Squier Affinitiy Stratocasters are Chinese made stratocaster style electric guitars. They were introduced into the Squier lineup in 1996 as the entry level model. From 1996-1999, "Made in China" Squier Stratocasters carried the "Affinity" decal on the headstock and have serial numbers as NCXXXX with the first number the year of manufacture, e.g. NC6XXX (Made in China 1996). The Affinities are similar to the Japanese-made Squier Bullets of the mid-'80s; the same alder bodies, same rosewood-type fretboard and maple necks. Tuners and electronics are also very similar. They had single-ply 8-hole pickguards like the '50s Fender Strats giving them a classic look. Colors were typically black, white and red.

The 2000 and later "Crafted in China" Squier Affinity Strats are different from the 1996-1999 Affinity Strats; most have alder bodies, larger headstock shapes, and somewhat inferior small parts. The pickguards generally now have 11 holes and screws, departing from the original '50s style. Many people attribute the Affinity's decline in quality to the introduction of these changes in 2000. The next major change for the Affinity line was a reduction in body thickness from 1.75" to 1.5", noticeable in size and weight.