Last Updated on October 1, 2025 by Full-Time Job From Home
If you’ve ever searched for ways to earn money online, chances are you’ve stumbled across paid surveys. They’re one of the most popular side hustles because they’re simple — share your opinions, answer questions, and earn rewards. But with so many options out there (and plenty of scams), it’s tough to know which survey sites are actually worth your time.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of legitimate online survey panels. These are companies that focus on surveys as their main way to reward members, and they’ve built a track record of actually paying out.
A quick note: This list does not include “Get-Paid-To” (GPT) sites that combine surveys with other earning methods like cashback, shopping, or completing small tasks. Those sites can also be legitimate, but since they fall into a different category, I’ve created a separate list of GPT sites you can check out here.
In the list below, we’ll cover survey panels that consistently provide opportunities, explain how they pay, and share what you can realistically expect. By the end, you’ll know which sites are worth signing up for — and whether surveys are truly worth your time.
How Paid Online Surveys Work
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly cover how paid surveys actually work. Understanding the process will help you set the right expectations and know what you’re signing up for.
Companies, researchers, and brands are constantly looking for consumer feedback. Instead of running expensive focus groups, they partner with survey panels that manage large communities of everyday people like you and me. When you join a survey panel, you’re basically volunteering to share your opinions on products, services, advertising, or social topics in exchange for rewards.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Sign Up for a Survey Panel – Create a free account with some basic profile info.
- Receive Survey Invitations – Panels match you with surveys based on your demographics.
- Complete Surveys – Most take anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes.
- Earn Rewards – You’ll earn points or cash for each survey.
- Cash Out – Convert your rewards into PayPal payments, bank deposits, or popular gift cards.
The exact payout varies by panel, but most surveys pay between $0.50 and $5 each, with occasional higher-paying opportunities. Some panels also run product testing or online focus groups that can pay more.
The main thing to remember is that survey sites are a legitimate way to earn extra money, but they’re not designed to replace a job. They’re best viewed as a side hustle you can do in your spare time while watching TV or relaxing at home.
What To Expect From Paid Surveys (Realistic Earnings)
Before you jump into survey sites, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Surveys are a legitimate way to earn some extra money, but there are trade-offs you should be aware of.
- Not Every Survey Will Work Out – Most survey panels require you to qualify before starting. This means answering a few screening questions to see if you fit the target demographic. Sometimes you’ll get disqualified and earn nothing (or maybe a small consolation point or two). Expect a bit of “wasted time” as part of the process.
- Pay Per Survey – When you do qualify, most surveys pay between $0.50 and $5, depending on length and topic. Rare opportunities like focus groups or product tests can pay much more.
- Time Per Survey – Standard surveys usually take 10–20 minutes, but it can vary. Add in the occasional disqualification, and you’ll quickly see why it’s important to sign up for multiple panels.
- Monthly Earnings – If you stay active across several panels, earning $30–$150 per month is realistic. A few people who catch higher-paying studies might do better, but for most, surveys are best for extra spending money or gift cards.
- How You Get Paid – Legitimate panels almost always offer PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards as payout options. Some also mail checks.
The bottom line: paid surveys are worth it if you don’t mind a little trial and error with qualifying, and if you treat them as a way to make side cash in your spare time — not as a full-time gig.
Are Paid Online Surveys Really Worth It?
So, with the low payouts and the fact that you won’t always qualify, you might be wondering: are surveys actually worth it? The answer really depends on your goals and expectations.
✅ Pros of Paid Surveys
- Legitimate extra cash – Stick to trusted panels and you will get paid.
- Low barrier to entry – No special skills or experience required.
- Flexible and convenient – Take surveys at home, on your phone, or whenever you have downtime.
- Gift card variety – Many panels let you choose from PayPal cash, Amazon, Walmart, and other popular rewards.
- Occasional bonuses – Some panels offer higher-paying opportunities like focus groups or product tests.
❌ Cons of Paid Surveys
- Not guaranteed income – You won’t qualify for every survey, and sometimes you’ll spend a few minutes only to be screened out.
