In today’s fast-paced digital world, finding ways to supplement your income has never been easier—or more essential. As an internet entrepreneur who has dabbled in various side hustles, I’ve explored everything from dropshipping to freelance writing. However, one of the most accessible and straightforward methods I’ve discovered is taking online surveys.
While it may not seem like a traditional side hustle, participating in surveys can be a lucrative way to earn extra cash in your spare time. The key is knowing which platforms to choose and how to maximize your earnings. With countless survey sites available, it can be overwhelming to find the ones that truly deliver.
In this article, I’ll share my top 18 best survey sites to make money, each with its unique features and earning potential. Whether you’re looking to make a few extra bucks during your lunch break or want to build a more substantial side income, these platforms can help you achieve your financial goals.
Table of Contents
1. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is a popular online survey platform that pays users for sharing their opinions on various products and services. Originally launched as MintVine in 2012, it rebranded to Branded Surveys in 2017.
The platform is designed to connect consumers with market research companies, enabling businesses to gather valuable insights into consumer behavior. It features an intuitive interface and a mobile app, making it easy to navigate and participate in surveys.
Users can earn between $0.50 to $5 per survey, with an average payout of about $1 to $3. Surveys typically take 5 to 20 minutes to complete.
- Payment Methods: Branded Surveys offers various payout options, including PayPal cash, direct deposits, and gift cards to popular retailers.
- Minimum Payout: Users can cash out once they reach a minimum of 500 points, equivalent to $5.
- Age Requirement: Users must be at least 16 years old to join.
- Availability: USA, Canada, UK
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a versatile rewards platform that allows users to earn points (SB) for various online activities, including taking surveys, shopping, watching videos, and playing games.
Launched in 2008, Swagbucks has paid out over $900 million to its members, establishing itself as a trusted name in the get-paid-to (GPT) space.
Users can earn between $1 to $5 daily, translating to approximately $365 to $1,825 annually, depending on their activity levels.
- Payment Methods: Swagbucks rewards can be redeemed for PayPal cash, gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and Walmart, or even checks.
- Minimum Payout: 110 SB, which is roughly equivalent to $1.
- Age Requirement: At least 13 years old.
- Availability: Worldwide
3. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a popular online survey platform that connects its members with market research companies. By sharing their opinions on various products and services, members can earn cash or gift cards. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, mobile app, and reliable payouts.
Survey Junkie offers numerous survey opportunities daily. It has a Trustpilot rating of 4.1/5 based on over 44,000 reviews, which means that it is a legitimate and reliable platform.
Members can earn between $1 to $3 per survey, with most taking around 15 minutes to complete. Completing 3-4 surveys daily can earn up to $100-$130 per month.
- Payment Methods: Survey Junkie offers PayPal cash, bank transfers, and gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
- Minimum Payout: $5 (500 points).
- Age Requirement: At least 18 years old.
- Availability: USA, Canada, Australia
4. MyPoints
MyPoints is a versatile rewards platform that allows members to earn points for various online activities, including taking surveys, shopping, watching videos, and playing games. Founded in 1996, MyPoints has paid out over $236 million to its members. It also has a generous referral program.
- Payment Methods: MyPoints rewards can be redeemed for PayPal cash, gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and Walmart, or even airline miles.
- Minimum Payout: $5 (700 points).
- Age Requirement: At least 13 years old.
- Availability: USA, Canada
5. Freecash
Freecash is a popular get-paid-to (GPT) website that allows users to earn money by completing various online tasks, including surveys, testing apps, and participating in promotional offers.
Launched in 2020, Freecash has quickly gained traction, boasting a community of over 11 million users worldwide. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and a wide variety of earning opportunities.
Users can earn approximately $12.87 daily, depending on the tasks they complete. Earnings can range from $20 to $200 per month based on individual effort.
- Payment Methods: Freecash offers multiple redemption options, including PayPal cash, cryptocurrency, and gift cards to popular retailers.
