Mobile Associates FAQ

Note: The Mobile Associates SDK is no longer available for download, however if you have integrated the SDK into your apps, you can continue to use it. Developers new to the Mobile Associates program should now sign up on Amazon Associates Central. Visit the Mobile Education Center to learn more.

General Questions
Fees and Payment

General Questions

Q: Who is eligible to use Mobile Associates API?: International and US developers are generally eligible to use the Mobile Associates API. Developers who reside in AR, CO, ME, MO, RI, or VT are not eligible to use Mobile Associates because the Amazon Associates program is not available in those states. Developers can only distribute approved apps via U.S. appstores.
Q: Can any app integrate with Mobile Associates?: The Amazon Appstore standard content guidelines apply to apps integrating the API. You can learn more about our content guidelines in the Approval Process and Content Guidelines section of the Amazon Apps & Games Developer Portal Content Policy. The intent of Mobile Associates is to enable owners and operators of content-rich mobile applications to generate revenue by advertising Amazon products and services. Other mobile applications, including those focused primarily on shopping, may not be approved.
Q: How many products can I promote in my app?: You can promote up to 1,000 products at a time in your app. The Mobile Associates API will only return information on up to 1,000 unique products per app per month.
Q: Do I have to sell and stock the products that I promote in my app?: No. You promote products on Amazon. Amazon handles the rest of the transaction.
Q: I already have an Associates account. Can I use that in conjunction with the Mobile Associates API?: No. the Mobile Associates API is linked to a new Associates account that we create for you when you accept the Amazon Developer Services Agreement and create your developer account. Reporting for your Mobile Associates account is only available on developer.amazon.com. You can continue to use Associates Central to access your pre-existing Associates account information. If both your Mobile and pre-existing Associates account earn advertising fees, they will result in separate payments.
Q: How are refunds handled?: Customers may return purchases according to Amazon's Returns Policies. Advertising fees are calculated net of refunds.
Q: Can I use the Amazon logo in my app's promotional materials?: We make available certain Amazon badges for your use in promotional materials (such badges, the Amazon Marks). You may use the Amazon Marks only in compliance with our Trademark, Brand, and Marketing Guidelines (the Trademark Guidelines). As set forth in the Trademark Guidelines and for the avoidance of doubt, you may not use the Amazon Marks in any manner that implies sponsorship or endorsement by Amazon or otherwise mischaracterizes your relationship with Amazon.

Fees and Payment

Q: Can I earn an advertising fee for every product on Amazon that a customer purchases through my app?: The Amazon Associates team maintains a list of excluded products here. These products are not eligible for sale via Mobile Associates. In addition, sexually explicit and other adult-oriented products are excluded from product search. See the Associates Program Operating Agreement for additional detail regarding advertising fees.
Q: What is the advertising fee rate?: Developers can earn advertising fees equal to up to 6% advertising fees for eligible purchases. See the Associates Program Advertising Fee Schedule for complete terms.
Q: When can I expect to be paid my advertising fee?: Advertising fees will be calculated on a monthly basis for qualifying purchases shipped, streamed, or downloaded during the month. Advertising fees will be paid approximately 60 days following the end of the relevant calendar month. See the Associates Program Operating Agreement for additional details regarding payment of advertising fees.
Q: What currency will I be paid in?: Developers will be paid in USD only. US developers will be paid via EFT. International developers will be paid via check. Checks will be mailed to the address provided by the developer during its account set-up. Developers can view or update the address associated with their developer account in the Settings section of the Amazon Apps & Games Developer Portal.
Q: Can I earn an advertising fee for every product on Amazon that a customer purchases through my app?: The Amazon Associates team maintains a list of excluded products here. These products are not eligible for sale via Mobile Associates. In addition, sexually explicit and other adult-oriented products are excluded from product search. See the Associates Program Operating Agreement for additional detail regarding advertising fees.

Last updated: Nov 02, 2020