Taking Paid Online Surveys

Do you want to earn money from surveys but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place!

If taking paid online surveys sounds like a side hustle you’d love to do in your free time, this post will introduce you to some of the best-paid survey sites that offer handsome rewards to their participants. 

An Overview of Taking Paid Online Surveys: A Primer

Online surveys are data-gathering methods used by market research firms, major brands, and organizations to get details on target audiences’ preferences. 

Getting paid to take surveys means you willingly complete questionnaires where you reveal your personal information and preferences for money. The companies use you and many other participants’ information for research and product or service analysis. 

Typical market research surveys can include product reviews or impressions, shopping habits, work or income ranges, and other profile questions. Some survey sites even pay you to answer random polls. 

You can complete many surveys in three to five minutes, but the highest-paying ones may take up to 15 to 20 minutes.

Signing up for a paid survey site also doesn’t guarantee instant approval. Some companies filter their paid survey opportunities to participants who fit specific profile criteria such as age, nationality, health condition, location, etc.  

How Much Can Taking Paid Online Surveys Earn You?

Legitimate survey companies like Swagbucks pay from $1 to $5 per survey. However, since you’re limited to the number of surveys you can participate in, registering on multiple survey sites is best. You can earn up to $100 a month by spending a few minutes every day filling them out.

That aside, high-paying niches like product testing or registering for offers can earn you over $200 a month. Notably, InboxDollars has many partners who pay you for registering on their website, making a deposit, or trying out their mobile applications.

The same applies to Curion Insight’s panels. You can participate in their surveys to qualify for testing products on-site or at home. While they’re strict with their selection criteria, the panelists are paid handsomely.

Other perks like gift cards and product vouchers can be excellent reward alternatives, especially if you enjoy shopping online.

But if you’re looking for a more lucrative way to earn money, consider other brilliant passive income ideas like renting your car, creating a YouTube channel, or affiliate marketing.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Side Hustle Taking Paid Online Surveys?

Signing up for paid survey sites is free, and you can start completing surveys as soon as your account gets the platform’s approval. 

However, there are associated costs depending on the type of survey you take. Here are some of them:

• PayPal Fees: Most online survey sites pay you through PayPal, and cashing out is free if you link your domestic bank account information. International debit cards, however, are charged a 2.5% transaction fee, plus conversion and other associated fees per location.
• Antivirus Software: Spam and viruses are always risk factors, even when dealing with a legitimate survey site. Investing in quality anti-virus software keeps your devices protected while you take multiple paid surveys. Typical anti-virus software like McAfee costs $19.99 annually. 

Where Can You Find Gigs Taking Paid Online Surveys?

Ready to earn extra money by completing surveys? Knowing the best survey sites saves you time from sorting through all your options. 

Where to Independently Find Online Survey Gigs

You can find survey gigs independently by:

• Registering on LinkedIn: LinkedIn is among the most popular job boards worldwide. Researchers, academic groups, and market research companies sometimes advertise their need for qualified participants to be unnamed subjects of their research survey.
• Non-Government Organizations (NGOs): If you’re interested in tackling issues and getting paid for your opinions, participating in surveys conducted by NGOs is worth considering.
• Academic Research Groups: Universities and private grants fund research groups to enable a thorough study of a problem. Researchers are always on the lookout for participants, and while you can participate voluntarily, some will compensate you for your time and effort.

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Online Survey Gigs

All of the best survey sites accept sign-ups from anyone who’s at least 18 years old. 

By signing up for trusted sites like Drumo, Ipsos iSay, and Survey Junkie, you won’t have to look for paid survey opportunities manually. These platforms will act as consolidated hubs.

And, if money’s tight, there are companies that pay cash instantly, like Branded Surveys, saving you the fuss of lengthy payment processes.

Why You Should Consider Taking Paid Online Surveys As a Side Hustle

Apart from its money-making aspect, paid surveys can be an interesting side hustle if you try out different platforms. 

Here are other convincing reasons why trying it out can work for you:

• Fully Remote with Flexible Schedule: You can participate in surveys at your own pace. Online survey sites don’t oblige you to work a specific number of hours. 
• Vast Opportunities: You can answer as many surveys as you want on different platforms. You have many options to choose from, so don’t fret if you don’t qualify for some.
• Multi-device Accessibility: You can take online surveys on your laptop, desktop, or mobile device. You can also do it at home or on the go, as long as you have internet access. 

Problems With Taking Paid Online Surveys

As much as you might enjoy this side hustle’s flexibility, some issues may prompt you to rethink your decision before signing up:

• Low Earning Potential: Surveys won’t replace your full-time job; they can only supplement it. Earning more than $100 can take weeks. Your earnings will also fluctuate depending on research demands. 
• Survey Qualification: Market research companies often have preset criteria for their research participants. Some of these are very specific, which reduces your chance of landing a high-paying one. 
• Scam Survey Sites: Reports of people not getting paid after taking surveys are nothing new, and it’s an ongoing issue within the survey industry. 

Frequently Asked Questions