I first got bit by the survey bug over 6 years ago. An email showed up promising $5 if I completed a survey. Really? Seriously? So I did it. And it worked. And I wondered (like you probably are), "Are there more sites like this out there?" And sure enough, there are. But there are way more sites calling themselves "paid surveys" than real survey sites.
Today I easily make more than $600 a month doing paid surveys. In October 2009, I made more than $800 doing surveys, taste tests, product tests and online and offline focus groups.
Let's start off by answering the most common questions I get.
Why aren't there 300-600 sites listed on here like other sites?
Because, truth be told, there are not 300 sites out there that pay you. I know. I am with over 600 survey sites...but you will only find the sites on here that, in the 6+ years I have been doing surveys have paid me. I made the mistake of spending days signing up and now, years later, only get paid regularly by about 10-15% of them. Good sites come and go, so if a site has taken a turn for the worse, I will note it or remove them. I do keep this list updated.
How much do you make?
But I do get paid and, for the little amount of time it takes me, I think I get paid pretty well. I averaged out my earnings over 2008 and my monthly average was $629. Most of the money comes in the form of checks. Second would be Paypal. If you don't yet have a free Paypal account, you can sign up here:
After that, you can get "paid" in the form of gift cards (for instance, a survey incentive might be to earn a $10 Amazon card). And finally, much more rarely, some sites you earn points that you can use to get free merchandise.
How much time do you spend doing surveys?
I spend about 30-45 minutes most weekdays going through email invites and taking surveys. If I get into a focus group or taste test, of course those take more time. But the above is my average. And I don't tend to do surveys on the weekends.
So what are the sites on here?
Here is my promise to you: I won't put a survey site on here until they have paid me for actually doing a survey (or surveys). Are there other ones out there that pay? Yes. But they haven't paid me yet, so I can't vouch for them. If and when I get paid, I always add them. Know of legit sites, I would love to hear about them. I live in the USA, so the sites that are in the international section I can't always personally vouch for but they have typically come recommended by someone else.
Are you making money off referrals?
Often people who are familiar with paid to read, paid to click, etc. ask about referrals. Am I making money from this site? Unlike other programs, surveys are not built entirely for the point of referrals. Some sites offer them, but the majority of the true paying sites do not. So this site is not here for the sole purpose to make me money.
This is actually one of the problems with the perception of surveys. There are a good handful of sites that pay handsomely for referrals but do not really send out surveys. Therefore, you see a lot of people "promoting" them. There are plenty of junk "survey" sites out there that will pay people for referrals, but don't send actual surveys. Like I said, I will only list sites that have actually paid me for surveys, not for referring people to them.
But yes, I do make a bit of money from referrals. And there are affiliate links on here. There are also several sites that do not offer any incentives for referrals. I will be glad to refer a legit site to my readers whether or not I "earn" anything in return.
For those of you who are looking to make money off referrals (for surveys or other sites for that matter), I do have a few referral networks I like. They have way more advertisers than just survey sites, so if you're looking for creative ways to make money online, I'd recommend you take a look at them.
They are:
PANTHERA NETWORK
MAX BOUNTY
LOGICAL MEDIA
SHARE A SALE
THINK ACTION
OFFERSQUEST
ROI ROCKET
Why do you have this site?
This site is more about sharing information. I started this site for friends and family who kept asking me why I kept talking about my "survey money" and then some online friends asked about it and so on and so forth. I was put on the wrong path when I started and I just hope to save a few of you the time I wasted. And sure, the extra money that comes in from referrals is nice. But that's not the reason for having this blog.
If you have other thoughts, suggestions or questions, you can always e-mail me at molly@thesurveystar.com . And if you like what you learn from me, do feel free to pass my blog along.
Should I pay for a list of surveys?
No. Period. No questions about it, no. Never pay to be a member of a survey site. No one reputable charges you to join, to get a list, etc. If you've already done so, start working to get your money back, if you can, now. All of the information on good companies is readily available to those who want it.
How can I help?
Feel free to pass my blog along. Share it in online forums you are in. Link to it on your blog. Tweet about it. Post it on Facebook. Help spread the word that people shouldn't pay for a list of surveys or for a supposed survey site.
