Turn Your Spare Time into Extra Cash: A Realistic Guide to Online Survey Sites
I recently was chatting with a friend who was laid off from her job and she told me she’s been doing online surveys to make a little money to fill the gap while she’s looking for her next full-time role. I told her that I’d just been chatting with another friend whose high schooler does online surveys to fund concert tickets.
I’ve done some of these myself over the years, mostly because I’ve been curious, and I thought it might help others to have a collection of places you can do this online to help folks get started if this would be helpful for them.
Who's This Actually Good For?
Let me be transparent upfront: online surveys won't replace your day job, but they can be a legitimate way to pad your wallet during those random pockets of downtime you might have. Whether you're scrolling while waiting for your coffee to brew or sitting through commercials during your favorite show, why not make a few bucks?
I've noticed three types of people who really thrive with survey sites:
The Goal-Getters: Maybe you're saving up for that new gaming console, concert tickets, or holiday gifts. Having a specific goal makes those 15-minute surveys feel way more purposeful.
The Gap-Fillers: Life happens, and sometimes we need a little breathing room between paychecks. While survey income isn't huge, earning an extra $50-100 per month can cover a small utility bill or grocery run when things are tight.
The Opinion-Sharers: Some folks genuinely enjoy sharing their thoughts about products and services (you know who you are!). If you're already the person filling out every feedback form, you might as well get paid for that valuable input.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Here's what I've learned: most surveys pay between $0.50 to $5.00 and take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. On a good week, spending about an hour a day, you can average $25-40. Not life-changing money, but hey—that's a dinner out or a (partial) tank of gas.
The key is finding legitimate platforms that actually pay out (because yes, there are sketchy ones out there). I've narrowed it down to six reliable options that consistently deliver.
My Top 6 Survey Platforms
Nielsen - Yes, the same Nielsen behind TV ratings! Sign up for Nielsen here.
Branded Surveys - They’ve been around since 2012 and has paid out over $38 million to members. Based in San Diego, they're known for their loyalty program called Branded Elite, which gives you bonus points based on weekly activity. Minimum payout is $5 via PayPal or gift cards. They typically offer 80-120 surveys daily. Sign up for Branded Surveys here.
YouGov - A legitimate UK-based research firm founded in 2000 that's publicly traded. They conduct polls for major news outlets like CBS and The Economist. Their data has been cited in thousands of news articles. Surveys typically pay 25-250 points (100 points = $1), with a $50 minimum payout. They're known for political and current events surveys. Sign up for YouGov here.
ZAP Surveys - A mobile-first platform that's been operating since 2016. This one is unique because they pay instantly to PayPal with no minimum threshold after your first cashout of $25. They offer location-based surveys that pay more when you're out shopping. The app has over 1 million downloads on Google Play with a 4.1-star rating. Sign up for ZAP Surveys here.
Prime Opinion - A newer platform (launched in 2022) that's gained traction for having higher-paying surveys than average, typically $1-5 per survey. This one operates in 35+ countries and offers payment via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards with a low $5 minimum. They're owned by the same company behind AttaPoll and have an A rating on Trustpilot. Sign up for Prime Opinion here.
Survey Junkie - One of the most established platforms, operating since 2005 with over 20 million members. They’re BBB accredited with an A+ rating. They offer 50+ surveys daily, paying 10-200 points each (100 points = $1). Minimum payout is $5 via PayPal or e-gift cards. Sign up for Survey Junkie here.
Making the Most of Your Survey Time
Here are my best tips:
Create a dedicated email just for surveys. Trust me on this one—your inbox will thank you.
Be honest in your profiles. Sites use this info to match you with relevant surveys, and lying will get you disqualified (and waste your time).
Set realistic goals. You might aim for $50-75 per month, which feels achievable without burning out.
Stack your activities. Do surveys while watching TV, waiting in line, or during your commute (if you're not driving!).
Cash out regularly. Don't let points sit forever—redeem them as soon as you hit the minimum threshold.
The Reality Check
Let's be real: survey sites have their quirks. You'll get screened out sometimes (annoying but normal). Some surveys are mind-numbingly boring. And no, you won't qualify for every single one.
But if you approach it as a low-effort way to earn pocket money rather than a get-rich-quick scheme, it can actually be pretty satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I realistically make from online surveys?
Most people earn between $25-100 per month doing surveys casually (about 30-60 minutes daily). Dedicated survey-takers who spend 2-3 hours daily might reach $200-300 monthly, but this requires significant time investment across multiple platforms.
Are online survey sites actually legitimate and safe?
Yes, reputable survey sites like Nielsen, YouGov, and Survey Junkie are legitimate companies that partner with market research firms. Always verify sites through reviews, check for secure payment methods, and never pay to join a survey platform.
What are the best survey sites for beginners in 2025?
Survey Junkie, Branded Surveys, and Prime Opinion are excellent for beginners due to their user-friendly interfaces and low payout thresholds. These platforms offer clear instructions and consistent survey availability.
How do online survey sites pay you?
Payment methods vary by platform but typically include PayPal cash, gift cards (Amazon, Target, Starbucks), bank transfers, or check payments. Most sites have minimum payout thresholds ranging from $5-25.
Why do I keep getting disqualified from surveys?
Disqualification happens when your demographics don't match what researchers need. This is normal and happens to everyone. Improve your chances by completing your profile thoroughly and answering pre-screening questions honestly.
Can I do online surveys on my phone?
Yes! Most major survey platforms have mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. Apps from Survey Junkie, YouGov, and Branded Surveys work particularly well for completing surveys on-the-go.
Are survey earnings taxable income?
In the U.S., if you earn more than $600 from a single platform in a year, they may send you a 1099 form. Technically, all income should be reported, but consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
How much time should I spend on surveys daily?
Start with 30 minutes daily to see if you enjoy it. Most successful survey-takers spend 1-2 hours spread throughout the day, focusing on higher-paying surveys and avoiding those with poor time-to-payment ratios.
Ready to Start?
If you're curious, I'd suggest picking just two or three platforms to start with (don't overwhelm yourself by signing up for everything at once). Give it a month, track what you earn, and see if it's worth your time.
About The Author
Jessica Eastman Stewart is a consultant, workshop facilitator, and podcast guest expert. She teaches busy professionals how to get more organized at home and at work so they can stop feeling worn out and start living a Joyfully Managed Life! Thousands of readers drop everything when her weekly newsletter, The Friday Five, arrives in their inbox. Every Friday, you’ll get FIVE amazing tips to help life feel INSTANTLY more joyful and easy!