- Minimum Payout: $0.50 for cryptocurrency and $5 (5,000 coins) for PayPal cash or gift cards.
- Age Requirement: At least 13 years old.
- Availability: Worldwide
6. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a well-established rewards platform that pays users for completing various online tasks, including taking surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and shopping online.
Founded in 2000 and owned by Prodege LLC, InboxDollars has built a reputation for reliability and ease of use, attracting millions of members. It’s accessible on both Android and iOS devices.
Users can earn money through several activities, with payouts varying based on the task. The platform also offers a $5 sign-up bonus for new members.
- Payment Methods: InboxDollars pays in real cash, which can be withdrawn via PayPal, checks, or gift cards.
- Minimum Payout: $15 for the first payout and $10 for subsequent payouts.
- Age Requirement: At least 18 years old.
- Availability: USA
7. Pawns.app
Pawns.app is a mobile application designed to help users earn money through various online activities, including completing surveys, playing games, and sharing unused resources.
Launched as a get-paid-to (GPT) platform, Pawns.app aims to provide a simple and effective way for users to generate passive income from their smartphones.
Users can earn money by participating in surveys, testing apps, and engaging with promotional offers. The platform is designed to provide a variety of earning opportunities, making it appealing for users looking to maximize their income.
- Payment Methods: Pawns.app offers flexible payment options, including PayPal cash, Bitcoin, and gift cards. This variety allows users to choose the method that best suits their preferences.
- Minimum Payout: $5.
- Age Requirement: At least 13 years old.
- Availability: Worldwide
8. LifePoints
LifePoints is a well-established online survey platform that allows users to earn rewards by sharing their opinions on various products and services. Owned by Lightspeed, a leading market research company, LifePoints has been in operation for decades and boasts millions of members worldwide. It has a positive reputation, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.2/5.
Users can earn points by completing surveys, which typically pay between 50 to 300 points (approximately $0.50 to $3). The platform offers a straightforward way to earn extra cash in users’ spare time.
- Payment Methods: LifePoints allows members to redeem their points for PayPal cash, gift cards to popular retailers, or charitable donations, providing flexibility in how users choose to cash out.
- Minimum Payout: 550 points, which is equivalent to $5.
- Age Requirement: At least 14 years old.
- Availability: Worldwide
9. YouGov
YouGov is a prominent international online market research and data analytics company that specializes in gathering and analyzing public opinion. Founded in 2000, YouGov has built a robust online community of over 27 million registered panel members worldwide, allowing it to provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences.
Users can earn points for completing surveys, which typically take about 10 to 15 minutes. The potential earnings depend on the number of surveys completed, with users reporting an average of up to $50 per month for minimal time investment.
- Payment Methods: YouGov rewards can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or for gift cards to popular retailers.
- Minimum Payout: $15.
- Age Requirement: At least 18 years old.
- Availability: Worldwide
10. Toluna
Toluna is a global online survey platform that connects consumers with brands and organizations seeking insights into their products and services. Founded in 2000, Toluna has developed a vast community of millions of members who participate in surveys to share their opinions and earn rewards.
Users can earn points by completing surveys, which typically pay between 15 to 50 points per survey, with the potential for higher earnings through special projects and product testing.
- Payment Methods: Toluna offers various redemption options, including PayPal cash, gift cards to popular retailers, and merchandise. This variety allows users to choose the method that best suits their preferences.
- Minimum Payout: 30,000 points, equivalent to approximately $10.
- Age Requirement: At least 16 years old.
11. Valued Opinions
Valued Opinions is an online survey platform that rewards users for sharing their opinions on a variety of products and services. Established in 2004, Valued Opinions is part of the larger market research industry and aims to connect consumers with brands seeking valuable insights. The platform is known for its straightforward approach to surveys and user-friendly interface.
Users can earn between $1 to $5 per survey, depending on the length and complexity of the survey. Most surveys take around 10 to 20 minutes to complete. While many users appreciate the rewards, some have reported issues with survey availability and account management.
