Many people need income to supplement their earnings or support their livelihood. However, most of them do not know where they can start earning. If you need revenue and you do not know where to start, this piece will provide useful insights that can change your financial standing.
An excellent way to earn is by taking paid surveys. You can take paid online surveys from the comfort of your living room. All you need is a personal computer or phone, internet, time, and the knowledge of which there exists many platforms that can be viable for you.
This piece reviews 11 best places to take paid online surveys for money, and it explores tips that will enable you to succeed.
1. Swagbucks
Owned and operated by Prodege, LLC, Swagbucks has an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Swagbucks has been paying people to undertake surveys for more than a decade. Many of its past and present clients and employees rate the platform highly.
Swagbucks pays its survey takers through their virtual points called Swagbucks (S.B.s). You can earn between 1 and 350 SBs for each survey you complete. The amount of Swagbucks you receive per survey depends on the topic popularity and length of the review. You get $1 for every 100 SBs, and you can redeem the earnings for gift cards from outlets, such as Amazon or for PayPal cash. New survey takers on Swagbucks get a $10 signup bonus after they spend $25 or more as the site's featured stores.
Besides the online surveys, you can earn from Swagbucks by watching videos, searching the web, and shopping online. The platform rewards members that complete these actions on specified places with S.B.s, which they can redeem once they reach 300 SBs.
Swagbucks is available in most of the Americas, Europe, Asia, and some locations in Africa. You need to be at least 13 years old to take surveys, and the platform pays $0.40 to $2 per survey. Swagbucks pays via PayPal or gift cards, and you need to have at least $25 in PayPal cash or $3 in gift cards to cash out.
2. Survey Junkie
With a BBB rating of B, Survey Junkie has been one of the industry leaders for close to a decade. The platform began in 2011, and it has a client list of more than 10 million members. The number of people taking surveys in Survey Junkie continues to grow.
Survey Junkie mainly offers a revenue stream through its paid survey opportunities. Users earn via points, with 100 points being equal to $1. You can cash out once you reach at least $10, which is equivalent to 1,000 points, through PayPal or e-gift cards. For every survey, you can earn around $0.50 to $3.
Besides the online surveys, some users earn from Survey Junkie by taking part in in-person or online focus groups, phone surveys, or testing products. These tasks are not available for everyone, and they pay around $5 to $150 per assignment.
You can start earning once you sign up and complete your profile in 5 minutes. The surveys on Survey Junkie are easy to finish. Survey Junkie is available in the United States, Australia, and Canada. You have to be at least 13 to take part in surveys, and there are no mandatory purchases or signing ups to start earning. Survey Junkie pays via PayPal cash to all countries, or direct bank transfers and gift cards in the United States.
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars has disbursed more than $59 million to its members since it became operational in 2006. It has a B rating with the BBB, and many of its previous clients are happy with its operations. The company can pay once you reach the set minimum of $30 via check in your mail, gift cards, or prepaid Visa card.
InboxDollars pays survey takers in cash instead of points. Even though many opportunities offer a small reward, seeing your actual payment growing can motivate you to continue taking surveys. You will need to accumulate at least $30 before you make a withdrawal from the platform. Each review typically pays about $0.50 to $5.00, but others pay up to $20 or more to people from specific demographics.
It is easy to set up an InboxDollar account, and you get a $5 bonus the moment you activate your account. The platform can ask you to answer some questions, such as your race, income, education, and additional demographic information, among others. Be truthful in your answers to avoid facing any trouble. These questions are for helping the platform provide a satisfactory experience as you earn, such as displaying surveys you will find easy to answer.
InboxDollars is available in America, and users need to be at least 18 years old to earn from the site. You may also earn on InboxDollars by playing games, watching video advertisements, and shopping from select e-commerce stores.
4. LifePoints
LifePoints has been in existence since 1946. It has a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 by some of its 5 million members. The minimum amount you can withdraw while on LifePoints is only $5, and you can receive payments via gift cards, PayPal, or charitable donations.
Signing up to take surveys on LifePoints is easy. The company rewards its survey takers through redeemable points. You earn 10 points once you verify your email address and answer some questions. The answers they may ask you to provide include those on your name, address, and date of birth. LifePoints asks for these details to enable them to show you relevant surveys that you can answer quickly.