Alright here we go, here are my recommendations.
Note: I am from the United States, so I really can only speak for my experiences as a USA resident. However, I do keep active links for surveys I am aware of that accept members from other countries. Look to the left for the tags and see if your country is listed. If I don't have your country listed, that means I don't know of any surveys from your country.
Sites for Americans:
BRAND INSTITUTE
As a panel member, you will receive surveys about product names, etc. They are very interesting and pay very well. My surveys for them usually are $8-10 and my husband once got an industry-specific-one for $150 that paid out within a week. The can be particularly good for those who work in the health care industry. Pays via paypal. You don't have to have a minimum to get paid.
MY SURVEY
Absolutely one of my favorites. With My Survey, you earn points that you convert to cash. They also have great merchandise you can cash out for. I end up cashing out $20 or more every 2-3 weeks. They send a check. I have made hundreds with them to date. They pay within a couple of weeks!
LIGHTSPEED INTERNATIONAL
A long standing survey company that offers frequent surveys, most of which will credit you earnings even if you don't qualify for the entire survey. Payment via check, Paypal or giftcards/merchandise. They also have a panel for Hispanic survey takers. If that describes you, here is your link.
NPD SURVEYS
NPD's approach to surveys is, as they say, they want you to "Make your voice heard. Join NPD Research and tell us what you buy (and why)." In my experience, this is a solid site that sends frequent surveys. I have recently had really good luck with them.
IPSOS
Ipsos is a great one! They recently changed from being a sweeps site to being a PAID one. You take surveys for points and once you have earned 50 points it's equal to $5 cash. Points add up quickly. They pay via check. They also do GREAT product tests and I have never had to return a product to them!
They also offer a few specialty panels:
IPSOS PANEL FOR MOMS
IPSOS PANEL FOR MEN ONLY
IPSOS PANEL FOR 18-30 YEAR OLDS
SURVEY SPOT
Sends out TONS and TONS of surveys. Act quickly...they are probably 50% paying and 50% for sweeps. I have been paid for the paying ones but have not won a sweeps. I have heard of people winning them though for both cash and prizes, so I do them from time to time. But I also do the sweeps ones from time to time as, like ACOP, they can open the door to higher paying surveys that follow. As of the start of November 2009, they are switching over their system. They will now have surveys for points that you cash out for Paypal money.
PALM RESEARCH
A newer site that is really picking up speed. You go there daily and take a survey. They are short and to the point and pay $1 each. So you can easily earn $30 with just this one site each month. Really liking them so far.
PUREPROFILE
Offers paid surveys on an almost daily basis. I have had good luck qualifying for them. You can cash out once you earn $25 and they pay via check. I would be happy to send you an invite. Just email me at molly@thesurveystar.com.
SAY NATION
I love this site! They are relatively new, but I easily get 3-4 surveys from them a day. You get points every time you try to do a survey, even if you don't qualify. You cash out points for gift cards. Adds up quickly. If you do sign up, please consider using my referral code: 9869885073.
SYNOVATE
Have recently changed their system. They now offer points for every survey you complete. You then cash those points out for a check that is mailed to you. In addition, for each survey you complete, you are ALSO entered into a drawing to win sweeps drawings for larger amounts of cash. One of the things I really like about them is that their surveys are short (usually 5-10 minutes).
GLOBAL TEST MARKET
You will frequently get surveys for points ranging from 5 to over 1,000, you cash out when you reach 1,000 points for $50! I once got a survey from them that paid out 2,000 points! Enough for $100 cash. And you often get points (usually at least enough for 25 cents), even if you don't qualify. International members welcome so if you are not from the USA, check the links to the left for your country's link.
CONSUMER VILLAGE
A great site where I have gotten involved in several message-board style groups. The way these work is that the moderators post questions, images, concepts, etc. for people to respond to. And simply by being an active member of the community and sharing your opinions (in a few posts, we're not talking a major commitment) you are rewarded with cash or gift cards.
ZOOM PANEL
is a very active survey site that sends out frequent surveys. They pay out in points, and you get 50 points just for signing up! Then you use those to cash out for a wide variety of gift cards and merchandise. I have cashed out for things like music, iPod speakers, electronics, headphones, etc. Hispanic Panelists can sign up here.
