Can You Make Money Doing Surveys?

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Oct 13, 2024

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Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, earning extra cash through side hustles was a popular way to supplement income. Since then, the desire for better work life balance and/or multiple income streams has increased. Among the options available, completing online surveys is a convenient and flexible way to make money from anywhere. But can you really make a decent amount of money doing surveys? Let’s dive into the world of survey sites and see if it's worth your time.

In this article

How survey sites work

Survey sites serve as a go between companies who are looking for market research and people willing to share their opinions. Market research companies need consumer insights to help retailers, product developers, and service providers understand what their audiences want. In exchange for your time and sharing your thoughts, these companies offer rewards like cash, gift cards, or even free products.

Before going all in to completing surveys, it's important to know that not every survey platform is the same, and not all offer big payouts.

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Popular survey sites to make money

The best survey sites are those that are considered trustworthy and offer decent payouts. These platforms stand out for their accessibility, ease of use, and variety of rewards.

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is one of the leading survey websites where new members can start earning money immediately after signing up. The platform is simple, allowing you to earn by completing surveys or even joining focus groups. The payout is usually through PayPal or gift cards.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks offers a variety of ways to earn extra money, from taking online surveys to watching videos, shopping online, and playing games. It’s a good option for those who want to earn passive income in their spare time. You can cash out through PayPal, Visa, or choose gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon or Target.

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InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays users for doing surveys, reading emails, and playing games. This platform is popular for its wide variety of ways to make money online. Payout options include PayPal, gift cards, or check.

KashKick

KashKick allows users to earn money by completing surveys, watching videos, and trying new apps. The platform is user-friendly, and it focuses on giving cash rewards rather than points or gift cards. Once you reach a minimum threshold, you can easily cash out your earnings through PayPal.

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Opinion Outpost

This is one of the simplest and most direct survey sites to make money. The more surveys you complete, the more rewards you earn. You can choose from PayPal, Visa gift cards, or Amazon gift cards for your payout.

How much money can you actually make from surveys?

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "How much money can you make doing surveys?" The answer varies depending on the platform, the number of surveys you complete, and your demographics. Most survey sites offer between $0.50 to $5 per survey, but longer or specialized surveys can offer higher payouts.

While surveys won't make you rich or replace a full-time income, they can be a solid side hustle. On average, active users earn between $50 and $100 a month. This could translate into extra cash for small luxuries, groceries, or savings.

Survey platforms often have a cash out threshold, meaning you need to earn a certain amount before you can withdraw your money. For example, platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie may require you to accumulate $10 to $20 before redeeming your earnings.

Red flags and scams to watch out for

Not all survey companies are trustworthy. No legitimate survey site should ask for personal, sensitive data like your social security number or credit card information. Real survey sites are interested in paying you money and don’t charge you anything for participating. If a platform promises massive payouts for little effort, it’s likely a scam. Some shady sites bombard users with spam pop-ups and notifications. New sites and apps pop up all the time, so be careful and watch out for scams.

How to maximize your payout

If you're serious about earning extra income from online surveys, here are some ways you can make sure it’s worth your time.

Sign up for multiple sites. Don't just rely on one platform. The more platforms you join, the more survey opportunities you'll have. Sites like Toluna, MyPoints, and i-Say offer unique survey opportunities that you can use alongside platforms like Swagbucks.
Check often for new surveys. Some survey sites send out limited-time offers, so logging in regularly ensures that you don’t miss out on high-paying surveys.
Use an Android or iOS app. Most survey platforms have mobile apps that allow you to complete surveys on the go. This is perfect for making money waiting in line or in your spare time.
Fill out your profile completely. Some surveys target specific demographics, such as age, income level, or location. Complete your profile accurately to receive surveys that match your profile.
Cash back opportunities. Some platforms like Swagbucks and MyPoints offer cash back for shopping online. Take advantage of these opportunities to save while you spend.

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Can you really make money doing surveys?

Doing surveys can be a legitimate way to earn extra income or spending money, but it's not going to make you wealthy. If you treat it as a fun, low-effort side hustle that fills your free time while you're waiting in line or sitting on the couch, you won't be disappointed.

The best survey sites offer flexible ways to earn money through gift cards, PayPal, or direct bank transfer. You can also use survey websites or survey apps for more consistent opportunities. Just be mindful of potential scams and always read the terms of each platform before sharing your personal information.

The bottom line

For those looking to make a little extra cash without a significant time commitment, surveys can be an ideal option. Start small, explore the different platforms, and soon enough, you’ll be cashing out that sweet Amazon gift card or seeing extra dollars in your bank account.

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Holly is a freelance writer who recognizes that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to personal finance. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, women in business and financial literacy. When she is not working, she is testing out new recipes, tasting the newest Trader Joe’s finds or binging the latest true crime podcast. She resides in Utah with her husband, two daughters and dog, Max.

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