ChatGPT answers, unedited

Yes. If you're a solo beginner creator in the U.S. with no EIN and no registered company, there are affiliate options that let you apply as an individual.

My shortlist

• Amazon Associates — probably the simplest place to start. You don't need a company/EIN; Amazon says an individual can use their SSN or ITIN for tax identification. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates

• Free to join.
• Huge selection of physical products.
• You can promote through an eligible website or qualifying social-media presence.
• One catch: Amazon currently says social applications generally need an established account with a substantive following, often 500+ followers/likes. Amazon Associates
• affiliate-program.amazon.com
• Impact — worth considering if you're primarily a creator/influencer and want access to individual brand programs. Impact has a dedicated creator workflow for joining brands and applying to affiliate programs. Impact Help

• impact.com
• PartnerStack — good if you want to promote software/SaaS products rather than physical products. It explicitly welcomes creators and affiliates, although its approval process is more involved than Amazon's: it asks for information about your business, website, audience, channels, etc. PartnerStack PartnerStack

• partnerstack.com

If you have literally no company, no EIN, and no website

I'd start with Amazon Associates if you already have an established TikTok/Instagram/YouTube/etc. Amazon's tax documentation specifically supports individuals using an SSN/ITIN rather than requiring an EIN. Amazon Associates

If you don't yet have the follower requirement, I'd look at Impact and individual brand programs next rather than forming an LLC just to become an affiliate.

Also, you don't need to form an LLC just because you're an affiliate. An EIN and an LLC are separate things; whether you need an EIN depends on your particular business/tax situation.

If you tell me what platform you're using (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or a website) and your niche, I can give you 5–10 affiliate networks/programs you can realistically join as an individual right now, including which ones don't require an EIN.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an incorporated company to start affiliate marketing. For a U.S. individual creator, several networks/programs can work with you personally.

Good beginner options

• Amazon Associates — probably the simplest starting point if you promote physical products. Amazon explicitly allows individuals to use their SSN/ITIN instead of an EIN for tax purposes. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates

affiliate-program.amazon.com

• Impact — useful if you want to promote software, apps, consumer brands, and creator-focused products. You can apply as an individual rather than needing to form a company. Merchant programs may still approve/reject you individually.
• PartnerStack — particularly useful for SaaS/software affiliate programs. Individual creators can participate; individual merchant programs may have their own approval requirements.
• Awin — has a large range of advertisers, although it's somewhat more involved than Amazon. Awin's current documentation describes its publisher ecosystem as including a large number of partners. Awin

If you're starting from zero

I'd approach it like this:

No company + no EIN + beginner → Amazon Associates first, especially if your content is TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, a blog, or product recommendations.

One important catch: Amazon isn't completely "instant." For its current Associates program, Amazon says you need 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days, and it reviews your listed sites/social profiles. For social accounts, it generally looks for an established account with substantive organic followers, often around 500+. Amazon Associates

And you don't need to get an EIN just to make this legitimate. If you're operating as an individual, Amazon's tax documentation specifically says an individual can use their SSN as the U.S. tax ID. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can give you 3–5 affiliate networks/programs that are specifically easy for a brand-new individual creator to get approved by, including which ones don't require an EIN.

Yes. If you're a U.S.-based individual creator with no company and no EIN, you can still get started with affiliate marketing. An EIN is generally not required just because you're an individual; for example, Amazon says an individual can use an SSN or ITIN as the tax ID rather than an EIN. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates

Good beginner options

• affiliate-program.amazon.com — Probably the simplest starting point if you promote physical products. Amazon explicitly accepts content creators and social-media creators. The important catch is that after joining, you need 3 qualifying sales within 180 days, and Amazon reviews your listed sites/social accounts. Amazon Associates
• impact.com — Useful if you want to promote software, online services, fashion, apps, etc. You join as a partner rather than needing to form a corporation. Individual acceptance can vary by advertiser.
• awin.com — A general affiliate network with many advertisers. Note that ShareASale is no longer a separate platform; its advertisers were migrated to Awin in 2025. Favly

If you're starting from zero

I'd start with Amazon Associates if your content is about products/reviews/recommendations. You can operate under your personal name, without creating an LLC or corporation. You will still need to provide your tax information, typically your SSN if you're a U.S. individual. Amazon Associates

One thing to watch: Amazon currently expects a substantive, publicly available content presence; for social accounts, it says that in most cases it looks for around 500 organic followers/likes. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what kind of content you create (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, Pinterest, etc.) and your niche (fitness, tech, fashion, AI tools, beauty, gaming, etc.), I can give you 3–5 affiliate networks that accept beginners without an EIN, including which ones are easiest to get approved for.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an incorporated company to start affiliate marketing. Several networks let you apply as an individual/creator.

Best options for a beginner

1. impact.com — my first choice

• You can explicitly register as an “Individual” rather than a company.
• It supports Social Influencer/Creator accounts.
• You can sign up with email or a social account.
• You provide your personal information and tax information rather than needing a company.
• They review your marketplace application, typically within about 2 business days. Impact Help Impact Help
• Once accepted, you can apply to individual brand affiliate programs. Impact Help
• affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest conceptually

• Designed specifically for content creators, reviewers, and social-media creators.
• However, Amazon is somewhat stricter than it looks: it requires 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days, and social accounts generally need a substantive organic following (often around 500+). Amazon Associates
• Good once you already have some content/audience.

What I'd do in your situation

If you're brand new, have no EIN, no LLC, and are building an audience on TikTok/Instagram/YouTube, I'd start with impact.com as an individual.

You don't need to pretend you have a business. When it asks whether you're an Individual or Company, choose Individual. Impact Help

One important distinction: joining the network doesn't automatically mean every brand will approve you. Individual brands can impose their own requirements such as follower count, location, or type of content. Impact Help

If you tell me what niche you're creating content about (e.g. beauty, AI tools, fitness, Amazon finds, fashion, tech, etc.), I can give you 5–10 affiliate networks/programs that are particularly beginner-friendly and don't require an EIN/LLC.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or a registered company to start affiliate marketing. Several networks let you apply as an individual/creator.

My top picks for a beginner

1. Amazon Associates — easiest overall

• You can register as an individual using your personal name.
• For U.S. individuals, Amazon accepts an SSN/ITIN instead of an EIN for tax identification. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• You can promote millions of physical products.
• The catch: Amazon says you need 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days and reviews your traffic sources. Amazon Associates
• affiliate-program.amazon.com
• Impact — best if you're a social-media creator

• Impact explicitly allows you to choose "Individual" rather than company when signing up. Impact Help
• You can connect promotional methods such as social accounts and apply to individual brands.
• Better choice if you want brands beyond Amazon.
• impact.com
• Awin — good second network

• It accepts applicants using a website or social-media handle, so you don't necessarily need a company website. Shopify
• There is a small refundable deposit to join.
• Lots of retail, fashion, travel and lifestyle advertisers.

What I'd do in your situation

If you're just starting with no EIN, no LLC, and no website, I'd go:

Amazon Associates → Impact → Awin

You can operate as an individual. Don't create an LLC or get an EIN just because an affiliate network asks for one unless you actually need it for your circumstances. For Amazon specifically, a U.S. individual can use their SSN/ITIN for the tax interview. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can tell you the 3 easiest affiliate programs you can realistically get approved for right now, including ones that don't require a large following.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or a registered company to start affiliate marketing. Several networks let you apply as an individual/creator.

Best options for a beginner

My recommendation: start with Amazon Associates + Impact.com.

• Amazon Associates explicitly supports individuals. For a U.S. individual, Amazon says your tax ID can be your SSN or ITIN, rather than an EIN. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• Impact.com specifically has an “Individual” account type for individuals/creators, and its signup asks for basic personal information, promotional methods, address, etc. Impact Help Impact Help
• ClickBank is particularly beginner-friendly if you're interested in digital products; current 2026 comparisons list it among the easiest networks to join. Shopify The Affiliate Digest

If you have no website

That's important. If you're a TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or other social-media creator, you can still have options.

For example, Impact's application allows you to specify the promotional methods/social accounts you'll use. Impact Help Impact Help Amazon also accepts content creators, but it reviews your listed websites/social pages and requires 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what you plan to promote (e.g. Amazon products, beauty, clothing, AI tools, software, digital products) and whether you have TikTok/Instagram/YouTube or just want to use a website, I can give you the 3 easiest networks to join and exactly what to put in the application.

Yes. If you're a U.S.-based individual creator with no EIN and no registered company, you can still join affiliate programs. You generally use your personal name and SSN/ITIN for tax purposes, rather than an EIN. Amazon explicitly supports individuals/sole proprietors this way. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates

Best beginner-friendly options

1. Amazon Associates — easiest starting point

• You can apply as an individual.
• No company or EIN is required if you're operating as an individual; Amazon says an individual's tax ID can be their SSN. Amazon Associates
• Huge selection of products, so it's easy to create content around almost any niche.
• Good for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, a website, etc.
• Main downside: commissions can be relatively low.

affiliate-program.amazon.com

2. Impact — good once you have some content/audience

• Has many individual creator/influencer programs.
• Better for finding specific brands rather than just linking to Amazon products.
• Approval can vary by individual brand, so it's not quite as universally easy as Amazon.

impact.com

3. PartnerStack — good for software/SaaS

• Particularly useful if your content is about AI tools, software, business, marketing, productivity, etc.
• Individual creators can participate in partner programs, although each company can have its own approval requirements.

partnerstack.com

What I'd do in your situation

If you're brand new and don't have an EIN, LLC, or company, I'd start with Amazon Associates. You don't need to create an LLC just to begin affiliate marketing.

