Looking for a simple way to earn some extra cash from the comfort of your couch? This year, there are some amazing online survey platforms that actually pay you real money for sharing your opinions.
Imagine turning your downtime into dollars, whether you’re relaxing at home, sipping coffee in your favorite café, or even during your daily commute. These survey sites make it easy and convenient to earn a bit of side income whenever it fits into your schedule.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 9 survey platforms that reward you for your valuable insights. You can earn cash, gift cards, and even exclusive rewards—all by simply sharing your thoughts on products, services, and current trends. Stick around to find out how you can get started today and start cashing in on your opinions in no time!
Before proceeding, it’s important to consider a few things. Not all survey platforms are created equal—some may have higher payout thresholds, while others might require specific demographic information to qualify for surveys. Always research the platform’s reputation to ensure it’s legitimate, and be mindful of the time commitment versus the rewards offered.
Remember, while surveys can be a fun way to earn extra income, they won’t replace a full-time job. Choose platforms that align with your availability and income expectations to make the most of your efforts.
1. Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost is a survey-based platform where users can earn rewards by sharing their opinions on various topics. The platform connects companies with consumers who provide feedback on products, services, and market trends. What sets it apart is its focus on surveys as the primary method of earning, with a simple and user-friendly interface.
Earning Potential
On Opinion Outpost, you can earn points by completing surveys. Points vary based on the length and complexity of each survey, typically ranging from 5 to 50 points per survey. One point is equal to about $0.10, so 100 points can be redeemed for $10. Earnings depend on the availability of surveys and your demographic profile.
Other Activities
- Referral Program: Earn extra points by referring friends to join the platform. You get 5 points for each friend who completes their first survey.
Redemption Options
- PayPal: You can cash out your earnings via PayPal once you’ve accumulated at least 100 points ($10).
- Gift Cards: Opinion Outpost also offers popular gift cards, such as Amazon, starting from 50 points.
- Charity Donations: You can donate your points to the American Red Cross if you prefer supporting a cause.
User Experience
Opinion Outpost is known for its simple design and easy-to-navigate interface. The platform works well on both desktop and mobile devices, though there is no dedicated mobile app. Users generally find it easy to complete surveys, but some report that survey availability can be inconsistent based on location or demographics. There are occasional complaints about disqualification from surveys after investing time in them.
Additional Features
- Quarterly Prize Draw: Opinion Outpost runs a quarterly $10,000 prize draw, with each survey you complete giving you an entry for the chance to win.
2. LifePoints
LifePoints is an online survey platform that allows users to earn points by participating in market research activities. It is part of the Lightspeed Research group, which has a strong reputation in the survey industry. Users can share their opinions on various products, services, and topics in exchange for rewards. LifePoints is available in multiple countries and offers a user-friendly experience, making it a popular choice for people looking to make extra money through surveys.
Earning Potential
LifePoints primarily offers paid surveys as its main earning opportunity.
- Surveys typically pay between 50 to 350 LifePoints, depending on their length and complexity.
- On average, users can expect to earn around $0.50 to $1.00 per survey, with higher-paying surveys offering more points.
- The availability of surveys can vary based on your location and demographic information. Some users may get more survey invitations than others.
Other Activities
In addition to surveys, LifePoints occasionally offers other ways to earn:
- Product Testing: Some users may be invited to test products and provide feedback, though these opportunities are less frequent.
- Behavioral Research: Users can participate in tasks such as tracking their purchase habits or using specific apps in exchange for LifePoints.
Redemption Options
LifePoints offers multiple redemption methods, including:
- Gift Cards: You can exchange LifePoints for gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Target, or iTunes.
- PayPal: Cashing out via PayPal is a popular option, with a minimum payout threshold of $20 (equivalent to 2,000 LifePoints).
- Charitable Donations: Users can also donate their points to selected charities directly through the platform.
User Experience
LifePoints is generally praised for its simple and intuitive design. It is available both as a desktop site and a mobile app, giving users flexibility.
- The interface is easy to navigate, and surveys are relatively short compared to other platforms.
- Some users report survey disqualifications as a common issue, which can limit earnings, but overall feedback is positive for the ease of use and variety of surveys offered.
Additional Features
- Daily Polls: Users can earn a small number of points by participating in daily polls, which are quick, one-question surveys.
- Referral Program: LifePoints allows users to earn additional points by referring friends to the platform.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a highly versatile platform that offers multiple ways to earn money beyond just surveys.
