Are you exploring ways to earn extra cash online? Paid surveys are an increasingly popular option, but perhaps you’re questioning their legitimacy.
Many companies are willing to pay for your opinions and feedback on products or services, and all you have to do is answer a few questions. Therefore, with the rise of the gig economy, more and more people are turning to online surveys as a way to supplement their income.
In this piece, I will demystify the world of paid online surveys and guide you toward reputable survey sites where your time can be rewarded.
Ready to put a little money in your pocket with just a few clicks? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Paid online surveys allow people to earn money by providing opinions/feedback on products, services, experiences to support market research.
- Participants get matched to relevant surveys based on demographics and interests shared in their user profiles. Surveys typically take 5-30 minutes and offer cash or gift card rewards.
- Benefits include flexible supplemental income, easy participation, and informing companies’ offerings. However, earnings are typically small – less than minimum wage.
- Top legitimate survey sites like Swagbucks, Toluna Influencers, Pinecone Research pay reliably, offer various reward redemption options, have clear compensation terms and privacy policies.
- Maximizing earnings involves signing up for multiple survey sites, thoroughly completing user profiles to qualify for more surveys, checking sites consistently for new paid survey opportunities, and leveraging referral programs.
- In summary, while paid online surveys won’t make you rich, they can provide convenient extra income in free time if using legitimate platforms. Just approach realistically without expectations matching hype.
What is a Paid Online Survey?
Paid online surveys are a way to make money by sharing your opinions and experiences with companies and organizations.
These surveys are conducted online, and you can take them from the comfort of your own home.
Companies use online surveys to gather information about their products, services, and target audience.
By taking online surveys, you can help companies improve their products and services and earn money at the same time.
I should point out that if you want to earn a living, taking surveys is not sustainable because most of them pay relatively poorly.
Having said that, there are other ways to make money online that can earn you a decent living.
How Do Paid Online Surveys Work?
Taking online surveys is easy. You first need to sign up with a survey site and create a profile.
The survey site will match you with surveys that are relevant to your interests and demographics, details which are derived from your profile.
You will receive an invitation to participate in a survey via email. The email will include a link to the survey, and you can start taking the survey by clicking on the link.
Online surveys typically take between 5 and 30 minutes to complete, depending on the length of the survey.
You will be asked a series of questions about your experiences and opinions. The questions may be multiple-choice, open-ended, or a combination of both.
Once you have completed the survey, you will receive compensation in the form of cash, gift cards, or other rewards.
Benefits of Taking Online Surveys
Taking online surveys has several benefits. First, it is a flexible way to make money. You can take surveys whenever you have free time, whether it is during your lunch break or in the evening.
Second, it is an easy way to earn money. You don’t need any special skills or qualifications to take online surveys.
Third, it is a fun way to share your opinions and experiences with companies and organizations. You can help shape the products and services that you use every day.
In short, taking online surveys is a great way to make money and share your opinions and experiences with companies and organizations. By taking online surveys, you can help companies improve their products and services and earn money at the same time.
Top Survey Sites to Make Money Online
Here are some top paid online survey sites where you can make money online:
Swagbucks
Swagbucks offers a unique variety of ways to earn money beyond simply taking surveys.
Users can make cash by watching videos, playing games, shopping online, and using the Swagbucks search engine.
The site is highly rated for its reliable payments via PayPal or gift cards. It has a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot which is impressive because it has more than 34,000 reviews.
When you partake in an activity on Swagbucks, they pay you in Swagbucks points (shortened to ‘SBs’).
You can redeem these for gift cards at over 1,500 retailers, including Amazon, Caffè Nero, and Tesco.
If you prefer to be paid in cash, you can convert points straight into your PayPal account as cash. Or you can donate to charity if you’re feeling generous.
In addition to doing surveys, you can do other activities for SBs on Swagbucks. One is to switch your default search engine to Swagbucks (rather than Google or Bing). You will start making for using the internet.
Swagbucks also has a referral program. You earn SB points when you get other people to sign up for Swagbucks with your referral code.
You get 300 SB when you get someone to sign up and 10% of your new referral’s SB earnings for as long as they’re a member.
While individual earnings vary greatly depending on activity level, many users appreciate the opportunity to turn idle browsing time into profit.