The important distinction is:

No EIN ≠ no tax information.
If you're a U.S. individual, Amazon can use your SSN as your TIN and your personal legal name for the tax interview. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what type of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, AI, beauty, fitness, tech, etc.), I can give you 5–10 affiliate networks/programs that are particularly easy for an individual beginner to get accepted into, including which ones tend to have the best commissions.

Yes. You do not need an LLC or EIN to start affiliate marketing as an individual. If you're in the U.S., some networks let you join using your personal information/SSN for tax purposes.

Best beginner-friendly options

1. Amazon Associates — easiest starting point

• Specifically supports individual bloggers, creators, publishers, and social-media influencers. Amazon Associates
• You don't need an EIN just because you're an individual. Amazon's tax documentation says an individual can use an SSN or ITIN as their U.S. tax ID. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• Huge product selection, so it's easy to find things relevant to almost any niche.
• Downside: commissions can be relatively low, and you need to meet Amazon's qualifying requirements after joining.

affiliate-program.amazon.com

2. Impact — good once you have some content/audience

• Impact has a marketplace for creators/publishers to connect with brands.
• It can give you access to individual brand affiliate programs rather than only one retailer.
• Approval can vary by brand, so it's not necessarily as effortless as Amazon.
• Awin — worth trying after you've established your platform

• Large affiliate network with many advertisers.
• However, its requirements can be more involved, so I wouldn't make it your first network if you're starting from zero. Awin

What I'd do if I were starting from zero

Start with Amazon Associates → build content → then apply to Impact/Awin and individual brand programs.

You don't need to create a company first. For U.S. tax purposes, being an individual/sole proprietor is different from having an LLC, and an EIN isn't automatically required simply to become an affiliate. Amazon explicitly allows individuals to provide an SSN/ITIN instead of an EIN. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates

One important distinction: you may not need an EIN, but you will need valid tax information to receive commissions.

If you tell me what niche you're creating content in (fitness, beauty, AI, gadgets, finance, fashion, etc.), I can give you 5–10 affiliate networks/programs that are particularly easy for a brand-new individual creator to get approved by, including which ones have the best commissions.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an incorporated company to start affiliate marketing. Several networks/programs allow you to apply as an individual creator.

Best options for a beginner

1. affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest overall

• Specifically supports individual bloggers and social-media influencers. Amazon Associates
• You can sign up using your personal name rather than a company.
• For U.S. individuals, Amazon's tax process can use your SSN instead of an EIN. Amazon Associates
• Excellent if you want to promote physical products.
• My #1 recommendation if you're brand new.
• awin.com — good general affiliate network

• Explicitly accepts publishers using Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, newsletters, etc., so a traditional website isn't required. Awin
• You apply as a publisher/creator and then apply to individual brands.
• There is a $1 verification deposit, which is refunded after you generate your first sale. Awin
• Good if you want brands beyond Amazon.
• impact.com — good for creators + brands

• Impact's creator marketplace asks for your personal details, social accounts, and tax information rather than requiring you to have a corporation. Impact Help
• You do need at least one verified media property before joining its marketplace, and they review applications. Impact Help
• Better once you have an active TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, website, etc.

What I'd do in your situation

If you're just starting with no EIN, no LLC, and a small/no audience, I'd go:

Amazon Associates → Awin → Impact

Start with Amazon because it's the least intimidating and gives you millions of products to promote. Amazon itself says its program is designed for individual bloggers and social-media influencers. Amazon Associates

One important distinction: not having an EIN isn't the same as not having a tax ID. As a U.S. individual, your SSN can generally serve as your tax identification number for Amazon's tax interview. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, Pinterest, etc.) and your niche, I can give you the 3 easiest networks/programs to apply to right now, specifically ones that don't require an LLC or EIN.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an LLC to start affiliate marketing. As a U.S. individual, you can often join networks using your personal legal name and SSN/ITIN for tax reporting.

Best beginner-friendly options

1. Amazon Associates — easiest starting point

• Accepts individual content creators.
• You don't need a company or EIN; Amazon's tax documentation specifically says an individual can use an SSN or ITIN instead of an EIN. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• You can promote millions of physical products.
• The catch: if you're applying through social media, Amazon generally wants an established account with a substantive following—typically 500+ organic followers/likes. Amazon Associates
• affiliate-program.amazon.com
• Awin — good for creators and influencers

• Awin explicitly supports content creators and social-media influencers. Awin
• Its publisher program says there are no setup fees or hidden charges for affiliate partners. Awin
• You can find brands beyond Amazon, including fashion, software, travel, retail, etc.
• awin.com
• Digistore24 — worth considering for digital products

• Particularly useful if you want to promote courses, software, ebooks, and other digital products.
• It's one of the major affiliate-network alternatives alongside Amazon, Awin, CJ, Impact, etc. Digistore24

What I'd do if you're starting from zero

Start with Amazon Associates + Awin. You don't need to create an LLC just to test affiliate marketing.

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, Pinterest, etc.) and your niche (beauty, AI tools, fitness, home, fashion, gaming, etc.), I can give you 3–5 networks that are easiest to get approved for with a small/no audience, including which ones are likely to accept you as an individual.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or a registered company to start affiliate marketing as an individual creator. Several networks explicitly allow individual/creator accounts.

My top choices for a beginner

1. affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest starting point

• Individuals can join using their personal information.
• If you're a U.S. individual, Amazon says your tax ID can be your SSN or ITIN rather than an EIN. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• You can promote products through eligible social accounts such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, etc.
• One catch: Amazon requires 3 qualifying sales within the first 180 days and reviews your content afterward. Amazon Associates
• Best if: you want to promote physical products.
• awin.com — very good for creators

• Awin explicitly accepts publishers using Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, newsletters and other digital platforms, so you don't necessarily need a website. Awin
• There is a $1 refundable deposit when joining. Awin
• Best if: you want fashion, travel, retail, lifestyle and other established brands.
• impact.com — excellent once you have some content

• Impact specifically lets you select "Individual" rather than company when creating your account. Impact Help
• You can connect your social media/media properties and apply to brand programs.
• Impact says marketplace applications are reviewed within about 72 hours. Impact Help
• Best if: you're building a serious creator business and want recognizable brands.
• partnerstack.com — good for software/SaaS

• It accepts different types of partners and doesn't require you to be a corporation. PartnerStack Support
• However, it's less beginner-friendly than Amazon/Awin because PartnerStack reviews your partner profile and generally expects a functioning website/business presence. PartnerStack Support
• Best if: you want to promote AI tools, software, SaaS and online services.

What I'd do in your situation

If you're brand new, have no EIN, no company, and primarily use social media, I'd start with:

Amazon Associates → Awin → Impact

You can operate under your own name rather than creating an LLC/company. An EIN is not the same thing as being legally allowed to do affiliate marketing; for an individual, networks can use your personal tax identification information where required.

If you tell me what niche you want to promote (AI tools, beauty, Amazon products, fitness, finance, fashion, digital products, etc.) and where you have an audience (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, website, Pinterest), I can narrow it down to the 3 easiest networks/programs you're most likely to get accepted into.

Yes. If you're in the U.S. and you're starting as an individual creator with no EIN or registered company, you have several legitimate options.

My top picks

1. affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest starting point

• You can join as an individual, so you don't need an LLC or EIN.
• For U.S. individuals, Amazon says you can use your SSN or ITIN as your tax ID; an EIN isn't required when you register as an individual. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• Huge product selection, which makes it particularly good for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, etc.
• My recommendation if you're completely new.
• awin.com — best for creators wanting multiple brands

• Awin explicitly supports content creators and influencers.
• You can promote through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, newsletters, etc.; a traditional website isn't required. Awin Awin
• It gives you access to thousands of brands rather than being tied to one retailer.
• There is currently a $1 verification deposit, which is refunded through your publisher account after you make a sale. Awin
• rakutenadvertising.com — good second network

• Rakuten's current publisher agreement explicitly says a publisher can be an individual 18+ or a legal entity. Rakuten Advertising
• Good once you've established your content platform and want access to established brands.

What I'd do in your situation

If you're starting from zero:

Start with Amazon Associates → build your content → add Awin → then apply to individual brand programs.

You do not need to form an LLC just to start affiliate marketing. And not having an EIN doesn't automatically prevent you from joining networks; the important distinction is whether the network accepts you as an individual and what tax information it requires.

For example, Amazon specifically says that if you're an individual, your tax ID can be your SSN, whereas an EIN is used when you're representing a non-individual entity. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what niche you're promoting (beauty, fitness, tech, fashion, home, AI tools, digital products, etc.) and whether you're using TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or a website, I can give you the 5 easiest affiliate networks for your specific situation, ranked by approval difficulty and earning potential.

