How the TikTok Shop US referral fee works
In the United States TikTok Shop charges one main platform fee, the referral fee. TikTok's formula is referral fee = rate × (customer payment + platform discount − tax). In practice that is the item price after your own discount plus the shipping the customer paid. Platform-funded discounts are added back, so they don't lower your fee, and sales tax is excluded.
The rate is 6% for almost every category. Five fine-jewelry sub-categories (Diamond, Gold, Jade, Platinum/Carat Gold, and Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald) have been 5% since 31 October 2024, and every Pre-Owned sub-category is 5%. Collectibles and Pre-Owned sales pay only 3% on the part of a sale above $10,000.
The referral fee is not the whole picture. If you sell through creators, the affiliate commission you set is charged on top, and it is often larger than TikTok's own fee. Add it in the calculator.
Worked examples
Example 1: a $24.99 T-shirt with $4.99 buyer-paid shipping
The referral fee is charged on $29.98, including the shipping the buyer paid. Product cost $7, label cost $4.50.
| Referral fee (6%) | −$1.80 |
| Total fees | $1.80 |
| Payout | $23.68 |
Profit is $16.68 (66.7% of the item price). With a 15% creator commission it falls to $12.93.
Example 2: a $12,000 trading card
Collectibles pay 6% on the first $10,000 and 3% on the rest: 6% × $10,000 + 3% × $2,000 = $660.00, an effective 5.50%.
Example 3: a $450 gold necklace
Gold jewelry is one of the 5% sub-categories, so the referral fee is $22.50 rather than $27.00 at 6%.
Referral fee rates by category
| Category | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive & Motorcycle | 6% | |
| Baby & Maternity | 6% | |
| Beauty & Personal Care | 6% | |
| Books, Magazines & Audio | 6% | |
| Collectibles | 6% | 3% on the portion of a sale over $10,000 |
| Computers & Office Equipment | 6% | |
| Fashion Accessories | 6% | |
| Food & Beverages | 6% | |
| Furniture | 6% | |
| Health | 6% | |
| Home Improvement | 6% | |
| Home Supplies | 6% | |
| Household Appliances | 6% | |
| Jewelry Accessories & Derivatives | 5% / 6% | |
| Kids' Fashion | 6% | |
| Kitchenware | 6% | |
| Luggage & Bags | 6% | |
| Menswear & Underwear | 6% | |
| Pet Supplies | 6% | |
| Phones & Electronics | 6% | |
| Pre-Owned | 5% | 3% on the portion of a sale over $10,000 |
| Shoes | 6% | |
| Sports & Outdoor | 6% | |
| Textiles & Soft Furnishings | 6% | |
| Tools & Hardware | 6% | |
| Toys & Hobbies | 6% | |
| Womenswear & Underwear | 6% |
5% sub-categories: Jewelry Accessories & Derivatives › Diamond, Jewelry Accessories & Derivatives › Gold, Jewelry Accessories & Derivatives › Jade, Jewelry Accessories & Derivatives › Platinum, Carat Gold, Jewelry Accessories & Derivatives › Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald, Pre-Owned › Bags, Pre-Owned › Collectible Trading Cards, Pre-Owned › Luggage & Travel, Pre-Owned › Watches, Pre-Owned › Footwear, Pre-Owned › Refurbished Phones & Electronics, Pre-Owned › Fashion Accessories, Pre-Owned › Menswear, Pre-Owned › Womenswear, Pre-Owned › Collectible Coins and Paper Money, Pre-Owned › Collectible Figures, Pre-Owned › Collectible Comic Books.
Pricing tips
- Charge shipping knowingly. Buyer-paid shipping is part of the referral fee base, so a $5 shipping charge costs you $0.30 in fees.
- Budget for creators. Affiliate commission usually outweighs the 6% referral fee. Set a commission you can afford at your target margin.
- Check your category. Jewelry in the five fine-jewelry sub-categories pays 5%; other jewelry pays 6%. Make sure listings are categorized correctly.
Read how to price for a target margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the TikTok Shop US referral fee in 2026?
6% for most categories; 5% for five fine-jewelry sub-categories and all Pre-Owned categories. Collectibles and Pre-Owned pay 3% on the portion of a sale over $10,000.
Is the referral fee charged on shipping?
Yes. The base includes the shipping fee paid by the customer. Sales tax is excluded.
Do platform discounts reduce the fee?
No. TikTok adds platform discounts back into the base, so the fee is calculated as if the buyer paid the full price.
Is affiliate commission included?
No. Creator commission is set by you and charged separately. Enter it in the calculator to see your real margin.
Official sources
Rates verified:
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