17 Best Places to Take Paid Online Surveys (Up to $50/hr)

Participating in paid online surveys provides a legitimate means to supplement your income. Below, you’ll find a list of the top survey websites, along with some valuable advice to optimize your earnings.

Completing online surveys is a straightforward method to earn money during your free moments.

Survey companies collaborate with businesses seeking feedback on new concepts or products before they reach the market. Survey participants are compensated for sharing their opinions, contributing to the enhancement of brands’ offerings.

Taking surveys for cash can prove worthwhile if you choose the right survey platforms and apply some beneficial strategies.

All that’s required to begin is an internet connection and a computer or mobile device.

Best Sites to Take Paid Online Surveys

Registering with a lot of companies can result in an overload of contacts, making it challenging to identify the most lucrative opportunities. Instead of sorting through countless options, focus on the ones that align with your demographic profile and availability.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a reputable paid survey platform, owned and operated by Prodege, LLC. It has garnered global acclaim as one of the most popular survey sites, with an outstanding 4.4 rating on the App Store based on a whopping 96,000+ reviews. Additionally, it maintains a strong 4.3 rating on Google Play, bolstered by an impressive 127,000 reviews.

When it comes to completing surveys on Swagbucks, the compensation typically ranges from 1 to 350 Swagbucks, often referred to as SBs. The reward depends on factors such as the survey’s length and the popularity of its topic. Notably, every 100 SBs you accumulate translate into an extra $1 in earnings. These earnings can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards from various retailers, including Amazon, Lowe’s, and Target.

For newcomers signing up with Swagbucks, there’s a generous $10 signup bonus awaiting those who spend at least $25 at one of the site’s featured retailers, which may include major names like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

However, Swagbucks goes beyond just paid online surveys; it also offers opportunities to earn SBs while shopping online, conducting web searches, or watching videos. You can begin redeeming your earnings once you reach 160 points.

During a mere three days of casually using the platform, I managed to accrue 256 points, equivalent to roughly $2.56. With a similar level of effort over a month, you could expect to earn around $25.

As you accumulate more SBs, the value of the gift cards you can access increases. This opens up a broader array of store options, making it possible to claim gift cards from popular establishments such as Starbucks, Walmart, and iTunes.

2. InboxDollars

InboxDollars boasts a substantial track record, having been in operation since 2006, and in 2019, it became a part of Prodege, LLC. The company has earned a respectable B rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and claims to have disbursed over $80 million to its members.

What sets InboxDollars apart is its earnings structure; members accumulate their earnings directly in cash, eliminating the need to navigate through points systems. This makes it straightforward to gauge your potential earnings before engaging in any task. Although most paid opportunities offer relatively small sums, the more surveys you complete, the more you can expect to earn.

The signup process is both easy and free, and it comes with the added incentive of a $5 bonus once your account is activated. Following this, you’ll be asked a series of straightforward questions regarding your income, race, education, and other demographic details. These questions serve as an initial screening to align you with surveys that are relevant to your profile.

In addition to taking paid surveys, InboxDollars offers various other means to boost your earnings. These include watching video ads, playing games, and shopping online through popular retailers like Target, Walmart, and eBay.

3. Opinion Outpost

To earn money by participating in surveys through Opinion Outpost, you must first complete an initial screening process. During this phase, you’ll be asked questions related to your education level, employment status, and the number of children in your household. Additionally, you’ll answer questions about recent events, such as pet visits to the vet or trips to the movie theater. Opinion Outpost incorporates duplicate questions into the surveys to ensure your responses are honest and consistent.

Most surveys you encounter will be valued between 3 to 30 points. As you accumulate these points, you’ll have the choice to redeem them for various rewards. These include free Amazon gift cards, $10 iTunes or App Store gift cards, or a $10 PayPal credit. If you prefer, you can also opt to use your points to unlock games on Alawar.com or participate in the MileagePlus Program to earn travel credits. To receive 300 Award Miles, you’ll need a minimum of 105 points.

One noteworthy aspect of Opinion Outpost is that it tends to offer some of the most lucrative surveys in the realm of online paid surveys. Personally, I completed a shopping and retail survey, earning $2.50 in less than 30 minutes. However, it’s important to mention that compared to other paid online survey platforms, the number of surveys for which users qualify on Opinion Outpost may be slightly lower.

On a charitable note, Opinion Outpost donates to the American Red Cross each month as a token of appreciation for the time users invest in taking surveys. It’s worth noting that this corporate donation does not affect your points balance, but should you wish to do so, you can use your accumulated points to make a separate donation.

