12 Best Online Surveys for Money
📋 12 Best Online Surveys for Money – Get Paid for Your Opinions
If you're looking to earn extra cash in your spare time, online surveys could be an easy way to get started. While not the most lucrative, they can help you reach your financial goals faster with just a few dollars a day.
In this article, we’ll explore the top legit survey sites, including CinchDollars, and share my personal experience with them.
Rating Methodology
Choosing the best survey sites isn’t always easy, as there are numerous options available. I was highly selective in picking the ones that deliver the best return for your time. Here's a look at how I evaluated the sites:
- Reputation: I conducted thorough research, using Trustpilot, BBB ratings, and customer reviews to ensure these survey sites are reputable.
- Number of Surveys: Some sites offer only occasional surveys, while others provide hundreds of opportunities daily. I focused on the sites that offer consistent survey availability.
- Payouts: Making money is the goal, so I focused on platforms that offer quick and high-paying options, as well as flexible payout methods.
Best Survey Sites for Earning Money
Here are the top survey sites where you can earn cash for your time:
- CinchDollars
- Branded Surveys
- HeyPiggy
- Prime Opinion
- Freecash
- MyPoints
- Swagbucks
- Survey Junkie
- InboxDollars
- Kashkick
- Opinion Outpost
- Pawns.app
1. CinchDollars
Availability: US, Canada
Age requirement: 18+ years old
Trust: 4.6 based on 1,500 reviews
CinchDollars is a popular survey site that rewards users for completing surveys, watching videos, and signing up for offers.
What makes CinchDollars stand out is its easy-to-use interface and high payout potential. After signing up, you can start earning points right away by completing various tasks, including surveys from top brands and service providers.
CinchDollars Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $0.50 – $4
- Payment Method: PayPal, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $5
- Sign-Up Bonus: $1
You can also earn by referring friends and family. CinchDollars is perfect for those looking for an easy entry point into making extra money through online surveys.
2. Branded Surveys
Availability: US, UK, Canada
Age requirement: 17+ years old
Trust: 4.1 (95.4k reviews on Trustpilot)
Branded Surveys is one of the best-known survey platforms. You get a $1 sign-up bonus and can quickly start completing surveys.
As you complete more surveys, you’ll advance through different loyalty levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The higher your level, the more surveys you can access with better rewards.
Branded Surveys Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $0.30 – $3
- Payment Method: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $5
- Sign-Up Bonus: $1
3. HeyPiggy
Availability: Worldwide
Age requirement: 14+ years old
Trust: 4.6 (2.1k reviews on Trustpilot)
HeyPiggy is a global survey site with a clean, intuitive interface. Available on iOS and Android, it offers a variety of surveys from large companies like Target, Netflix, and Starbucks.
The payouts start at just $1, and the site shows the exact time and payment for each survey upfront.
HeyPiggy Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $0.50 – $4
- Payment Method: PayPal, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $1
- Sign-Up Bonus: N/A
4. Prime Opinion
Availability: US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and more
Age requirement: 18+ years old
Trust: 4.5 (11.4k reviews on Trustpilot)
Prime Opinion offers surveys that can pay up to $5 per survey. Users earn points for completing each survey, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
The sign-up process is quick, and you can start earning almost immediately.
Prime Opinion Details
- Average Payout (per survey): Up to $5
- Payment Method: Bank Transfer, PayPal, Venmo, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $5
- Sign-Up Bonus: $5
5. Freecash
Availability: Worldwide
Age requirement: 16+ years old
Trust: 4.5 (84.5k reviews on Trustpilot)
Freecash offers more than just surveys. You can also earn money by playing games, watching videos, and completing online tasks.
It’s a versatile platform with numerous payout options, including PayPal, crypto, and gift cards.
Freecash Details
- Average Payout (per month): $0.25 – $1
- Payment Method: PayPal, Crypto, Bank Transfer, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $5 for cash/gift cards; $2 for crypto
- Sign-Up Bonus: N/A
6. MyPoints
Availability: US, Canada
Age requirement: 13+ years old
Trust: 4.4 (23.6k reviews on Trustpilot)
MyPoints is a versatile rewards site where you can earn points for completing surveys, shopping online, watching videos, and more. The platform is great for those who enjoy a variety of ways to earn.
You can even earn points when you don’t qualify for a particular survey, ensuring that you still make progress. Additionally, MyPoints gives you a welcome bonus of $5 just for signing up.
MyPoints Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $2.50
- Payment Method: Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $3
- Sign-Up Bonus: $5
7. Swagbucks
Availability: US, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada, Spain, Portugal, UK
Age requirement: 13+ years old
Trust: 4.1 (36.8k reviews on Trustpilot)
Swagbucks is one of the most popular survey sites, offering a variety of ways to earn points, known as Swagbucks (SB). You can earn SB points by shopping online, watching videos, and completing surveys.
These points can then be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards to popular retailers. Swagbucks has a massive number of paid surveys available and frequently offers bonus SB points for completing specific tasks.