- Low hourly rate – Even if you qualify often, most surveys work out to just a few dollars per hour.
- Inconsistent opportunities – Some days you’ll have lots of surveys available, other days almost none.
- Payout minimums – Many sites require you to reach $5–$25 before cashing out, which can take time.
Bottom Line
Surveys are worth it if you just want a simple, no-pressure way to make a little extra money in your free time. They’re not worth it if you’re hoping for steady, high-paying income. Think of them as an easy side hustle you can do while watching TV, waiting in line, or winding down in the evening — not as a replacement for a real job.
23 Best Legitimate Paid Online Surveys
1. PaidViewpoint
Availability: Open worldwide, though most surveys are U.S.-based.
Rewards: PayPal cash and popular gift cards like Amazon.
Minimum Cash Out: $15 for PayPal, $10 for select gift cards.
Description:
PaidViewpoint is one of the most user-friendly survey panels available. Surveys are short — often under 10 minutes — and once you’re invited, you’re guaranteed to be paid with no mid-survey disqualifications. The platform also uses a unique TraitScore system that rewards loyalty by unlocking more frequent and higher-paying surveys as you participate. With its low-frustration format and guaranteed payouts, it stands out as one of the most reliable survey panels online.
👉 Join PaidViewpoint | Read Full PaidViewpoint Review
2. TGM Panel
Availability: Open in over 100 countries worldwide.
Rewards: PayPal cash, bank transfer, and gift cards (varies by country).
Minimum Cash Out: Typically $10, though it can vary by region.
Description:
TGM Panel is a global survey community that connects members with a steady stream of market research opportunities. Because it’s available in so many countries, it’s a great option for international users who might not qualify for U.S.-only panels. Surveys are usually straightforward and cover a wide variety of topics, with payouts offered through PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards, depending on your location. The minimum cash out is set at a reasonable $10, making it easy to redeem your rewards without waiting months to build up your balance. For anyone outside the U.S. looking for a reliable survey panel, TGM is one of the best international choices.
👉 Join TGM Panel | Read Full TGM Panel Review
3. HeyCash
Availability: Available in the U.S. and select international markets (check country availability at signup).
Rewards: PayPal cash and gift cards.
Minimum Cash Out: As low as $5 for PayPal or gift cards.
Description:
HeyCash is a newer but growing survey panel that makes it easy to earn rewards by sharing your opinions on products, services, and brands. The platform is designed with mobile users in mind, so surveys are simple to complete on your phone as well as desktop. One of its biggest advantages is the low payout threshold — members can cash out starting at just $5, which is much quicker than many panels that require $10 or more. With flexible redemption options like PayPal and gift cards, HeyCash is a convenient option for survey takers who want fast access to their earnings.
👉 Join HeyCash | Read Full HeyCash Review
4. SurveyJunkie
Availability: Open to residents of the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Rewards: PayPal cash, bank transfer, and a wide selection of e-gift cards.
Minimum Cash Out: $5 (500 points).
Description:
Survey Junkie is one of the most established and trusted survey panels in the industry. Members receive survey invitations daily, and while not every invite will lead to a full survey (disqualifications are common), the platform is known for being transparent and reliable with payments. Surveys typically pay between $0.50 and $3, and the low $5 cash out threshold makes it easy to access your rewards quickly. With millions of members and a long track record of paying out consistently, Survey Junkie is a solid choice for anyone looking to start earning with online surveys.
👉 Join Survey Junkie | Read Full Survey Junkie Review
5. NiceSurveys
Availability: Open worldwide, though the availability of surveys depends on your country.
Rewards: PayPal cash and gift cards (varies by region).
Minimum Cash Out: $10.
Description:
NiceSurveys is a straightforward survey platform that focuses on connecting members with paid research opportunities across a wide range of topics. While the volume of surveys can vary depending on your location, the platform offers a clean interface and fair payouts for the time spent. Members can redeem their earnings for PayPal cash or gift cards, and the $10 minimum cashout makes rewards relatively easy to reach compared to higher-threshold panels. For those looking for another simple, global option to add to their survey rotation, NiceSurveys is a reliable choice.
