The Ultimate Guide to Flipkart Affiliate Marketing in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

This is 2026, and most of the e-commerce users in India prefer to shop is Flipkart (Market share of 45-48%). But most of these users do not realise, Flipkart can be the most powerful method to make money online through affiliate marketing.

Welcome to the 2026 Flipkart Affiliate Marketing — where opportunity still exists, but the rules have changed.

Over the past few years, Flipkart’s affiliate program has gone through multiple transformations. The once “open-to-all” program now works in two distinct ways:

1. The Traditional Affiliate Path is built for website owners and app developers.
2. The Creator/Influencer Path, powered by third-party platforms like EarnKaro and Cuelinks, which make affiliate marketing accessible to almost anyone with an audience — even if you don’t have a website.

This guide is different because it’s not just another “how-to” article. It’s an honest, 2026-ready roadmap that shows you:

• How Flipkart’s program really works today (and what changed).
• The pros, cons, and brutal truths most marketers won’t tell you.
• How to pick the right path for your content style — whether you’re a blogger, YouTuber, or Instagram creator.
• And most importantly, how to actually earn commissions that show up in your bank account, not just dashboards.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, step-by-step understanding of how to join, promote, and profit from Flipkart’s affiliate system — the right way for 2026.

How can you create the Flipkart Affiliate Program?

There are almost two methods to join the Flipkart Affiliate program: the Direct program and the Creator/Influencer Method. Let us discuss these two methods in a very detailed manner:

Traditional Direct Program (affiliate.flipkart.com)

They have stopped this method (Direct Method) for new affiliates or for affiliates who have a very low amount of traffic. In other words, the most important update is that Flipkart has discontinued direct public sign-ups for its affiliate program.

Creator/Influencer” Method (via platforms like EarnKaro/Cuelinks)

For creators or influencers whose platforms have just started or have very low traffic, the ‘Creator/Influencer’ method is the only available way to create a Flipkart affiliate account and promote its products.

However, this does not mean you should apply directly to Flipkart’s program. New accounts with low traffic are often rejected.

The best and most effective strategy is to use an intermediary affiliate network. Platforms like Cuelinks, Earnkaro, and Earnly are built specifically for this.

Why This Is the Recommended Method?

• Instant Approval: These networks have already partnered with Flipkart. By joining them (which is free and easy), you get instant access to Flipkart’s affiliate links without a separate, strict review process.
• No Traffic Requirements: They are designed for creators of all sizes, including beginners on social media, Telegram, or new blogs.
• All-in-One Dashboard: You get one account to manage links for Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, Ajio, and hundreds of other stores. This simplifies tracking your earnings immensely.
• Simple Link Generation: The process is incredibly simple. You don’t need to be a technical expert.

How to Get Started (The Easy Way)?

1. Sign Up for a Network: Create a free account on a platform like Cuelinks, Earnkaro, or a similar service.
2. Find a Flipkart Product: Go to the Flipkart website or app and find any product you want to promote.
3. Copy the Normal Link: Copy the product’s regular URL (the link from your browser’s address bar).
4. Create Your Affiliate Link: Paste this normal Flipkart link into the “Link Generator” tool on your Cuelinks or Earnkaro dashboard.
5. Share and Earn: The platform will instantly convert it into a special affiliate link. Share this new link in your YouTube description, blog post, or social media. When someone buys through it, you earn a commission, which will appear in your network dashboard.

This method bypasses the direct application entirely and is the standard, most effective way for new creators to begin their Flipkart affiliate journey.

Feature	Traditional / Website Path	Creator / Influencer / YouTube (Creator) Path
Approval / Credentials Required	Usually, you need a website/domain, traffic metrics, PAN (for India tax identity), banking docs, and GST, in some cases	Usually, you need a website/domain, traffic metrics, PAN (for India tax identity), banking docs, and GST in some cases
Ease of Sign-up	Application via affiliate dashboard (fill form, wait for review)	Usually, you need a website/domain, traffic metrics, PAN (for India tax identity), banking docs, and GST, in some cases
Minimum Payout Threshold	Higher (e.g. ₹ 5,000 via bank transfer)	Lower (e.g. ₹ 10 or minimal, if allowed)
Payment Timeframe	After product return window / NET-30 or monthly cycles (30+ days)	Closer to real-time or more frequent (if supported by the creator scheme)
Available Tools / Flexibility	Maybe via app or simplified flow (e.g. via the platform’s creator module)	Simpler tools: auto-link generator, embed buttons, deep links, limited API access
Best Suited For / Ideal Use Case	Established blogs, niche authority sites, content publishers, comparison / long-form review sites	APIs, product feeds, data widgets, advanced link customisation, tracking dashboards

What is an affiliate aggregator?

An affiliate aggregator, also known as an affiliate network, is a service that acts as a “middleman” between you (the creator) and multiple online stores (like Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, etc.).

Think of it like a shopping mall for affiliate programs.

