payouts can take weeks to confirm and may be cancelled if the order is returned.
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Why tracking can fail
Ad blockers, cookie settings, switching devices or using a coupon from another site can stop a purchase from being tracked. That rarely affects your order, but it can mean no cashback.
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Look for disclosure
In many countries, sites are expected to clearly disclose when they earn from links, for example under advertising and consumer protection rules. A clear disclosure is a good sign; hidden commercial relationships are a red flag.
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Judge the recommendation, not the link
Earning a commission does not automatically make a recommendation wrong, but it is a reason to check the reasoning. Good guides explain trade-offs and mention downsides.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every recommendation is unbiased.
- Assuming every affiliate recommendation is untrustworthy.
- Counting on cashback before it has been confirmed.
- Buying something you do not need just to earn cashback.