Users can earn points, called SB (Swagbucks), by engaging in activities such as watching videos, shopping online, playing games, and even participating in daily polls.
This variety makes Swagbucks a popular choice for those seeking multiple earning options.
Earning Potential
Swagbucks provides a robust selection of surveys, updated regularly, offering payouts that typically range from $0.40 to $2.00 per survey.
While disqualification can occur, the large inventory ensures that there’s usually something available to complete.
Users can earn SB points through various activities
- Watching Videos: This includes watching short clips on diverse topics, earning a few SB per video.
- Shopping Online: Swagbucks partners with over 1,500 retailers, allowing users to earn cash back on purchases.
- Retailers include popular stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Starbucks, with cash back rates sometimes reaching up to 20%.
- Playing Games: Users can play free and paid games, with significant SB rewards for reaching in-game milestones, especially with games partnered through GSN (Game Show Network).
- Searching the Web: Using the Swagbucks search engine can yield random small payouts.
- Daily Polls and Swag Codes: Quick daily polls earn 1 SB, and entering promotional Swag Codes found online boosts earnings further.
- Referrals: Users can earn 10% of the SB points their referrals accumulate, making this a potentially lucrative passive income source.
Redemption Options
- Gift Cards: Swagbucks offers a wide array of gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and more. Gift cards are available in various denominations, often starting as low as $1.
- Cash: SB points can be converted into cash via PayPal, with a minimum redemption threshold of $25. The process usually takes about 10-14 days for the money to appear in your PayPal account.
User Experience
Swagbucks is praised for its user-friendly interface and the flexibility it offers in earning and redeeming points.
The platform is accessible both on desktop and mobile, making it convenient for users to earn SB on the go.
However, some users have reported issues with qualifying for surveys and occasional delays in customer service responses.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Swagbucks remains a highly recommended platform for those looking to earn extra cash in their spare time.
Swagbucks is a legitimate and versatile platform that allows users to earn extra money through a variety of activities. While it won’t replace a full-time job, it’s a great way to make use of spare time and earn gift cards or cash for everyday activities
4. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie focuses on providing a straightforward and user-friendly experience for those looking to earn money by taking surveys.
It is known for its ease of use, quick payouts, and transparency, making it a favorite among users who prefer simplicity and efficiency.
Earning Potential
Surveys on Survey Junkie typically pay between $1 and $3. The platform offers a progress bar to help users track their earnings towards the next cash-out, enhancing the user experience by providing clear goals.
Surveys are available daily, though availability can vary based on demographic targeting.
Completing profile surveys can help better match you with relevant surveys, increasing your chances of qualifying and earning more points.
While Survey Junkie primarily focuses on surveys, users can also participate in product trials and online focus groups.
Product trials often allow you to keep the products and can provide substantial earnings, while focus groups can pay between $25 and $150 for several hours of participation.
Redemption Options
- Cash: You can cash out your earnings via PayPal or bank transfer once you reach a minimum of 500 points, equivalent to $5. This low threshold makes it easier for users to access their earnings quickly. The platform ensures secure transactions, though some users report occasional delays in processing payments.
- Gift Cards: Alternatively, you can redeem your points for gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Starbucks. Gift cards are available in denominations of $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, and $50, providing flexibility in how you use your earnings.
User Experience
Survey Junkie is praised for its intuitive interface and ease of use. The platform is accessible via both desktop and mobile app, allowing users to take surveys and track their earnings on the go.
The app is highly rated on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, reflecting user satisfaction with its functionality and convenience.
Users appreciate the platform’s straightforward approach and the transparency of its rewards system.
Additional Features
- SJ Pulse: Survey Junkie offers an optional browser extension called SJ Pulse, which tracks your browsing activity to match you with more relevant surveys.
- Users can earn bonus points for installing and maintaining the extension.
- Disqualification Points: Even if you don’t qualify for a survey, Survey Junkie awards 2-3 points as compensation for your time, which is a feature appreciated by many users.
5. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a well-known platform that allows users to earn money through a variety of activities, including surveys, reading promotional emails, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.
What sets InboxDollars apart is that it pays in cash rather than points, which many users find more straightforward and appealing.
Earning Potential
Surveys on InboxDollars typically pay between $0.50 and $5.00, depending on their length and complexity.
While some users have reported issues with qualifying for surveys, the platform offers a steady stream of opportunities that can add up over time.
Other Activities
- Reading Emails: InboxDollars pays users to read promotional emails, providing a simple way to earn small amounts of money regularly.
- Watching Videos: Users can watch a variety of short videos on topics such as current events, entertainment, and health.