5. Ipsos i-Say

Ipsos i-Say is an international survey platform based in Paris that offers individuals from around the world the opportunity to earn money by participating in surveys. This reputable platform boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and holds a 3.4-star rating on Google Play, based on feedback from over 4,000 users.

To get started with Ipsos i-Say, you can register by creating an account using either your email address or your Facebook account. Subsequently, you’ll be asked to provide some demographic information to help the platform connect you with surveys that are relevant to your background. For instance, if you’re a new parent, you might receive surveys related to baby products.

Upon successfully completing a survey, you’ll accumulate points. The number of points you earn can vary, but it’s common to receive between 45 to 90 points per survey, equivalent to $0.45 to $0.90. Additionally, you can earn up to five points even if you’re disqualified from participating in a particular survey. Once you’ve reached a balance of 500 points, you can exchange your earnings for PayPal cash, gift cards, or opt to make charitable donations.

6. LifePoints

LifePoints, originally known as National Family Opinion and established in 1946, has a vast and global community of more than 5 million members. The platform’s reputation is underlined by a 4.0 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, based on genuine feedback from 34,000 members.

Becoming a LifePoints member is a straightforward and cost-free process. You can commence your journey to earning LifePoints by participating in online surveys. Upon verifying your email address and providing basic information such as your name, date of birth, and address, you will instantly receive a 10 LifePoints bonus deposited into your account. Completing a comprehensive profile will enable you to access and choose surveys that align with your demographic.

LifePoints offers a broad spectrum of survey topics, spanning from technology to automobiles, household brands, and more. The compensation for these surveys can vary, with some paying as high as 600 points, which translates to $5 each. The majority of survey opportunities, however, offer payouts ranging from $0.50 to $1 per completion.

7. Pinecone Research

Pinecone Research, with an impressive 21 years of experience, has solidified its position as one of the most highly regarded paid survey platforms. The company is a subsidiary of The Nielsen Company, known for its top-notch services and holds an exceptional A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Pinecone Research offers its members the unique opportunity to shape the landscape of future products and services each time they participate in an online survey. Participants are generously rewarded with 300 points for each survey they complete, which equates to $3. Moreover, these surveys are designed to be concise and efficient, taking only a few minutes to complete, as per the company’s claims.

As a member of Pinecone Research, you may also have the privilege of testing new products. In exchange for your valuable insights, you can earn between $3 and $5 for each product test. In some cases, you might even have the chance to keep the tested product once the study is concluded.

It’s worth noting that Pinecone Research is considered one of the premier survey platforms and employs a selective approach, limiting its membership based on specific demographics.

8. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie stands as a prominent player in the survey industry, boasting a BBB rating of B. The company has been in operation since 2011 and proudly serves a substantial community of over 10 million members.

Survey Junkie is primarily recognized for providing paid survey opportunities. On this platform, earnings are tracked in the form of points, where every 100 points are equivalent to $1 in earnings. It’s worth noting that a minimum of 1,000 points (or $10) is required to cash out, which can be done via PayPal or by opting for e-gift cards.

While the platform predominantly offers paid surveys, some users may also have the opportunity to earn money by testing products, participating in online or in-person focus groups, or through phone surveys. The compensation for such tasks typically ranges from $5 to $150, although it’s important to note that these options are currently limited.

One noteworthy feature of Survey Junkie is that you can start making money within just five minutes of signing up and completing your profile. Most of the surveys available on the platform are relatively easy to complete. An additional advantage is that you won’t be required to sign up for any services or make purchases in order to participate in a survey.

One of the standout aspects of this platform is its policy of awarding users a small number of points even when they are disqualified from a survey. While you may not receive the full amount, it’s certainly more rewarding than receiving nothing for your invested time, as can often be the case with other survey sites.

9. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion (ACOP), a property of Decision Analyst, Inc., has been actively operating for over 41 years, establishing itself as a reputable name in the industry. This is further reinforced by its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Joining ACOP and initiating your first paid survey is a streamlined process that can be completed in under two minutes. Your inaugural survey will reward you with five points and typically involves questions concerning your demographic information, such as your marital status and education level. Any available surveys will be conveniently listed in your account for easy access.

ACOP maintains a straightforward approach by offering surveys as the primary method for earning money. Earnings are tracked in the form of points, and you’ll need to accumulate 1,000 points, equivalent to $10, in order to request a cash out.

