In case you weren't aware, many survey panels these days are paying in gift cards, not cash. While most of us like gift cards, it's safe to say cash is preferable, am I right?
With that in mind, I put together a list of 15 ways to take online surveys for money. Every panel on this list has a cash option for payment!
Keep in mind that surveys are only good for extra money. You won't break the bank with any of the panels below, but every little bit helps — and it definitely adds up when you're a member of several at once.
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15 Ways to Take Online Surveys for Money
Paid Viewpoint
Paid Viewpoint is one of the more well-regarded survey panels out there. The surveys are short and straightforward, and they have a reputation for actually paying quickly — sometimes the same day you request. Cash out to PayPal once you hit $15.
Tellwut
Tellwut is a reputable, fun survey panel that pays in cash to PayPal and also gift cards. They do use a points system, but the points convert directly to cash if you choose PayPal as your payment method. You need a $10 minimum to cash out.
Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys pays for your opinions via PayPal or bank transfer. They use a points system, but 500 points equals $5 and you can cash out as soon as you reach that amount — one of the lower thresholds on this list.
5 Surveys
This panel has no minimum payout at all, which is rare. They will send your cash via PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, and other options. They advertise that completing five surveys earns you $5, making it a good one to start with.
YouGov
YouGov focuses largely on political and social opinion surveys, which sets it apart from most panels on this list. You can get paid via check, PayPal, or other reward options. You need $15 in points before you can redeem.
Prime Opinion
Prime Opinion offers PayPal and bank transfer payments for the surveys you complete. The minimum to cash out is $25, which is a bit higher than most, but they are known for sending payments quickly once you hit that threshold.
Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is one of the more selective panels to get into, but it is worth it. You can earn at least $1 per survey, paid via bank transfer or other options, and they typically pay within a business day or two.
E-Poll
E-Poll stands out because most of their surveys are entertainment-focused — think TV shows, celebrities, and pop culture. They pay via PayPal and gift cards, and you only need $5 (equivalent to 3,750 points) to redeem. Note that rewards can take 4 to 6 weeks to process, so keep that in mind when you cash out.
Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost lets you earn PayPal cash or other rewards for taking surveys. You need at least $10 (100 points) in your account to request a PayPal payment, and payments are made almost instantly once you do.
Toluna
Toluna consistently has a large volume of available surveys, so you should never be short of opportunities here. They pay via PayPal or check, and you need at least $10 (equivalent to 30,000 points) in your account to request payment.
Ipsos I-Say
Ipsos I-Say is one of the bigger, more established names in market research and they still pay in cash. You can request payment via PayPal or Visa prepaid cards, and you only need $5 in your account to redeem.
TGM Panel
TGM Panel is a highly-rated survey panel that pays in PayPal cash, among other options. They do not use a points system, which makes it easy to track exactly what you are earning. Rewards are typically sent within a few days of your request.
FreeCash
FreeCash is a get-paid-to site where you can earn by taking surveys, completing offers, and trying out apps. It has a huge user base and a strong reputation for actually paying fast, most PayPal withdrawals process within 24 hours. You need $5 to cash out via PayPal, though note there is a small 5% fee on PayPal withdrawals. Gift card cashouts start at $5 with no fee if you prefer to avoid it.
Attapoll
Attapoll is a free mobile app for iOS and Android that pays you cash for taking surveys. Before you start a survey, you can see how long it will take, how much it pays, and how likely you are to qualify — which saves a lot of frustration. You need just $3 in your account to cash out, and payments go to PayPal instantly once you request them.
Crowdology
Crowdology pays in cash to PayPal and has both US and UK versions of their panel. You need $8 in your account to cash out, and payments typically arrive within 48 hours of your request.
Things to Know About Taking Online Surveys for Money
Taking surveys for money is flexible and genuinely works for extra cash. That said, there are a few things worth knowing before you get serious about it.
1. It Won't Make You Rich
You can't quit your day job with paid surveys. No matter what income claims you see online, the pay is modest. Most people don't earn more than an extra $50 a month, if that. Go in with realistic expectations and you won't be disappointed.
2. It Can Be Frustrating
There is some frustration that comes with survey-taking. Sometimes you'll get screened out of surveys partway through. Other times survey invitations slow down or stop for a while. And some panels take longer to pay than others. It's not a walk in the park, but it's also pretty low effort for what it is.
3. You Need to Join More Than One Panel
I've said it before and I'll say it again — making even $50 a month usually requires joining several panels. The more panels you belong to, the more invitations you receive, and the more you can earn. Sign up for as many as you can manage and work them all consistently.
And that wraps up our list! Good luck!
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.