Making money online is common knowledge these days, and taking paid surveys online is one of the many ways to do just that. While taking paid-surveys online wouldn't make you rich over time, there are a few high-paying survey sites that could be worth your while.

Most of the time we just mindlessly scroll through our favorite websites, including social media platforms, just to pass time. Why not spend some of that free time earning extra money by survey side-hustling? If you’ve got time to kill with a laptop, tablet, or smartphone and internet connection, you’re good to go. 

The main task in taking a paid survey is just to answer all the questions asked and offer any opinions you want on a variety of topics. Information gathered is then used by companies and organizations to shape their brands, improve their products and services, and tap into consumer psychology and behavior.

However, there are some things to note concerning paid surveys. First is, it’s not really a stable side-hustle. You cannot really make a full-living out of answering paid surveys.

Next, there will be instances you will not be qualified for a survey due to the survey's selected demographics requirements (but the good news is that some survey sites will still pay you even if you don't qualify; you can either refer a friend or make use of the rewards points)

Lastly, some survey sites offer reward points or exclusive gift cards instead of cash.

If you’re looking for other smart ways to earn extra money, you may want to check it out here:
36 Best Ideas to Earn Extra Money Now and in the Future

As always, here at TheFinanceBoost, we help our readers and financial savvy alike get better at handling their money and find ways to make some more. 

Quick Summary: Highest Paying Survey Sites

It tracks earnings in the form of points. Every 100 points equal $1 earned, and it takes a minimum of 1,000 points (or $5) to cash out via PayPal, e-gift cards, or direct bank transfer.

The site does offer some users the chance to legitimately earn money testing products, participating in online or in-person focus groups, or via phone surveys. Further, it pays between $5 and $150 per task, but that option is extremely limited at this time.

Most of the surveys are fairly easy to complete, so it's at your own discretion to sign up for something or buy anything in order to complete a survey. 

2. Pinecone Research

Pinecone Research is one of the most reputable and earned a spot as one of the highest paying survey sites that can give you up to 300 points worth $3.

Within just a few minutes, you can earn a minimum of $3. Additionally, you can get paid to actually test products and get to keep them. How cool is that?!

On the other hand, Pinecone Research has certain limits in terms of their demographics preference and the survey works through invites which are rare. They will only allow you to take a survey which you are most qualified for. This, in turn, will help you save your time and energy.

3. MyPoints

With My Points, you can make as much as $2 per survey. Aside from taking surveys, other online activities can help you earn by taking polls, watching videos, and even booking travel accommodations and shopping!

All earnings are accumulated through points, obviously. Moreover, points can be redeemed for travel miles.

They will give you five points even if not qualified to take a survey, with a maximum of 25 disqualification points per day. Besides, they give out a welcoming bonus worth $5. What's not to like?

4. InboxDollars & InboxPound

Just like MyPoints, Inbox Dollars and Inbox Pound accumulate earnings not in rewards but in terms of cash. It's very easy to sign up and you even get a $5 welcome bonus.

Apart from taking surveys, other ways to gain is through playing online games, watching video ads, shopping, searching the web, reading email tasks, and downloading coupons.

5. Vindale Research

This deserves a spot on the list of the highest paying survey sites, because, it accumulates earnings through actual cash, and not by rewards points or systems like the previous survey websites covered.

Also, they give a $1 bonus for signing up.

More importantly, compensation is around $0.50 to $2.00 per survey taken and will take around 5 to 15 minutes to complete.

Vindale Research is further reported to offer surveys that pay up to $50 each, albeit, these high-paying surveys are in short supply and target specific demographics. They also take longer to complete.

6. i-Say (IPSOS)

One of the largest and best-paying survey-based markets for research, I-say by IPSOS allows you to redeem rewards via Amazon gift cards, prepaid Visa gift cards, or cash (Paypal).

They offer a surprisingly large number of surveys, a fair amount of points for completing their surveys, and a wide variety of rewards to exchange points for at a decent rate.