Yes. You do not need to form a company or have an EIN to start affiliate marketing. If you're a U.S. individual creator, I’d start with these:

1. Amazon Associates — easiest overall

• You can register as an individual, using your SSN/ITIN rather than an EIN. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• Good if you make TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, or website content around products.
• Huge product selection.
• My #1 recommendation for a complete beginner.
• affiliate-program.amazon.com
• Awin — best for creator/brand partnerships

• Awin explicitly accepts social-media creators, including Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook and X, even without a traditional website. Awin
• Their creator guidance specifically describes signing up as an influencer and then applying to advertiser programs. Awin Partner Success Center
• There is a small refundable joining deposit; Awin's current U.S. FAQ says $1. Awin
• awin.com
• impact.com — good once you have some content

• It supports individual creators and says aspiring creators are eligible to apply; individual brand programs may review applications within 24–48 hours. Creator Support
• Some brands will be selective, so I wouldn't make this your only starting network.
• impact.com

What I'd do in your situation

If you're starting with no company + no EIN + little/no affiliate experience:

Start with Amazon Associates → build content → then add Awin → then impact.com.

You generally don't need an EIN just because you're an affiliate. For example, Amazon specifically says an individual can use their SSN as their tax ID, while a company generally uses an EIN. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what niche you're planning to promote (beauty, tech, AI tools, fashion, fitness, home, digital products, etc.), I can give you 5–10 affiliate networks/programs that are particularly easy for beginners in that niche, including which ones accept TikTok/Instagram/YouTube without a website.

Yes. You do not need to form a company or have an EIN just to start affiliate marketing. Several networks explicitly allow individual creators.

Best beginner-friendly options

1. impact.com — my first choice

• Lets you sign up as an “Individual” rather than a company. Impact Help
• You can use social media accounts as your promotional property.
• You'll need to verify at least one media property before accessing its Brands Marketplace. Impact Help
• Good if you're a TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or content creator.
• awin.com — also very good

• Explicitly accepts content creators and influencers.
• You can use Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, newsletters, etc.; a traditional website isn't required. Awin
• Awin says publisher applications are generally reviewed within about 24 hours. Awin
• There may be a $5 refundable deposit when signing up. Awin
• affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest conceptually

• Individuals can participate using their SSN rather than an EIN for U.S. tax purposes. Amazon specifically says an individual's tax ID can be their SSN. affiliate-program.amazon.com
• Great for product reviews, TikTok/Instagram content, YouTube, blogs, etc.
• The catch: Amazon requires 3 qualifying sales within the first 180 days and has requirements for your social account/site. affiliate-program.amazon.com

What I'd do if you're starting from zero

Start with Impact + Amazon Associates.

You can operate under your personal name, without an LLC or EIN. If you're in the U.S., your SSN can generally handle the tax-ID requirement for Amazon as an individual. affiliate-program.amazon.com

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, blog, Pinterest, etc.) and your niche (beauty, fitness, tech, fashion, AI, home, etc.), I can give you 3–5 affiliate networks/programs that are easiest for your specific situation, including which ones are likely to approve a brand-new creator.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an incorporated company to start affiliate marketing. You can generally apply as an individual/creator, although networks may still require your legal name and tax information for payouts.

Best options for a beginner

1. awin.com — probably my first choice

• Explicitly accepts content creators and influencers.
• You can join using social media; a website isn't required.
• Awin says Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X and other digital platforms can qualify.
• There is a small refundable joining deposit.
• You then apply to individual brands inside the network. Awin Awin
• affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest conceptually

• You can apply as a content creator rather than having a company.
• Amazon accepts qualifying social pages on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, X, etc.
• The catch: Amazon requires 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days, and it looks for established/original content. Amazon says social accounts will generally need around 500 organic followers/likes. Amazon Associates
• You do need to provide taxpayer identification information for payment, but that doesn't mean you need an EIN; Amazon's tax documentation specifically discusses U.S. EIN or SSN. Amazon Associates
• impact.com — good once you have some audience

• Lots of recognizable brands and creator-oriented partnerships.
• Approval can be more selective than Amazon/Awin, so I wouldn't make it your first application if your social account is brand new.

What I'd do in your position

If you're an individual creator with no EIN, no LLC, and a small/new audience, I'd start:

Awin → Amazon Associates → Impact

You don't need to rush into forming an LLC or getting an EIN just to begin. Use your legal individual information when the network asks for tax/payment details.

One important distinction: "no EIN" doesn't mean "no tax information." Affiliate networks still need enough information to identify you and report/pay commissions.

If you tell me what niche you want to promote (e.g. beauty, fashion, Amazon products, AI/software, home, fitness, travel), I can give you 5–10 networks/programs that are particularly easy for an individual beginner to get approved by, including which ones don't require a website.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an incorporated company to start affiliate marketing. As an individual creator, I’d prioritize networks that explicitly accept creators/social-media publishers.

My beginner-friendly picks

1. awin.com — probably my #1 choice

• Explicitly accepts content creators, influencers, bloggers, and social-media publishers.
• You can join without a traditional website if you have a social channel or other digital platform.
• Broad selection of physical-product, lifestyle, fashion, travel, and other brands. Awin
• Important: ShareASale is no longer a separate network; it was migrated into Awin in 2025. AffBuddy
• impact.com — excellent for creators

• Good if you're promoting software, AI tools, SaaS, creator tools, subscriptions, and online services.
• You join as a partner/creator rather than needing a corporation.
• Individual brands can still approve or reject you separately.
• affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest for physical products

• Particularly good if you're making TikTok/Instagram/YouTube/blog content around products.
• You don't need to own a company just to participate.
• Amazon's ecosystem is very beginner-friendly, although its commissions can be relatively low.
• clickbank.com — easiest if you want digital products

• Very low barrier to entry compared with some traditional networks.
• Better suited to digital products, courses, software, and similar offers.
• Be selective with offers—easy approval doesn't necessarily mean an offer is good or reputable.

What I'd do if I were starting from zero

If you have no EIN, no LLC, and a small or nonexistent audience, I'd start with:

Awin + Amazon Associates

Then add Impact once you know what type of content gets clicks.

You can generally apply as an individual, using your legal name and your personal tax information. An EIN is primarily a tax/business identifier; it isn't the same thing as being required to have a company.

One thing to keep in mind: getting accepted to a network doesn't automatically mean you're approved for every brand inside it. Individual advertisers often have their own approval criteria.

If you tell me what you want to promote (AI tools, Amazon products, beauty, fitness, finance, digital products, etc.) and where you post (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, blog), I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest programs for your exact situation.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or a registered company to start affiliate marketing. If you're a U.S. individual creator, several networks/programs can work with you personally; you'll generally use your SSN/ITIN for tax purposes, rather than an EIN. Amazon explicitly confirms that individuals can use an SSN or ITIN. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates

My beginner ranking

1. affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest overall

• You can apply as an individual.
• Great if you make TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, or product-review content.
• No company/EIN required for an individual.
• One catch: after joining, Amazon requires 3 qualifying sales within 180 days for the application to be reviewed. Amazon Associates
• Best if you want to promote physical products.
• awin.com — good for creators

• Accepts social-media publishers, including Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook and X; a traditional website isn't necessarily required. Awin
• There's a $1 refundable deposit to join. Awin
• Gives you access to lots of individual brand programs.
• I'd put this near the top if you're primarily a social-media creator.
• impact.com — best once you're a little established

• Specifically supports creators.
• You provide your personal details, social accounts, and tax information.
• You need at least one verified media property to enter its Brands Marketplace. Impact Help
• Better for finding recognizable brands, but it isn't quite as beginner-friendly as Amazon.
• ClickBank — very easy entry

• Particularly useful for digital products.
• Current affiliate-industry comparisons describe it as having a very low barrier to entry. Shopify
• The downside is that you need to be more careful about which offers you promote; quality varies significantly.

What I'd do in your situation

If you're starting with no EIN, no LLC, and no website, I'd go:

Amazon Associates → Awin → Impact

And don't create an LLC or get an EIN just because an affiliate network asks for one. If you're operating as an individual/sole proprietor, many programs can onboard you using your personal tax information.

One important distinction: "no EIN" doesn't mean "no tax information." For example, Amazon requires valid taxpayer identification information before paying commissions. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can give you the 5 easiest affiliate networks/programs to get approved for as a complete beginner, including which ones don't require a website.

Yes. If you're in the U.S. and you're starting as an individual creator with no LLC, company, or EIN, you do have options.

