Why disclosure isn't optional
The moment you earn a commission from a link, US law requires you to say so. The FTC's Endorsement Guides require any material connection — an affiliate commission counts — to be disclosed clearly and conspicuously. On top of that, affiliate programs mandate it in their terms: fail to comply and you can lose the program account and face regulatory penalties. It's both a legal and a contractual obligation.
Two things Amazon requires
Amazon Associates is stricter than most. Its Operating Agreement requires two things: a compliant disclosure with your links, and a specific identification statement — "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases" — appearing clearly wherever you post Amazon links. Amazon's wording is essentially fixed; its own required line alone may not fully meet the FTC's plain-language standard, which is why the generator gives you both a plain-language disclosure and the Amazon statement.
Placement is where people fail
Most sites have a disclosure — in the footer, or on a page nobody visits. That generally doesn't satisfy the FTC, which wants the disclosure easy to notice and close to the recommendation, on the same screen as the affiliate link and before the reader acts. The fix is simple: put the short disclosure at the top of every post with affiliate links, above the first one, and keep the full page linked in your footer as well. Getting the wording right but the placement wrong is the most common — and most avoidable — mistake.
Language that doesn't count
Vague phrasing fails even when it feels like a disclosure. "May contain partner links," "this post may contain sponsored content," or a lone "#aff" don't plainly state that you earn a commission, so they generally aren't compliant. Say it plainly: you may earn a commission, at no cost to the reader. Plain language is the whole point — and it also reads better. When you cloak or mark links, pair disclosure with the correct rel="sponsored" attribute.
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally need an affiliate disclosure?
In the US, yes. The FTC's Endorsement Guides require a clear and conspicuous disclosure whenever you earn a commission from a link. Most affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates, also require it in their terms — so it's both a legal and a contractual obligation.
What is the exact Amazon affiliate disclosure statement?
Amazon's Operating Agreement requires this specific wording to appear clearly and conspicuously where you post Amazon links: 'As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.' A substantially similar version is accepted, but the wording is essentially dictated by Amazon.
Where should I place my affiliate disclosure?
Above the first affiliate link, ideally before the reader has to scroll — not buried in a footer or on a separate page. The FTC wants it easy to notice and close to the recommendation. A footer-only disclosure generally doesn't satisfy the requirement.
What disclosure language is NOT compliant?
Vague phrases that don't mention a financial relationship — like 'may contain partner links,' 'this post may contain sponsored content,' or a lone '#aff' — are generally considered insufficient. The disclosure must plainly say you may earn a commission.
Does a disclosure hurt conversions?
The opposite, usually. Transparency builds trust, and readers who know you're upfront about affiliate relationships tend to be more willing to buy through your links, not less.
This tool provides starting templates and general information, not legal advice. It reflects US FTC guidance and Amazon's Associates Operating Agreement; other jurisdictions differ and rules change. Verify for your situation.