Surveys for Money: What You Might Earn and What to Watch Out For

Making Money

SaveSavedRemoved 0

Taking online surveys for money may not be worth your time. Users often complain about skimpy payouts, and experts warn of privacy concerns.

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here’s how we make money.

Are Paid Surveys Worth It?

No matter the site, the earnings from taking surveys can be meager compared with other work opportunities. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour; in our test of popular survey sites in 2017, hourly earnings ranged from 41 cents to $2.03. Most survey sites also required a minimum amount of points before we could redeem them, and we often didn’t reach that minimum after five hours of work.

In addition to time, testers also gave up valuable personal data. They often revealed dates of birth, ZIP codes, incomes, health ailments, ethnicities, living arrangements, and much more. This raises a critical question: Is the risk worth the reward?

The Earnings Breakdown

Surveys typically offer payouts based on their length and complexity. For instance, a simple survey might pay $0.50 to $1.00, while more comprehensive surveys could yield $2.00 to $5.00. However, it’s crucial to consider the time it takes to complete these surveys. Users report spending 15-30 minutes on surveys only to earn a small fraction of minimum wage.

In our testing, many users found that the time they spent was often disproportionate to the financial returns. For example, some participants reported investing more than 50 hours in various surveys and making less than $90 in total.

The Privacy Risks

Eva Velasquez, the president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, explains, “The biggest risk is the unknown of how that data is going to be used. You really are putting yourself at the mercy of those sites and saying, ‘OK, I’m going to trust you to be a good steward of the information I give you.’”

Your personal information may be used for marketing, research, or even sold to third-party companies. While you may think you’re providing harmless information, such as shopping habits, revealing details like your birthdate can be dangerous. When combined with other stolen data, this information could lead to identity theft.

What to Know if You Take Online Surveys

If you decide to venture into the world of online surveys, here are some essential insights to keep in mind:

Survey Platforms Vary

Not all survey platforms are created equal. Some pay more than others, and the ease of cashing out can differ significantly. You should:

Research before committing: Look for platforms with good reviews and established reputations.
Understand the payout system: Familiarize yourself with how much you need to earn before you can cash out. Some sites use a confusing points system that can make it difficult to track earnings.

Disqualification and Demographics

Your demographics and characteristics largely determine whether you qualify for a survey. Many users complain of answering several preliminary questions, only to be disqualified or told that the survey has already filled its response quota. Here’s what to consider:

Profile accuracy: Ensure your survey profile is accurate to receive relevant survey invitations.
Be prepared for disqualifications: This is a common occurrence, so don’t be discouraged if it happens.

User Experience and Feedback

Before diving into any survey platform, read recent user reviews to understand experiences and complaints. This can help you avoid platforms that have a poor track record.

The Most Popular Surveys for Cash Apps

In a search of the most popular apps for getting paid for taking surveys, we found these leading the field. All had more than 100,000 reviews and ratings of 4 stars or better on Google Play and the iOS App Store at the time of this writing.

Make Money

Make Money is a versatile platform that allows users to take surveys, test services, and try out new apps for credits. The credits translate to cash, and payment is sent to your PayPal account. However, several users report delayed payout times and frustrating customer service.

Pros: Multiple earning options, straightforward cash out via PayPal.
Cons: Reports of customer service issues and delayed payments.

Eureka

According to Eureka, you can start earning right away, with 80% of new members earning $5 on the first day. Payout comes in the form of PayPal or gift cards to popular retailers. However, users report problems down the line, such as disqualifications from surveys, a lack of surveys to complete, and payouts trickling down to cents instead of dollars.

Pros: Quick initial earnings, multiple cash-out options.
Cons: Frequent disqualifications, payout issues.

InboxDollars Surveys

InboxDollars claims it has given away more than $50 million since 2000, but how much cash will you actually earn? According to reviews, users report disqualifications as an ongoing problem. You may invest 10 minutes in a survey only to be disqualified near the end, resulting in no earned cash. You must accumulate $30 to cash out, with options for a prepaid Visa card, a digital gift certificate to stores like Target, or a check. Users report it takes two to 10 days to receive earnings.

Pros: Established platform, multiple cash-out options.
Cons: High minimum cash-out threshold, frequent disqualifications.

Google Opinion Rewards

Completing surveys using Google Opinion Rewards pays out in the form of Google Play credits for Android users or $1 paid to your PayPal account for iPhone users. The site operates differently by sending you surveys rather than allowing you to choose them. Users report that surveys are usually short and easy to complete, but the quantity available can be lacking.

Pros: Simple and quick surveys, direct payment to Google Play or PayPal.
Cons: Limited survey availability.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks offers a wide array of opportunities for surveys, but disqualifications are frequent. Users report being disqualified just for clicking on a link to a survey or being booted out of the survey more than halfway through. You can cash out starting at $1 for gift cards or starting at $5 for PayPal.

Pros: Diverse earning opportunities, flexible cash-out options.
Cons: High disqualification rates, potential for low earnings.

Maximizing Your Earnings

If you’re determined to earn money through surveys, consider these strategies to maximize your earnings:

Diversify Your Survey Sites

Signing up for multiple survey platforms increases your chances of receiving survey invitations. Different sites offer varying payouts and survey availability. Consider creating accounts on several popular platforms to maximize opportunities.

Set Aside Dedicated Time

Establishing a specific time each week for taking surveys can help you stay organized and focused. Treat it like a part-time job by dedicating a couple of hours to surveys, which can help increase your earnings over time.