My top picks

1. affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest starting point

• You can join as an individual.
• You don't need an EIN if you have an SSN/ITIN; Amazon explicitly says an individual can use an SSN or ITIN as their tax ID. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• You need a qualifying website/social presence and must complete Amazon's tax interview.
• Huge product selection, so it's particularly good for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or a small content site.
• awin.com — good for creators/influencers

• Awin specifically has an influencer signup process using Instagram. Awin Partner Success Center
• It gives you access to 30,000+ advertisers, so you can promote brands beyond Amazon. Awin Partner Success Center
• For U.S. publishers, you can use your SSN as an individual on the W-9; an EIN is for businesses. Awin Partner Success Center
• I'd consider this your second network after Amazon.
• cj.com — worth trying later

• CJ allows publishers to create an account for free. CJ
• However, CJ says you need an active website to apply, so it's less beginner-friendly if you're currently only creating on social media. CJ

What I'd do in your situation

If you have no company + no EIN + you're just starting as a creator, I'd go:

Amazon Associates → Awin → individual brand affiliate programs

You do not need to form an LLC just to start affiliate marketing. You can generally operate as an individual/sole proprietor and use your personal tax information where the network permits it. Amazon specifically supports individuals using an SSN/ITIN. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what kind of content you create (fashion, beauty, AI, tech, home, fitness, Amazon finds, etc.) and whether you're on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or a website, I can give you 5–10 affiliate networks/programs that are easiest to get approved for as a beginner.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or a registered company to start affiliate marketing in the U.S. Several networks accept you as an individual/creator.

My top picks for a beginner

For your situation, I'd start with Amazon Associates + Awin.

• Amazon Associates is probably the easiest if you're making product-review/recommendation content. Amazon explicitly allows an individual to use their SSN or ITIN instead of an EIN for tax identification. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• Awin is particularly good for creators because it accepts social platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook and X, so you don't necessarily need a website. There is a $1 refundable deposit when joining. Awin
• Rakuten Advertising explicitly says a publisher can be an individual age 18+, rather than requiring a company. Rakuten Advertising
• Amazon also has a separate Influencer Program for creators with an established social following. Amazon Associates

If you have absolutely nothing yet

If you mean no EIN + no LLC + no website + just a TikTok/Instagram/YouTube account, I'd rank them:

1. Awin → easiest network-style option
2. Amazon Influencer/Associates → best for physical products
3. Rakuten → good once you have some creator presence
4. ClickBank → useful if you're interested in digital products

One important distinction: not having an EIN doesn't mean you don't need tax information. For example, Amazon requires valid taxpayer identification, and a U.S. individual can generally provide an SSN/ITIN rather than an EIN. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can give you the 3 easiest affiliate networks/programs you can realistically get approved for as a beginner, including which ones accept social-only creators.

If you are a beginner affiliate working as an individual (no EIN, no LLC, no company), you can still join many affiliate networks. Most networks let you sign up as a person and use your own tax information (for U.S. creators, usually a Social Security number instead of an EIN for payment/tax forms). AffTank

Here are some of the easiest options:

Shopify AffiDeck### My recommended starting order for a brand-new creator

1. ClickBank — probably the simplest first account. You can browse many offers without needing an established business. It is popular with beginners because the barrier to entry is low and commissions can be higher than physical products. AffiDeck AffTank
2. Amazon Associates — good if your content is product-focused (reviews, "best gadgets," home items, beauty, etc.). The downside is commissions are often lower, and Amazon has performance requirements after approval. The Affiliate Digest AffTank
3. Awin — good once you have a social profile, blog, or YouTube channel. It connects creators with many merchants. Shopify
4. Impact — excellent for creators who want brand partnerships, software referrals, or subscription products. Some individual brands may still review your application. AffTank

What you usually need (no company required)

• Your legal name
• Address
• Payment method (PayPal/bank depending on network)
• Tax information when you reach payout requirements
• A promotion method (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, blog, email list, etc.) AffTank

Avoid at the beginning

• Networks that require a large audience or established traffic
• High-end influencer platforms that expect brand history
• Paying anyone an upfront "affiliate membership fee"

If you tell me where you plan to promote (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, blog, Pinterest, email) and your niche (AI tools, fitness, beauty, finance, gaming, etc.), I can narrow this to the 2–3 networks most likely to approve you quickly.

Yes. If you're a U.S.-based beginner creator with no EIN and no registered company, you can still start affiliate marketing as an individual.

My top picks

1. affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest overall

• You can sign up as an individual, using your personal name.
• You generally don't need an EIN; Amazon says an individual's tax ID can be an SSN or ITIN, while an EIN is generally for businesses. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• Great if you make TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, or product-review content.
• Huge product selection.
• My #1 recommendation if you're just starting.
• awin.com — best general affiliate network for creators

• Awin explicitly accepts social media creators on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook and X, even without a traditional website. Awin
• You don't need previous affiliate experience. Awin
• You can apply to individual brands after joining the network.
• There is a $5 signup deposit, which is refunded with your first commission payment (or if you're declined/close the account before your first payment). Awin
• cj.com — good, but not my first choice for you

• Publisher accounts are free. CJ
• However, CJ currently requires an active website for publisher applications, so it's less convenient if you're only a social-media creator. CJ

What I'd do in your situation

If you have no company, no EIN, and you're just building an audience, I'd start with:

Amazon Associates → Awin → Impact

You don't need to rush into forming an LLC just to begin affiliate marketing. For Amazon specifically, an individual can use their personal tax information rather than an EIN. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what type of content you make (e.g. AI tools, fashion, beauty, fitness, Amazon products, tech, finance, home products), I can give you 5–10 affiliate networks/programs that are particularly easy for a beginner in that niche, including which ones accept social media without a website.

If you are a beginner affiliate creator with no EIN, no LLC, and no registered company, you can still join many affiliate networks as an individual. Most networks care more about your traffic source (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, email list, etc.) than whether you have a company. AffTank

Here are some of the easiest options to start with:

Shopify AffiDeck## My suggested starting order

1. ClickBank — easiest first account

Good if you have:

• TikTok/Reels/YouTube content
• Email audience
• A niche like fitness, money, software, self-improvement

It is popular with beginners because you can start without needing a company structure, and it focuses heavily on digital products. AffiDeck

2. Amazon Associates — easiest for product creators

Good if you make:

• Product reviews
• Unboxings
• "Best X under $50" videos
• Shopping guides

The downside is commissions are usually lower than digital products. AffTank

3. ShareASale / Awin — good once you have content

These are better when you have:

• A website
• A social profile with consistent posts
• A clear niche

You apply to individual merchants inside the network, so approval depends on the brand too. AffiDeck

About EIN and taxes

You generally do not need an EIN or company to begin. As a U.S. individual, affiliate platforms typically collect your personal tax information (such as a Social Security number for tax reporting) when required. You can form an LLC later if your income grows. AffTank

To improve your approval chances

Before applying, have:

• A real email address (not a temporary one)
• A social profile or simple website
• 5–10 pieces of content in your niche
• A clear answer for “How will you promote products?”

For a brand-new creator, I would start with ClickBank + Amazon Associates, build some traffic and sales history, then move into higher-quality brand networks like Impact, Awin, and ShareASale. Shopify AffTank

If you tell me your content niche (AI, fitness, beauty, gaming, finance, gadgets, etc.) and your platform (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog), I can suggest the best first 3 programs to apply for.

Yes. You do not need an LLC, corporation, or EIN to start affiliate marketing in the U.S. You can generally apply as an individual/sole proprietor using your personal information. The network may still ask for tax information such as your SSN/W-9 once you're approved or before payment.

For a beginner creator, I'd rank the easiest options like this:

1. ClickBank — easiest overall

• Individuals are accepted.
• Very low barrier to entry.
• You can start without your own company.
• Large selection of digital products.
• Current comparisons classify it as easy approval with a low payout threshold. AffiDeck AffiDeck
• Best if you're comfortable promoting digital products, courses, software, etc.
• Awin — best general-purpose network

• Good for physical products, fashion, travel, lifestyle, etc.
• Beginners can apply using a website or social-media presence. Shopify
• You'll apply to individual brands after joining the network, so approval isn't necessarily automatic for every merchant.
• Impact — best for recognizable brands

• Individuals can join.
• Good selection of software and consumer brands.
• The network itself is relatively accessible, but individual brands can have their own approval requirements. AffiDeck
• Skimlinks — good if you make content

• Individuals are supported.
• Particularly useful for blogs/content sites because it can connect content to many merchant programs.
• Current network comparisons classify individual approval as easy. AffiDeck
• Walmart Creator — worth considering for social creators

• Specifically designed around creators sharing product recommendations.
• Provides affiliate links and a personalized storefront. Walmart Creator

What I'd do in your situation

If you're brand new, have no EIN, no LLC, and are primarily a social-media creator, I'd start with:

ClickBank + Impact + Walmart Creator

Then add Awin once you have some content and an established social profile.

You don't need to create an LLC just to test affiliate marketing. When an application asks for your business type, look for something like "Individual," "Sole Proprietor," or "Individual/Sole Trader." Use your legal name rather than inventing a company name.

One important distinction: being accepted by the network doesn't mean every merchant will accept you. Some brands review your social profile, website, audience, or promotional methods separately. Shopify Jotform

If you tell me what type of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest networks/programs for you specifically, including which ones don't require a website.