👉 Join NiceSurveys | Read Full NiceSurveys Review
6. HeyPiggy
Availability: Available in the U.S. and select international regions (check availability at signup).
Rewards: PayPal cash and gift cards.
Minimum Cash Out: $5.
Description:
HeyPiggy is a modern survey panel built for simplicity and speed. Members can complete short surveys on a variety of everyday topics and quickly redeem their earnings thanks to the low $5 payout threshold. The platform emphasizes ease of use, with surveys that are mobile-friendly and rewards that process reliably through PayPal or popular gift cards. While the number of survey invitations may vary depending on your demographic and location, HeyPiggy stands out for making it fast and straightforward to turn spare time into extra cash.
👉 Join HeyPiggy | Read Full HeyPiggy Review
7. PrimeOpinion
Availability: Open in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and several other countries.
Rewards: PayPal cash, direct bank transfer, and gift cards.
Minimum Cash Out: $5.
Description:
PrimeOpinion is a newer but fast-growing survey panel that has quickly earned a reputation for paying fairly and on time. The platform offers a wide variety of surveys, and members can usually find multiple opportunities each day. One of its biggest advantages is the low $5 payout threshold, which makes it easy to access your rewards quickly. With flexible redemption options, including PayPal and direct bank transfers, PrimeOpinion is a solid choice for survey takers who want a reliable panel that doesn’t make them wait weeks to cash out.
👉 Join PrimeOpinion | Read Full PrimeOpinion Review
8. Branded Surveys
Availability: Open to residents of the U.S., UK, and Canada.
Rewards: PayPal cash, direct deposit, and a wide selection of gift cards.
Minimum Cash Out: $5 (500 points).
Description:
Branded Surveys is one of the largest survey communities in North America and the UK, offering members a steady flow of daily survey opportunities. The platform uses a simple points-based system where 100 points equals $1, and payouts start at just $5, making it easy to redeem your rewards without waiting too long. In addition to regular surveys, Branded Surveys offers loyalty bonuses and daily poll questions that can add to your earnings over time. With flexible payout options, a user-friendly platform, and consistent survey availability, it’s one of the most popular and trusted panels for beginners and experienced survey takers alike.
👉 Join Branded Surveys | Read Full Branded Surveys Review
9. 5Surveys
Availability: Open worldwide, though survey availability depends on your country.
Rewards: PayPal cash and gift cards.
Minimum Cash Out: $5.
Description:
5Surveys is a straightforward survey platform designed to give members quick access to opinion-based studies on everyday topics. The platform is best known for its low $5 payout threshold, which makes it easy for new users to test the waters and cash out without a long wait. Surveys are mobile-friendly and generally short, making it convenient to participate during free time. While the number of surveys you’ll receive depends on your demographic profile and location, 5Surveys offers a reliable way to earn small amounts of extra money with simple, no-frills surveys.
👉 Join 5Surveys | Read Full 5Surveys Review
10. Pinecone Research
Availability: Open to U.S. residents with limited spots in Canada and select other countries. Membership is invite-only and sometimes requires a referral link.
Rewards: PayPal cash, direct deposit, checks, and gift cards.
Minimum Cash Out: $3.
Description:
Pinecone Research is one of the most exclusive and respected survey panels in the industry. Because membership is limited, not everyone will be able to join right away, but those who do are rewarded with some of the highest-paying surveys available — typically $3 to $5 each. In addition to online surveys, Pinecone occasionally offers opportunities to test new products from home, which can increase the value of participation. With one of the lowest payout thresholds at just $3 and multiple redemption options, Pinecone is widely considered a “must-join” panel if you can get an invitation.
👉 Join Pinecone Research | Read Full Pinecone Research Review
11. Toluna Influencers
Availability: Open worldwide with country-specific panels.
Rewards: PayPal cash, bank transfer, and a wide selection of gift cards.
Minimum Cash Out: $10 (varies by country).
