Looking for paid online surveys to earn money? Wondering which survey sites are legitimate? Yes — you can get paid to take surveys. I’ve done it many times. Here’s how to find paid surveys and earn extra cash.
When I was paying off student loans, taking paid online surveys was one of several side hustles I used to make extra money. While it won’t make you rich, surveys can provide useful side income if you approach them strategically.
I found success by signing up for as many reputable survey sites as possible so I’d regularly receive opportunities. Some months I would cash a simple $100 check from surveys alone. The work is easy, flexible, and can be done from home on your own schedule.
Swagbucks lets you earn points for surveys, shopping, watching videos, using coupons, and more. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.
American Consumer Opinion pays you for surveys, polls, and product testing so companies can gather honest consumer feedback.
Survey Junkie pays cash for surveys, typically $1–$3 depending on length. Longer surveys generally pay more.
Below are practical tips and a roundup of reputable survey sites to help you start earning with paid online surveys.
Related content on ways to earn extra money from home:
- 75+ Ways To Make Extra Money
- 12 Work From Home Jobs That Can Earn You $1,000+ Each Month
- 12 Easy Ways To Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards
- How I Make Over $100,000 A Month Blogging
What you need to know about the best paid online surveys
Why do companies pay for online surveys?
Companies use surveys to learn what customers and potential customers think about their products, services, marketing, and overall experience. Your responses help them improve offerings and make business decisions. Market research firms design these surveys and recruit participants, which is why they pay for honest feedback.
Sign up for as many survey sites as possible
Individual survey sites often send only a few opportunities per month, so joining multiple reputable panels increases the number of surveys you’ll receive. Signing up with many sites maximizes your chances of getting surveys that match your profile and earning more overall.
Here are commonly recommended survey platforms:
- American Consumer Opinion
- Survey Junkie
- Swagbucks
- InboxDollars
- Branded Surveys
- Prime Opinion
- Five Surveys
- User Interviews
- Freecash
- MyPoints
- HeyCash
- Rakuten Insight
- KashKick
- Pinecone Research
- Prize Rebel
- HeyPiggy
- NiceSurveys
- MySoapBox
Best paid online survey sites
Below are notes on several reputable survey sites I’ve used or researched. Results, earnings, and availability vary by country and individual profile.
1. American Consumer Opinion
American Consumer Opinion is a long-running panel that pays for surveys and occasionally offers product testing. Payments range widely depending on survey length — typically $1 to $50. They have a strong track record and a large member base across multiple countries.
2. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie matches surveys to your profile and pays via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. Surveys usually pay between $1 and $3, sometimes more for longer studies. It’s available in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a versatile rewards platform where you can earn points for surveys, shopping, watching videos, searching the web, and more. Points convert to gift cards or PayPal cash. It’s popular for casual earners and often gives signup bonuses.
4. InboxDollars
InboxDollars pays members cash for surveys and a range of online tasks like watching videos, playing games, and shopping. Most surveys pay $0.50–$5, with higher payouts for longer or specialized studies. They’ve distributed millions in rewards to members.
5. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys awards points for surveys that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. They often offer a signup bonus and have paid out substantial sums to members.
6. Prime Opinion
Prime Opinion is a straightforward panel that pays for member opinions. It’s suitable for people looking for easy survey tasks and occasional bonuses.
7. Five Surveys
Five Surveys pays a fixed amount — for example, completing five surveys earns a set reward. Its transparent payout structure is convenient for earners who prefer predictable rewards.
8. User Interviews
User Interviews tends to list higher-paying studies, including remote interviews, focus groups, diary studies, and usability tests. Payouts can range from $20 to several hundred dollars, or even $50–$100+ per hour for specialized projects.
9. Freecash
Freecash offers surveys, app tests, and game tasks. Some users report meaningful earnings; availability and payout rates vary by region and task.