The surveys you can participate in while in LifePoints range from topics on technology to those on household brands to automobiles, and more. LifePoints is available in the United States, Hong Kong, South Africa, Mexico, China, and 36 other countries. You need to be at least 16 years old to take part in surveys, which pay up to 600 points or $5 each. However, most campaigns pay around $0.50 to $1 for complete reviews.
5. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research has been a reputable firm for a significant portion of its 21 years of existence. The Nielsen Company-owned platform boasts an A+ rating on BBB. One of the reasons why this survey platform has such an impressive rating is that it pays an average of $3 per survey.
Feedback from surveys done via Pinecone Research is critical for future services and products. According to the company, reviews take a few minutes, and those doing them often get 300 points, which equals $3. Active users can also test new products and earn about $3 to $5 once they write a report about the products. The company can allow you to retain the product once you are through evaluating it.
To ensure the feedback is relevant, Pinecone Research limits its members to specific demographics. Apply for their membership to confirm whether you qualify. If you do not qualify, there are other alternatives here worth trying. The site is available in the United States, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Users have to be at least 18 years old. They should have at least $1 to withdraw through PayPal, check through their mail, or gift cards.
6. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel made its debut in 2007, and it has paid its more than 9 million members over $19 million. The company has a unique program that rewards its customers based on their earnings. Survey takers that reach 4,500 points earn a Gold level status, and they get a 1% discount on their prize and a 1% bonus on their earnings.
Those that attain the 10,000 points threshold (Platinum level) get a 2% discount and 2% bonus, while those that reach 16,000 points (Diamond level) get a 3% discount and a 3% bonus. Signing up on PrizeRebel is easy.
Once you provide your name and confirm your email address, you can start earning by taking online surveys. The first survey you will take asks for your demographic data, and it will get you 10 points. Subsequent reviews pay via redeemable points. Most of them pay between 40 to 60 points and take up to 15 minutes to finish.
You have to be at least 18 years old to participate and earn from surveys. 16 and 17-year-olds can also answer questionnaires provided they have permission from their parents. PrizeRebel is available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. You need to have at least $5 (500 points) before you can withdraw via Dwolla cash, PayPal cash, or gift cards.
7. MyPoints
Prodege, LLC, the company that owns Swagbucks, also owns MyPoints. MyPoints has an A+ score with the BBB. In the 24 years that MyPoints has existed, it has paid more than $236 million to its over 10 million members. New users get a $10 Visa or Amazon gift card. However, they will need to spend at least $20 using MyPoint shopping to activate it.
Besides the online surveys, MyPoints enables users to generate some income by watching videos, booking travel hotels, playing games, shopping online, and printing and redeeming coupons. Users earn redeemable points and can claim a $3 gift card when they reach 480 points or a $500 gift card once they accumulate 15,800 points. The points can reach further depending on where you choose to redeem them.
MyPoints is available in the United States and Canada. Users have to be at least 13 years old to participate in surveys. Each complete review pays about $0.35 to $0.55. Users have to have at least $10 before they can withdraw via gift cards, PayPal cash, or travel miles. You need to have at least 1,500 points ($10) to redeem your points for your prepaid Visa card.
8. American Consumer Opinion
With a rating of A+ on BBB, American Consumer Opinion (ACOP) stands out as one of the top survey platforms. Decision Analyst, Inc. owns ACOP. Its parent firm has been operational for slightly over 41 years. You do not have to be an American to earn via ACOP as the platform is available worldwide.
Once you complete the process of creating an account on ACOP, you can begin your first survey in less than two minutes. This survey pays 5 points, and it has some questions about your demographic information, such as your educational level and marital status. Once you complete this survey, relevant surveys will be available in your account.
ACOP offers users a chance to earn via their surveys only. You will get redeemable points for reviews you complete. $1 is equivalent to 100 points on the site. Users have to be at least 14 years old to take part in surveys. Each survey pays around $0.05 to $0.50. You need to have at least $10 to withdraw your earnings through Hyperwallet, PayPal cash, or charitable donations.
9. Panda Research
Panda Research began its paid surveys in 2005, and they have disbursed more than $2.2 million to their members. The platform belongs to A&A Marketing, Inc. and has a few negative ratings with the BBB. These reviews are few, and many other customers have had delightful interactions with the platform.
It is easy to set up an account with Panda Research. You will need to complete your member profile, verify your email address, and provide a valid phone number before you start surveying. You can earn as high as $50 with each survey. Reading paid emails as you cash out can get you up to $25.