If you are a beginner affiliate operating as an individual (no EIN, no LLC/company), you still have several good options. Most networks let you sign up as a person and complete tax information later (often with a W-9 if you are in the U.S.). AffiDeck AffiDeck

Here are the easiest places to start:

AffiDeck AffiDeck### My suggested beginner path

1. Start with ClickBank

• Usually the least friction for a new affiliate.
• You can browse offers and create affiliate links without needing a company setup. Daily Intel Service
• Good if you want to promote through TikTok, YouTube Shorts, blogs, or email.
• Add Amazon Associates

• Best if your content is product-focused (reviews, comparisons, “best X” videos).
• The downside is lower commissions compared with many digital products. AffTank
• Join Impact or Awin once you have some content

• They have more recognizable brands, but individual advertisers may review your profile before approving you. AffTank

What you usually need (no EIN)

• Your legal name
• Address
• Tax information (often SSN for U.S. individuals instead of EIN)
• A website, social profile, YouTube channel, or explanation of your traffic source (requirements vary)

You do not need:

• LLC
• Business bank account
• Company website (for many programs)
• Existing income from affiliate marketing

Daily Intel Service Systeme.ioIf you are starting from zero followers and no website, I would rank them:

1. ClickBank
2. Amazon Associates
3. Digistore24
4. Impact
5. Awin

If you tell me your planned traffic source (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, Pinterest, email, etc.) and niche (fitness, tech, finance, beauty, AI tools, etc.), I can narrow this down.

Yes. If you're a U.S.-based beginner creator with no EIN and no registered company, you have several options. You generally sign up as an individual, using your legal name and personal tax information rather than a company.

My top picks

1. clickbank.com — easiest starting point

• Individuals can join.
• No company/EIN is required just to create an affiliate account.
• Very beginner-friendly and has thousands of digital products.
• Good if you're promoting through TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, or other social channels.
• The tradeoff: product quality varies, so you need to be selective. Current 2026 comparisons still identify ClickBank as one of the easiest networks for beginners. The Affiliate Digest AffiliateJob
• awin.com — best for physical brands

• Accepts individual publishers and creators.
• You don't necessarily need a traditional website; Awin says social platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook and X can qualify. Awin
• Has a large selection of recognizable brands.
• Approval is a little more involved than ClickBank.
• impact.com — best for creators

• Specifically supports creators/influencers.
• You can apply as an individual and provide your social media accounts as your promotional properties.
• Impact requires at least one media property to be verified before joining its Brands Marketplace. Impact Help
• Better if you already have an active TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
• sovrn.com — worth considering

• Individual publishers are supported.
• Particularly useful for product/content-based affiliate marketing.
• Current network directories classify it as easy approval for individuals. AffiDeck

What I'd do in your situation

If you're starting from zero, I'd go:

ClickBank → Awin → Impact

You don't need to form an LLC or get an EIN just to test affiliate marketing. When a network asks for tax information, you can generally register as an individual using your personal information; that's different from pretending you have a company.

One important distinction: getting accepted by the network doesn't mean you'll automatically be accepted by every brand inside it. Individual merchants can have their own approval requirements.

If you tell me what kind of products you want to promote (beauty, fashion, Amazon products, AI/software, digital products, home, fitness, etc.) and where you have an audience (TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or no audience yet), I can narrow it down to the 3 easiest networks/programs for you specifically.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an LLC/company to start affiliate marketing. As a U.S. individual/creator, several networks let you sign up as an individual and provide your personal tax information instead.

For a beginner, I'd rank them:

Current 2026 comparisons specifically identify ClickBank as easy approval for individuals, while Awin, Impact, FlexOffers, and others also support individual affiliates. www.shopify.com

🥇 My recommendation: ClickBank

If you're brand new, have no EIN, no company, and possibly don't even have a website, I'd start with ClickBank.

It is designed around individual affiliates, and you can browse offers without having to establish a corporation first. Current 2026 comparisons list it as an easy-approval network for individuals, with a relatively low payout threshold. affideck.com

ClickBank — official site

🥈 If you want physical products: Awin

Awin is a better choice if you want to promote recognizable retail brands rather than digital products. It accepts applicants using either a website or social-media presence, although approval can be somewhat more involved than ClickBank. www.shopify.com

Awin — official site

🥉 If you're a social-media creator: Impact

Impact is worth joining once you have a decent-looking creator profile. It connects affiliates/creators directly with individual brands and has a large selection of partnerships. Individual creators can participate, but brand-by-brand approval means it's not quite as frictionless as ClickBank. affideck.com

Impact — official site

What about Amazon?

Amazon Associates is excellent if you're already creating content, but I wouldn't call it the easiest starting point. Amazon says it reviews your submitted websites/social pages and requires at least three qualifying sales within your first 180 days. For social applications, Amazon also looks for an established account with substantive organic followers, generally around 500+. affiliate-program.amazon.com

Amazon Associates

One important distinction: not having an EIN doesn't mean you don't have tax obligations. You can generally operate as an individual/sole proprietor, but affiliate networks will still ask for your legal/tax information for payments.

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest networks you're most likely to get approved by right now.

Yes. If you're a U.S.-based beginner creator with no company and no EIN, you can start as an individual. You generally don't need to form an LLC just to do affiliate marketing.

Best options for you

1. affiliate-program.amazon.com — easiest overall

• Accepts individuals.
• You can use your SSN/ITIN instead of an EIN for the tax information.
• Huge product selection, so it's easy to find things to promote.
• Amazon does require you to provide a website/social presence and meet its participation requirements. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• My pick if you're completely new.
• awin.com — good for creators/influencers

• Awin specifically has an influencer onboarding process using social media accounts.
• You don't need to be an established company.
• Awin says U.S. individual publishers can use their SSN on the W-9, rather than needing an EIN. Awin Partner Success Center Awin Partner Success Center
• It has 30,000+ advertiser programs, although individual advertisers can still approve/reject you. Awin Partner Success Center
• cj.com — good once you have some content

• Free publisher account.
• You can join as a publisher/affiliate rather than a company.
• The catch: CJ currently requires an active website for publisher signup, so it's less convenient if you're only using TikTok/Instagram. CJ

What I'd do in your situation

Start with Amazon Associates + Awin.

You don't need to wait until you have an LLC or EIN. For Amazon, for example, an individual can identify themselves using their SSN/ITIN for tax purposes. Amazon Associates

If you're primarily a TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook creator, I'd lean toward Awin. If you're making product-review/recommendation content, I'd start with Amazon Associates.

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can give you the 3–5 easiest affiliate networks/programs you can realistically get approved for without an EIN.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an LLC/company to start affiliate marketing. As a U.S. individual creator, you can generally apply as an individual and provide your personal tax/payment information when required.

My picks for you

Recent 2026 comparisons specifically identify ClickBank and Digistore24 as easy-approval networks for individuals, while Awin accepts applications using a website or social-media handle. Shopify Daily Intel Service

🥇 If you want the easiest: ClickBank

I'd start with clickbank.com.

You can sign up as an individual without having a company or website, then browse offers. It's particularly useful if you're promoting through TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or other social content. Current 2026 sources describe ClickBank as one of the fastest/easiest networks for beginners. Shopify Daily Intel Service

One caution: ClickBank has lots of digital/infoproduct offers, so you'll need to be selective about which products you promote.

🥈 If you want physical products/brands: Awin

awin.com is probably my second choice.

You can apply as an individual and use a social-media presence rather than necessarily having a traditional company website. Individual merchants may still review and approve you separately. Shopify Favly

🥉 If you're a content creator: Impact

impact.com is worth applying to once you have a social profile/channel with some content. It has a lot of software, subscription and creator-oriented brands, although individual brand approvals can be more selective. Favly

What I'd do in your situation

If you're brand new, no EIN, no LLC, and mainly a social-media creator, I'd go:

1. ClickBank — easiest starting point.
2. Awin — broader retail/consumer brands.
3. Impact — better for software/tech/creator products.
4. Amazon Associates — if your content naturally recommends physical products.

And don't create an LLC or get an EIN just to apply to these networks. You can start as an individual. When you eventually earn enough to make the tax/legal structure worth discussing, that's when I'd look at whether an EIN/LLC makes sense.

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) and your niche, I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest networks/programs you're most likely to get approved for right now.

I'd start with clickbank.com.

You can sign up as an individual without having a company or website, then browse offers. It's particularly useful if you're promoting through TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or other social content. Current 2026 sources describe ClickBank as one of the fastest/easiest networks for beginners. Shopify Daily Intel Service

One caution: ClickBank has lots of digital/infoproduct offers, so you'll need to be selective about which products you promote.

🥈 If you want physical products/brands: Awin

awin.com is probably my second choice.

You can apply as an individual and use a social-media presence rather than necessarily having a traditional company website. Individual merchants may still review and approve you separately.

🥉 If you're a content creator: Impact

Yes. If you're a U.S.-based beginner creator with no company and no EIN, you can still start affiliate marketing. You generally do not need to form an LLC or corporation just to become an affiliate.