It’s an innovative platform that applies market research strategies in a fun and engaging way for users. With options to suit different preferences, it remains one of the top survey sites in 2023.
Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost is an online survey site for people seeking to earn money from home.
It has a good reputation on Trustpilot with a 4.2 out of 5 rating based on over 4,000 reviews.
It lets you participate in market research surveys and express your views, ranging from major brands, and shopping online experiences, to more niche categories.
For each completed survey, you receive “Opinion Points” that you can redeem as either eCards or cash.
There are membership levels and you climb up the hierarchy the more surveys you complete. You can only be upgraded to the “Diamond” level, which is the highest level when you complete your personal profile. The higher your membership level, the more points you get.
One defining feature of Opinion Outpost is its low payout threshold. Unlike many other survey sites that require a hefty sum before you can withdraw your earnings, they set it at just $5. This low threshold allows you quick access to your earned rewards which you can redeem through PayPal or gift cards.
One complaint that kept showing up in the reviews is that some members started a survey but were not allowed by Opinion Outpost to finish thus missing out on the points.
The explanation from the company was that they can disqualify you even when you’ve started a survey because they determine that you are not part of the target group of that survey. They say that you are allowed to start because they cannot determine beforehand whether you qualify and you have to answer a couple of qualifying questions first.
Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research stands out because, unlike the usual survey sites, they only let you join via invitation (only from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and France). As an esteemed market research firm, they prioritize quality over quantity.
You can’t just visit the site online and create an account (there’s no sign-up link on the website):
Something else that sets Pinecone Research apart is its payment scheme: each completed survey earns you at least $3, making it one of the best-paid survey sites in the industry.
This makes your time investment worth it despite fewer survey opportunities compared to other sites.
Pinecone Research closes your account if you stay dormant to ensure that they maintain an engaged membership.
If you become inactive, they won’t shut down your account without warning. They send you an email warning you about account closure.
Beyond paid online surveys, you may also get product testing opportunities where you can earn more while trying new items before release!
Ipsos i-Say
Ipsos i-Say is one of the top survey sites where you can make money online.
Ipsos is a reputable market research firm with more than 15,000 employees in more than 80 countries worldwide. So, you are certain that its surveys are legit.
Ipsos offers paid surveys to individuals willing to share their opinions and insights.
When you receive an email about a new survey, you can earn 45 and 250 points if you qualify for a survey. If you don’t qualify, you’ll get 5 or 10 points.
With an average survey length of 20 minutes, it’s a convenient way to earn extra money in your free time.
Additionally, Ipsos i-Say provides payout options like PayPal cash or prepaid Visa gift cards, making it easy for you to redeem your earnings.
Surveyjunkie
Survey Junkie is a reputable survey site with over 20 million members, providing opportunities for members to get paid for sharing their opinions.
While its legitimacy is established, the site’s suitability for you depends on its offerings and opportunities.
The primary method to earn on Survey Junkie is by taking online surveys, with a regularly updated list of available surveys. It’s important to note that you will not qualify for all surveys as they each target specific demographic groups.
Filling out your profile information can increase your chances of matching with surveys, but there’s no guaranteed method to qualify for all surveys.
They also have a browser extension called Survey Junkie Pulse and when you install it, you get access to extra surveys.
The browser extension learns more about you (your interests) while you browse and gives you access to “exclusive” surveys that you’d otherwise not get. You may even earn passively as it uses your data for market research.
Toluna Influencers
Toluna Influencers is a survey site where you can get paid to take online surveys. Besides paid surveys, there are a number of other ways you can earn money.
Toluna provides you with at least 5-10 surveys a week, but sometimes they offer more than that.
If you do not qualify for a survey, you still get points for having attempted the survey.
You have to keep checking the site regularly for new surveys because they will not send you emails when there are new ones.
The few times they send an email are usually for an extra survey that you cannot necessarily see on the platform. When you get such an invitation, take it because these tend to fill up quickly.
They pay relatively well but the terms vary from country to country.
Toluna Influencers usually indicates how much you will earn for a survey and how long it will approximately take, which lets you decide whether you will take the survey or not.