10. Toluna

Toluna is a well-established market research firm with a history dating back to 1994. Holding an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and garnering a 3.7-star rating on Trustpilot, based on feedback from 10,000 members, it has earned a reputation for its commitment to quality.

Getting started with Toluna is a breeze. Upon signing up for a free account, you will promptly receive a confirmation link via email. Clicking this link will complete your registration and grant you access to start participating in surveys. As a bonus, you’ll also receive 500 points just for signing up.

Toluna offers a range of surveys, each with points valued between 15 and 50,000. The value is determined by factors such as the survey’s length and the time required for completion. Similar to other survey platforms, you will need to qualify for surveys. If you don’t qualify for a particular survey, you won’t receive disqualification points; instead, you will be entered into a sweepstakes drawing.

The minimum number of points required to redeem a reward is 10,000, allowing you to make a meaningful contribution by planting a tree in Peru, Thailand, or Uganda. Alternatively, for gift card rewards, 30,000 points will earn you a $10 gift card for popular retailers such as Starbucks, Petco, and Kohl’s.

11. Panda Research

Panda Research has a track record of disbursing over $2.2 million to its members since its inception in 2005. The company, owned by A&A Marketing, Inc., maintains a respectable B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

To embark on your earning journey with Panda Research, you’ll start by completing your member profile and verifying your email address. The company’s membership requirements also include a valid phone number. Once you’ve met these prerequisites, you can begin participating in surveys that offer rewards of up to $50 each. Additionally, you can earn up to $25 every time you cash out by reading paid emails.

Panda Research processes payments to its members who have accrued at least $50 in earnings on the 1st and 15th of each month, with PayPal being the chosen payment method. It’s important to note that payments are made in $50 increments. So, for instance, if you have total earnings of $110, you’ll be eligible to cash out $100, and the remaining balance will be carried forward for a future payment request.

12. Survey Club

Survey Club has established itself since 2005 and proudly maintains an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). With a growing membership of over 16 million users, this platform offers you a substantial opportunity to participate in paid studies.

To get started, you’ll become a member and furnish your demographic details. Survey Club will then match you with paid research opportunities, and it also directs members to other reputable sites such as Survey Junkie, LifePoints, and Pinecone Research. Your earnings from surveys hosted by Survey Club are conveniently credited to your account in cash, allowing you to cash out once you’ve reached a minimum balance of $25.

Survey Club doesn’t stop at surveys; it extends the opportunity to participate in paid focus groups, where members can potentially earn an average of $50 to $200 per hour.

13. MyPoints

MyPoints, under the ownership of Prodege, LLC, has been a reputable player in the field since 1996. Holding a commendable B rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the platform boasts a membership of over 10 million users and has successfully paid out more than $236 million.

With MyPoints, you’re not limited to online surveys as the platform offers a variety of other lucrative opportunities. These include shopping both online and in-store, coupon usage, video watching, playing games, and booking travel accommodations. The platform even rewards you with five points when you’re disqualified from a survey, with a maximum of 25 disqualification points obtainable per day.

Earnings on MyPoints are tabulated in the form of points, which can be redeemed for rewards. For instance, once your account reaches 480 points, you can claim a $3 gift card. If you aim higher, you can opt for a $500 gift card in exchange for 15,800 points.

It’s worth noting that the value of your points can vary based on your choice of redemption. For instance, redeeming points for a prepaid Visa card necessitates a minimum of 1,500 points and is equivalent to 150 points per dollar, which translates to $10.

As an added incentive, MyPoints offers a $10 Amazon or Visa gift card to new users who make a qualifying purchase of $20 or more using MyPoints shopping.

14. PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel, since its inception in 2007, has an impressive track record of disbursing over $19 million to its vast membership base, which currently stands at 9 million individuals.

The registration process with PrizeRebel is designed for convenience and can be completed swiftly. You are only required to furnish your name and email address. After verifying your email, you’re all set to engage in paid online surveys. To initiate your journey, the first mandatory survey focuses on your demographic details and rewards you with 10 points.

Once your points balance reaches at least 500 points, equivalent to $5, you can proceed to cash out your earnings. On PrizeRebel, most surveys fall within the range of 40 to 60 points and may take up to 15 minutes for completion.

PrizeRebel offers an interesting rewards program that is contingent on your earnings level. Reaching 4,500 points elevates you to Gold status, entitling you to a 1% bonus on your earnings and a 1% discount on the prizes. When you ascend to Platinum level (10,000 points), your rewards increase to a 2% bonus and a 2% discount. Achieving Diamond level (16,000 points) takes it a step further with a 3% bonus and a 3% discount.

