15 Free Surveys To Make Money in 2024
A Guide to Making Money with Free Online Surveys
Taking online surveys in your spare time can be an easy way to earn a bit of extra cash. Companies are always seeking consumer opinions and insights in order to improve their products and services. And many are willing to pay for your input.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making money with free online survey sites and panels.
An Overview of the Online Survey Landscape
Online survey platforms connect survey-takers like yourself to companies and market research firms looking for consumer feedback. When you join a survey site, you’ll fill out a detailed user profile. This allows you to qualify and receive invitations for surveys that match your demographics.
Surveys generally take 5-30 minutes to complete. For each survey, you’ll accumulate points, cash rewards, or gift card/prize entries. Many sites offer a variety of popular redemption options like PayPal cash and Amazon gift cards. With consistent participation across multiple panels, savvy survey-takers can earn $100-200 per month.
But how do you know which survey sites to trust? Here are a few signs of a legitimate survey platform:
No fees to join or receive payments: Avoid any site asking for upfront or membership fees. Legitimate sites earn money by charging clients for survey insights, not participants.
Reputable company history: Research who operates the survey site before signing up. Many are run by established market research firms like SurveyMonkey, Nielsen, and Toluna.
Visible contact information: Quality panels provide an address, email, help desk, and phone number you can use if issues arise.
Positive online reviews: Search for reviews and testimonials from real users before joining a community. Discussion forums like Reddit can also provide useful insight.
When used properly, taking online surveys can become a reliable side income stream. Just set realistic expectations around potential earnings, and stick to reputable platforms that offer fair compensation.
15 Legitimate Sites for Taking Free Online Surveys
If you’re ready to get started making money with surveys, below are 15 high-quality platforms to consider joining:
1. Survey Junkie
One of the most popular rewards communities, Survey Junkie provides members with plenty of daily survey opportunities covering various topics. The straightforward interface makes completing surveys simple and junk-free. Users can redeem points for popular gift cards or cash via Paypal.
Reward Rates: Approximately $1-5 per survey, average of $50-100 per month
2. Swagbucks
Another well-known rewards site, Swagbucks offers points (called “SB”) not only for surveys but also cash back, playing games, watching videos, and more. The platform provides a versatile way to earn, with many redemption options from gift cards to travel miles to PayPal cash.
Reward Rates: $0.40-$2 per survey, average of $50-100 per month
3. InboxDollars
As a multifaceted online rewards community, InboxDollars presents plenty of earning opportunities beyond just surveys, like reading emails, taking polls, watching TV, playing games and more. Members receive a $5 bonus for signing up. Cash rewards can be redeemed via check or gift cards.
Reward Rates: Approximately $0.50-$5 per activity, average of $40-60 per month
4. Vindale Research
Known for higher-paying survey opportunities, Vindale Research offers members access to extensive market research surveys with rewards up to $50-75 each. Additional earnings come from product testing, watching videos, games and more. Members can get paid via check, Payoneer, or gift cards.
Reward Rates: Approximately $1-5 per survey, plus bonuses, average of $50-100+ per month
5. Toluna
As an influential player in market research surveys, Toluna provides a consistent stream of survey opportunities across various topics like consumer goods, travel, automotive, and more. Many surveys can be completed on mobile devices. Rewards come as points and vouchers that can be redeemed for cash and gift cards.
Reward Rates: Approximately $1-3 per survey, average of $25-50 per month
6. Pinecone Research
While they don’t provide daily surveys, Pinecone Research offers extremely high-paying surveys (up to $3-5 each) for when you do qualify. Surveys revolve around new product testing and market research insights. Since spots are limited, having some patience is key. Payment options include check, PayPal, or gift cards.
Reward Rates: Approximately $3-5 per occasional survey, average of $50-100 per year
7. Branded Surveys
As a multifaceted survey community covering various lengths and depths, Branded Surveys delivers short polls, single-question surveys as well as deeper profile surveys across an array of topics. Rewards can be earned in points towards gift cards of your choosing or entered into sweepstakes contests.
Reward Rates: Approximately $1 per 2-3 minute survey, plus sweepstakes entries
8. OneOpinion
Known for quick-hit surveys across various categories, OneOpinion lives up to its name in valuing members’ perspectives. Surveys typically take just a minute or two, making it easy to participate frequently. Points can be redeemed for gift card rewards or entered into sweepstakes contests.