• Without an Aggregator: You would have to apply individually to Flipkart, then to Amazon, then to Myntra, and so on. You would have separate dashboards, different payout rules, and different minimum earning thresholds for each store.
• With an Aggregator: You sign up one time with the aggregator (like Cuelinks or Earnkaro). You are then instantly pre-approved to promote hundreds of stores, including Flipkart.

Key Benefits of Using an Aggregator:

• One-Time Signup: You get access to hundreds of brand programs with a single application.
• Instant Access: No strict review process or traffic requirements from Flipkart. Your approval is with the aggregator.
• Centralised Dashboard: You can track all your clicks, conversions, and earnings from all stores in one place.
• Combined Payments: Your earnings from Flipkart, Myntra, and other stores are all added together, making it much easier to reach the minimum payout threshold.

Head-to-Head: Cuelinks vs. Earnkaro vs. Earnly

While all three platforms get you the same result (a Flipkart affiliate link), they are built for slightly different types of users. Here is a direct comparison:

Feature	Cuelinks	Earnkaro	Earnly
Best For	Bloggers & Website Owners	Social Media Influencers (YouTube, Telegram, Instagram)	Social Media & Link Sharers
Core Mechanic	Automated: Can install a JavaScript snippet on your site that automatically converts all normal Flipkart links to affiliate links.	Manual: Primarily a “Link Generator” tool. You paste a product link and get a “Profit Link” back.	Manual: Very similar to Earnkaro. You generate links manually to share.
Unique Feature	The “set it and forget it” JavaScript is its biggest strength. It also has a manual link generator.	Extremely popular, well-trusted (funded by Ratan Tata), and has a strong focus on social sharing.	A direct and simple competitor to Earnkaro. It often has a clean interface focused purely on link generation.
Payout	Bank Transfer	Bank Transfer	Bank Transfer, Vouchers

The Bottom Line:

• Choose Cuelinks if: You have a blog or website and want to monetise all your content (even old posts) automatically.
• Choose Earnkaro or Earnly if: You are primarily a social media creator (YouTube, Instagram, Telegram) and just want to quickly create and share individual affiliate links in your descriptions or posts.

How to Sign Up, Promote Flipkart Products, and Earn Money Online

Here is the step-by-step process. The great news is that it’s almost identical for all three platforms.

Step 1: Sign Up for an Aggregator Account

First, you need to join one of the networks.

1. Go to the website (or download the app) for Cuelinks, Earnkaro, or Earnly.
2. Complete the free sign-up process. You will need to provide your basic details like email, phone number, and a password.
3. Crucially, you must provide your “traffic source.” This is the URL of your primary platform, such as your:
   • YouTube Channel URL
   • Blog or Website URL
   • Instagram Profile URL
   • Telegram Channel Link
4. Most platforms will approve your account within 24-48 hours. This approval is for the aggregator itself and instantly gives you access to most of their brand partners, including Flipkart.

Step 2: Find the Flipkart Product You Want to Promote

This step happens on Flipkart, not the aggregator.

1. Open the Flipkart website or app.
2. Browse and find the exact product you want to recommend to your audience (e.g., a specific mobile phone, laptop, or fashion item).
3. Copy the normal, full URL of that product from your browser’s address bar.

Step 3: Generate Your Affiliate “Profit Link”

This is where you turn a normal link into a money-making link.

1. Log in to your Cuelinks, Earnkaro, or Earnly dashboard.
2. Find the tool called “Link Generator,” “Make Link,” or “Make Profit Link.”
3. Paste the normal Flipkart URL (from Step 2) into the box.
4. Click the “Generate” button.
5. The platform will instantly give you a new, special link (it will look shortened, like https://bit.ly/... or https://ekaro.in/...). This is your affiliate link.

Step 4: Promote Your Link to Your Audience

Now you need to share the link you just created.

Place this new “profit link” where your audience will see it. For example:

• On YouTube: In your video description (e.g., “My camera: [Your Link]”).
• On a Blog: In a review post (e.g., “You can buy the new Samsung phone [Your Link].”).
• On Instagram: In your bio link (using a Linktree) or in a story with the “Link” sticker.
• On Telegram: In your channel messages when you share a new deal.

Pro Tip: Always Disclose Your Links

To build trust with your audience, always be honest. Add a simple message like “This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.”

Step 5: Earn and Track Your Commissions

This is the final part.

1. When a user clicks your special link and then buys anything on Flipkart within the “cookie period” (usually 24 hours), you earn a commission.
2. This commission will appear in your aggregator dashboard (Cuelinks, Earnkaro, or Earnly) as “Pending.”
3. After the return period for the product is over, the commission will be “Confirmed.”
4. Once your total confirmed earnings (from Flipkart and all other stores combined) reach the minimum payout amount (e.g., ₹250), you can withdraw the money directly to your bank account.

The Money: Commissions, Payments, & The Cookie

This is where the strategy for Flipkart affiliate marketing becomes completely different from any other program. Understanding these three components—the cookie, the commissions, and the payout process—is the key to actually making an income.

The Most Important Section: Flipkart’s 30-Minute Cookie

What is an affiliate cookie?