10. MyPoints
MyPoints has been active for many years and rewards activities like shopping, reading emails, and taking surveys with points that convert to gift cards or PayPal cash.
11. HeyCash
HeyCash rewards surveys and offers with points redeemable for gift cards, PayPal, or bank transfer. It’s another option to diversify your earning accounts.
12. Rakuten Insight
Rakuten Insight pays points for surveys that can be redeemed for PayPal or gift cards, and is available in multiple countries.
13. KashKick
KashKick is a rewards site where you can earn by answering surveys, watching videos, and completing other simple tasks.
14. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is known for consistent payouts and product testing opportunities. Many surveys pay a flat rate (for example, $3 per survey) and panel members sometimes receive free products to review.
15. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel offers quick signup and a broad array of rewards including gift cards and cash. They reward many simple tasks in addition to surveys.
16. HeyPiggy
HeyPiggy features a low payout threshold (often around $1) and multiple redemption options like PayPal, Venmo, virtual Visa cards, and gift cards. It’s rated well by many users for ease of use and fast payouts.
17. NiceSurveys
NiceSurveys has low minimum payouts and many gift card options. Some users report fewer screen-outs, which can reduce wasted time.
18. MySoapBox
MySoapBox pays U.S. residents 18+ for feedback on everyday products and experiences. It’s another reliable panel to consider.
Types of survey questions you’ll see
Surveys cover a broad range of topics: reactions to advertising, shopping habits, product preferences, customer service experiences, taste tests, and more. Most surveys are straightforward; companies want honest opinions, not expert answers.
What equipment do you need?
All you need is an internet connection and a device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Surveys are flexible and can be completed at any time, making them a convenient side hustle.
Are paid surveys a scam?
Legitimate survey sites pay, but scams exist. Watch for these red flags:
- Promises of instant riches — surveys provide small side income, not full-time earnings.
- Upfront fees — legitimate panels do not require payment to join.
- Unexpected emails or services you didn’t sign up for — if you don’t recall joining, don’t engage.
If you use reputable panels and stay vigilant, surveys are a safe way to earn a little extra money.
How do surveys pay you?
Survey payouts can come as PayPal cash, checks mailed to your home, bank transfers, gift cards (Amazon, Target, etc.), Visa gift cards, vouchers, or charitable donations. Many sites set minimum thresholds for withdrawal, often as low as $5–$10.
Where to find more in-depth reviews
If you want detailed reviews of specific panels, look for reviews of American Consumer Opinion, Survey Junkie, User Interviews, Pinecone Research, Prime Opinion, HeyPiggy, NiceSurveys, and Branded Surveys to learn about payouts and user experiences.
Survey sites that pay well in Canada
Paid surveys are available in Canada too. Recommended platforms for Canadian residents include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Branded Surveys, Pinecone Research Canada, Maru Voice Canada, PrizeRebel, American Consumer Opinion, User Interviews, and HeyCash.
Are paid surveys a good side hustle?
Surveys are best viewed as a way to earn small, consistent side income. They’re useful for paying down debt, saving for a vacation, or building an emergency fund. If you combine surveys with other side hustles and stay organized (for example, using a separate email for survey sites), they can add up over time.
Top survey sites — quick recap
- American Consumer Opinion
- Survey Junkie
- Swagbucks
- InboxDollars
- Branded Surveys
- Prime Opinion
- Five Surveys
- User Interviews
- Freecash
- MyPoints
- HeyCash
- Rakuten Insight
- KashKick
- Pinecone Research
- PrizeRebel
- HeyPiggy
- NiceSurveys
- MySoapBox
Paid online surveys — summary
Paid online surveys are an easy, flexible way to earn a bit of extra money using your computer or mobile device. They work best as a supplemental income source for small expenses or savings goals. If you’ve tried paid surveys, what sites did you use and what was your experience?
Recommended reading:
- How I Made $15 in 2 Hours Taking Surveys — Is It Worth It?
- 19 Best Places To Find Paid Research Studies