Best options for you

My first choice: Amazon Associates. Amazon explicitly says that an individual can use their SSN as their tax ID; an EIN is generally for companies. affiliate-program.amazon.com

You can also use impact.com, which is particularly good if you're a social-media creator. Its signup specifically lets you choose “Individual” rather than company, and its creator onboarding accepts social media accounts as promotional properties. help.impact.com

Amazon Associates
impact.com

What I'd do if I were starting from zero

1. Start with Amazon Associates — easiest way to learn affiliate links and product promotion.
2. Sign up for impact.com as an Individual/Social Influencer — gives you access to many brands beyond Amazon.
3. Don't worry about getting an EIN immediately. If you're operating as an individual/sole proprietor, your SSN can generally be your tax ID for affiliate tax purposes. affiliate-program.amazon.com
4. Build up your social account/content first. Some individual affiliate programs will still review your audience/content and decide whether to approve you, even though the network itself accepts individuals.

Important distinction: “No EIN required” doesn't mean “no tax information required.” Networks/payment processors will still need appropriate taxpayer information before paying you. Amazon, for example, requires its tax interview. affiliate-program.amazon.com

If you tell me what niche you want to promote (e.g. beauty, Amazon products, AI tools, fitness, fashion, home, finance), I can give you 5–10 affiliate networks/programs that are actually beginner-friendly and don't require a company/EIN.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an incorporated company to start affiliate marketing. As a U.S. individual, you can generally sign up using your personal information and, when tax information is required, your SSN rather than an EIN. Amazon explicitly says individuals can use an SSN as their tax ID. affiliate-program.amazon.comaffiliate-program.amazon.com

My beginner-friendly picks

1. Walmart Creator — probably my first choice for you.
Walmart specifically describes the program as being for creators and says applicants must be 18+ and live in the U.S. You can create affiliate links and a personalized storefront. creator.walmart.com

Walmart Creator — apply here

2. Amazon Associates — best if you want tons of products.
Amazon accepts individuals; you don't need to form a company. You'll need to provide tax information, and for a U.S. individual that can be your SSN. Amazon also requires you to provide a website/social presence during registration. affiliate-program.amazon.comaffiliate-program.amazon.com

Amazon Associates

3. Impact — good once you have a social profile.
It's a network rather than a single store, so you can find individual brands/programs inside it. For example, Chewy explicitly allows social-first creators on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to apply through its Impact program. www.chewy.com

If you're starting from absolute zero

I'd do this:

Walmart Creator → Amazon Associates → Impact

You don't need to create an LLC or get an EIN just to begin. If you're a sole proprietor, you can generally operate under your own name and use your SSN for tax reporting. Whether/when you should get an EIN later is a separate tax/business question.

If you tell me what platform you're using (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.) and your niche, I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest networks/programs most likely to approve you with a small or brand-new account.

Yes. You do not need to have an LLC or EIN to start affiliate marketing—you can generally apply as an individual/creator. The key is that each network has its own approval and tax-information requirements.

My top choices for a beginner

impact.com is particularly worth trying. Its signup explicitly lets you select “Individual” rather than company, and it has a “Social Influencer” category for creators. You can sign up with email or social accounts, and impact says applications are reviewed within about two business days. help.impact.comhelp.impact.com

Awin is another strong option. It explicitly accepts content creators and influencers and says you can use a website, blog, social media channel, or another digital platform to promote advertisers. Awin currently requires a small refundable security deposit when joining. www.awin.com

If you're starting from zero

I'd do it in this order:

1. Impact — apply as an individual creator.
2. Amazon Associates — especially if you plan to make product-review/recommendation content.
3. Awin — good for accessing lots of retail brands.
4. Then look at individual brand programs once you have some content/audience.

One important distinction: not having an EIN is different from not having a tax ID at all. A network may allow you to join as an individual but still ask you for tax information before paying you. impact, for example, asks partners for tax-residency information and required tax forms. help.impact.comhelp.impact.com

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest networks for you specifically, including which ones are most likely to accept a brand-new creator.

If you are a beginner affiliate with no EIN, no LLC, and no company, you can usually join as an individual creator. Most networks care more about your promotional channel (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, blog, email list, etc.) and payment/tax verification than whether you have a registered business. afftank.com

Here are some of the easiest places to start:

www.shopify.com

My suggested beginner path:

1. Start with ClickBank if you have no website and no audience yet. It has a large marketplace and is designed around affiliates promoting offers. dailyintelservice.com
2. Add Amazon Associates if you plan to make product videos, reviews, or comparison content. theaffiliatedigest.com
3. Apply to Awin or ShareASale once you have a social profile, a few posts, or a small content library. www.shopify.com

For your application, you usually do not need to say you own a company. You can describe yourself as:

• “Content creator”
• “Social media publisher”
• “Affiliate marketer”
• “Independent publisher”

You will likely still need to provide tax information for payouts later. In the U.S., that may mean using your personal tax details (such as a Social Security number) rather than an EIN.

Avoid starting with strict CPA lead-generation networks that ask for traffic numbers, ad spend history, or interviews—they are usually harder for a first-time affiliate. afftank.com

If you tell me your planned traffic source (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, Pinterest, blog, or paid ads) and your niche, I can suggest the easiest network + offers to start with.

If you are a solo beginner creator with no EIN, no LLC, and no company, you can still join many affiliate networks. In the U.S., most networks let you sign up as an individual and collect payments using your personal tax information (such as your SSN) rather than a business EIN. afftank.com

Here are some of the easiest places to start:

My suggested starting order for a brand-new creator:

1. ClickBank
Probably the fastest path if you have no website and want to learn affiliate mechanics. It focuses heavily on digital products and generally has a low barrier to entry. www.shopify.com

2. Amazon Associates
Good if your content is about:

• product reviews
• shopping finds
• gadgets
• home items
• beauty
• hobbies

The downside is lower commissions compared with many digital products, and Amazon has performance requirements after approval. afftank.com

3. ShareASale / Awin
Good if you are building a real creator brand. They have many merchants, but remember: joining the network does not automatically approve you for every advertiser; individual brands may review your application. affideck.com

What you usually need instead of an EIN:

• Your legal name
• Address
• Tax information (often SSN for U.S. individuals)
• A promotion method:
  • TikTok
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • blog/website
  • email newsletter

A company name is not required to start. You can operate as an individual and create an LLC later if your income grows.

For a beginner creator in 2026, I would start with:

1. TikTok/YouTube Shorts + Amazon for physical products
2. ClickBank for testing digital offers
3. Awin/ShareASale once you have some content and audience proof

Avoid applying first to high-end CPA networks that focus on paid traffic; they tend to be stricter with new affiliates. afftank.com

Yes. If you’re a beginner creator operating as an individual, you do not necessarily need an LLC, EIN, or registered company to start affiliate marketing. The key is whether the network accepts individual publishers/creators and what tax information they require.

Best options for you

🥇 My first choice: Awin

Awin

Awin specifically says it accepts publishers without a website, including people using Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, newsletters, and other content platforms. It also has dedicated support for content creators and influencers. www.awin.com

There is a $1 refundable deposit when joining, which Awin says is returned through your publisher account once you reach the relevant payment threshold. www.awin.com

So if you have only a social-media account and no company/EIN, I'd try Awin first.

🥈 Impact.com

Impact.com for creators

Impact is also very creator-friendly. Its application asks for your personal information, social/media properties, and tax-residency information; it requires at least one verified media property before you can enter its Brands Marketplace. Impact says applications are generally reviewed within 72 hours. help.impact.com

So you could apply as yourself, rather than needing to form a company first.

🥉 PartnerStack

PartnerStack

PartnerStack explicitly welcomes creators, agencies, and affiliates. However, it's a little less beginner-friendly because its application asks about your business, website, LinkedIn profile, audience, traffic, and promotion methods. support.partnerstack.com

It's particularly good if you want to promote software/SaaS products.

What I'd do in your situation

If you currently have no EIN + no LLC + no website, I'd go:

1. Awin → 2. Impact → 3. ClickBank → 4. PartnerStack

You can start as an individual/sole proprietor. Don't create an LLC or get an EIN solely because an affiliate network has an account-creation field asking for business information—first check whether it accepts individuals.

One important distinction: not having an EIN doesn't mean you don't have tax obligations. Affiliate commissions are income, and the network may ask for your SSN or other tax information for tax reporting even though you don't have an EIN.

If you tell me what kind of products you want to promote (Amazon products, fashion, beauty, AI tools, software, digital products, etc.), I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest networks/programs you can realistically get approved for as a brand-new creator.

Yes. If you're a U.S.-based beginner creator with no LLC, no company, and no EIN, you can still start affiliate marketing. You generally don't need to form a company just to become an affiliate; networks can onboard you as an individual. legalclarity.org

My top picks for you

1. Impact — my first choice.
Impact explicitly lets you select “Individual” rather than company when registering. It asks you to add and verify your promotional methods, so having a real TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, website, etc. is important. help.impact.comwww.awin.com

Join Impact as a partner

2. Awin — excellent for creators.
Awin specifically says it accepts creators using Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, newsletters and other digital platforms without requiring a traditional website. There is a $1 verification deposit that is refunded through your account after you reach the applicable payment threshold. www.awin.com

Join Awin

3. ClickBank — probably the simplest.
ClickBank doesn't require a website according to current 2026 guidance, and you can browse its marketplace after creating an account. It's particularly useful if you're interested in digital products, courses, software, and information products. legalclarity.orghelp.impact.comwww.shopify.comwww.awin.com

Join ClickBank

4. Amazon Associates — easiest if you want to recommend everyday products.
You can use qualifying social media/content channels rather than necessarily having your own company or website. The big advantage is that people already recognize Amazon, although commissions can be relatively low and you have to meet Amazon's qualifying-sale requirements. www.shopify.com

Amazon Associates

If I were starting from zero

I'd do this:

TikTok/Instagram/YouTube → Impact + Awin → apply to individual brands → make useful content → use affiliate links.