Reward Rates: Approximately $0.25-0.75 per 1-2 minute survey
9. LifePoints
Covering over 30 categories, LifePoints provides members short surveys for sharing opinions on entertainment, household brands, public issues and more. Reward options include gift card codes, sweepstakes entries, and charity donations.
Reward Rates: Approximately $0.25 per 1-2 minute survey
10. SurveyMonkey Rewards
Given its prominence in the market research world, SurveyMonkey recently launched its own survey rewards program, SurveyMonkey Rewards. Users can earn points for completed surveys, with rewards redeemed for gift cards from top retailers.
Reward Rates: Approximately $0.50-1 per survey
11. MyPoints
This long-running online loyalty program provides members multiple ways to earn points for gift cards beyond just surveys, like reading emails, watching videos, playing games, and more. Users get a starting bonus of 500 points (worth $5) upon joining.
Reward Rates: Varies, approximately $0.01 per point toward gift cards
12. Opinion Outpost
As an established survey site with a simple interface, Opinion Outpost makes it easy for members to complete 10-minute surveys across a variety of fun topics. Many users praise the reliable payouts. Rewards come in points towards quarterly drawings and gift cards.
Reward Rates: Approximately $0.50 per survey, plus sweepstakes entries
13. SurveyPlanet
While still building its panel size, SurveyPlanet focuses squarely on providing an enjoyable survey experience covering meaningful topics. Members receive consistent survey invitations across 40+ categories. Earned tokens can be redeemed for prizes including gift cards and cash.
Reward Rates: Approximately $1 per survey
14. Qmee
With an emphasis on speed and convenience, Qmee offers very quick surveys known as “polls” which pop up as relevant based on the websites you browse. Simply install the plugin, browse normally, and cash out instantly when polls appear. Payment happens immediately to Paypal.
Reward Rates: $0.05-0.25 per poll, average of $5-15 per month
15. Valued Opinions
As an in-depth survey community trusted by universities, governments and major brands, Valued Opinions attracts members interested in shaping key decisions around public services, social issues and more. Surveys take 15-20 minutes and coverBachelder, H., Screen capture of Quote, Date Published
range of meaningful topics. Rewards come in sweepstakes entries and charity donations.
Reward Rates: Approximately 1 entry per survey
Tips to Maximize Your Survey Earnings
By following these best practices in your survey participation, you can optimize your consistency and earnings potential:
Take your profile seriously – Provide accurate info so you qualify for the most surveys. But avoid oversharing or false info that could get you screened out.
Commit time daily – Checking survey site dashboards consistently is key to catch fresh survey openings before they fill up. Set aside 30 mins to take a few surveys.
Stay alert while answering – Rushing through or picking random answers leads to disqualification. Read carefully and answer thoughtfully.
Stick to 5-10 minute surveys – Unless the payout is very high, focus on shorter surveys to complete more per hour.
Use multiple panels – Each community has unique survey offerings. Using 2-4 sites gives you the best access.
Learn screening techniques – Pay attention to prescreen questions that may disqualify you to avoid wasting time.
Cash out often – Don’t let rewards accumulate too long in case of account issues. Stick to reputable payout methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions people have around making money from online survey sites:
How often are surveys available to take? Survey availability varies widely by site. Some provide daily surveys, others have more intermittent openings. Checking sites consistently helps you catch surveys right when posted.
When do payments get processed? Most sites process payments within 7-10 days of request, some within 48 hours. Choose instant options like PayPal when available.
What information do I need to provide? Expect to share basic info like name, address, demographics. Some in-depth surveys may ask for opinions on sensitive topics. Know you can always skip questions.
How much can I realistically earn? With consistent effort, expect to earn $50-200 per month. But for beginners, $20-50 is more realistic. High-paying surveys ($3-5) are rare. Manage expectations.
Conclusion: Surveys as a Side Income Stream
While navigating the online survey world can take some learning, taking free surveys offers legitimate earning potential for those short on time. By sticking to reputable platforms, taking surveys smartly, and cashing out consistently, participants can generate $50-200 in side income monthly.
Just be sure to approach survey-taking as supplemental funds, not primary income. And set your time expectations wisely, with patience required for well-paying opportunities.
Overall taking free surveys shouldn’t be viewed as free money, but rather an accessible earning activity for your extra time.