SURVEYSAVVY
Survey Savvy is a very reputable site that pays quickly in cash (checks). You earn cash/checks (not points) for surveys taken. Surveys come about every 4-6 weeks for me. There is no minimum to cash out. They also have a nice referral program where you get paid if and when your referrals take surveys. International.
PRO OPINION RESEARCH
Started by the same group that created Opinion Outpost. They have been FANTASTIC. Surveys are for points. Most of the ones I have taken have been a minimum of 35 which equals $3.50. You cash out at $5.00
MINDFIELD ONLINE
Pays cash for surveys (have to accumulate $5 in your account before you cash out). Surveys don't come all that frequently, but they are interesting when they do. And they do pay. USA and Canadian members accepted.
TOLUNA
Just began accepting USA members when they purchased Your2Cents. Have tons and tons of surveys that pay between $1 and $5, sometimes more.
OPINION WORLD BUSINESS
Paid surveys for business professionals.
DAILY SURVEY PANEL
Has daily surveys that you take for points. They pay out via Paypal after you earn only $1 (which can happen day one). They always have a collection of surveys ready for the taking.
PINECONE RESEARCH
Pinecone is the site that first got me into surveys. I stumbled across a banner, signed up and was bitten by the survey bug :) Surveys pay between $3-5 usually, they do a ton of test products and are one of the fastest payers around. But they don't offer sign up links very often.
OPINION OUTPOST
Sends surveys for points that you convert for cash. Very interesting surveys! Pay out quickly after you request your check. Currently accepting members in the United States and Canada. These guys are very active and popular with survey takers. They have a special panel for MEN to sign up. They also do the same for Hispanic panelists, so if that fits you, youy should sign up for their Hispanic panel here.
VALUED OPINIONS
A survey site has really picked up for me lately. Surveys are nice and to the point. Once your account reaches $20 you cash out. That took me about 45 days to do. They have a newer panel for MEN ONLY as well, here.
MY OPINION NOW
This is one of the new sites I have been paid by. They send out frequent surveys that pay via points that add up very quickly. You cash out for cash, itunes, COOL merchandise (like video cameras, golf clubs, DVD players, etc.) and gift cards. I have been impressed so far!
GIVE US YOUR 2 CENTS
Just started with them recently. Seem to be an aggregate of surveys that you are sent, but they did pay.
OPINION SURVEYS
A survey panel that offers payment, sweeps or products for participating in surveys. I haven't done a ton with them, but was paid.
MYVIEW
These guys send out numerous surveys that pay well. Right now they don't appear to be accepting new members, but they open that up from time to time as they need new people. Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/thesurveystar (or bookmark this site) and I'll post the next time I hear they are accepting new members.
AMERICAN CONSUMER OPINION PANEL (ACOP)
A truly great survey site that accepts INTERNATIONAL members! They mail checks within 4 weeks of the close of the survey! You do not have to request payment, they just send the check. They also often do screeners for sweepstakes and I have won those sweeps for amounts ranging from $10 to $100. These are worth taking as they are very short (1-3 minutes) and usually are what gets you qualified for the paying surveys.
QUIZPOINTS
Surveys pay out with paypal or gift cards to various retailers. Offer daily surveys.
FOCUS FORWARD
A great survey company that does both online surveys and offline and online focus groups. I have been paid anywhere from $5 to $150 from them (the latter for a focus group). They are looking for all kinds of people including teens, consumers, c-level executives, medical people, legal people, IT professionals, small business owners and many more.
CLICK IQ
A great site. What I like about them are two key things. First, they are totally upfront about how long (or short) a survey will be in their invite emails and second, you get points for trying to take a survey, even if you don't qualify (usually 25). When you have 2,500 points you cash out. Email me at molly@thesurveystar.com if you would like an invite.
REWARDED OPINIONS
A great survey site for US members that pays via check. They do lots of current events surveys that are very short and quick, quite interesting and pay nicely for the time they take. They pay via check. Email me at molly@thesurveystar.com for an invite.
