Survey sites can be a fun and easy way to make extra money. Companies want to know why you love certain products and avoid others, so they are willing to pay money for your opinion.
You can earn cash or gift cards by sharing your thoughts on various market research topics, including groceries, online shopping, and streaming platforms.
Most surveys take less than 20 minutes, so it’s easy to do in your free time.
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What Are the Best Paying Survey Sites That Pay Cash in 2024?
There is a lot to consider when choosing a survey site. You want a platform that clearly explains what’s needed to qualify for every opportunity, has low minimum redemption amounts, and offers various cash-out options.
It also goes without saying that you want to use a site that is legitimate. Here are the top choices to take online surveys for money from your phone or computer.
1. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is consistently one of the best high-paying survey sites. It’s easy to use, and you can attempt multiple surveys daily.
Launched in 2005, the platform is one of the oldest services in the space and boasts over ten million members in the United States, Canada, and Australia. You can be as young as 13 years to join in the U.S. (16 in California).
It’s easy to start earning money as most opportunities take 20 minutes or less and have different payouts.
Each survey requires you to answer several screener questions to see if you qualify for the entire survey. If not, you will earn points for your time. Most platforms have a similar policy.
Members can also earn points by being invited to in-depth panel studies that require additional time but have increased payouts. Completing more surveys helps you qualify for these follow-up studies.
Another way to earn rewards from this get-paid-to site is by installing the SJ Pulse browser extension. It tracks your web browsing and online shopping history but doesn’t record information like your usernames or passwords.
You can start redeeming points once you hit the 500-point mark, which is equivalent to $5. The prize redemptions include cash and gift cards.
Since it’s easy to earn and redeem points, this platform has an excellent Trustpilot rating. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that it has one of the highest customer satisfaction scores for a survey company.
Read our Survey Junkie review to learn more about how the platform works.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the most popular micro-task sites offering a variety of ways to make extra money through online and local activities.
You can attempt multiple surveys each day, and the platform usually runs bonus challenges to earn extra points.
Other ways to make money include:
- Shop online
- Try new products and apps
- Watch videos
- Search the web
You can also get paid to play games on your computer or phone.
Each task earns SB points that can be redeemed for cash or e-gift cards from hundreds of different retailers. Amazon gift cards start at $1(110 points), but most brands start at $5 (500 points).
The minimum redemption for PayPal cash is $5 (500 points). Gift cards are regularly on sale, so you can redeem them for fewer points.
If you have a gamer in your home, you can even earn credits to use on Roblox. Read our guide on how to get free Robux to learn more.
New members only need to be 13 years old to join. Swagbucks is open to users in many countries and has an excellent Trustpilot rating.
There is a sign-up bonus worth up to $10, but it may require an online purchase.
Read our Swagbucks review to learn more.
3. Branded Surveys
It’s easy to register and complete paid online surveys with Branded Surveys. After filling out your profile, they’ll match you to specific studies offered by several market research companies.
Taking daily polls, referring friends, and being active within the Branded Elite loyalty program can help you earn extra points.
Gift card and cash redemptions start at 500 points for $5 rewards. The cash options include PayPal and bank account direct deposits.
You can earn a bonus of 100 points when you register, and you can join in the U.S. when you’re at least 16 years old. This platform has an excellent rating on Trustpilot since many users like the variety of survey topics.
4. LifePoints
LifePoints lets you take multiple paid surveys daily. Some may take as long as one hour and have higher payouts. It’s possible to watch ads in addition to the standard consumer brand studies.
Read our review of other opportunities to make money watching ads to identify your top choices.
Most surveys are one-time opportunities, but there is a tab for recurring surveys that can help you easily pre-qualify for paid studies that let you earn more.
You may also be invited for follow-up studies that pay you to journal your activities for up to a month.
It’s even possible to earn rewards using your phone with LifePoints-US-mobile. The other option is to earn money and prizes from home on your computer or laptop with LifePoints-US-desktop.
Members can start redeeming points for gift cards to Amazon and other brands with 550 points ($5). PayPal gift cards are available as well but can require more points.
You can use the online survey site beginning at age 14, making it one of the better jobs for 14-year-olds.
New members receive ten bonus points immediately after joining. This survey company has excellent customer reviews since you can attempt several panels each day, and it provides prompt customer service.
5. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is one of the highest-paying GPT sites since you can earn more per survey. They pay $3 for each completed survey and $3 when you first sign up.
The platform is a little pickier in its selection process because you must apply to join. You can only start an account by clicking the link below, not by visiting their public site.
Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Most surveys are about consumer opinions on retail brands. You may also be able to get at home product tester jobs to increase earnings.