Swagbucks Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $0.40 – $2
- Payment Method: PayPal, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $3 for gift cards; $25 for PayPal
- Sign-Up Bonus: $10
8. Survey Junkie
Availability: US, Canada, Australia
Age requirement: 18+ years old
Trust: 4.1 (44.6k reviews on Trustpilot)
Survey Junkie is one of the most straightforward survey platforms. It’s easy to sign up, and once you complete your profile, you’ll automatically receive survey invitations.
Survey Junkie rewards you with points that you can redeem for PayPal cash, eGift cards, or bank transfers. The platform offers a steady flow of survey opportunities, so you won’t run out of surveys to take.
Survey Junkie Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $1 – $3
- Payment Method: PayPal, eGift Cards, Bank Transfer
- Minimum to Cash Out: $5 (500 points)
- Sign-Up Bonus: N/A
9. InboxDollars
Availability: US, UK (as InboxPounds)
Age requirement: 18+ years old
Trust: 4.1 (42.5k reviews on Trustpilot)
InboxDollars is a simple, no-nonsense platform that offers cash rewards (not points) for completing surveys, playing games, watching videos, reading emails, and even shopping online.
One of the highlights of InboxDollars is that it pays in real cash, so you can watch your earnings grow faster. However, there’s a higher payout threshold for cashing out compared to other sites.
InboxDollars Details
- Average Payout (per survey): Up to $5
- Payment Method: Check, Prepaid VISA, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $30
- Sign-Up Bonus: $5
10. KashKick
Availability: US
Age requirement: 18+ years old
Trust: 4.0 (1.1k reviews on Trustpilot)
KashKick offers surveys along with a variety of other earning opportunities, such as watching videos and signing up for free trials. Once you complete the sign-up process, you can begin earning money through these tasks.
KashKick’s cash payout system makes it an attractive option for those looking to receive cash directly via PayPal, with a relatively low payout threshold of $10.
KashKick Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $0.50 – $5
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Minimum to Cash Out: $10
- Sign-Up Bonus: N/A
11. Opinion Outpost
Availability: United States
Age requirement: 17+ years old
Trust: 4.3 (4.8k reviews on Trustpilot)
Opinion Outpost is a simple and user-friendly survey site, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It works on a points system, and you can redeem your points for PayPal cash or gift cards.
The platform offers a decent number of surveys daily, increasing your chances of earning. It’s easy to cash out once you hit the minimum threshold.
Opinion Outpost Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $0.50 – $5
- Payment Method: PayPal, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $5 for Gift Cards; $10 for PayPal
- Sign-Up Bonus: N/A
12. Pawns.app
Availability: Worldwide
Age requirement: Varies by Location
Trust: 4.5 (1.7k reviews on Trustpilot)
Pawns.app is a newer survey site that has gained popularity due to its simple interface and ease of use. After signing up, users can complete surveys, share their internet connection, and earn rewards.
One of the standout features of Pawns.app is its low payout threshold and the option to redeem earnings via PayPal, Bitcoin, or gift cards.
Pawns.app Details
- Average Payout (per survey): $1
- Payment Method: PayPal, Bitcoin, Gift Cards
- Minimum to Cash Out: $5
- Sign-Up Bonus: $3
Money-Maximizing Tips
Although online surveys won’t make you a millionaire, there are ways to maximize your earnings:
- Complete Your Profile: Filling out your profile ensures that you get matched with relevant surveys, saving time and boosting your earnings.
- Take Advantage of Free Offers: Some sites offer points for things like referrals, sharing on social media, or downloading apps.
- Use Our Earnings Calculator: To make the most of your time, use an ROI calculator to prioritize surveys that offer the most money for the least time.
Ultimate Survey ROI Calculator
To truly optimize your earnings, use our survey ROI calculator to figure out which surveys offer the best time-to-money ratio. This tool helps you identify the surveys that provide the highest return for the least effort.
Best Practices for Taking Online Surveys
Here are some strategies to ensure you're making the most of your time:
- Create a Separate Email Address: Many survey sites send frequent emails, and having a dedicated inbox can help you stay organized.
- Avoid Personal Information Requests: Never provide sensitive information such as social security numbers or bank details.
- Take Breaks: Long survey sessions can lead to burnout. Regular breaks ensure you stay alert and accurate.
- Install Antivirus Software: Protect your computer from malicious sites that might redirect you to unsafe pages.
Are Paid Surveys Worth It?
While paid surveys can be a quick way to make extra cash, they won’t replace a full-time income. However, when used strategically, they can help you achieve smaller financial goals—like saving for a vacation or paying down debt.
Consider completing surveys during your commute, while watching TV, or in your free time to maximize your profits without sacrificing too much of your time.