After you complete a survey, you’ll earn points. Earnings then vary, but it’s typically between 45 to 90 points per survey, or $0.45 to $0.90; $0.10 – $1. You can also earn consolation points if you’re disqualified from taking a survey. Once you reach 500 points, you can cash out your earnings for PayPal cash, or gift cards.

The minimum to cash out is $10 for gift cards; $15 for PayPal or VISA.

7. Swagbucks

Swagbucks rewards their members with free gift cards and cash for the daily things they've already done online. Alternatively, members earn points by shopping online, watching videos, searching the web, taking paid surveys, and playing games!

Once you sign up and start taking surveys to share opinions, you'll start earning Swagbucks (SB) points. In turn, Swagbucks will reward you with cashback or free gift cards.

With Swagbucks, it will be hard to run out of surveys to take since they practically offer a lot.

8. RewardSurvey

Unlike survey sites mentioned above, RewardSurvey compensates its members through redeemable rewards points.

Redeemable for subscriptions to the world’s top magazines, downloadable audiobooks, gift vouchers for popular products, and more. Take note that it's not just any magazines but one that you would actually want to read.

Survey payouts can range from $10 to $30 and subscription starts around $10 for certain magazines while more expensive subscriptions cost a little bit more.

So, if you're not into surveys for the cash but you enjoy points and rewards for magazine subscriptions and like, this one is a fit for you. You can also choose to gift these points to others too. It's easy, fun, and free!

9. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys, previously known as Mintvine, is also a high-paying survey site. They provide a high volume of surveys and you can earn money or gift cards accordingly. Generally, the amount per payout varies.

You can also earn ongoing points for referring it to your friends, where you get a percentage of everything they earn.

Straightaway, you earn a $1 sign up bonus (100 points) for registering. Branded Surveys is known for its loyalty program, Branded Elite, which offers the opportunity for anyone to earn bonus points on a weekly basis.

You can increase your bonus amount by advancing through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold ranks. To level up, you must complete a certain number of approved surveys and other certain tasks, and your bonus is based on your badge level. The higher the badge, the more your capability to earn.

10. Toluna

This survey site is unique in the sense that users can pick the topics of their surveys. However, you must qualify for the survey. However, it won't give points if you disqualify, rather, you will be entered into a sweepstake.

Sign up here and get 500 bonus points today. Thereafter, you get rewarded by PayPal payments, Amazon, and high-street vouchers.

The minimum number of points you need to redeem a reward is 10,000, which lets you plant a tree in Peru, Thailand, or Uganda. On the other hand, for gift card rewards, 30,000 points will get you a $10 gift card to major retailers like Starbucks, Petco, and Kohls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What kind of questions do survey sites ask?

Usually, the questions are about a certain product, how to use it, and what your experiences are from using it. Other questions are what-if scenarios or futuristic – all rooted in tapping into that consumer's mind to be able to understand what they've got to say. There are no right or wrong answers, as long as you are truthful enough in sharing your experiences and answers to every question asked.

Do online surveys actually pay?

Yes, they do. You can actually get paid by just answering surveys and let other people hear your opinions. It's one of those cool things to spend your time with. Answering surveys can actually be categorized on the list of passive incomes to boost your cash flow with minimal effort and worth a try. You can also use this to get money fast.

How much money do you get paid for online surveys?

Around $5-$35 per survey, especially to those who'll dedicate an extra amount of time from their day. But remember that although it may seem like you can make money fast with surveys, it still depends on which survey sites you decide to try out because some of them hold the money for as long as two weeks or until you earn a minimum amount.

It is also just a means to an end. Taking paid surveys is just one way to earn extra money on the side, it should never be a replacement for your job. You can just take it as one of your pastimes.

But if you're looking for other smart and unique ways for a good realistic passive income, learn more from here:

18 Unique Ways to Create Passive Income

Why do companies pay you to take surveys?

The information that will be gathered through paid surveys will be used by the organizations or companies to improve their products and services, make informed decisions, influence how they shape their brand, policy, perspective, and output. With the opinions shared, companies can make better innovations, changes, and ultimately, better serve the public.