15. KashKick

KashKick offers users more than just surveys; you can also earn money by watching videos, browsing the web, and taking advantage of various deals available through the platform.

When it comes to surveys, KashKick is in line with industry standards, offering opportunities to earn as much as $2 per completed questionnaire. The payment cycle operates on a bi-weekly basis, with a minimum cash-out threshold of $10 via PayPal.

A noteworthy consideration for users is the issue of inactivity. Failing to verify your email address, providing incorrect contact information, or not logging into your account for a period of 60 days could result in your account being deactivated. Consequently, any earnings accumulated in your account would be forfeited.

While it is possible to reactivate your account within 60 months, you won’t be able to recover any previously earned rewards. It’s worth noting that KashKick typically purges inactive accounts just before processing payments, so it’s advisable to log in regularly and ensure your email address is verified to safeguard your earnings.

16. Valued Opinions

Valued Opinions, in operation since 2004, is a substantial market research panel with a member base exceeding 3 million individuals. They specialize in gathering opinions on various products for well-known brands such as Amazon and Target.

To become a member of Valued Opinions, you’ll need to complete a registration form using either your email address or Facebook account. Following registration, an activation link will be sent to your email for confirmation. To qualify for their paid online surveys, you’ll also need to provide additional details regarding your demographics.

Be sure to update your profile when significant life changes occur, such as relocating or adding a pet to your family, as this will increase your chances of receiving more survey opportunities.

One standout feature of Valued Opinions is that they pay users in cash, eliminating the need for points conversion. Each survey you complete is typically worth between $1 and $5. Once you accumulate $10 in earnings, you can cash out for free gift cards.

17. OneOpinion

OneOpinion is affiliated with Dynata, a well-established marketing research firm operating since 2002, which holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

To start your journey with OneOpinion, you can easily register for a free account. Upon completing the registration process, you’ll receive a confirmation email. After this, you can commence accumulating points by participating in surveys that you qualify for. Most surveys typically range from 500 to 1,000 points in value, although you might come across some that offer a higher reward.

Once you reach the minimum threshold of 25,000 points, you have the option to redeem your earnings for e-gift cards, physical gift cards, or PayPal cash.

When to Avoid a Survey Site

While the survey sites we’ve recommended are trustworthy, it’s essential to exercise caution when considering other survey platforms. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

🚫 Requesting Payment: Legitimate survey sites do not require a fee for you to join or participate.

🚫 Soliciting Private Information: Be cautious if a survey site asks for sensitive data upfront, such as your Social Security number, especially if you haven’t earned a substantial amount (e.g., $600) to warrant such information.

🚫 Lack of History or Ratings: Trusted companies often have a track record and user reviews. Research a site’s history, payment records, and what other users have experienced.

🚫 Low Compensation: Be wary of sites that consistently offer low payouts for your time. Reputable survey sites typically have higher-paying opportunities.

🚫 Outdated or Glitchy Websites: A poorly maintained website may indicate a lack of commitment to their members.

🚫 Difficulty Qualifying: If you frequently get disqualified from surveys, it might not be worth your time.

Even if a site seems legitimate, trust your instincts. If you’re uncertain or find a survey site bothersome, unsubscribe or remove yourself from its list. Numerous quality survey opportunities are available, so you can focus on those that align with your preferences and needs.

Tips for Earning the Most Money

To maximize your earnings when taking surveys for money, consider the following strategies:

✅ Focus on Trusted Sites: You don’t need to sign up for numerous survey sites. Concentrate on the most reputable and highest-paying options.

✅ Complete Your Profile: Ensure your personal profile on each survey site is comprehensive. This allows companies to match you with relevant offers. Update your profile when life changes occur, such as having a baby or getting a pet, as this may open up new survey opportunities.

✅ Time Management: Keep track of the time spent on surveys. The hourly rate for easy surveys may not be high, so take advantage of small time windows, like waiting for an appointment or standing in line.

✅ Consistency Matters: Read and answer survey questions honestly and consistently across different sites. Survey providers compare responses and may disqualify inconsistent participants.

✅ Explore Free Offers: Some survey sites offer free trials or newsletters where you can earn points. Look for bonus opportunities on social media or refer friends to your preferred sites to earn extra money or points.

✅ Prioritize High-Paying Surveys: If you’re registered on multiple sites, evaluate the potential earnings per hour before starting a survey. Focus on the highest-paying opportunities first.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your survey-taking efforts and increase your earnings.