Summary of Top Paid Online Survey Sites
| Survey Site | Average Payout (per survey) | Payment Methods | Min. to Cash Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branded Surveys | $0.30 – $3 | PayPal, Bank Transfer, Gift Cards | $5 |
| HeyPiggy | $0.50 – $4 | PayPal, Gift Cards | $1 |
| Prime Opinion | Up to $5 | Bank Transfer, PayPal, Venmo, Gift Cards | $5 |
| Freecash | $0.25 – $1 | PayPal, Crypto, Bank Transfer, Gift Cards | $5 |
| MyPoints | $2.50 | Gift Cards | $3 |
| Swagbucks | $0.40 – $2 | PayPal, Gift Cards | $3 for Gift Cards; $25 for PayPal |
| Survey Junkie | $1 – $3 | PayPal, eGift Cards, Bank Transfer | $5 |
| InboxDollars | Up to $5 | Check, Prepaid VISA, Gift Cards | $30 |
| KashKick | Up to $5 | PayPal | $10 |
| Opinion Outpost | $0.50 – $5 | PayPal, Gift Cards | $5 for Gift Cards; $10 for PayPal |
| Pawns.app | $1 | PayPal, Bitcoin, Gift Cards | $5 |
Online surveys can be a simple and flexible way to earn some extra cash in your spare time. While they won’t make you rich, they provide a manageable way to meet small financial goals.
By using tips and tools like the ROI calculator, you can maximize your survey earnings and enjoy a steady flow of income from home.
Things To Watch Out For
While many legitimate survey sites offer easy ways to earn extra cash, it’s essential to be cautious. Here are a few things to watch for when exploring new survey platforms:
1. Membership Fees
Be wary of any survey sites that ask for a fee to join. Legitimate survey platforms are always free to join. If a site is asking for money upfront, it’s a red flag.
2. Lack of Customer Reviews
A trustworthy survey site will have plenty of customer reviews, including both positive and negative feedback. If you can’t find any reviews or if the site has a history of complaints, it’s best to avoid it.
3. Personal Information Requests
Legitimate survey sites never ask for sensitive personal details such as your Social Security number, driver’s license, or bank account information. Always be cautious if a survey asks for such data.
4. Frequent Disqualification
While it’s common to be disqualified from some surveys, constantly being disqualified can be a sign that a platform isn’t right for you. Focus on survey sites with a better track record for qualification.
FAQs
Are surveys for money legit?
Yes, paid surveys are legitimate ways to earn money online. However, they should be treated as a side hustle rather than a full-time income source. Most of the sites listed here are reputable and have been tested for reliability.
How long does it take to complete an online survey?
Most surveys take around 15 to 20 minutes, but some may take longer depending on the complexity. Always check the estimated time before starting a survey to see if it fits your schedule.
What surveys pay cash instantly?
Some sites offer quick payouts, such as Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints, where you can either receive your payout via PayPal or gift cards. Additionally, check for sign-up bonuses that give you cash or points immediately after registration.
Which is the best survey app?
If you're looking for the best survey app, Freecash stands out due to its top ratings in the app store. With notifications for new surveys and a smooth mobile interface, it's a great option for taking surveys on the go.
Why do companies pay you to take surveys?
Companies and brands conduct surveys to gather valuable consumer insights. Your feedback helps them improve products, services, and marketing strategies. Offering surveys in exchange for money is a cost-effective way for companies to gather large-scale consumer data without investing in expensive research firms.
Best Practices to Maximize Earnings
To really make the most of your time on survey sites, here are a few best practices:
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Focus on High-Paying Surveys: Prioritize surveys that pay the most for the least amount of time. Use the ROI calculator to track your earnings.
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Complete Your Profile: Fully completing your profile will match you with more relevant surveys, reducing the time spent disqualifying for surveys that aren’t the best fit.
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Use Multiple Survey Sites: Don’t rely on just one survey site. Sign up for several platforms to increase your chances of finding high-paying surveys available to you.
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Referral Bonuses: Many survey sites offer bonuses for referring friends. Take advantage of this feature to increase your earnings without extra effort.
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Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Regularly checking for available surveys and completing them as they appear will ensure steady earnings.
Conclusion
Online surveys are a fantastic way to earn extra income on the side. While they won't replace a full-time job, they can help you meet smaller financial goals or save for something special. With the tips and best practices outlined above, you can maximize your earnings and make your survey-taking experience both enjoyable and profitable.
If you're looking for a platform that’s easy to use and offers solid payouts, CinchDollars is a great option to get started. By completing surveys, watching videos, and referring others, you can boost your income in your spare time. Remember, the key to success is being consistent and choosing the best-paying surveys for your time.
As you explore the world of paid surveys, stay cautious and prioritize trustworthy platforms to ensure your personal data remains safe. Happy survey-taking!
Ready to Start Earning?
Now that you know how to make the most of paid surveys, it's time to jump in and start earning! Sign up for a few of the survey sites listed above, complete your profile, and start filling out surveys today.
Whether you're saving for something big or just looking to earn a bit of extra cash, online surveys are a convenient and flexible way to boost your income.