An affiliate cookie is a small tracking file that gets placed on a user’s browser when they click your affiliate link. This file tells Flipkart, “This customer came from Ankur’s link. If they buy something, pay Ankur the commission.”

Why is 30 minutes the program’s biggest challenge?

Flipkart’s cookie duration is 30 minutes.

This is, without a doubt, the single most challenging part of its program. When a user clicks your link, you have only 30 minutes for them to complete a purchase for you to get credit.

Compare this to Amazon India’s program, which has a 24-hour cookie.

• Amazon’s 24-hour window: A user can click your link in the morning, get distracted, add the item to their cart, and come back that evening to buy it. You still get the commission.
• Flipkart’s 30-minute window: If a user clicks your link, browses for 10 minutes, and then goes to make tea, their session will likely expire. If they return an hour later (even if the item is still in their cart) and check out, you will not get the commission.

This short window means “window shopping” or “research” clicks are almost worthless.

The Golden Rule: Your entire strategy must be built around immediate action.

You cannot promote links with a “check this out for later” mentality. Your content, your calls-to-action, and your entire marketing angle must be built on urgency. You are not just selling the product; you are selling the idea of “buy this right now.”

Flipkart Affiliate Commission Rates (November 2025 Update)

Not all sales are created equal. Your profit is determined entirely by the category you promote. Focusing on a 3% commission category will require five times the sales volume to earn the same as a 15% category.

Here is a breakdown of the high- and low-ROI categories.

The High-ROI Goldmines

These categories offer the best commissions, meaning you get paid more for the same amount of effort.

• Books & e-Learning: 10%
• School Supplies & Toys: 10%
• Baby Care: 10%
• Beauty & Fragrances: 10%
• Household Supplies: 10%
• Fashion & Apparel: up to 8%
• Home & Kitchen: 6%

The Low-ROI Traps

These are the most popular items to promote, but they are traps for new affiliates. They pay almost nothing because they are high-value, low-margin products.

• Electronics: 3%
• Gold & Silver Coins: 0.1%

Think about it: to earn ₹300, you would need to sell ₹10,000 worth of electronics. To earn the same ₹300, you only need to sell ₹3,000 worth of fashion or home goods.

Understanding “New Customer” vs. “Existing Customer” Commissions

While some affiliate programs (especially in other countries) pay a higher bonus for “new customers,” Flipkart’s model is simpler. The commission rates are primarily tied to the product category, not the user’s history. The rate is the rate, whether it’s their first purchase or their hundredth.

Getting Paid: The Full Payout Process

This is the final, crucial difference between the direct Flipkart program and the aggregator method we discussed.

Understanding Payment Thresholds

The “payment threshold” is the minimum amount of commission you must earn before the company will pay you.

• Direct Flipkart Program: The minimum threshold for payment by EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) is ₹5,000. If you only earn ₹4,500, you will not be paid until you earn the next ₹500, however many months that takes.
• Aggregators (EarnKaro): The minimum threshold is just ₹10.
• Aggregators (Cuelinks): The minimum threshold is ₹500.

For a beginner, earning ₹5,000 in commissions (which could require over ₹1,00,000 in sales) is a massive challenge. With an aggregator, you can earn ₹50 and have that money in your bank account, which is a huge motivator.

The Payout Timeline: Why it takes 30-60 days

You don’t get paid the moment a sale is made.

1. Sale (Day 1): A user buys a product. Your commission shows as “Pending.”
2. Return Window (Day 1-30): The commission stays “Pending” to allow for the 30-day return/cancellation period.
3. Validation (Day 30-60): After the return window, Flipkart and the aggregator validate the sale to check for fraud.
4. Payment (Day 60-90): Once “Confirmed,” the commission is added to your payable balance and will be paid out in the next cycle (usually 60-90 days after the initial sale).

This “Net-60” or “Net-90” cycle is standard across the affiliate industry.

Understanding TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)

As an Indian affiliate, your earnings are professional income.

• What it is: TDS is the tax the government requires the paying company (like Flipkart or Cuelinks) to deduct before they send you the money.
• The Rate: Under Section 194H of the Income Tax Act, the TDS rate for commission income (for FY 2025-26) is 2% (if your PAN is provided).
• How it works: If you earn a payout of ₹10,000, the platform will deduct ₹200 (2%) as TDS, deposit it with the government, and pay you the remaining ₹9,800. You can then claim this ₹200 back as a credit when you file your annual income tax return.

Conclusion: How to Make an Affiliate Account of Flipkart?

Creating a Flipkart affiliate account is a simple and rewarding way to start earning online through product promotions. By following the steps—signing up on the Flipkart Affiliate platform, adding your website or social channel, generating personalised affiliate links, and sharing them with your audience—you can kick-start a reliable income stream.

However, success doesn’t come overnight. To get the best results:

• Promote products relevant to your niche
• Focus on honest reviews and quality content
• Use SEO and social media to drive traffic
• Track clicks and conversions to optimise your strategy

Whether you’re a blogger, YouTuber, or social media creator, Flipkart’s affiliate program can be a powerful opportunity to monetise your audience in India. Start today, stay consistent, and build your affiliate income one step at a time.