You don't need to wait for an EIN or LLC to start. When a network asks whether you're an individual or company, choose individual. For U.S. tax reporting, an individual can generally use their SSN as their taxpayer identification number; an EIN is a separate business identifier and isn't automatically required just because you're doing affiliate marketing. legalclarity.org

One important distinction: getting accepted into the network doesn't mean every brand inside the network will accept you. Impact and Awin may let you join as an individual, but individual merchants can have their own approval criteria. help.impact.comwww.awin.com

If you tell me what kind of content you make (e.g. beauty, fashion, Amazon finds, AI tools, fitness, home, tech, finance) and whether you have TikTok/Instagram/YouTube, I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest networks/programs you're most likely to get approved for right now.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an LLC/company to start affiliate marketing. Several networks explicitly support individual creators.

My top picks for you

1. Impact — probably my #1 recommendation for a creator

Impact's own signup documentation specifically says you can choose “Individual” rather than “Company,” and describes this option as being for individuals/creators promoting brands through their own media properties. help.impact.com

You can use social accounts as your promotional properties, although Impact requires at least one media property to be verified before you can access its Brands Marketplace. help.impact.com

Join Impact as a partner

2. ClickBank — easiest if you don't even have a website

ClickBank is particularly beginner-friendly because you can sign up without a website and browse its marketplace of digital products. www.shopify.com

Join ClickBank

3. Awin — good if you want physical brands

Awin accepts applicants using either a website or social-media handle and has a large selection of merchants. There is a small refundable signup deposit. help.impact.comwww.shopify.com

Join Awin

What I'd do in your situation

If you're just a person/creator with no EIN, no LLC, and maybe only TikTok/Instagram/YouTube, I'd start with:

Impact → ClickBank → Awin

Don't worry about forming a company just to get started. When a signup asks whether you're an individual or company, choose individual and use your real legal/tax information.

One important distinction: getting accepted by the network doesn't automatically mean every brand inside the network will accept you. Individual merchant/brand approval can still vary. help.impact.com

If you tell me what you want to promote (Amazon products, beauty, fashion, AI tools, software, digital products, travel, etc.) and where you post (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest), I can narrow this down to the 3 easiest programs for your exact situation.

If you’re a beginner affiliate without an EIN or registered company, you can still join many affiliate networks as an individual. Most will ask for your legal name, address, tax information (often your SSN in the U.S.), and payment details rather than requiring a company. affiliate-program.amazon.com

Here are some of the easiest options for individual creators:

My suggested beginner path:

1. Start with Amazon Associates if you make product content (reviews, “best of,” unboxings, shopping videos). affiliate-program.amazon.com
2. Add Awin or Impact once you have a niche (fitness, beauty, software, finance, travel, etc.) because commissions are often better than general retail. help.impact.comwww.awin.com
3. Don’t create an LLC/EIN just for affiliate marketing at the beginning unless you have a business reason (liability, taxes, banking, partnerships, etc.).

A few things that improve approval chances:

• Have a real creator profile (YouTube channel, TikTok, Instagram, website, or blog).
• Post some original content before applying.
• Use a professional email address.
• Be clear about your niche.

If you tell me what platform you plan to use (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, Pinterest) and your niche, I can suggest the easiest networks and programs to apply for first.

Yes. You do not need to form a company or get an EIN just to start affiliate marketing. As an individual creator, there are several networks/programs you can use.

My beginner ranking

If you're starting from zero, I'd try Amazon Associates first. Amazon explicitly allows individuals to use their personal tax information; for U.S. individuals, an SSN is generally used rather than an EIN. affiliate-program.amazon.com

The catch is that Amazon isn't necessarily "instant approval." You need qualifying sales after joining, and Amazon currently says it requires 3 qualifying sales within the first 180 days for the application review. For social accounts, it also looks for an established account with substantive organic followers, often around 500+. affiliate-program.amazon.com

If you're mainly a TikTok/Instagram/YouTube creator

I'd look at Impact next. It specifically supports creators and asks for your personal information, social accounts, tax-residency information, and at least one verified media property. help.impact.com

Impact for Creators

If you want the simplest possible start

ClickBank is worth considering if you're comfortable promoting digital products. It has historically been very beginner-friendly and doesn't require you to have a company just to create an account. www.techradar.com

ClickBank

My recommendation:
Start with Amazon + Impact, rather than signing up for 10 networks. You can operate under your own name, build your audience, and deal with business/EIN formalities later if your income justifies it.

If you tell me what kind of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, etc.) and your niche, I can narrow it down to the 3 easiest networks/programs you can realistically get accepted into with a brand-new account.

If you are a beginner affiliate with no EIN, no registered company, and you’re operating as an individual creator, these networks are usually the easiest places to start:

My suggested beginner path

If you make TikToks/Reels/YouTube Shorts:

1. Start with Amazon Associates for easy-to-understand products.
2. Add ClickBank if you have a niche where digital products make sense.
3. Move into ShareASale/Awin once you have some content and traffic.

If you have no audience yet:

• Pick one niche (examples: kitchen gadgets, fitness gear, AI tools, skincare, pets).
• Make 20–30 pieces of useful content before applying to stricter networks.
• Use your real name and personal tax details when required; you do not need to form an LLC just to begin.

A few networks may ask for tax information before paying you, but that does not mean you need a company or EIN. In the U.S., many individuals start as sole proprietors and provide their personal tax information.

For a true beginner, I would rank them:

1. Amazon Associates — easiest for physical products
2. ClickBank — easiest for digital offers
3. ShareASale — best step toward professional affiliate marketing

www.techradar.comtheaffiliatedigest.com

If you tell me your platform (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, Pinterest, etc.) and niche, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 networks for you.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or an LLC to start affiliate marketing as an individual in the U.S. You can generally join programs as an individual/sole proprietor, although networks may still require your legal name, tax information, and possibly a W-9 before paying you.

Best beginner-friendly options

1. Amazon Associates — easiest starting point
   • You can apply as an individual.
   • Huge selection of products.
   • Good if you're making TikToks, YouTube videos, Pinterest content, or a niche website.
   • No LLC/EIN is inherently required just to be an affiliate.
   • Approval is tied more to having a legitimate qualifying website/social presence and generating required sales than having a company.

2. Shopify Collabs — excellent for creators
   • Designed specifically around creators and influencers.
   • Shopify says Collabs is free for creators. www.shopify.com
   • You can find Shopify brands and create affiliate links/codes.
   • One caveat: the broader Collabs Network has had eligibility requirements including a public social account with at least 1,000 followers and being located in the U.S., Canada, or UK. changelog.shopify.com

3. Awin — good once you have some content
   • Lots of retail, fashion, software, travel, and other brands.
   • More traditional affiliate-network experience than Amazon.
   • Individual creators/publishers can apply, but individual programs within the network may have their own approval requirements.

4. impact.com — good for growing creators
   • Strong selection of creator/brand partnerships.
   • Better once you have an established social profile or website.
   • Individual approval can be more selective than Amazon.

What I'd do if you're starting from zero

Start with Amazon Associates + Shopify Collabs.

You don't need to rush into forming an LLC or getting an EIN just for affiliate marketing. Use your real individual/legal information when setting up tax/payment information.

If you tell me what type of content you make (e.g. AI tools, fitness, beauty, tech, fashion, gaming, finance, etc.) and roughly how many followers you have, I can give you 5–10 networks/programs that are particularly easy for your situation, ranked by approval difficulty and commission potential.

Yes. You do not generally need an EIN or an incorporated company to start affiliate marketing as an individual creator. The network/program may ask for your legal name, tax information, website/social profile, and payment details instead.

Best beginner-friendly options

🥇 I'd start with Impact

Impact specifically has a creator/influencer marketplace where creators can sign up, connect their social profiles, discover brands, and generate affiliate links. Their current site explicitly says creators can sign up for free and join the marketplace. impact.com

You don't need to present yourself as a company. You can operate as an individual creator and provide your personal/tax information when required.

Amazon Associates is also a great starting point if your content is product-focused—things like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blogs, product reviews, etc.

If I were starting from zero

I'd do:

1. Impact → first choice
2. Amazon Associates → second
3. Awin → once you have some content/traffic

One important distinction: getting accepted by the network doesn't automatically mean you'll be accepted into every brand's program. Individual brands can have their own requirements.

Also, don't worry about forming an LLC just to begin. You can start as an individual/sole proprietor and deal with the business-structure question later.

If you tell me what type of content you make (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, website) and your niche, I can give you 5–10 specific affiliate programs that are easy for a brand-new individual creator to get into.

