Awin Review 2026: How Awin Works For Publishers, Deposit, Payouts And How To Join
Lily Roberts
Senior Marketing Strategist
11.08.2026
Quick answer: Awin is one of the world’s largest affiliate networks and the most widely used one in the UK. Publishers join once, then apply to individual brand programmes, each with its own commission and cookie. Awin asks new publishers for a small refundable deposit (shown as £5 on its UK site), pays out once you pass your chosen threshold, from £20 for GBP payments, and hosts retailers such as Boots, Currys, Etsy and Marks & Spencer.
If you publish for British readers, Awin is likely to host many of the brands you want to promote. It also runs programmes across Europe, the US and Australia, and the Awin Group includes ShareASale and Commission Factory.
This review explains how Awin works for publishers, what it costs, how you get paid and how to get approved.
What Is Awin?
Awin is an affiliate network: a platform that connects advertisers, the brands, with publishers, the websites, creators and apps that promote them. Brands set up programmes on Awin with their own commission rates, creatives and terms. Publishers apply to the programmes they want, generate tracking links and get paid by Awin for all their approved commissions in one payment.
Awin does not set a single commission rate. Each brand decides what it pays, so earnings depend entirely on the programmes you join.
Awin At A Glance
Term
Details
Type
Affiliate network
Cost to join
Small refundable deposit, shown as £5 on Awin’s UK site; returned with your first payment
Commission
Set by each brand
Cookie
Set by each brand, often 7 to 30 days
Minimum threshold
From £20 or €20; default thresholds apply if you do not set one
Payment
Bank transfer on Awin’s payment schedule
Markets
UK, Europe, US, Australia and more
Group brands
Awin, ShareASale and Commission Factory
The Awin Deposit Explained
Awin is unusual in asking publishers for a payment during sign-up. Awin says the deposit deters people from creating multiple accounts and helps verify bank details. It is not a fee: the amount is credited to your account and paid back with your first commission payment once you reach your threshold. Brands can also send invitation links that skip the deposit.
How Awin Pays Publishers
You choose a payment threshold, with minimums of £20 for GBP and €20 for euro payments. If you do not choose one, Awin applies a default, such as 50 GBP, EUR, USD or AUD and 100 CAD. Commissions only become payable once brands approve them and pay Awin, so most publishers see a delay of one to two months between a sale and the payout.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Awin legit?
Yes. Awin is one of the largest affiliate networks in the world and hosts many major UK retailers.
Does Awin charge publishers?
No ongoing fees. New publishers pay a small refundable deposit that is returned with the first payment.
What is Awin’s minimum payout?
From £20 for GBP payments and €20 for euro payments, with higher defaults if you do not set a threshold.
Can I join Awin without a website?
Many brands accept social creators, but you still need an active, public channel for Awin and each brand to review.
Conclusion
Awin is close to essential for UK publishers, offering access to most high-street brands through one account. Expect a small refundable deposit, separate approvals for each brand and a wait for validated commissions.