- Although these offers are less frequent than they used to be, they remain a viable way to earn some extra cash.
- Playing Games: InboxDollars offers a selection of games where users can earn money. Popular games include classics like Solitaire and newer options like Bejeweled.
- Earnings from games can vary based on the game and your performance.
- Shopping Online: The platform offers cash back from hundreds of retailers. Users can earn up to 25% cash back on purchases from stores like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Kohl’s.
- A browser extension called the Billy Button helps users find and apply deals while shopping online.
- Scratch & Win: By completing various activities, users fill a meter that awards Scratch & Win cards, offering the chance to win small cash prizes.
Redemption Options
Cash: InboxDollars pays directly in cash, which can be received via check, PayPal, or a prepaid Visa card.
There is a minimum payout threshold of $30, and users must pay a $3 processing fee per payment. First-time payments take 10-16 days to process, while subsequent payments take 3-9 days.
Gift Cards: Users can also redeem their earnings for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks.
Gift cards can be a good option for those who prefer not to wait for a cash payment.
User Experience
Users generally appreciate the diversity of tasks available on InboxDollars, which makes earning extra money engaging and flexible.
However, the $30 minimum payout threshold is considered high by some, and there are occasional complaints about slow payment processing and difficulties with customer service.
Despite these drawbacks, the platform remains popular due to its variety of earning options and the transparency of its cash rewards system.
InboxDollars is a legitimate platform for earning extra cash by participating in a range of online activities.
While it may not provide a substantial income, it offers a convenient way to make use of spare time and earn small amounts of money through diverse tasks.
As with any online earning opportunity, it’s important to set realistic expectations and be consistent in participating in available activities to maximize earnings.
6. MyPoints
MyPoints is a versatile rewards platform that offers multiple ways to earn points, including taking surveys, shopping online, searching the web, watching videos, and participating in special offers.
Established in 1996, MyPoints is one of the longest-running rewards sites and is currently owned by Prodege, LLC, the same company behind Swagbucks and InboxDollars.
It is known for its generous sign-up bonuses and a wide variety of redemption options, making it an attractive choice for users looking to maximize their earnings through various activities.
Earning Potential
Surveys: Surveys on MyPoints typically pay between $0.50 and $5.00, similar to other survey sites.
Users can earn additional points even if they don’t qualify for a survey, which helps minimize the frustration of disqualification.
Other Activities
- Shopping Online: Users can earn points by shopping at over 1,900 retail partners, including popular stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Cashback rates vary by retailer and can go up to 40%.
- Watching Videos: Users earn points for watching videos on various topics, such as news, entertainment, health, and technology. Although the earnings per video are modest, this can be a passive way to accumulate points.
- Playing Games: MyPoints offers a range of games where users can earn points. Some games have entry fees, but they also offer free game options that can help users earn small rewards.
- Reading Emails: Users can earn points by reading promotional emails sent by MyPoints. Each email provides a small number of points, making it a simple way to earn.
- Searching the Web: MyPoints has a search tool that rewards users for conducting web searches, although the earnings from this activity can be inconsistent.
Redemption Options
- Gift Cards: MyPoints offers a wide range of gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks. Users can redeem gift cards starting at 700 points, equivalent to $5.
- Travel Miles: Users can convert their points into travel miles with United MileagePlus, making it a unique option for frequent travelers.
- Cash: Cash payments via PayPal are available, with a minimum redemption amount of 1,590 points, equivalent to $10. Users can also opt for a Visa prepaid card.
User Experience
MyPoints is praised for its user-friendly interface and the variety of ways to earn points. The platform’s diverse earning avenues and travel miles redemption option make it versatile for users with different interests.
The generous sign-up bonuses and referral program, which offers ongoing points for referring friends, add to its appeal.
However, some users note that earning significant rewards can require a considerable time investment, and the high payout threshold for cash can be a drawback.
Overall, MyPoints is a legitimate and well-regarded rewards platform that offers multiple ways to earn and redeem points, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
7. MintVine
MintVine, now known as Branded Surveys, is a popular online platform where users can earn rewards by completing surveys. Launched in 2012, it rebranded in 2017 to better reflect its focus on connecting users with survey opportunities that match their demographics.
Earning Potential
On Branded Surveys, users primarily earn points by completing surveys, which typically range from 50 to 400 points depending on length and complexity. 100 points equal $1, so the payout per survey can range from $0.50 to $4. Surveys take about 10-20 minutes, though longer ones may be available. Completing your profile and daily polls also helps build points.