Panda Research is only available in the United States. Users need to be at least 18 years old to take surveys. The company pays users that have at least $50 on the 15th and first of each month through PayPal. Each survey you take often pays differently.
10. Opinion Outpost
Owned by Dynata, a global survey and sampling company, Opinion Outpost has been connecting corporations with their customers for more than a decade. Feedback from potential consumers helps the entities improve or change their products and services before launching them. It also helps them grow by improving existing goods or services. The platform has a rating of 4 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
You will need to complete their initial screening to participate in surveys. They will ask about essential things, such as your work status, number of kids, and level of education. You may also provide answers to recent activities, such as whether you have taken your pet to the vet recently. The platform may repeat the questions a number of times to ensure you provided truthful answers.
Most of the surveys you will get here are worth 30 points, which you can use while unlocking games on Alawar.com. Alternatively, you can join the MileagePlus Program to use your earnings toward travel credits. You need at least 105 points to get 300 Award Miles.
Opinion Outpost is available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Users must be at least 18 years old. Each survey pays about $0.30 to $3, and you need at least $5 to get an Amazon gift card and $10 for PayPal cash. You can also redeem your points for American Red Cross donations or iTunes and Apple Store gift cards.
11. Survey Club
With more than 16 million users, Survey Club has an impressive rating of A+ with the BBB. The platform has been facilitating surveys for 11 years and pays well. You will earn around $0.10 to $5 for every review you finish.
Signing up with Survey Club is straightforward. You only create an identity and provide demographic information, which they use to match you with relevant paid surveys. This platform also refers members to other survey sites, such as LifePoints, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research. Survey Club also offers paid focus group openings.
Survey Club is available in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Users have to be at least 13 years old to take part in surveys. All your earnings from reviews hosted by the platform accumulate in your account as cash. Users typically earn around $50 to $200 per hour. You have to have at least $25 to withdraw through gift cards, sweepstakes, charitable contributions, cash, prize drawings, or prepaid debit cards.
Criteria Used to Qualify these Platforms as the Best Online Survey Sites
We looked at the following aspects of these survey sites to qualify them as the best paid online survey platforms.
- Track Record – platforms that made it to this list have a proven track record. They have paid past clients on time on almost every occasion. In case they delayed, they provided adequate reasons and still made the payments. Their previous clients rank these platforms highly.
- Number of Opportunities – these platforms provide adequate opportunities. Once you decide to engage any of them, you will often have a reliable supply of work.
- Income Potential – these companies pay clients well. We rated their payments by looking at some of their rates, and the reviews on payments by past employees. However, these entities pay differently, with varying terms. Choose the ones whose payment terms are acceptable to you.
These platforms are excellent options when you want to earn money by taking part in surveys. Here is some additional information that should help you make informed decisions when it comes to taking surveys.
6 Tips to Earn the Most from Paid Surveys
Follow the following 6 tips to maximize your earnings from paid surveys.
1. Choose Several Sites
There is no limit to the number of survey sites you can be using. Be in as many as possible to offer you multiple options. However, you should always ensure you are active in them frequently, as some platforms can close inactive accounts.
Additionally, some websites offer specific rewards for clients that reach some milestones, such as access to higher-paying surveys. The quicker you reach these targets, the more money you will make.
2. Complete Your Profile
Ensure your profile is always complete to get the best surveys. Survey companies use the information on your profile to match you with relevant reviews. These opportunities can include those close to your lifestyle or educational level.
You will not struggle to provide useful answers to their questions. Take advantage of the option to edit your profile if there is any relevant change.
3. Watch the Time
Some surveys require you to complete them before a given time elapses. You should ensure you can finish on time. Most platforms do not accept this incomplete feedback, and they do not pay for them.
Additionally, the quicker you complete surveys, the more opportunities to earn you can have.
4. Be Consistent With Your Answers
The feedback you give on surveys help companies that have them improve their products or services. Consequently, survey sites or these companies may need to verify their authenticity once in a while.
If you provide inconsistent answers, they can shut down your account on suspicion of lying in your answers.
5. Prioritize Taking the Highest Paid Surveys
Choosing the top paying reviews first gives you the best chance of making more money. If you are on multiple platforms, take a brief moment to compare opportunities available before starting a survey.
6. Take Advantage of Alternative Ways to Earn on Survey Platforms
Besides surveys, you can get income on survey platforms in other ways, such as referrals, offers, and focus groups. Always be on the lookout for these opportunities as their rates are often higher. They can also be sources of revenue when the surveys available are few.