- Payment Methods: Valued Opinions offers rewards in the form of gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and others, providing flexibility in how users choose to redeem their earnings.
- Minimum Payout: $20.
- Age Requirement: At least 18 years old.
- Availability: USA, Canada, UK, Australia
12. Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost is a well-established online survey platform that allows users to earn rewards by participating in market research surveys. Launched in 2006, Opinion Outpost is part of the larger market research company, Dynata, and has built a reputation for being a reliable source of consumer feedback for brands and organizations.
Users can earn between $0.50 to $5 per survey, with most surveys taking around 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Members can also earn points for participating in product testing and other activities.
- Payment Methods: Opinion Outpost offers various redemption options, including PayPal cash, gift cards to popular retailers, and entries into sweepstakes for additional rewards.
- Minimum Payout: $10.
- Age Requirement: At least 18 years old.
- Availability: USA, Canada, UK
13. Harris Poll Online
Harris Poll Online is a well-established online survey platform operated by The Harris Poll, a global market research and analytics company. Founded in 1956, The Harris Poll has been tracking public opinion for over 60 years, making it one of the longest-running surveys in the U.S.
Users can earn points, known as HIpoints, for completing surveys. The amount of points earned varies depending on the length and complexity of the survey.
- Payment Methods: Harris Poll Online offers rewards in the form of gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon, iTunes, Starbucks, and Walmart. They also provide entries into sweepstakes for additional rewards.
- Minimum Payout: The minimum cash-out threshold is typically 1250 points, equivalent to $10, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
- Age Requirement: Users must be at least 13 years old to join the Harris Poll Online panel.
- Availability: USA
14. Overview of i-Say (by Ipsos)
i-Say (also known as Ipsos i-Say) is a rewards community operated by Ipsos, a leading market research company. Ipsos conducts over 70 million interviews per year for more than 5,000 clients across various industries and countries.
Users can earn points for completing online surveys on a variety of topics. The number of points earned depends on the length and complexity of the survey.
- Payment Methods: i-Say offers a range of rewards, including gift cards, cash transfers, and charitable donations. Users can redeem their points for the reward of their choice.
- Minimum Payout: Varies.
- Age Requirement: Users must be at least 18 years old to join i-Say.
- Availability: USA, Canada, UK
15. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is a market research company that offers paid online surveys and product testing opportunities to consumers. Founded in 1998, Pinecone Research is owned by Nielsen, a leading global information and measurement company, which adds to its legitimacy and reliability.
Pinecone Research offers a flat rate of $3 per survey, regardless of the length or complexity. Surveys typically take 10-15 minutes to complete.
- Payment Methods: Users can redeem their earnings for cash via PayPal or check.
- Minimum Payout: $3.
- Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 18 years old to join.
- Availability: USA, Canada
16. Respondent
Respondent is a market research platform that connects researchers with participants for high-paying studies and focus groups. The platform offers a wide range of research opportunities, including online surveys, interviews, and in-person studies. It has the highest payouts in the industry, with studies typically paying between $20 to $300 per hour.
Respondent is considered a legitimate platform that connects researchers with qualified participants. It has a user-friendly interface and a straightforward application process.
- Payment Methods: Users can redeem their earnings via PayPal.
- Minimum Payout: $20.
- Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 18 years old to join.
- Availability: USA, Canada
The Bottom Line
Remember that while survey earnings can be a nice supplement, they should not be relied upon as a primary income source. Use the extra cash to pay down debt, build your savings, or treat yourself to something special. Avoid the temptation to overspend on frivolous purchases.
Most importantly, have fun with it! Surveys can be a great way to share your opinions and influence the products and services you use every day. Embrace the opportunity to earn while contributing to meaningful market research.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for a few of these top survey sites and start making money with your opinions today. With a little consistency and the right approach, you can turn your spare time into extra income.
Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.