Like other survey sites, you can redeem points for cash or e-gift cards. Every 100 points equals $1. The cash options include direct deposit, paper check, and PayPal.
Our favorite part of Pinecone Research is that they have no minimum redemption amount. They are one of the few survey sites that offer cash instantly since you can cash out after completing each task.
Unfortunately, your earning potential may be lower than competing platforms despite receiving more per survey. This is because you must wait for survey invitations and may only receive a couple each month.
As a result, you will need to join at least one more market research company to constantly answer online surveys for money.
Read our Pinecone Research review to learn how the platform works and ways to maximize earnings.
6. InboxDollars
InboxDollars lets you make money taking surveys and completing other short tasks. It’s one of the best micro job sites you can use to monetize your free time.
Alternate income-producing tasks include:
- Downloading coupons
- Playing games
- Shopping online
- Enrolling in product offers
- Reading emails
The one downside to this rewards program is the minimum redemption amount of $30, although the threshold is only $15 for your first payout. They offset this by providing a $5 signup bonus.
Payment options include PayPal, mailed checks, and gift cards.
Despite the high redemption minimum, the get-paid-to (GPT) site has excellent customer reviews since there are multiple ways to make money online. It’s also worth using if you want to take surveys that pay cash.
With InboxDollars, it’s easy to earn rewards each day, but you must be at least 18 years old to join in the United States and participating countries.
Read our InboxDollars review to learn how to earn more on the platform.
7. MyPoints
MyPoints is like several other money-making websites already listed and offers several ways to complete small tasks for cash or gift card rewards.
You can make money by taking surveys in addition to other gigs like:
- Using their search engine
- Booking online travel
- Downloading coupons
- Watching videos
- Playing games
Consider this platform if you want to earn cash back on shopping and other online tasks. Simultaneously, you can take surveys for money in your free time to supplement your income.
Points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. The minimum redemption amount is $3 for Amazon gift cards (480 points), but most rewards require a $5 balance (790 points).
PayPal and Visa gift cards require a minimum $10 balance (1,590 points).
New members can earn a $5 signup bonus after completing initial tasks. You will receive the offer terms and conditions after providing your email address.
This GPT site has excellent customer review, and you can be as young as 13 years old to join.
8. Toluna
Toluna is one of the largest online survey companies and has members from most countries. The minimum age to join is 13 years old.
Surveys are the best way to make money, but members can also earn points by answering mini-polls and interacting with others in the community.
You can receive 3,000 to 6,000 points per survey you take. The survey rewards site also offers longer surveys that pay up to 50,000 points.
One drawback is the higher redemption amount, with 30,000 points equaling $10 in gift cards. To redeem points for cash, the minimum is $30 in PayPal cash, equal to 95,000 points.
However, they do offer several opportunities to earn points. You receive 500 points for opening an account and 15 points if you do not qualify for a survey.
Buying apps or magazine subscriptions can earn points as well.
There are better places to get paid to take surveys online on this list. But, if you want to make money in your spare time, the Toluna Influencers rewards program is worth a shot if you qualify for surveys regularly.
9. Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost is one of the largest sites to take online surveys. The average payment of $1 (10 points) is competitive, and some surveys pay up to $25.
However, the highest-paying surveys can be challenging to qualify for, and you must be at least 17 years old to join in the United States.
In addition to completing online surveys, these tasks earn rewards:
- Watching advertisements
- Testing products
- Completing local research missions
The platform has a competitive redemption threshold of $5 (50 points) for free Amazon gift cards and $10 (100 points) for PayPal cash or other gift card rewards.
You can receive five bonus points after providing your basic information. However, the site doesn’t pay more to complete the profile surveys than other survey apps.
While this is one of the oldest survey platforms, its customer rating has decreased in recent years. The prevalent reasons include an increased redemption minimum that previously started at $3.
Additionally, there are many unpaid activities, and you won’t earn bonus points after receiving loyalty badges.
10. Valued Opinions
Like some of the other best survey sites on our list, Valued Opinions offers product testing in addition to online surveys and advertising reviews.
Completing these tasks lets you earn rewards to exchange for gift cards from Amazon.com, Target, and many other brands. The redemption minimum is $10.
To the dismay of some, you can’t request cash rewards. The only way to redeem earnings is through gift cards.
It’s free to get started, but you’ll need to complete a registration form and activate your account. After joining, you’ll begin receiving invitations to complete surveys.
You must be 17 years old or older to join Valued Opinions. Its customer rating is fair due to the relatively high cash-out minimum and limited payment options.
11. FusionCash
FusionCash will pay you to take online surveys and complete other short tasks. The survey opportunities are similar to other paid survey websites.
