Get Paid to Take Online Surveys

Sunny | Opportunities | July 9, 2011

Do you know that there are companies out there that will pay you to simply take surveys? Why? Because big companies love to get consumers views. They go out and pay market research firms big bucks to get feedback on their target market, products and services so they can make bigger profits.

You can earn anything from a few dollars to more than $25 per online survey. Dedicated survey takers are able to earn an extra few hundred dollars a month which can make a big difference to your lifestyle. What’s also great is that the surveys can be done from the comfort of your own home and in your own time.

For those of you that think you don’t have any free time, think again! It’s all about managing your time effectively. Once you’re sat down at the computer ready to go, just 30 minutes a day, or even every few days, can result in a serious boost to your income. I’m sure you can free up a few hours a week by cutting down the time you spend sat by the TV, browsing Facebook or combing your hair! Reallocate this time to taking online surveys and your finances will thank you for it.

A downside to online surveys is that you often don’t know when the next one will come through so income can be unpredictable. That’s why we recommend you sign up to a bunch of survey sites to increase the chances of being selected. If your conscious about your main email address getting bunged up with survey requests, register a new free email ad beforehand. That may also help you keep track of the surveys separately and take a break (if needed!).

So, without further delay (drum-roll, please), here’s our list of the best legit survey sites based on our own experience and user reviews:

CashCrate

We believe this program is the best of the bunch – it has been around for a long time and pays very well. It has a minimum joining age of just 13, it allows international membership and you’re paid by PayPal or cheque once you reach the low payment threshold of $20.

Survey Savvy

This is available to international members and earnings range from $2 to $20 per survey. They have a tiny minimum withdrawal threshold of $1 and are very well trusted.

Global Test Market

The site has good payouts but they are known to have a stringent screening process for each new survey. That means you may not be able to complete the survey after being asked an initial few questions. Nevertheless, you’re still usually awarded points for the screening process and the nice sized rewards for when you do get to complete a questionnaire make up for it.

Toluna

With Toluna, instead of getting cash, you earn points for taking surveys which are then exchanged for rewards. These rewards can be used for products and services that differ depending on your country. You also get a 500 point sign up bonus.

Those are our top survey sites that you should get started with. If you’re feeling motivated and are ready to bring your survey income into triple digits a month, we recommend you also register with the sites below. That’ll help ensure a fairly constant flow of surveys… and money!

Survey4Profit

Survey Networks

Treasure Trooper

Opinion Surveys

IPSOS

Vindale Research

Valued Opinions

An essential tip to ensure you generate a regular income is to not give up! Too many people complete one or two surveys and then lose motivation without ever reaching the minimum payout threshold. If the list above looks a little overwhelming, start with one or two sites and then build it up slowly. Motivation is bound to increase once you see the money racking up in your account.

You should also check if the site has an ‘affiliate program’. Affiliate programs pay you a commission if you refer people to a site. This is tracked through a unique web link that you will be given, typically upon registration. With the advent of social networks, it’s never been easier to get the message out to friends and family about great products and services. The highly rewarding affiliate program offered by CashCrate is one of the reasons for why it’s at the top of our list.

Also, be sure to stay away from sites that ask you to pay to become a member, promising that you’ll receive top paying surveys. They’re scams! Finally, be truthful in your survey answers. When a survey comes out that’s aimed at a certain group, it’s tempting to say ‘yes, I’m a 24 year old smoker from California that suffers from repetitive strain injury in my left thumb’! Companies are known to double check your answers with previous surveys and any fibs will get you taken off from the site.

So, what are you waiting for? Procrastinate no more! Give these survey sites a go and start getting paid for your opinion.

Know of any other great, legit survey sites? Post them in the comments section below.