Paid Surveys: 40 Online Survey Sites that Actually Pay!

Legitimate paid surveys are a great source for earning extra money online. I have been making a living online for a long time, and one of the earliest methods that I have ever tried was paid surveys. I was so amazed I could get paid to fill out simple online surveys that I just fell in love with participating in market research studies.

To me, taking paid surveys is the perfect work at home job for lots of people. College students, stay at home parents, retired seniors, and anyone who is looking for a way to make a few bucks without getting scammed to death could benefit from participating in online surveys.

And I think what makes paid surveys as a potential way to earn money appealing to lots of people is that it’s an easy way to make money without spending a dime. It’s quite fun and enjoyable. You get to test products that you probably use in your everyday life. You get free samples of all kinds of stuff. You also get to sample products that are not even in the market yet. And most importantly, you don’t need a degree to take surveys.

How Does Taking Surveys Work?
Getting paid for online surveys is basically the same as mystery shopping or focus groups. Companies and manufacturers hire market research companies to conduct research on their behalf to gather information and feedback from consumers (you and I), to find out what consumers like or dislike about the product, and how they want it to be improved. They then use this information to improve their products and services to make it more appealing to consumers.

In essence, market research and the data gathered by research companies have been shaping products and services that we use in our day to day loves.

The feedback these companies and manufacturers receive from panel members is perhaps one of the most important tools in their disposal that helps them improve their products, and create brand new products that consumers want.

Is it even worth it to take surveys?
OK, as you all know by now, I don’t like to hype things up. Let me be straight with you- you will not get rich as a survey taker, nor will you be able to quit your day job!

Taking surveys is not a get rich quick solution, it’s just a simple way for you to earn some extra cash without having a website, investing, or having any kind of especial experience and know-how.

I know there are hundreds of websites claiming you can make thousands of dollars filling out simple online surveys, but the truth is that while a few people may manage to make a few thousands dollars a month, most people will not make that much money.

Now, I am not saying you can not earn a decent amount of money with surveys, I am just trying to give you a realistic view of what is and whats not possible. If you put enough time and effort into it, you can certainly make it worth your while.

Paid Survey Scams VS Legitimate Ones
Unfortunately, just like most other online income producing methods, scammers have found a way to use the increasing popularity of paid survey panels, to milk unsuspecting people. Of course, that has influenced how so many people look at paid surveys, pure scam!

But the truth is that while there are many paid survey scams out there trying to rip people off, there are also hundreds of legitimate and reputable market research companies out there conducting real studies and research, and are willing to pay for your opinion.

How Do You Spot Scams?
One thing that makes it easy to spot paid surveys scams is that all legitimate survey sites are 100% free to join, and needless to say, scam sites are the ones that charge people to join.

Also, keep in mind that there are many free survey sites out there that seem like legit companies, but when it comes to paying their members, they simply ignore them.

So, as you can imagine, finding trusted survey companies is not that easy. When I first started, it took me a while to finally find the legit ones, and of course in the process, I was scammed a few times as well, and wasted a few dollars, not to mention my time.

But with persistence, I was able to find lots of legitimate sites that I could register with for free, and earn extra cash by filling out survey questioners for them.

I have been member of some of the best survey sites for a long time now, and quite frankly, I have made enough money with them through the years to make it worth my while.

This whole experience helped me to differentiate between scams and legitimate survey sites. So, to make it easier for other people to find real paid survey sites without getting scammed, I thought I would build a list of all the legit survey sites that I have come across throughout the years. And this is what I have come up with – more than 40 legitimate free surveys sites that actually pay.

Now, some of these are survey sites that pay through PayPal, some are survey websites that pay by Check and there are others that give prizes and gift cards. Regardless, they are all real survey sites that pay you.

Top 6 Free Paid Surveys Sites

1- My Survey
If you are looking for free survey sites that pay cash, you just found one of them! Just for logging in daily, you receive an entry to their $10,000 Sweepstakes, plus a chance to win the daily Rewards Extravaganza. You can get paid by check, or you can redeem for gift certificates, or merchandise from their collection.

2- Survey Savvy
Looking for cash surveys only?… Survey Savvy is one of the few top survey sites that pays only in cash. As a member, you earn cash when you, your referrals, or their referrals complete surveys. Their surveys are some of the highest paying surveys. They pay by check.

3- Vindale Research
It’s more of a get paid to review products kind of site. They pay $5 – $75 per survey completed, and you get to keep the product as well.

4- Harris Poll Online
Harris Poll Online has been around for a long time. With HP you don’t actually earn cash, you earn what are called HIpoints for every survey you complete. When you have enough HI points in your account, you can redeem them for a variety of prizes and gift cards. Harris Poll Canada – Harris Poll UK

5- NPD
NPD was founded in 1967, and ever since, it has been one of the leading global market research companies providing integral market research data to many Fortune 500 companies.