When you sign up, it is good to fill out your profile because not only will they reward you but you will also be matched to more surveys thus giving you a nice headstart.
As we’ve seen with other survey panels, you will not qualify for all surveys. To minimize incidences of disqualification, fill out your profile.
InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a Get-Paid-To (GPT) site that was started in 2000. A GPT site is a platform that offers tasks such as taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, signing up for offers, and clicking on ads in exchange for monetary compensation or rewards.
InboxDollars is owned by Prodege, which also owns Swagbucks.
InboxDollars has paid out over $80 million dollars to its members and one of its main tasks is taking paid surveys.
It doesn’t offer a huge amount of surveys and when it does, you probably won’t qualify for all of them.
One thing I like about the site is that it shows how long each survey will take and the reward so you know whether each survey is something worth pursuing.
In addition to surveys, InboxDollars has other earning opportunities such as watching videos, playing games, shopping for coupons, and reading emails among others.
Branded Surveys
Branded surveys will let you earn by taking online surveys. It used to be called MintVine before it was rebranded.
To make money, you have to accumulate points and reach the threshold to redeem your rewards.
The paid surveys vary in points, depending on the length of the survey.
The survey panel lets you know how many points you will earn for each survey, which enables you to prioritize which ones to take if you are short on time.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings from Online Surveys
Here are tips for making more money when you partake in online surveys:
Sign up for multiple survey sites
To maximize your earnings from online surveys, you should sign up for multiple survey sites. This allows you to have access to a wider range of survey opportunities and increases your chances of receiving more surveys to complete.
Typically, each survey site has a few opportunities every week and when you have access to many sites, you get more openings.
With various survey sites at your disposal, you can choose the ones that offer higher payouts or the ones that you are suited for because some will not pay if you are not the target audience.
By diversifying and signing up for multiple survey sites, you can increase your earning potential and make the most out of this opportunity to make money online.
Complete profile surveys
You should complete your profile to maximize your earnings from online surveys. Survey sites gather information about you, such as your age, location, and interests.
By providing this information upfront, survey sites can match you with relevant paid surveys that you are more likely to qualify for.
This means less time spent on surveys that may not be a good fit for you and more opportunities to earn money.
So take the time to complete these profile surveys accurately and thoroughly – it will pay off in the long run!
Be consistent and check for new surveys regularly
Consistency is key when it comes to making money from online surveys. To maximize your earnings, make sure to check for new surveys regularly.
Many survey sites update their available surveys frequently, so by checking in often, you’ll have more opportunities to earn money.
Take advantage of referral programs
When you refer friends or family members to join a survey site through your unique referral link, you can earn extra rewards or cash for each person who signs up.
This is an easy and effective way to boost your earnings without spending more time completing surveys. Many survey sites have referral programs that allow you to earn points, gift cards, or even direct cash payments for successful referrals.
Some survey sites offer bonus rewards for referring a certain number of people within a specific timeframe. This means that if you’re able to refer multiple individuals, you may qualify for additional incentives such as higher payouts per survey or exclusive access to special paid opportunities.
By taking advantage of these referral programs, you can make the most out of your online survey experience and potentially earn even more money in the process.
Having said that, not all referral programs are created equal. Some sites have restrictions or limitations on how much you can earn through referrals, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully before promoting the program.
How to Find Legitimate Survey Sites
As you look for online survey sites, it’s important to be aware of the many scams and illegitimate survey sites out there. Let’s go over the criteria for legitimate survey sites and list some of the top options available.
To ensure that you’re using a legitimate survey site, keep the following criteria in mind:
- Clear payment terms: Legitimate survey sites clearly state how much you’ll be paid for each survey and when you can expect to receive payment. They also spell out how you will be paid.
- Privacy policy: A legitimate survey site will have a clear privacy policy that explains how your information will be used and kept secure.
- No upfront fees: You should never have to pay to sign up for a survey site or to access surveys.
- Established reputation: Look for survey sites that have been around for a while and have a good reputation among users. Visit websites or forums where people discuss their experiences with various survey platforms. Positive feedback and payment proofs can be indicators of legitimacy.
- Check for contact information: Legitimate survey sites usually provide contact information, such as a physical address, email, and customer support. Avoid sites that lack proper contact details.