Description:
Toluna Influencers is a long-running global survey community with millions of members. The platform offers a steady flow of surveys on brands, products, and current events, and it also gives members the chance to participate in polls, discussions, and product tests. Earnings are managed through a points system, and while it can take a bit of time to build up your balance, the $10 cashout threshold makes rewards fairly accessible. With its worldwide reach, large community, and consistent opportunities, Toluna is a reliable panel for anyone looking to supplement their income with surveys.
👉 Join Toluna Influencers | Read Full Toluna Influencers Review
12. LifePoints
Availability: Open worldwide with panels active in more than 40 countries.
Rewards: PayPal cash, gift cards, and prepaid cards (varies by region).
Minimum Cash Out: $5.
Description:
LifePoints is a global survey panel created from the merger of two established platforms, MySurvey and GlobalTestMarket. Members are invited to share opinions on a wide range of topics, from consumer products to lifestyle habits, and surveys are generally straightforward to complete. The points system is simple to use, and the $5 payout threshold makes rewards accessible without a long wait. With flexible redemption options and a broad international reach, LifePoints is one of the best choices for users outside the U.S. who want consistent survey opportunities and easy cashouts.
👉 Join LifePoints | Read Full LifePoints Review
13. Opinion Outpost
Availability: Available in the U.S., UK, and select other countries.
Rewards: PayPal cash, Amazon gift cards, and other retailer vouchers.
Minimum Cash Out: $5 for PayPal or gift cards.
Description:
Opinion Outpost has been a trusted name in the online survey space for many years. Members receive regular survey invitations covering consumer products, services, and public opinion topics. While disqualifications are common during screening, the surveys that you do complete pay fairly and the platform is known for quick, reliable payouts. The low $5 minimum cash out makes it easy to redeem earnings quickly, and PayPal or Amazon options give members flexibility in how they receive rewards. For those looking for a straightforward and reputable panel, Opinion Outpost remains a solid choice.
👉 Join Opinion Outpost | Read Full Opinion Outpost Review
14. Ipsos i-Say
Availability: Open worldwide with strong panels in North America and Europe.
Rewards: PayPal cash, gift cards, and prepaid Visa cards (options vary by country).
Minimum Cash Out: $5 (500 points).
Description:
Ipsos i-Say is one of the largest and most trusted survey communities, run by Ipsos, a global market research company. Members are invited to share opinions on brands, products, advertising, and social issues, with surveys typically paying between 50 and 200 points. The platform is also known for its loyalty program, where you earn bonus points the more surveys you complete over time. With a low $5 cashout threshold and a wide range of redemption options, Ipsos i-Say is a solid choice for both U.S. and international survey takers who want steady opportunities from a reputable company.
👉 Join Ipsos i-Say | Read Full Ipsos i-Say Review
15. Valued Opinions
Availability: Available in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and several other countries.
Rewards: Gift cards from popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Macy’s (no PayPal option).
Minimum Cash Out: $10.
Description:
Valued Opinions has been around for many years and is known for offering surveys that typically pay a bit higher than average, usually between $1 and $5 each. Instead of cash, rewards are redeemed in the form of e-gift cards, which can be a drawback if you prefer PayPal, but the selection of retailers is broad enough to be useful for most members. The $10 cashout threshold is reasonable, and surveys are generally interesting and consumer-focused. For those who don’t mind receiving gift cards instead of cash, Valued Opinions remains a steady and trustworthy panel.
👉 Join Valued Opinions | Read Full Valued Opinions Review
16. Prolific
Availability: Open worldwide, but surveys are most frequent for participants in the U.S., UK, and Europe.
Rewards: PayPal cash (direct transfer only).
Minimum Cash Out: £5 / $5.
Description:
Prolific is one of the most respected survey platforms because it specializes in academic and university research studies rather than standard consumer surveys. The studies tend to be more interesting, often covering psychology, social behavior, or decision-making, and they typically pay better than average — usually $6–$12 per hour. Another big advantage is that Prolific only shows you surveys you actually qualify for, which means no time wasted being screened out. With a low payout threshold of just $5 and payments processed directly to PayPal, Prolific is considered one of the highest-quality survey opportunities online.
