Survey sites can be a fun and easy way to make extra money in your free time. Companies want to know why you love certain products and avoid others, so they are willing to pay you for your thoughts.
You can earn cash or gift cards by sharing your thoughts on various market research topics like groceries, online shopping, and streaming platforms.
Most surveys take less than 20 minutes, so it’s simple to do in your free time.
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Highest Paying Survey Sites for 2022
These platforms make it easy to take surveys for money from your phone or computer.
1. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is one of the best survey sites. It’s easy to use, and you can attempt multiple surveys daily. Launched in 2005, the platform is one of the oldest services in the space and boasts over six million members.
It’s pretty easy to start earning money with Survey Junkie. Most opportunities take 20 minutes or less and have different payouts.
You will need to answer several screener questions to see if you qualify for the entire survey. If not, you will earn a few points for your time. Most platforms have a similar policy.
Members can also earn points by being invited to in-depth panel studies that require additional time but pay more. Completing more surveys helps you qualify for these follow-up studies.
Another way to earn points is by installing the SJ Pulse browser extension. This tool tracks your web browsing and online shopping history, but it doesn’t record sensitive information like your usernames or passwords.
You can start redeeming points once you hit the 1,000 point mark, which is equivalent to $10. The prize redemptions are for cash and gift cards.
Eligibility: 13 years or older in the US (16+ in California), Canada, or Australia
Signup bonus: N/A
Minimum redemption amount: $10 (1,000 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: 4.5 out of 5
Read our Survey Junkie review to read more about how the platform works.
2. Lifepoints
LifePoints lets you take multiple paid surveys daily. Some may take as long as one hour and have higher payouts. It’s possible to watch ads in addition to the standard consumer brand studies.
You can earn rewards using your phone with LifePoints-US-mobile. The other option is to earn money and prizes from home on your computer or laptop with LifePoints-US-desktop.
Members can start redeeming points for gift cards to Amazon and other brands with 500 points ($5). PayPal gift cards are available as well but can require more points.
You can use LifePoints beginning at age 14, making it one of the better jobs for 14-year-olds.
Eligibility: 14 years old and available in most countries.
Signup bonus: 10 points ($0.10)
Minimum redemption amount: $5 (500 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: 4.5 out of 5
3. Branded Surveys
It’s easy to sign up and complete surveys with Branded Surveys. After filling out your profile, they’ll match you to specific surveys offered by market research companies.
Taking daily polls and shopping at participating local businesses can help you earn extra points.
Gift card and cash redemptions start at 1,000 points for $10 rewards. The cash options include PayPal and direct deposit.
Eligibility: 16 years old in the United States
Signup bonus: 100 points ($1.00)
Minimum redemption amount: $10 (1,000 points)
Payout options: Gift cards, PayPal, and direct deposit
Trustpilot score: 4.4 out of 5
4. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is one of the best paid survey sites in the market as you can earn more per survey. They pay $3 for each completed survey and $3 when you first sign up.
The platform is a little pickier in its selection process as you must apply to join. You can only start an account by clicking the above link and not through their public site.
Most surveys are about consumer opinions on retail brands. You may also be able to test upcoming products to earn more.
Like other survey sites, you can redeem points for cash or e-gift cards. Every 100 points equals $1.
Our favorite part of Pinecone Research is that they have no minimum redemption amount. You can start redeeming after your first completed survey.
Eligibility: 18 years old in the United States
Signup bonus: 300 points ($3.00)
Minimum redemption amount: $3 (300 points)
Payout options: Gift cards, PayPal, and direct deposit
Trustpilot score: 2.0 out of 5
Read our Pinecone Research review to learn how the platform works and to maximize earnings.
5. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the most popular micro-task sites offering a variety of ways to make extra money.
You can attempt multiple surveys each day, and the platform usually runs bonus challenges to earn extra points.
Other ways to make money include:
- Shopping online
- Trying new products and apps
- Watching videos
- Using the search engine
You can also get paid to play games on your computer or phone.
Each task earns SB points that can be redeemed for cash or e-gift cards from hundreds of different retailers. Amazon gift cards start at $1 (140 points), but most brands start at $5 (500 points).