CELL PHONE USERS WHO PLAN TO PURCHASE A NEW PHONE IN THE NEXT 6 MONTHS
Just a panel about cell phones.
SURVEYHEAD
Was created by the people who ran GoZing, they pays via paypal and you get a $5 bonus in your account just for signing up.
OPINION SQUARE
Offers you opportunities to take surveys for points that you then cash in for great stuff like electronics, stuff for kids and babies and more.
E-POLL
I really like these guys. They send out very frequent surveys usually for at least 500 points. And their surveys are SHORT! When you get to as little as 3,500 points (so 7 surveys or less) you can cash out for cash or a variety of gift cards to places like amazon, Target, etc.
ENCUESTANOS
A panel that is designed for Hispanic U.S. survey takers. I have several friends who have been paid by them, so do feel comfortabel vouching for it. Very similar to Global Test Market, marketpoints that pay out.
TREASURE TROOPER
Get paid to take daily surveys, sign up for free or trial offers. While I am usually not a huge user of Paid to Try sites (the pages after pages of offers) these are different. Do they have pages of offers? Sure. I skip those. They also have surveys, etc. Incentives are clearly spelled out and have always paid as promised. I tend to stick to the daily surveys.
CASHCRATE
Like TreasureTrooper, this is more of an offer site. While I am not an "offer-doer," it does also have daily surveys that are each worth 80 cents. I have cashed out and been paid. So I wanted to add them.
SURVEY PANEL USA
The help find surveys other companies might be doing and send them to you. You are then paid by that survey site. Payments in form of check or paypal.
HARRIS POLL
Share your views by completing online surveys to earn and accumulate HIpoints. Points can be redeemed for gift cards at leading retailers and for merchandise such as CDs, DVDs, electronics, home appliances, and much more. International.
QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS
I have done an online forum that lasted a week and was paid $150.
PANEL POLLS
This site is affiliated with Nickelodeon and send surveys to adults and their kids (with parent permission). They then reward you points which you cash out once you have $10. My kids have been sent several pilot TV shows to watch and then review and love it!
IN HOME PRODUCT TESTING
These guys do fun product tests where you not only get to keep the product, but also get paid (through a gift card usually).
SOCRATIC FORUM
Send out surveys that pay in points that convert to cash, amazon.com gift cards or donations to charity. 1 point = $1 and you can cash out once you get 5 points.
CHASEN RESEARCH
I have done online bulletin-board/focus group type thing and was paid $100 via check.
BETA RESEARCH CONSUMER PANEL
A survey site that helps you shape the development of products, services and the media ... giving suppliers the feedback they need to serve consumers even better. I once tested (and got to keep) a $200 photo printer. After registering, you'll immediately be entered into a drawing for a $500 in Cash and can participate in Quarterly Grand Prize Drawings (for digital cameras, DVD players, Personal Digital Assistants and more). In addition to testing products, you receive Special "Thank You" Gifts after each survey (phone cards, etc.).
LIVEWIRE
Sends out surveys that pay via check. Paid on time. Surveys are not overly long. A very good site. Note that they do ask for your social security number at the end of the surveys. They are a part of DDB Communications (an international advertising agency).
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Has a research department that you can sign up for to be contacted for upcoming surveys. I have been paid for studies through paypal with them.
DATATELLIGENCE
They do online surveys as well as focus groups and taste tests that pay nicely. The online surveys are points that convert to cash and the in-person pay cash. I have done in person taste tests for them as well and was paid up to $75.
RESONANCE
Resonance (formerly known as Gang & Gang) is great site that pays via paypal of cift cards (so far for me at least). International members accepted. Lowest payout I have gotten from them was $5 and largest was $50. Pays promtly. An excellent site! US or international.
IMYST
Technically a mystery shopping site, but I get a paid survey (via paypal) from them every 2-3 months. They always pay on time, so worth the signup. They also do phone mystery shops that are quick and pay out quickly too. US only.
TESTSPIN
Paying surveys for US and International members! Earns $ which cashes out in Amazon.com gift certificates once you reach $10.
ESEARCH
Sent surveys out every 4-6 weeks and pay cash via paypal. International, though per their FAQ international members probably won't hear from them very often.
