Amazon referral fees by category
Amazon’s referral fee is a category commission, usually 15% — but the range runs from 8% to 45%, and the fee is charged on the total sales price, not just the item.
The 2026 referral fee table
| Category | Referral fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most categories | 15% | The default for many products |
| Electronics | 8% | Lower rate, higher average order value |
| Apparel & accessories | 17% | Higher rate than most categories |
| Books & media | 15% + $1.80 | $1.80 closing fee per unit |
| Beauty & personal care | 15% | |
| Home & kitchen | 15% | |
| Grocery | 8% | |
| Amazon device accessories | 45% | One of the highest rates on the marketplace |
How the referral fee is calculated
The fee is a percentage of the total sales price, which includes the item price, shipping, and gift wrap. It is not calculated on your cost or on the item price alone.
| Sale price | 15% category | 8% category | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $19.99 | $3.00 | $1.60 | $1.40 |
| $29.99 | $4.50 | $2.40 | $2.10 |
| $49.99 | $7.50 | $4.00 | $3.50 |
| $99.99 | $15.00 | $8.00 | $7.00 |
The category rate is not the whole fee
Referral is only the first layer. FBA fulfillment, the 3.5% fuel surcharge, storage, inbound, and advertising sit on top. On a $29.99 item with $4.50 fulfillment, the total fee load is often 30–40% before ads.
- A 15% referral fee on a $29.99 item is $4.50; an 8% fee is $2.40.
- FBA fulfillment is based on size tier and weight, not category.
- The 3.5% fuel surcharge applies to the fulfillment fee, not the referral fee.
- Media categories add the $1.80 closing fee on top of the 15%.
How to find your exact category
Use the fee preview in Seller Central or the revenue calculator for the specific ASIN. Category definitions can be counterintuitive — a product that looks like “home” may be classified as “kitchen” or “appliance,” and the rate can differ. Do not guess from the product title.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common Amazon referral fee?
15% is the most common rate, but it ranges from 8% for electronics and grocery to 17% for apparel and 45% for Amazon device accessories.
Is the referral fee charged on shipping?
Yes. It is calculated on the total sales price, including shipping and gift wrap. Free shipping built into the item price does not reduce it.
Did Amazon raise referral fees in 2026?
No. Referral percentages were frozen at 2025 levels for 2026. FBA fulfillment fees changed, and a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge was added in April 2026.
Tools worth a look
Optional tools that pair with this platform. Fee math does not depend on them.
Product research and sales estimates for Amazon sellers.
Use it to sanity-check demand, competition, and revenue before you source inventory — not after.
Explore Jungle Scout →Keyword, listing, and profitability tools for Amazon sellers.
A second data source is useful when a product looks borderline on demand or competition.
Explore Helium 10 →Some links may be affiliate links; if you sign up through one, FeeNook may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only list tools relevant to the platform. Affiliate disclosure.
FeeNook is independent and not affiliated with eBay, Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify. Fee rules change; confirm the current rate in your seller dashboard. This article is general information, not financial or tax advice.