👉 Join Prolific | Read Full Prolific Review
17. YouGov
Availability: Open worldwide with dedicated country panels (U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and many more).
Rewards: PayPal cash and a wide range of e-gift cards (varies by country).
Minimum Cash Out: $25 (varies slightly by region).
Description:
YouGov is one of the most recognizable survey panels thanks to its frequent media presence. The company is known for conducting opinion polls on politics, current events, brands, and social issues — and many of the results you see in the news come directly from YouGov surveys. Members earn points for completing surveys, which usually take 5–20 minutes, and rewards can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards once you reach the minimum balance. While the $25 payout threshold is higher than many other panels, YouGov makes up for it with interesting surveys and the credibility of seeing your opinions reflected in real-world news and research.
👉 Join YouGov | Read Full YouGov Review
18. Harris Poll Online
Availability: Available in the U.S. and Canada, with some international panels.
Rewards: E-gift cards for popular retailers such as Amazon, Starbucks, and iTunes (no PayPal option).
Minimum Cash Out: $10 (1,250 points).
Description:
Harris Poll Online is part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a well-established market research firm known for its public opinion polls. Members are invited to share feedback on consumer products, brands, and current issues, with surveys typically paying a few dollars each. Instead of cash, rewards are offered as e-gift cards, and the $10 redemption level is relatively easy to reach with regular participation. While the lack of PayPal may be a downside for some, Harris Poll Online is a legitimate and reputable panel backed by decades of research experience.
👉 Join Harris Poll Online | Read Full Harris Poll Online Review
19. National Consumer Panel (NCP)
Availability: Available to U.S. households, with limited availability in Canada.
Rewards: Gift cards, merchandise, and sweepstakes entries (no direct PayPal cash option).
Minimum Cash Out: Starts at $10 for gift cards.
Description:
National Consumer Panel (often called NCP) is a bit different from traditional survey sites. Instead of only answering surveys, members also use the panel’s mobile app or handheld scanner to log their household purchases by scanning product barcodes. This data is combined with occasional surveys to give brands valuable insights into shopping behavior. Members earn points for each activity, which can be redeemed for gift cards or merchandise. While the lack of PayPal cash may be a downside, the program is backed by Nielsen and IRI — two major research firms — making it a highly reputable option for U.S. households who don’t mind sharing their shopping habits in exchange for rewards.
👉 Join National Consumer Panel | Read Full NCP Review
20. American Consumer Opinion (ACOP)
Availability: Open to members worldwide, though most surveys are geared toward U.S. residents.
Rewards: PayPal cash.
Minimum Cash Out: $10 (1,000 points).
Description:
American Consumer Opinion, often shortened to ACOP, has been around for decades and is one of the more established survey panels online. Members are invited to share feedback on products, services, and advertising campaigns, with surveys typically paying between $0.50 and $2.50. While surveys may not be as frequent as on some larger panels, the platform is straightforward, easy to use, and trusted to pay. Rewards are offered exclusively through PayPal, and the $10 minimum payout is fairly reasonable. For those looking for a long-standing, legitimate panel, ACOP remains a solid option.
👉 Join American Consumer Opinion | Read Full ACOP Review
Final Thoughts: Are Paid Online Surveys Worth It?
At the end of the day, legitimate survey panels won’t make you rich — but they can be a simple, low-effort way to earn extra cash or gift cards in your spare time. If you stick with the panels that consistently pay (like the ones on this list), you’ll avoid scams and wasted time.
The key is to set the right expectations: surveys are best for covering small expenses, saving up for treats, or adding a little extra to your budget each month. For bigger income goals, you’ll want to look at other online opportunities.
If you’d like to diversify, I recommend checking out my list of GPT (Get-Paid-To) sites. These platforms let you earn not just through surveys, but also with tasks, shopping, and more — and yes, they’re legitimate too.
Between this list of survey panels and my roundup of GPT sites, you’ll have everything you need to start earning rewards online with confidence.
If spare extra cash isn’t enough, check out some legitimate passive income opportunities or my work-from-home job directory.
