TikTok Shop Fees (US) 2026: Referral Fee, Promo Rate, Refund Fee
Published on January 10, 2026
TikTok Shop US fees are centered on the referral fee. This guide summarizes the standard rate, the new seller promotional rate, and the refund administration fee so you can model profit accurately.
Quick fee table (US, 2026)
Fee base = Customer Payment + Platform Discount - Tax| Fee | Rate | Formula / note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard referral fee | 6% | fee base x 0.06 |
| New seller promo | 3% | Eligible for 30 days after first sale. |
| Refund admin fee | 20% of referral | Capped at $5 per SKU. |
Related calculators & long-tail topics
1) Standard referral fee
TikTok Shop US states that the standard referral fee rate is 6% for qualified transactions (as of April 1, 2024). The fee base is defined as Customer Payment + Platform Discount - Tax.
Referral fee = referral fee rate x (Customer Payment + Platform Discount - Tax)
2) Refund administration fee
For refunds, TikTok Shop returns the referral fee minus a refund administration fee. The refund administration fee is 20% of the referral fee and is capped at $5 per SKU.
3) New seller referral fee promotion
New sellers who complete onboarding and make their first sale within 60 days can receive a 30-day promotional referral fee rate of 3%. The promotional rate takes effect within 48 hours of the first order and then reverts to the standard category rate.
4) Category rate updates
TikTok Shop publishes category-level referral fee tables. For example, select jewelry sub-categories were reduced to 5% as of October 31, 2024, while most other categories remain at 6%.
5) TikTok Shop affiliate commission rates comparison (2026)
TikTok Shop seller fees (referral fee, refund admin fee) are charged by the platform. Affiliate/creator commission is separate: you (the seller) set it to incentivize creators to promote your products.
To compare affiliate commission rates, treat it like any other variable cost:
- Start from your gross margin (price − COGS − shipping you pay).
- Subtract the platform referral fee and any other fixed fees.
- Decide the maximum commission you can pay while keeping your target profit margin.
- Compare scenarios by testing commission % values and seeing how net profit changes.
Tip: If your affiliate commission is X%, estimate the commission amount per order, then add it to your profit model as a fee. You can use the TikTok Shop fee calculator and enter it under “Other fees” as dollars per order for a quick comparison.
6) Profit formula
Net profit = order total - (referral fee + creator commission + shipping you pay + COGS + other costs)
FAQ
What is the TikTok Shop commission fee?
Many sellers call it a commission, but TikTok Shop commonly refers to it as the referral fee: a percentage applied to the fee base (Customer Payment + Platform Discount - Tax). The exact rate can vary by category and promotions.
Is TikTok Shop commission the same as affiliate commission?
No. The platform referral fee is charged by TikTok Shop. Affiliate or creator commissions are separate fees you set to incentivize creators, and they reduce your net profit on top of platform fees.
What is the standard TikTok Shop referral fee in the US?
The standard referral fee listed for most categories is 6% on qualifying transactions.
How is the referral fee base calculated?
TikTok Shop defines the fee base as Customer Payment + Platform Discount - Tax.
What is the new seller promo rate?
Eligible new sellers can receive a 3% referral fee for 30 days after their first sale.
What is the refund administration fee?
For refunds, TikTok Shop returns the referral fee minus a refund admin fee that is 20% of the referral fee, capped at $5 per SKU.
Do referral fees vary by category?
Yes. TikTok Shop publishes category-level tables and updates certain categories over time.
Are creator or affiliate commissions included?
No. Creator or affiliate commissions are separate and should be added to your profit model if you use affiliates. Compare affiliate commission rates inside Seller Center before pricing.
How can I estimate profit quickly?
Use the TikTok Shop fee calculator with your price, shipping, and costs to see net profit and margin.