Users can also participate in these paid activities:
- Downloading apps
- Product testing
- Shopping online
- Watching videos
- Web searches
Signing up for the product testing offers can award the most cash. Some offers require an upfront purchase to test apps and physical products.
The minimum redemption amount is $25 for PayPal, bank deposits, and mailed checks. Gift card rewards are unavailable.
New members get a $5 bonus for opening an account.
United States residents can be 13 years old to join and at least 18 years old in Canada. The platform has a fair Trustpilot score due to its high redemption minimum.
12. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
You’ve likely heard of the parent company of Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel before because they handle the well-known Nielsen Ratings for TV programming.
They’ve been around for over 90 years and collect data on television viewing habits.
Unlike most sites to take online surveys, this one compensates you for letting them monitor your web habits. The service is one of the most effortless ways to make money online.
You continue using your computer and phone as usual and earn up to $60 per year. Gift card redemptions start as low as $5.
The company gives away over $10,000 in cash prizes each month. Frequent app users earn more free entries.
This platform will also send you surveys to complete on an irregular basis for extra rewards. Plus, users can play scratch-off and spin-the-wheel games for instant win prizes.
Since you’re sharing your data, you need to be at least 18 years old to join in the United States.
You won’t get rich from this service, but you don’t have to spend your free time answering survey questions, which makes this an intriguing option to make money on the side.
13. Survey Club
If you’re looking for an opportunity to make money locally, Survey Club is worth considering. Not only can you earn money taking surveys, but you can also get paid for:
- Product testing
- Focus groups
- Clinical trials
- Shopping online
The platform contacts you when local opportunities are available. Participating in studies can earn more than online surveys.
The minimum redemption level is $25, and the only redemption option is Amazon gift cards.
You can become a panelist when you’re at least 16 years old and live in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
This research site has a fair rating because the paid opportunities are relatively difficult to qualify for since they are for specialized topics like medical conditions or shopping habits.
Additionally, the redemption minimum is high, and there are no cash rewards.
Best Online Survey Site FAQs
There are many misconceptions about paid survey sites. Here are some common questions about taking legit surveys for money.
Can You Make a Living Off Paid Surveys?
No. Typically, surveys only pay a few cents or dollars each. Despite many only taking up to 20 minutes and the ability to complete several per day, you will need to consider another side hustle to earn a part-time income.
They are a good way to make money in your free time, but you should only expect to earn a little extra spending money.
Is Answering Surveys for Money Safe?
Yes, online surveys are safe when you use a legitimate survey company with high ratings and proof of payment to avoid scams.
While you share your personal opinion and basic household details, you don’t share your sensitive information like your name, Social Security number, or home address.
Are Paid Surveys Worth It?
Online surveys can be worth pursuing if you don’t have the time or skill for a side hustle that requires more effort. Most surveys take 20 minutes or less to complete and have low payout thresholds.
Other tasks are better if you need help paying the bills or replacing lost income since surveys won’t make you rich. You may also consider alternative income ideas if you struggle to pass the initial screening for most surveys.
Consider other side income ideas that are more effective when you need to make fast money. You may be able to earn several dollars a day, but that requires you to take multiple surveys.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes on Online Surveys?
Paid surveys can be taxable if the annual income exceeds $600 in cash and gift cards. This is the same threshold for other side jobs.
Some platforms won’t let you take additional surveys if you earn up to $600 since they do not furnish end-of-year tax documents.
What Are the Best Practices for Taking Surveys?
First, always tell the truth since companies rely on factual data to make important business decisions.
The survey company also matches your responses with future surveys to qualify for more offers. Inconsistent answers can make it harder to find surveys.
Most survey apps offer several options at one time. Consider attempting the survey offering the highest payout with the lowest time commitment. Choosing the highest-paying surveys lets you earn more per hour.
Additionally, it’s best to use a secondary email address for surveys so that your primary inbox isn’t inundated with offers.
Why Do I Have to Qualify to Take a Survey?
Having to qualify for a survey is a common and understandable complaint of people who take surveys.
In short, survey sites need to ensure you match the demographic background for a given survey. The company may only want respondents who live in a specific ZIP code or have certain hobbies and shopping habits.
If you don’t qualify but complete the survey, it’s a waste of their time and money. They want information on their target market, so it’s important to complete your personal profile when you open an account.
Bottom Line
Taking surveys can be a fun and flexible way to earn extra money. While they won’t make you rich, they can be a great way to monetize your free time and get paid for your opinion.
Try a few options on this list and see which works best for you.
What are some of your favorite ways to make extra money in your spare time?
Choncé is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), personal finance freelance writer, and blogger who focuses on helping others manage their money better in order to live a life with more possibilities and fewer limitations. Her work has been featured on Business Insider, LendingTree, Credit Sesame, and Barclaycard.