How can I maximize money that I can make from answering paid sites?

First and foremost, you should go to the legit survey sites. Today, there are thousands of sprouting survey websites luring consumers to take surveys with them, and eventually leads to a sad end. Might as well, go to the legit, trusted, and reputable brands – like the ones we shared here.

Next, make sure to put up a complete profile to appear trustworthy enough. You want to make a good impression that you are someone genuine enough to share real opinions to make a change, not someone who's just up for the money and rewards.

Remember that this shall be a win-win situation for both you and the company involved.

Basically, you help them by sharing your opinions, and in exchange, they pay you for your thoughts.

Also, do not forget to manage your time wisely. If you're too occupied answering every survey question, you might not notice the time ticking.

Although, the ideal survey should only last for five to ten minutes, make better use of your time. Be smart.

Finally, choose the highest paying survey sites. The Top 10 that we shared in this article are the truly highest paying survey sites up to date.

Whereas if you hunt for more, you'll surely see dozens of other platforms that are still worth trying out for yourself.

Red Flags in Online Surveys

Since we live in the digital age, we cannot avoid the fact that there are still some important things to beware of when jumping into this type of side-hustle.

1. Asking for payment – A legit tried and tested survey website will never ever ask you for payment of any sort. Chiefly, they should be the ones paying you.
2. Asking for sensitive or private information – Keep in mind that although you're giving your identity and bit of personality when answering survey questions, do not overshare every personal detail of your own. It's still certainly important to keep somethings to yourself, especially things that will affect your life, family, career, or any aspect of your life.
3. No history of payments or ratings – You should only go for those with proven experience in the survey industry are well-known and reputable, and where many people have also participated in.
4. Pays too little – Paid surveys won't make you super wealthy real quick, but it still pays off. This article can be your starting guide. Do not waste your time and energy if they can only cover your coin purse.
5. Too difficult to qualify and has an outdated website – Since not all survey site will allow you to work with them, might as well not waste your time. They have standards and qualifications strictly so that the result they forecast will be accurate. Move on and let it go. There are a bunch of other survey websites out there.

Take note of the functionality of the website too. You don't want to run into those inoperational or outdated sites.

Tips for taking surveys online

Now that you know some red flags to avoid, here are tips and tricks for getting paid for online surveys.

1. Use separate email address when signing up – Most of these sites will send you a bunch of email messages prompting you to check which one may interest you. No one wants to get bombarded by all of these emails and spams. Stay organized digitally.
2. Do not overshare – Learn to know what to open up about and what not to. You can't risk your personal privacy. If you do, sensitive information gotten from you might be used for identity theft, among many other sketchy things. So keep it on the down-low, be private, and trust only truly tested websites.
3. Take advantage of anti-spam or virus software – Since you will be receiving tons of email messages, protect your digital footprints and equipment by making use of several free anti-virus software out there.
4. Take breaks – Similar to managing your time wisely, avoid straining your eyes or any body parts by getting overwhelmed by all the survey questionnaires. Remember, this should be something you can just do on the side and it shouldn't be something that will stress and eat you up. Life is stressful already as it is!
5. Be honest – Tell the utmost truth. Your honesty can go a really long way in helping these brands and companies enhance their product, solutions, and services.

Final thoughts

To sum it up, many years ago, nobody could see how powerful the internet could become. Now, we can earn money even for doing practically nothing using our smartphones. Taking paid surveys not just helps you have a say in how products are made, but it is also one way to get quick cash, thus boosts your overall cash flow. Now tell me, isn't that the goal?

One thing you should remember though is to never forget setting realistic expectations. All things considered, paid surveys are not guaranteed to get you financial success and definitely not a get rich quick scheme. You will still have to invest your time and energy to get paid.

The pay may not be that much in the beginning, but it sure does add up, and if you will do a great job, you can harvest better rewards.

Have you tried participating in any of the paid surveys from the list above? Or which other survey sites have you used and how was your experience?

And if you're still having second thoughts on whether to test the waters, feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts, let's have a good talk 🙂