You can earn cash and prizes by participating in studies about anything from music, DVD’s, and movies, to food, clothing and more. As a member of NPD, not only you earn cash and prizes for taking surveys, you can also earn prizes for referring your friends and family to their panel. The best part of it is that just by joining NPD you are entered into a monthly sweepstakes worth $1000!   NPD Canada

6- Toluna
Toluna is an online community dedicated to making your voice heard! Earn rewards by participating in surveys. Express yourself through the use of Toluna’s polls, opinions and reviews; let other people know what you think, and find out if they think the same by including your polls in your own personal blog. For registering with Toluna in other countries such as India, UK, Canada and others, checkout my Toluna review post.

Best Online Survey Sites

7- Opinion Outpost
By joining Opinion Outpost you can receive cash and prizes just for giving you thoughts. Opinion Outpost (Canada) – Opinion Outpost (Hispanic) – Opinion OutPost UK

8- Mind Field
Get paid $1 for each person you refer. Pays in PayPal and by check with a minimum of $5.

9- Survey Spot
Survey Spot is one of the top survey sites that pay cash. A lot of surveys sent daily. Some pay cash, and some will get you an entry to their sweepstakes. Earn up to $20 (sometimes more) per survey completed . You can request a check when you reach $5. Over all, SurveySpot is one of the best ones.

10- Global Survey Group
Complete short surveys, and be eligible to win cars, cash, products, coupons and more.

11- Permission Research
PermissionResearch collects information that is used by a U.S.-based market research company that is a nationally-recognized authority on Internet and general economic trends. Major media outlets such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and CNBC routinely cite this data.

12- Valued Opinions
Expect to receive a lot of surveys after you sign up! You get paid in the form of gift certificates, such as amazon gift certificate. As soon as you reach $25, you can request your gift card, which is send to your inbox immediately (not many companies pay that fast!).

13- PineCone Research
Get top dollar for your opinion. One of the most respected research companies in the industry. Sign-up with PineCone Research can get paid up to $3 for each survey you complete. PineCone Canada

14- ZoomPanel
Zoompanel is one of my personal favorites. You get 50 points as soon as you register. The minimum required to cash out is 1000 point, which with the amount of surveys they send out each week (about 3-4, some times more), is very easy to reach.

Each survey takes about 10-15 minuets or so to complete, and pays on average around 100 points.

You can either cash out by PayPal, or redeem your points for one of many merchandise they offer, from books, CDs, movies, small appliances, and more.

15- Global Test Market
GlobalTestMarket is a global market research panel powered by GMI (Global Market Insite, Inc.). GlobalTestMarket is an industry leader in online research panels, where members are invited to participate in studies on numerous topics, and in return, they are eligible for cash or regular and frequent entry into sweepstakes.Membership is free and their registration process is quick and easy. GTM is one of the most well-known online surveys sites out there. GlobalTestMarket UK – GlobalTestMarket Australia

16- Survey Synovate
Another legitimate site is Survey Synovate, a leading market research corporation that deem themselves the world’s most curious company. They specialize in learning what people like, and why they like the things they do. This knowledge helps product designers and manufacturers give people what they want. They continually stretch the definitions of conventional research.

17- Opinion Square
A great paid survey company that makes it easy to make a few bucks, and win great prizes for taking quick online surveys, all in your spare time.

18- UnivoxCommunity
A brand new paid survey site that lots of people are buzzing about. You will earn points for taking surveys which can be turned into Amazon.com gift certificates.

19- National Consumer Panel
The National Consumer Panel (formerly known as Nielsen Homescan) is one of the top market research companies. What makes them different from other sites is that you don’t actually have to fill out lots of surveys to pocket a few bucks.

Their research is done through measuring consumer attitudes and behavior. They will send you a hand-held scanner for free. Every time you or someone else in your household shop, you’ll use the scanner to scan the bar codes on all of your purchases. But if you do want to make even more money, you can also take mail/paper and online surveys as well.

The best part about being a member of the National Consumer Panel, beside earning money, is that it is really fun scanning all those bar codes with the little hand held scanner they send you. It really becomes an addiction, lol!

20- Test Spin
Another great free site that enables you to earn up to $ 10 for each survey, and $30 for online focus groups. Paid in the form of gift certificate ( amazon.com, etc). A lot of invitations, and a very fast pay out.

21- Mobile Expression
How much do you like your cellphone?… This is a cool one. If you like to voice your opinion, and get paid for it, but don’t like filling out questioners, you will love Mobile Expression. Their surveys are conducted over the phone, which is a lot of fun. It really is cool, and nothing like the normal online surveys you participate in.

22- Dollar Surveys
You will earn $1.00 per survey you complete. You can complete as many as you would like. A lot of daily invitation, and I do mean a lot. Very fast payout by PayPal.

23- ECN Research
ECN Research is an interactive survey where users are rewarded for their opinion. Incentives for users include a $500 shopping spree, free ring tones, free vacation voucher to over 50 destinations, and more. They offer one of the most dynamic and user friendly platforms on the Internet today.