Other Activities
- Daily Polls: Earn 5 points for answering quick daily questions.
- Referrals: Earn 15% of the points accumulated by people you refer to the platform.
Redemption Options
Once you accumulate 1,000 points ($10), you can redeem them via PayPal, direct bank transfer, or gift cards to major retailers like Amazon. Payments are processed within 2 to 5 business days, and gift cards tend to arrive quickly.
User Experience
Branded Surveys is straightforward to use, but some users report frustrations with disqualifications during pre-survey screenings. However, even disqualified participants earn a small reward (around 5 points). The interface is user-friendly, and the option to control the frequency of email notifications is appreciated by users.
Branded Surveys (formerly MintVine) is a legitimate platform, ideal for those looking to earn small amounts of extra cash or gift cards by sharing their opinions. While it’s not suitable for a full-time income, it’s a reliable option for casual earnings.
8. YouGov
YouGov is a popular online platform that allows users to share their opinions on various topics, ranging from politics to consumer products. It gathers data through surveys, which is then used by companies and organizations to make informed decisions. What sets YouGov apart is its focus on public opinion, frequently releasing data on major political and social issues. Users are rewarded for their participation with points, which can later be redeemed for various rewards.
Earning Potential
- Surveys: Users can earn points by completing surveys, with each survey paying between 25 to 500 points depending on length and complexity. Longer surveys tend to offer higher points.
- Survey Availability: The frequency of surveys may depend on user demographics. Some users may receive more frequent surveys if they fit certain profiles sought by researchers.
Other Activities
- Daily Polls: YouGov offers quick daily polls that let users earn points with minimal effort.
- Referrals: Users can earn additional points by referring friends and family to join the platform. For each successful referral, users typically receive around 200 points.
Redemption Options
- Gift Cards: YouGov offers various gift cards (e.g., Amazon, iTunes) as redemption options. The minimum payout threshold is generally around 5,000 points for a $50 gift card.
- Cash: Some users can redeem points for cash via PayPal, but availability may vary by region.
User Experience
The platform is known for its clean and user-friendly interface, accessible via desktop and mobile devices. Many users appreciate the steady flow of surveys, although some report slow point accumulation. Survey lengths are clearly stated, so users know how much time each will take. On the downside, surveys may not always be available for everyone, which can limit earnings for some users.
Additional Features
- YouGov Profiles: Users can fill out detailed profiles to increase their chances of being selected for surveys that match their interests.
- YouGov Direct: In select markets, YouGov allows users to share their data directly with companies, earning points in return.
9. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is a highly respected survey platform known for its focus on quality over quantity. Unlike many other survey sites, Pinecone Research is selective about its membership, often requiring an invitation to join. This exclusivity ensures that members receive higher-paying surveys and a more streamlined experience.
Earning Potential
Surveys: Pinecone Research offers surveys that typically pay a flat rate of $3 per survey. These surveys usually take about 15-20 minutes to complete, providing a higher payout rate compared to many other platforms.
Product Testing: Occasionally, members may be invited to participate in product testing opportunities. In these cases, users receive free products to test and provide feedback on, and they may also receive additional compensation for their time.
Redemption Options
- Cash: Earnings can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or check. The platform has a low minimum payout threshold of $3, allowing users to cash out after completing just one survey.
- Gift Cards: Users can also choose from a variety of gift cards from popular retailers.
- Prepaid Virtual Visa Cards: For those who prefer a versatile spending option, prepaid cards are available.
User Experience
Pinecone Research is known for its simple and easy-to-use interface. The platform focuses on providing relevant, well-paying surveys, so users don’t need to spend time sorting through low-paying or irrelevant options.
One of the main advantages is that Pinecone offers consistently high-paying surveys. Users also benefit from a low payout threshold, making it easier to withdraw earnings. Payments are fast and reliable, and disqualifications are rare due to the platform’s targeted survey matching.
However, membership is by invitation only, which can make it harder to join. The platform also offers fewer surveys because of its selective approach. Additionally, there is no mobile app, so surveys must be completed through a desktop or mobile browser.
Conclusion
Online surveys that pay offer a convenient way to earn extra cash in your spare time.
Whether you prefer the versatility of Swagbucks, the simplicity of Survey Junkie, the diverse tasks on InboxDollars, the high-paying surveys of Vindale Research, or the multiple earning avenues of MyPoints, there’s a platform to suit your needs.
By signing up for one or more of these sites, you can start earning today and take advantage of the various opportunities each platform offers.