The minimum redemption for PayPal cash is $5 (500 points). Gift cards are regularly on sale, so you can redeem them for fewer points.
New members only need to be 13 years old to join. Swagbucks is open to users in many countries.
There is a signup bonus worth up to $5, but it may require an online purchase.
Eligibility: 13 years old in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Oceania
Signup bonus: 500 points ($5.00)
Minimum redemption amount: $1 (140 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: 4.3 out of 5
Read our Swagbucks review to learn more.
6. InboxDollars
InboxDollars lets you make money taking surveys and completing other short tasks.
Alternate income-producing tasks include:
- Downloading coupons
- Playing games
- Shopping online
- Enrolling in product offers
- Reading sponsored emails
The one downside to the platform is the minimum redemption amount of $30. They offset this by paying a $5 signup bonus.
*Related: Are you looking for other ways to monetize your free time? Read our guide on sites that pay you to do short tasks here to find the best platforms to use.
Payment options include PayPal, mailed checks, and gift cards.
Eligibility: 18 years old in the United States and international residents
Signup bonus: $5
Minimum redemption amount: $30
Payout options: Gift cards, PayPal, and paper check
Trustpilot score: 4.3 out of 5
Read our InboxDollars review to learn how to earn more on the platform.
7. MyPoints
MyPoints is like several of the other money-making websites already listed and offers several ways to earn points.
You can make money by taking surveys in addition to other tasks like:
- Using their search engine
- Booking online travel
- Downloading coupons
- Watching videos
- Playing games
Points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. The minimum redemption amount is $1 for Amazon gift cards (250 points), but most rewards require a $5 balance (790 points).
PayPal and Visa gift cards require a minimum $10 balance (1,590 points).
New members can earn a $10 signup bonus after spending $20 on a qualifying online purchase.
Eligibility: 13 years old in the United States and international residents
Signup bonus: $10
Minimum redemption amount: $1 (250 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: 4.4 out of 5
8. Vindale Research
Vindale Research offers surveys for money instead of paying points that can have a fluctuating redemption value.
Other ways to make money include:
- Reading sponsored email
- Watching videos
- Referring friends
The platform is also a great option to get paid to review products. You can discover these offers in the sponsored emails, but a purchase may be necessary.
This option has a higher than average minimum redemption amount of $50. They also pay a $1 signup bonus to get you started.
PayPal is the only redemption option, and you must be 18 years old to join.
Eligibility: 18 years old in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom
Signup bonus: $1
Minimum redemption amount: $50
Payout options: PayPal
Trustpilot score: 3.6 out of 5
Read our Vindale Research app review to learn more about the platform.
9. Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost is one of the best paying survey sites with short surveys that have an average payment of $1 (10 points). Some surveys pay up to $25.
In addition to completing online surveys, these tasks earn rewards:
- Watching advertisements
- Testing products
- Completing local research missions
Each task you complete gives you an entry into the $10,000 quarterly sweepstakes as well.
The platform has a relatively low minimum redemption amount of $3 (30 points) for Amazon gift cards and PayPal cash.
Eligibility: 17 years old in the United States and many international countries
Signup bonus: N/A
Minimum redemption amount: $3 (30 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: 4.4 out of 5
10. Toluna
Toluna is one of the largest online survey companies with members from most countries.
Surveys are the best way to make money, but members can also earn points by answering mini-polls and interacting with others in the community.
You can receive 3,000 to 6,000 points per survey you take. Toluna also offers longer surveys that pay up to 50,000 points.
One drawback to Toluna is their higher redemption amount with 30,000 points equaling $10 in gift cards. To redeem points for cash, the minimum is $30 in PayPal cash, equal to 95,000 points.
However, they do offer several opportunities to earn points. You receive 500 points for opening an account and 15 points if you do not qualify for a survey.
Buying apps or magazine subscriptions can earn points as well.
There are better places to get paid to take surveys online on this list. However, if you want a way to make money in your spare time, Toluna is worth a shot.