When to Avoid a Survey Platform
Unfortunately, it is not every site that asks you to take surveys to get paid is legitimate. There have been several instances where some websites have duped unsuspecting clients into participating in surveys only to fail to pay them.
Avoid the following platforms:
1. Sites That Ask You to Pay to Take Part in Any of Their Surveys
Legitimate survey platforms do not require you to pay to join them. You only receive money from them, and not the other way around. Some platforms may take a small cut of your earnings, but remember you have options if you are not happy with the terms they offer.
2. Platforms That Do Not Have Any Ratings or History
If no one has ever rated a site, consider other alternatives. While this fact may not always mean that a survey website is illegitimate, it is better to be safe with rated platforms. You should also deal with platforms with good ratings. However, you should be vigilant with reviews that are too good to be true.
3. Websites That Ask You to Provide Private Information Upfront
Some platforms collect private data on users when signing up. You should never give any information that seems way too off for you. Always be careful, especially when dealing with a site that has many questions.
4. Platforms That Pay Survey Takers Too Little Money for Surveys
Unfortunately, some sites exploit your need for cash by paying too small amounts for reviews. Compare the prices of several survey platforms before choosing one that has acceptable rates for you. If a survey company seems to be exploitative, avoid it.
5. Companies That Have an Outdated or Glitchy Site for Clients to Use When Participating in Surveys
Some survey companies do not take the time to update their website. If they are not interested in their business this much, they are likely to be less interested in your opinion. They can fail to pay you after surveys or be using the platform for other purposes, such as collecting information of visitors.
6. Companies That Make it Impossible to Qualify for Surveys
Some companies can disqualify you once you fill out your application. While this disqualification does not necessarily mean the platform is illegitimate, you should consider other alternatives. It will do you little good to try doing your application multiple times in the hope of qualifying.
Conclusion
Taking surveys can be an excellent way to eat a lining or supplement your income. You often do not have to leave your home as you can do them online. All you need is a stable internet, phone or personal computer, time, and an account.
You should be able to find a suitable platform as there are many survey websites available. However, you should be careful as some platforms may exploit your need for cash. If you follow the tips for making the most out of paid online survey platforms, you will be successful in taking part in paid surveys online.
Summary Table Showing The Best Online Survey Sites
Survey Company | Countries Available | Age Requirements (Years) | Average Earnings per Survey ($) | Payment Method | Minimum to Cash Out ($) |
Swagbucks | Most of the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Some parts of Africa | 13 and above | 0.40 – 2 | PayPal, Cash or Gift Card | 3 in gift cards 25 in PayPal Cash |
Survey Junkie | United States, Australia, Canada | 13 and above | 0.50 – 3 | PayPal, Cash (in all countries), Gift Cards, and Direct Bank Transfers (U.S.) | 10 |
InboxDollars | United States | 18 and above | 0.50 – 5 Up to 10 and 20 for some demographics | Gift Cards, Check to Mail, Prepaid Visa Cards | 30 |
LifePoints | United States, India, Mexico, China, South Africa plus 36 others | 16 and above | 0.50 – 1 | Charitable Donations, Gift Cards, or PayPal Cash | 5 |
Pinecone Research | United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Germany | 18 and above | 3 | Check to mail, Gift Cards, PayPal | 1 |
PrizeRebel | United States, Australia, United Kingdom, and Canada. | 18 and above 16 – 17 (with parental permission) | 0.40 – 0.60 | Gift Cards, Dwolla Cash, or PayPal. | 5 |
MyPoints | Canada and the United States | 13 and above | 0.35 – 0.55 | PayPal Cash, Travel Miles, Gift Cards | 10 |
American Consumer Opinion | Worldwide | 14 and above | 0.05 – 0.50 | Hyperwallet, Charitable Donation, or PayPal Cash | 10 |
Panda Research | United States | 18 and above | Varies | PayPal | 50 |
Opinion Outpost | Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, United States, and Germany | 18 and above | 0.30 – 3 | Amazon gift cards, MileagePlus, PayPal, Apple App Store, and iTunes gift cards | 5 (Amazon Gift Cards) 10 (PayPal) |
Survey Club | United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. | 13 and above | 0.10 – 5 | Cash Sweepstakes, Prize Drawings, Charitable Contributions, Gift Cards, Cash, and Prepaid Debit Cards. | 25 |