Affiliate Programs
Rakuten Advertising Review 2026
Global affiliate network with premium retail brand partnerships
3.7
HomeBusinessWatch Rating
Last updated: March 20, 2026
What is Rakuten Advertising?
One of the largest global affiliate networks (formerly LinkShare), owned by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten. Features premium brand partnerships across fashion, retail, finance, and travel.
Pros
- Access to premium brand advertisers (Walmart, Best Buy, Macy's, etc.)
- Free to join for publishers/affiliates
- Backed by Rakuten — financially stable global company
- Strong tracking and attribution technology
- Good for high-volume content sites with established traffic
Cons
- Interface less user-friendly than CJ or ShareASale
- Minimum $50 payout threshold
- Smaller overall network than CJ Affiliate or ShareASale
- Some advertisers require significant traffic/audience to approve
- Support response times can be slow
Rating Breakdown
Residual Income
2.5
Potential for ongoing passive income
Simplicity
3.0
Easy to understand and execute
Transparency
3.5
Clear about costs, requirements, and income
Community & Support
3.0
Quality of training and community
Value for Money
3.8
Worth the investment
Overall Rating3.7
Frequently Asked Questions About Rakuten Advertising
What is Rakuten Advertising?
Rakuten Advertising (formerly LinkShare) is one of the oldest affiliate networks, founded in 1996. It connects publishers with premium advertisers including major retailers. It is owned by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten.
Rakuten Advertising vs CJ Affiliate — which is better?
Both networks feature major brand advertisers. CJ has a larger network and better-known brands overall. Rakuten has strength in retail (Walmart, Best Buy) and is a good complement to CJ for diverse monetization.
Is Rakuten Advertising free to join?
Yes, joining as a publisher/affiliate is free. You apply to individual advertiser programs within the network, many of which have their own traffic and content requirements.