Eligibility: 13 years old in the United States and many international countries
Signup bonus: 500 points ($0.17)
Minimum redemption amount: $10 (30,000 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: 3.7 out of 5
11. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
You’ve likely heard of the parent company of Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel before as they handle the well-known Nielsen’s Ratings for TV programming. They’ve been around for over 90 years and collect data on television viewing habits.
Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel compensates you for letting them monitor your web habits. This service is one of the most effortless ways to make money online.
You continue using your computer and phone as usual and earn up to $50 per year. Gift card redemptions start as low as $5.
The company gives away over $10,000 in cash prizes each month. Frequent app users gain more free entries.
The platform will also send you surveys to complete on an irregular basis. Additionally, users can play scratch-off games and spin-the-wheel games for instant win prizes.
Eligibility: 18 years old in the United States
Signup bonus: N/A
Minimum redemption amount: $5
Payout options: Gift cards
Trustpilot score: N/A
12. OneOpinion
OneOpinion offers paid online surveys and product testing. Most surveys award between 1,000 and 5,000 points ($1 and $5) per completion and 250 points for disqualifications.
It’s possible to take multiple surveys each day as the platform matches your interests with relevant openings.
The minimum redemption amount is 25,000 points, which equals $25 in cash or gift cards.
Eligibility: 13 years old in the United States and the United Kingdom
Signup bonus: N/A
Minimum redemption amount: $25 (25,000 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: 1.8 out of 5
13. Survey Club
If you’re looking for an opportunity to make money locally, Survey Club is worth considering. Not only can you earn money taking surveys, but you can also earn money in the following ways:
- Product testing
- Focus groups
- Clinical trials
- Shopping online
The platform contacts you when local opportunities are available. Participating in studies can earn more than online surveys.
The minimum redemption level is $25, and the only redemption option is Amazon gift cards.
Eligibility: 16 years old in the United States, Canada, Australia, and United Kingdom
Signup bonus: N/A
Minimum redemption amount: $25 (25,000 points)
Payout options: Amazon gift cards
Trustpilot score: 3.7 out of 5
14. MobileXpression
MobileXpression is a little different than most survey sites, but you can easily get paid for your opinion with an iOS or Android smartphone.
Both MobileXpression iOS and MobileXpression Android are free to use, and they make it simple to open an account.
You install the app and receive rewards when you use your mobile internet. Rewards can be redeemed for gift cards by receiving weekly usage credits.
New members can earn a $5 gift card credit after using the app for the first week and may enter a $100,000 cash sweepstakes.
Eligibility: 18 years old in the United States
Signup bonus: $5
Minimum redemption amount: $10 (10 credits)
Payout options: Gift cards
Trustpilot score: 2.2 out of 5
15. FusionCash
FusionCash offers several ways to earn cash rewards. The survey opportunities are similar to other paid survey websites.
Users can also participate in these tasks:
- Product testing
- Shopping online
- Watching videos
- Web searches
Signing up for the product testing offers can award the most cash. Some offers require an upfront purchase to test apps and physical products.
The minimum redemption amount is $25 for PayPal, bank deposit, and mailed checks. Gift card rewards are unavailable.
New members get a $5 bonus for opening an account.
Eligibility: 13 years old in the United States and 18 years in Canada
Signup bonus: $5
Minimum redemption amount: $25
Payout options: PayPal, direct deposit, and paper check
Trustpilot score: 2.3 out of 5
16. PointClub
PointClub members are paid to take surveys, polls, and participate in “Daily Streaks” to earn loyalty bonus points.
Most surveys earn between 200 points ($0.20) and 3,000 points ($3). Survey disqualifications earn 12 points, up to five times daily.
The platform is rolling out additional ways to earn points, including playing games and online shopping. Surveys remain the best way to make extra money.
When you reach 25,000 points ($25), you can redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards. You can also donate your winnings to the charity of your choice.
Eligibility: 13 years old in the United States
Signup bonus: $5 (5,000 points)
Minimum redemption amount: $25 (25,000 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: 1.6 out of 5
17. Dabbl
Dabbl gives you multiple options to make money with their app. You can have fun earning money in these ways:
- Playing interactive games
- Taking quizzes
- Watching videos
Consider this mobile-only app if you want a different way to take paid surveys that can be more exciting.