Utilize Mobile Apps

Most survey platforms offer mobile apps that allow you to complete surveys on the go. This convenience can help you fill out surveys during your commute, waiting in line, or during downtime at work.

Engage with Survey Communities

Join online forums or social media groups focused on survey-taking. Engaging with a community can provide insights into which surveys are worth your time, tips on maximizing earnings, and recommendations for trustworthy platforms.

Track Your Earnings

Keep a spreadsheet or use an app to track your earnings from different survey platforms. This will help you assess which platforms are most lucrative and how much time you are investing in each.

Complete Your Profile Thoroughly

Many survey platforms allow you to complete a profile with demographic information. By providing thorough and accurate information, you may receive more targeted survey invitations, which can lead to higher earnings.

Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions

Many survey sites offer sign-up bonuses, referral bonuses, and promotional incentives. Keep an eye out for these opportunities, as they can significantly boost your earnings right from the start. For instance, some platforms may offer a bonus for completing your first survey or for referring friends to join.

Be Honest and Consistent

When completing surveys, be honest in your responses. Many survey platforms use algorithms to identify patterns of dishonesty. If they detect inconsistencies, you might be disqualified from future surveys or removed from the platform altogether. Consistent participation also builds your profile, leading to better survey matches over time.

Stay Updated on Trends

Follow industry news and trends related to market research and online surveys. Understanding what companies are looking for in survey participants can give you an edge in selecting platforms and surveys to maximize your earnings.

Optimize Your Environment for Focus

Creating a distraction-free environment can enhance your efficiency when taking surveys. Make sure you have a quiet space where you can concentrate on completing surveys without interruptions. Consider turning off notifications on your devices and dedicating a specific workspace to minimize distractions.

Set Realistic Goals

While surveys can provide some extra cash, it’s essential to set realistic expectations regarding earnings. Understand that this should not be viewed as a primary source of income but rather as a way to earn some side money. Setting small, achievable goals can help you stay motivated and make the process enjoyable.

Alternatives to Surveys for Cash

While taking surveys can be a simple way to earn a bit of extra cash, there are various other side hustles worth considering:

Freelance Opportunities

Freelancing can provide a more substantial income than surveys. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer numerous opportunities for skilled individuals in writing, graphic design, programming, and more.

Writing and Editing: If you have a knack for writing, consider freelance writing or editing. Many websites and companies are looking for content creators.
Graphic Design: For those with design skills, offering services for logo creation, social media graphics, or web design can be quite lucrative.

Gig Economy Jobs

If you prefer flexible work hours, consider gig economy jobs through platforms like Uber, Lyft, or TaskRabbit. These jobs allow you to set your schedule and earn money based on your availability.

Delivery Services: Services like DoorDash or Postmates allow you to earn money by delivering food and groceries.
Handyman Services: If you’re skilled in home repairs or cleaning, TaskRabbit can connect you with clients in your area.

Selling Products Online

Consider selling handmade crafts, vintage items, or unused products on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. This approach can yield higher returns, especially if you create unique products.

Etsy for Crafts: If you’re crafty, Etsy is an excellent platform to showcase and sell your handmade goods.
eBay for Reselling: You can find items at thrift stores or garage sales to resell on eBay for a profit.

Affiliate Marketing

If you have a blog or a social media following, affiliate marketing can be a lucrative option. Promote products and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral links.

Content Creation: Create content around products you love and include your affiliate links.
Email Marketing: Build an email list and promote affiliate products to your subscribers for additional income.

Online Tutoring

If you excel in a particular subject, consider offering online tutoring services. Websites like Chegg Tutors and Wyzant allow you to connect with students who need assistance.

Academic Subjects: Tutoring in subjects like math, science, or language arts can be rewarding and well-paying.
Test Preparation: If you have expertise in standardized testing (e.g., SAT, ACT), consider tutoring students to help them achieve their desired scores.

Safety Tips for Taking Surveys

Taking online surveys can pose privacy risks. Here are safety tips to protect your personal information:

Don’t Overshare

If you’re asked to provide your Social Security number, bank account number, or driver’s license number, leave the survey immediately. Consider the value of the information being requested. Sharing trivial information about shopping habits may be acceptable, but sensitive data can lead to risks.

Create a Separate Email Address

Using a separate email address for survey sites can help keep your main inbox organized. This way, you can manage the influx of survey invitations and promotional emails without cluttering your personal email.

Use Anti-Malware Software

To protect yourself from potential threats, install reputable anti-malware software. This will safeguard your devices from harmful links or downloads that may arise while navigating survey sites.

Read Privacy Policies

Before signing up for a survey site, read its privacy policy carefully. Understanding how your data will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties can help you make informed decisions about your participation.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off about a survey site or its offers, trust your gut. Research the platform and look for reviews before proceeding. It’s better to err on the side of caution than to risk your personal information.

Conclusion

Earning money through surveys can be a rewarding venture if approached with the right mindset and knowledge. While it may provide a small stream of pocket money, it’s crucial to weigh the time invested against potential earnings and the risks associated with sharing personal information.

If you’re looking for a few extra dollars and are okay with the downsides, proceed cautiously. Be diligent about checking user reviews and data privacy policies. For more substantial income, consider exploring other side hustles that might be a better fit for your skills and time. Start your survey journey today, but do so with a well-informed approach!