VOCALABS
Pays cash via paypal. A different take on surveys -- they do their surveys via phone. They post when they need you to call customer service for credit cards, cell phones, etc. If you have an account with that particular company, you just place a call as you otherwise would and fill out a quick survey on the results of the call. Nice for something different. US and Canada.
BAKER STREET SOLUTIONS
The surveys don't come as often, but tend to be higher paying and when you are contacted you have generally already qualified. I have had a couple that paid $25 via check. Looks to be US only.
AUTHENTIC RESPONSE
Changed their name, they used to be SurveyDirect. These guys send out TONS of surveys. They do lots about magazines and pay via paypal. Right now it says they are not accepting new members, but would be worth popping in from time to time to see if that changes.
IOCS
The Institute for Online Consumer Studies. They seem to focus on US and Canada but I believe accept members from other countries too. I have been paid via Paypal.
LONDON SCHOOL E-LAB
I haven't done a lot with these guys, but what I have done has paid via Paypal.
DIRECTIVE ANALYTICS
A site that pays very well if you are in certain demographics. They have just changed their payment structure so you can let the money accrue and they'll send you a check for $50 or you can request a check at any time.
VIEWPOINT FORUM
This is a great paying site. You have to be referred to join it. And each member only has a few referrals to share. They had suspended thir referrals for several months but have recently reinstated it. However, I am out of referrals, so keep your eyes open for people offering them.
OTHER SITES YOU CAN MAKE MONEY WITH FOR FREE
Many of you have contacted me to ask about the various cash back sites that are out there. The way these work is that you simply start at the site and shop through their link to an online retailer. And then you get a percentage of what you spend back. This can range anywhere from 1% back to 50% in some cases! Needless to say, once you start shopping this way, you don't ever go back.
Here are my favorite shopping cash back sites:
UPROMISE one of my best money earning sites I am with. I have earned over $3,000 with them since starting. The site is designed to help you save money for education, college, to pay off your own loans, etc. But truth be told, you don't have to use it for any of those things. It is totally free to sign up and then, each time you shop online, buy groceries at certain stores, dine out at hundreds of restaurants, book travel online, buy gas a some gas stations, etc. those retailers give back a portion of your spendings to you. Amounts range from 1% - 25%! That money sits there in an account. Then you can either withdraw it (which is free to do and can be done up to 4 times a year) -- it comes as a check...or you can sign up for a 529 account through them. Personally, I just withdraw it and deposit it into my kids college accounts on my own. To date, I have saved up over $7,000. This is a great site. Then, once you get going, you can ask your family to sign up to do the same as "friends and family" for your account.
MYPOINTS With MyPoints you earn points with them for reading emails, taking surveys and shopping through them at major retailers. Super easy to have the points pile up.
EXTRABUX
EXTRABUX is another great online earner for me. They are similar to mypoints and upromise in that if you shop through them at tons and tons of retailers, you get a portion of what you spend back. They have some of the best cashback rates on web sites like babycenter, borders, brookstone, delias, etoys, hotels.com, itunes, etc. So if you do any online shopping at all, I would definitely try them out. Again, free...just a nice way to get anywhere from 2-30% cash back on whatever you buy.
MR. REBATES is another great shopping site. I often compare between the various shopping sites before I buy to see who has the best cash back rates at select retailers. Mr. Rebates has always been good.
EBATES
Another great shopping site that I use a lot. They have, in my experience the best cashback shopping rates at retailers including Borders, Cabellas, Chefs, Cooking, ESPN Shop, JC Penney, Leaps and Bounds, Macys, One Step Ahead, Sephora, ShopNBC, and many, many more...those are just some of the best cashback rates.
BOND REWARDS
You shop through them and earn a percentage back into your email. The Bond Rewards add up quickly. You cash out either for a US Savings Bond or cash transferred directly to you. Email me at molly@thesurveystar.com for an invite.
Resource You May Want To Use
GET REF
Is a site that helps you gain referrals for programs you may use that rewards you for referrals. Pretty easy. You sign up for a program and earn points and then can spend those points to promote a program to others and encourage them to sign up under you. Free.
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