- Also, check if the survey site has an official website and a presence on social media platforms. Reputable sites often maintain an active online presence.
- Privacy policy and terms: Legitimate survey sites have clear privacy policies and terms of use. Make sure you review these documents to understand how your data will be used and what you’re agreeing to by participating.
- Avoid a site that makes unrealistic claims: Be cautious of survey sites that promise unrealistic earnings or rewards. Legitimate survey sites offer reasonable compensation for your time and opinions. Remember that participating in surveys can be a way to earn a bit of extra money or receive gift cards, but it’s important to manage your expectations and not rely solely on survey sites for significant income.
- Research the company behind the paid survey site: Established market research companies or survey panels are more likely to be legitimate.
You should always trust your instincts because if something feels too good to be true or if a site raises red flags, more often than not, you are right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Online Surveys for Money
Are survey websites a scam?
Paid survey sites are not inherently scams, but it is important to be cautious when using them. While there are legitimate survey companies that collect market research data and compensate participants for their feedback, there are also fake money-making apps that can be used by identity thieves to steal information.
Remember, while it is possible to make money from surveys, the earnings are often less than $5 per hour.
So be wary of any promises of getting rich quickly through surveys.
How much money can I make taking surveys?
While taking surveys can be a way to earn some extra cash, it’s important to have realistic expectations about how much money you can make.
The amount of money you can earn from surveys varies depending on the company and the length of the survey. On average, surveys pay between $0.50 and $5.00 per survey. Longer surveys can pay up to $50.00.
The amount of money you can make taking surveys varies depending on factors such as the length and complexity of the survey, as well as the survey site itself.
In general, most surveys offer a small amount of cash for completion, typically ranging from a few cents to a couple of dollars per survey. The earnings are often less than the minimum wage.
That’s why you should sign up for multiple survey sites and consistently complete surveys. So while taking surveys can provide supplementary income, don’t expect to get rich from them.
How do I get paid for surveys?
Survey sites offer various ways for you to get paid for your efforts. The most common payment methods are PayPal cash, gift cards, and prepaid Visa cards, just to mention a few.
Some survey sites also provide the option to donate earnings to charity.
When you accumulate points or dollars for each completed survey, you can only redeem once you have reached a certain threshold.
How long does it take to complete an online survey?
Online surveys vary in length, but on average, it takes about a couple of minutes to complete an online survey. The time may differ depending on the complexity of the questions and the specific requirements of each survey.
In most cases, longer surveys often offer greater rewards or compensation. So if you’re looking to maximize your earnings from online surveys, be prepared to set aside a bit of time for each one.
Having said that, not all paid surveys are worth your time. Some surveys may only pay a few cents while taking a disproportionate amount of time to complete.
Read the reviews before signing up to ensure that they will pay for your time.
Why do companies pay you to take surveys?
Companies pay you to take surveys because they want your valuable feedback. By gathering data and insights from consumers like you, companies can improve their products, services, and marketing strategies.
Your opinions help them understand consumer preferences, identify trends, and make informed business decisions. Market research helps businesses to stay competitive in the market and meet customer needs effectively.
That’s why companies are willing to compensate you for your time and input.
Conclusion
Overall, taking online surveys can be a great way to earn some extra money without leaving your home. While it may not be a full-time income, it can be a simple and enjoyable way to earn some extra cash in your free time. Here are some important takeaways:
- Nowadays, there are many survey sites available and it can be difficult to know which ones to trust. The only remedy to this is to do your research and read reviews from other users to find legitimate survey sites that pay well.
- As a general rule, surveys won’t make you rich and in most cases, won’t even be enough to sustain you as a source of income. Even the surveys that offer high payouts will only earn you a few dollars at a time. Therefore, you should treat taking surveys as a way to earn extra pocket change rather than a full-time job.
- From what I’ve experienced, you should strive to be consistent in your survey-taking and respond to survey invites in a timely manner because the best surveys are usually in high demand and you may miss out.
- It is worth mentioning that some survey sites may also offer other ways to earn money, such as by watching videos or completing other tasks. You should take advantage of these opportunities to maximize your earnings.
While it may not be a full-time income, taking paid online surveys can be a legitimate and convenient way to earn some additional income online.