Best Practice for Taking Paid Online Surveys

When participating in surveys for money, it’s important to take certain precautions, even with trustworthy survey sites:

1. Use a Separate Email Address: Create a dedicated email address for survey offers to keep your personal and work inboxes clutter-free. If you decide to stop doing surveys, you can simply stop checking that email account without having to unsubscribe from multiple sites.
   
   
2. Be Cautious About Sharing Information: While reputable survey companies maintain your anonymity, avoid sharing sensitive information like your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or bank account details. Legitimate survey sites don’t require such data.
   
   
3. Use Anti-Malware Software: Protect your computer from viruses and spyware by using anti-malware software. This is especially important if you visit multiple survey sites regularly to keep your laptop virus-free.
   
   
4. Take Frequent Breaks: Completing surveys can be monotonous. Take regular breaks from your screen to prevent rushing through surveys and providing incorrect or inconsistent responses.
   
   
5. Beware of Fees and Unrealistic Promises: Any survey site that promises you’ll earn thousands of dollars per month is likely a scam or, at the very least, misleading. Ensure the sites you join provide realistic information about potential earnings and the time required to complete surveys.
   
   

By following these precautions, you can enhance your safety and experience when taking surveys for money.

Keep Your Expectations Realistic

Paid online surveys can be a convenient side hustle for those seeking an easy way to earn money from home or while on the go. However, it’s important to note that if you’re uncomfortable sharing your demographic information or you’re looking for high hourly rates, you might want to explore alternative income options.

If you decide to venture into online surveys, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations about your potential earnings. To maximize your income, manage your time efficiently, sign up with multiple survey sites to access a variety of opportunities, and conduct thorough research on each company before registration.

While there are more lucrative ways to make money online, many of them may require additional skills, training, and a more significant time commitment compared to participating in paid surveys. It’s crucial to choose the income-generating method that aligns best with your goals and capabilities.

Rating Methodology

When it comes to choosing which survey sites to recommend, we thoroughly evaluated a variety of popular options, considering the following crucial factors:

1. Track Record: Trustworthiness and a solid track record were our top priorities. We focused on survey sites with a history of consistently delivering timely payments to their users and garnering positive reviews from their members.
   
   
2. Number of Opportunities: We sought survey sites that offered a substantial number of opportunities to earn money. It was essential that the platforms provided a wide range of survey options to maximize users’ potential income.
   
   
3. Income Potential: To gauge how well these companies compensated users for their time and effort, we conducted our tests on select survey sites. Additionally, we closely examined user reviews to determine the earning potential offered by these platforms.
   
   

Our goal was to recommend survey sites that not only have a strong reputation for trustworthiness but also provide a broad array of income-generating opportunities with fair compensation for users.

FAQs

1. Can you really make money with online surveys?
   
   Yes, you can earn money by participating in online surveys. Brands are willing to pay for consumer insights, which helps them enhance their products, services, and marketing strategies.
   
   
2. How much can you earn taking online surveys?
   
   Your earnings from online surveys can vary based on factors such as the number of surveys you complete, your consistency, and your demographic information. Most surveys pay between $0.50 and $3 for about 10 to 20 minutes of your time. While there are surveys that can pay up to $50, they are relatively rare. With effective time management, you can potentially earn a few hundred dollars per year.
   
   
3. What online surveys pay the most?
   
   The compensation for a survey is typically linked to its length and the specific target demographics. Longer surveys usually pay more, and your earnings can accumulate over time with consistent participation. Companies like LifePoints and Pinecone Research are known to offer some of the highest-paying surveys across various topics.
   
   
4. Which paid survey sites are legitimate?
   
   Legitimate survey sites are those that are free to join, have a well-established reputation, and hold high ratings on platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. Trusted survey sites include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Branded Surveys.
   
   
5. Are paid surveys worth the time?
   
   Engaging in paid surveys online won’t replace a full- or part-time job, but it can provide you with some extra spending money in your free time. However, it’s important to note that taking surveys can be time-consuming, and some surveys may pay as little as $3 per hour. Whether it’s worth your time depends on whether you have more profitable ways to spend your spare time.
   
   
6. What kind of questions do survey sites ask?
   
   Survey sites typically ask questions about various aspects of your everyday life and spending habits. They are interested in gathering data that can help businesses make informed decisions and refine their products or services. Questions may cover topics like shopping preferences, brand loyalty, media consumption, and more.