24- Nielsen Digital Voice Research Panel
Nielsen family members have been influential in determining the popularity of television programs for over 50 years. It’s a very dedicated company which has been gathering data for many major companies.

They have a lot of product test sessions, where they send you a new product, which you get to keep and use for free. After a week or so, you will answer a few questions sent to your email.

25- Clear Voice Surveys
CVS is different than other sites. Other companies only pay you for the studies you qualify for and complete, but CVS pays you even if you don’t qualify.

26- HotSpex
HotSpex without a doubt is the coolest one of all. From the overall look of their site to their unique way of rewarding their panelist, HotSpex is truly a unique panel.

They are also one of those companies that send out new products to you for testing. They have a huge community built around their panel.

27- ClickIQ
The ClickIQ e/visor Panel is a respected online research panel. It’s part of the big and famous ClickIQ Inc. Each survey you take, pays between 25 IQpoints to 100 IQpoints (2,500 IQPoints= $25).

They used to offer gift cards for rewards, but recently changed it to cash payments via PayPal, ACH direct deposit or mailed check. So, it’s much faster and easier to get your money from ClickIQ these days.

28- Taylor Research
Taylor Research, Inc. does NOT conduct online studies. They conduct focus groups which you can participate in, if you live within the qualifying areas of San Diego and California.

29- Beta Panel
Panel members are consumers who periodically fill out questioners about products, services, and the media. The cool thing about BetaPanel is that each time you participate, you’ll receive a special “thank you” gift, which could be gift card or cash, and that is on top of what you already earn for the actual study.

30- SpeedBack
As part of their panel, you are paid to answer surveys online, or participate in an online discussion (called focus group). Sometimes you will be asked to visit a specific Web site, then you will be asked to answer a few questions about the site and your experience.

Anyone from the United States or Canada who is over the age of 16 can join.

31- YouGovAmerica
On completion, your account is immediately credited with $2. They notify you of paid polls and prize draws by email. For each paid poll completed, you will be credited with a sum of money, which is usually between $0.80 and $2. If you have won a prize-draw, your prize will be sent to you. You can request your check or prize after your account reaches $50.

32- DataTelligence
As a member of DataTelligence Online, you get invited to participate in a variety of different research studies, such as online studies, home product evaluations, and focus groups.

33- BuzzSponge
As a member of BuzzSponge, you will have the opportunity to evaluate new products and services before they hit the market. Membership and participation are always completely confidential, and absolutely free.

For taking part, you will earn reward points, which you can redeem for Amazon and Target gift certificates.

34- MyView (Previously Survey Direct)
One of the oldest and most well-known market research companies. You can earn up to $20 per survey.

They send survey invitations to your inbox, when new surveys are available. Each email invitation has a link that takes you right to the questioner. Cash out via PayPal when you reach $25.

Survey Banks

The below sites are what I call “Paid Survey Banks”. These companies don’t conduct online surveys on their own. So they are not paid surveys sites per se. But, they give you lots of free tools and information to help you make more money.

After you register for free, you get access to their often exclusive list of free survey sites, where you can register with for free. Usually each site’s list is unique. For example, PaidSurveys.com has a list of 30 legitimate sites that are different than SurveyAdventure’s list.

So, If you want to make real money with paid surveys, I recommend you register with as many of these sites as you can, so you can get access to all the free paid survey sites, and increase your earnings.

35- Panda Research
Sign-up with Panda Research, and get paid for your opinion.

36- OnlyCashSurveys
Make money and win cash! They have a huge database of paying surveys.

37-Springboard America
Springboard America is a site where Americans have the opportunity to voice their opinions about things that effect their daily lives, from products to politics, and everything in between. Join them to make some extra cash while helping to shape America’s future!

38- Survey Princess
You will have access to tons of sites where you can earn.

39- OnDemandResearch
It is a new but trusted company. It actually makes your job easier by sending you surveys from many different companies.

40- Paid Survey Depot
Join over 5 million people who have already joined PSD and are earning cash.

41- National Survey
A strategic approach to market research.

42- Survey4Profit
Work from the comfort of your home as panelist of S4P.

43- Survey Panel Group
Earn a few dollars by sharing your thoughts about well-known products and services.

44- Your Free Surveys
You will have access to hundreds of sites, and will also receive a $4 sign-up bonus.

45- Survey Downline
A fairly new site that is growing quickly in popularity.

46- PaidSurveys.com
Another site with a list of over 30 legit paid surveys sites. PaidSurveys.com (UK- Canada – Australia)

I hope this list can save you from all the scams out there, and moreover, I truly hope it will help you guys make some money. Be sure to register with as many of these sites as you can, so you can receive more invitations, which will help you increase your earnings.

If you have any question about any of the particular sites mentioned above, please feel free to ask by leaving a comment below, and don’t be shy to share your experience.

I will update this page whenever there is another legitimate paid surveys site to add to the list, or if there is any changes in the existing sites. If you want to stay in the loop about getting paid for taking surveys, be sure to bookmark this page, and check back often for updates.