Minors using Dabbl must be at least 13 years old and have parental permission.
You can redeem your rewards for free gift cards with a $5 balance. Some of the options include Amazon, Target, or other gift cards.
Eligibility: 13 years old in the United States
Signup bonus: N/A
Minimum redemption amount: $5
Payout options: Gift cards
Trustpilot score: N/A
18. Maru Springboard America
Maru Springboard America lets you complete surveys for points you can use to earn prizes and sweepstakes entries.
The number of points you can earn by completing each survey varies according to length and complexity. Points can be redeemed for prizes including PayPal or a variety of different gift card options.
Creating an account with Maru Springboard America is easy, but you must be at least 14 years old and have the permission of a parent or guardian to use the site.
Eligibility: 14 years old in the United States
Signup bonus: N/A
Minimum redemption amount: (5,000 points)
Payout options: Gift cards and PayPal
Trustpilot score: N/A
19. Valued Opinions
Like some of the other survey sites on our list, Valued Opinions offers product testing in addition to online surveys and advertising reviews. Completing these tasks lets you earn rewards to exchange for gift cards from Amazon.com, Target, and many other brands.
It’s free to get started, but you’ll need to complete a registration form and activate your account. After joining you’ll begin receiving invitations to complete surveys.
You must be 17 years old or older to join Valued Opinions.
Eligibility: 17 years old in the United States
Signup bonus: N/A
Minimum redemption amount: $10
Payout options: Gift cards and Amazon cards
Trustpilot score: 3.7 out of 5
Best Online Survey Sites FAQs
There’s a lot of misconception behind many paid survey sites. Here are some common questions regarding taking online surveys.
Is answering surveys for money safe?
Yes, online surveys are safe when you use a legitimate survey company with high ratings and proof of payment to avoid scams.
While you share your personal opinion and basic household details, you don’t share your sensitive information like your name, Social Security number, or home address.
Are survey sites worth it?
Online surveys can be worth pursuing if you don’t have the time or skill for a side hustle that requires more effort. Most surveys take 20 minutes or less to complete and have low payout thresholds.
Other tasks are better if you need help paying the bills or replacing lost income since surveys won’t make you rich.
Do I need to pay taxes on online surveys?
Paid surveys can be taxable if the annual income exceeds $600 in cash and gift cards. This is the same threshold for other side hustles.
Some platforms won’t let you take additional surveys if you earn up to $600 as they do not furnish end-of-year tax documents.
Are all online survey sites the same?
No. Each survey site is different, so you want to make sure you know how they operate before using them.
Compare the ways to make money, payment options, and the redemption minimum.
The best survey sites to make money clarify how they work, how they pay, and what to expect. Shady survey sites will hide that information, which should be a red flag.
What are the best practices with taking surveys?
First, always tell the truth since companies rely on factual data to make important business decisions.
The survey company also matches your responses with future surveys to qualify for more offers. Inconsistent answers can make it harder to find surveys.
Most survey apps offer several options at one time. Consider attempting the survey offering the highest payout with the lowest time commitment.
Choosing the highest-paying surveys lets you earn more per hour.
Why do I have to qualify to take a survey?
Having to qualify for a survey is a common and understandable complaint of people who take surveys.
In short, survey sites need to ensure you match the demographic background for a given survey. The company may only want respondents who live in a specific zip code or have certain hobbies and shopping habits.
If you don’t qualify but complete the survey, it’s a waste of their time and money. They want information on their target market, which is why it’s important to complete your profile when you open an account.
Bottom Line
Taking surveys can be a fun and flexible way to earn extra money, which can come in handy during holidays, birthdays, or even if you want to use the money to pay a small bill each month.
While they won’t make you rich, they can be a great way to monetize your free time and get paid for your opinion. Try a few options on this list and see which works best for you.
Have you ever tried taking surveys before to earn extra money and gift cards? What are some of your favorite ways to make extra money in your spare time?