If you’re a beginner affiliate without an EIN, LLC, or company, you can still join many affiliate networks as an individual creator. Most will ask for your legal name, tax information (usually a W-9 if you’re in the U.S.), payment details, and your promotion channels — but they generally do not require you to own a business. www.jotform.com

Here are some of the easiest options:

affideck.comwww.techradar.com

My suggested beginner path

1. Start with ClickBank

• Usually one of the easiest places for a new individual to start.
• No company needed.
• Many digital products with higher commission percentages.
• Best if you can create content around a niche (fitness, software, education, hobbies). affideck.comwww.techradar.com

2. Add Amazon Associates

• Great if you make videos like:
  • “Best tools under $50”
  • “My creator setup”
  • “Top 5 kitchen gadgets”
• Easier because people already trust Amazon. affideck.comwww.techradar.com

3. Apply to ShareASale/Awin later

• Better when you have a small website, YouTube channel, Instagram/TikTok page, or consistent content. affideck.com

What you usually need (no EIN)

✅ Your real name
✅ Address
✅ Tax form (for U.S. creators, often a W-9)
✅ Payment method
✅ A place where you promote (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, newsletter)

You do not need:
❌ LLC
❌ Business bank account
❌ Registered company
❌ EIN (unless you choose to get one)

A good first choice depends on your content:

• TikTok/Instagram creator: Amazon, Impact, ClickBank
• YouTube reviewer: Amazon, ShareASale, CJ
• No audience yet: ClickBank + build content first
• Niche blog: ShareASale, Awin, CJ

One caution: avoid “instant approval” networks promising guaranteed income or no review at all; some have low-quality offers. Focus on networks with recognizable merchants and clear payment terms. theapprovia.com

Yes. In most cases you do not need an EIN or a registered company to start affiliate marketing. If you're in the U.S., you can usually sign up as an individual using your Social Security Number (SSN) for tax reporting. If you're outside the U.S., most networks accept individuals and use your local tax information (such as a W-8BEN for non-U.S. publishers). Requirements vary by country and network. www.shopify.com

Here are some of the easiest options for beginners:

If you're starting with no audience

I would recommend this order:

1. ClickBank – easiest approval and immediate access to products.
2. Amazon Associates – easy to understand and trusted by shoppers.
3. Awin – once you have some content on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or a blog.
4. Apply to individual SaaS affiliate programs (many have simple applications and recurring commissions). Community discussions also note that many SaaS programs are more welcoming to new creators than some traditional retail networks. www.reddit.com

Do you need an LLC?

No. Many affiliates start as sole proprietors.

You can always form an LLC later if your business grows or you want liability protection or a separate business identity.

My recommendation for a complete beginner

If I were starting today with no company, no EIN, and little or no audience, I would:

• Join ClickBank first.
• Join Amazon Associates once I have a few pieces of content published.
• Focus on one niche (fitness, pets, finance, software, home, etc.).
• Create helpful short-form videos or articles before applying to more selective programs.

If you tell me:

• your country, and
• whether you'll promote products on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, a blog, or Pinterest,

I can recommend the networks with the highest chance of approval for your situation.

Yes. You do not need an LLC, corporation, or EIN to get started with many affiliate networks. As a U.S. individual, you can often sign up using your Social Security Number (SSN) as your tax ID. The IRS only requires an EIN in certain situations, such as having employees or forming certain business entities. www.irs.govaffiliate-program.amazon.com

Here are some of the easiest affiliate networks for beginners:

If you're starting from zero

I'd recommend this order:

1. Amazon Associates – easiest approval and recognizable products.
2. ShareASale – access to thousands of brands after one network signup.
3. ClickBank – if you want to promote digital products with higher commissions.
4. Apply to individual brand programs once you've built some content.

What you'll usually need

• Your legal name
• Email address
• Tax information (SSN if you're a U.S. individual)
• A website, blog, YouTube channel, TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest account (requirements vary by network)
• A brief description of how you'll promote products

If you're using Pinterest

Since you mentioned affiliate marketing before, a strong beginner combination is:

• Pinterest for traffic
• Amazon Associates for physical products
• ShareASale for higher-paying brand partnerships

This setup lets you start without forming a business. You can always create an LLC and obtain an EIN later if your affiliate income grows or you want additional business separation.

If your goal is earning your first $100–$1,000 in affiliate commissions, I can also suggest networks based on your niche (home decor, tech, fashion, AI tools, finance, etc.).

If you are a beginner affiliate working as an individual creator (no EIN, no LLC/company), you generally want networks that allow you to sign up as a person/publisher/creator and use a social profile, YouTube channel, TikTok, blog, or email list as your traffic source. Many networks do not require an EIN to join, although you may still need to provide tax information later before receiving payments (especially in the U.S.). www.jotform.comwww.awin.com

Here are some of the easiest places to start:

My suggested beginner path

1. Start with Amazon Associates if you make:
   • TikTok product videos
   • YouTube reviews
   • Pinterest content
   • “Best X under $50” posts

2. Add ClickBank if you want:
   • Digital products
   • Courses
   • Software
   • Higher commission percentages

3. After you have some content and traffic, apply to:
   • Awin
   • ShareASale
   • Impact

What you usually need (no company required)

• Your real name
• Address
• Payment method
• Tax information when required
• A place where you promote (social account, website, YouTube, etc.) www.jotform.comwww.awin.com

Avoid at the beginning

• Networks that promise “instant riches”
• Random high-commission products with no reputation
• Programs requiring you to pay a fee to join

For a brand-new creator with zero audience, I would start with Amazon Associates + one niche-focused program rather than joining 20 networks at once. www.jotform.com

If you tell me your platform (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, blog, Pinterest, or no audience yet) and your niche (tech, fitness, beauty, finance, pets, etc.), I can suggest the easiest network/program combination.

Yes. You do not need an EIN or a registered company to join many affiliate networks. If you're in the U.S., you can usually sign up as an individual/sole proprietor and use your Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes instead of an EIN. affiliate-program.amazon.comsupport.clickbank.com

Here are the easiest networks for beginners:

1. Amazon Associates (Best First Choice)

Pros

• Very easy to join
• Millions of products
• Great if you make TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, or blog content
• No EIN required for individuals in the U.S. affiliate-program.amazon.comsupport.clickbank.com

Cons

• Lower commission rates than some other programs.

2. ShareASale (Excellent for Beginners)

ShareASale is often recommended because:

• Thousands of merchants
• Accepts individual publishers
• Easy application
• PayPal and other payment options
• Many beginner-friendly brands affideck.com

3. Awin

Awin accepts:

• Blogs
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• Email newsletters

You don't even need a traditional website if you have another content platform with an engaged audience. www.awin.com

4. ClickBank

Good if you want to promote:

• Courses
• Software
• E-books
• Digital tools

It's one of the easiest networks to get started with. U.S. affiliates can use an SSN instead of an EIN, though ClickBank encourages getting an EIN later for privacy and business purposes. affiliate-program.amazon.comsupport.clickbank.com

If you're just starting today

A simple progression is:

1. Join Amazon Associates
2. Join ShareASale
3. Join Awin
4. Add direct affiliate programs for brands you genuinely use (many companies run their own programs).

My recommendation for a beginner creator

If you have no company, no EIN, and little or no audience yet, I'd start with:

• Amazon Associates
• ShareASale
• Awin

These are widely used, accept individual creators, and let you grow without forming an LLC first. Once you're earning consistent commissions (for example, several hundred dollars per month), you can decide whether getting an EIN or forming an LLC makes sense for tax, privacy, or liability reasons.

If you tell me what platform you'll use (TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, a blog, or something else), I can recommend the networks that tend to perform best for that type of content.

Yes. You do not need to form an LLC or corporation to become an affiliate. Many networks accept individuals/sole proprietors, and you can usually use your Social Security Number (SSN) instead of an EIN for tax purposes if you don't have a business. (If you later decide to get an EIN, it's often for privacy or business organization rather than because it's required.) support.clickbank.com

Here are some of the easiest networks for beginners:

If you're just starting from zero

I would join in this order:

1. ClickBank – easiest approval and high commissions.
2. Amazon Associates – easiest products to promote because people already trust Amazon.
3. ShareASale – once you've posted a few pieces of content.

If you're creating content on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube

You don't necessarily need a website. Many affiliate programs accept creators who primarily promote through social media, although having consistent, original content improves your chances of approval. systeme.io

Do you need an EIN?

• No, not to get started.
• You can usually register as an individual/sole proprietor and provide your SSN or other taxpayer identification as requested.
• Many affiliates eventually obtain a free EIN from the IRS to avoid sharing their SSN with multiple companies, but it's optional for many beginners. support.clickbank.com

If your goal is to earn your first $100–$1,000, I recommend this simple path:

• Join ClickBank and Amazon Associates.
• Pick one niche (AI tools, home gadgets, beauty, fitness, pets, etc.).
• Create short videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or Pinterest.
• Add your affiliate links in your profile, descriptions, or wherever the program allows.
• Focus on solving problems and reviewing products rather than simply posting links.

That combination tends to have the lowest barrier to entry for individual creators without a business entity.