Wondering if Amazon affiliate links still earn you commissions when users switch to another Amazon country site? This guide explains how Amazon’s affiliate tracking works, why commissions are limited by region, and how to use geo-redirect tools like OneLink or Geniuslink to capture global traffic and maximize your affiliate revenue.
How Amazon Affiliate Tracking Works Across Countries
Amazon Associates operates as a network of separate affiliate programs, each tied to its specific country domain such as amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, or amazon.de. When a user clicks your affiliate link, a tracking cookie is placed for that specific marketplace. The cookie ensures you earn a commission if the user purchases within the cookie’s duration — but only on that same domain.
💡 Expert Insight: Amazon’s regional independence means affiliate cookies are isolated. A U.S. cookie from amazon.com won’t apply to purchases on amazon.co.uk or any other local site.
If the visitor switches to a different Amazon site after clicking your link, the cookie doesn’t transfer. Essentially, they’ve entered a new store with no connection to your affiliate tag.
🧭 Myth vs Reality: Many affiliates assume their links track users globally. In reality, each Amazon country site runs a distinct affiliate system with no cross-domain tracking.
This means that if your audience is international, you might lose potential earnings simply because users are redirected or manually change to their local Amazon site before completing the purchase.
Example: Why Switching Amazon Sites Breaks Tracking
Let’s say you share this affiliate link for a U.S. audience:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C12345?tag=yourtag-20If the user opens that link but then switches to the UK version:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C12345You won’t earn a commission because your U.S. tracking ID isn’t valid on the UK store. Amazon considers this a completely new session in a separate marketplace.
📊 Data Point: Amazon operates more than 20 localized stores worldwide. Each one requires its own tracking ID, and commissions are calculated independently within that marketplace.
How to Fix Lost Commissions from International Traffic
The good news is that you can prevent this loss by setting up geo-redirects or link localization tools. These services automatically detect a visitor’s country and route them to the correct Amazon marketplace with your local tracking ID.
🧰 Tool Tip: Amazon OneLink is the official tool that links multiple country affiliate accounts, letting users from different regions be redirected to their local Amazon store automatically.
Third-party tools like Geniuslink or plugins such as ThirstyAffiliates and AAWP offer more control, analytics, and monetization features for creators managing global audiences.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you publish in multiple languages or attract international readers, linking multiple Amazon affiliate accounts through OneLink ensures every visitor can be monetized.
Best Practices for Global Amazon Affiliate Success
- Set up OneLink or another geo-redirect system.
- Use consistent product ASINs across stores for better localization.
- Track performance per region to identify your top-earning markets.
- Include disclaimers about affiliate links to comply with disclosure laws.
♻️ Best Practice: Use shortened, branded links for a better click-through rate and easier tracking across different marketing channels.
By combining proper geo-linking with optimized regional content, you can significantly boost your affiliate revenue and ensure you’re not missing out on international sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid if users switch to another Amazon country site?
No. Amazon affiliate tracking is domain-specific. If a user clicks your link for amazon.com but purchases from amazon.co.uk, your affiliate tag doesn’t transfer, and you won’t earn a commission for that sale.
What is Amazon OneLink?
Amazon OneLink is a free tool that connects multiple country-specific Amazon Associates accounts. It allows automatic redirection of international visitors to their local Amazon store, ensuring you earn commissions globally.
Can I use one affiliate ID for all Amazon marketplaces?
No, each marketplace requires its own tracking ID. However, OneLink can unify your IDs so that international users are redirected correctly and tracked automatically.
Are there third-party alternatives to Amazon OneLink?
Yes, tools like Geniuslink, ThirstyAffiliates, and AAWP can manage global links, provide analytics, and often support more marketplaces than OneLink, making them popular among advanced affiliates.
How can I test if my international affiliate links work?
Use a VPN or an IP location testing tool to simulate clicks from other countries. Check if the redirected link sends you to the correct local Amazon site with your affiliate tag intact.