7 Legit Sites to Do Surveys for Money in 2025

Getting rich quick? A dream, but unlikely. Earning some extra money with very little effort? That is definitely possible when you do surveys for money online. The best survey sites make it simple to pick up small payouts or gift cards in your spare time. Just set reasonable expectations and stay consistent, and you can reliably turn surveys for cash into a little extra budget boost.

In this article, we’ll break down how survey sites work, what kind of payouts you can expect and how to spot the legitimate options from the scams. We’ll also highlight seven of the best platforms so you can skip the guesswork and start turning your free time into real rewards.

Can You Really Take Surveys for Cash Online?

You can make money taking surveys online, but it’s not going to get you a crazy amount of money. Most paid surveys pay between 50 cents and $5 per survey, and they usually take about 5-20 minutes to finish. That works out to average hourly earnings of just $1–$2, rarely more. Is it more money than you’d earn just doom-scrolling on your phone? For sure. But using the apps consistently — and signing up for multiple sites — will go a long way when it comes to a decent payout. 

To boost totals, most people sign up for several survey sites because invites are limited. It’s a smart way to do surveys for money more consistently. And who wouldn’t rather get paid for surveys instead of waiting around for the next opportunity to pop up?

If it seems too easy, that’s because it is. There’s a reason these survey sites are willing to pay for your opinion: market research. Companies want to know how consumers feel about certain things, like which ad design is more eye-catching. All you have to do is answer these questions honestly, then you can get paid through platforms like PayPal, direct deposit or with gift cards.

Which Surveys Pay Real Money?

Not all online surveys pay real money. Some survey websites offer pennies for your effort. Others never pay at all. The truth is, while you can absolutely do surveys for money and get rewards, plenty of scam survey sites promise big payouts and deliver nothing.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Never pay to join. Real platforms don’t require you to pay money to earn money.
• Don’t share your Social Security number or banking details up front. If a site asks for a credit card, bank details, or sensitive personal information before you even see a question, it’s likely a scam.
• Watch out for unrealistic promises, like sites claiming you’ll make $500 a day or turn surveys into a full-time job. If the payout sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

It’s also important to know that legitimate platforms collect demographic and usage data as part of their market research, so there’s always a privacy trade-off when you choose to do online surveys for cash.
The good news? There are legitimate ways to take a survey for money that offer real payouts, cash, gift cards or both. These are typically part of broader market research firms that want honest consumer feedback. When you stick with legitimate survey sites like Branded Surveys, InboxDollars and Survey Junkie, you can earn actual rewards without jumping through sketchy hoops.

How to Get Paid for Surveys

Most online survey sites pay you to take surveys in two main ways. Taking surveys will either pay you directly in cash (usually via PayPal or cash apps) or with gift cards to major retailers.

Payout thresholds range from as low as $5 to as high as $25, which affects how quickly you can actually redeem earnings. Because many online survey sites set different limits, it’s smart to check the fine print before you commit your time.

If you’re aiming to make money doing surveys, look for platforms like Survey Junkie or Scrambly. Once you hit a minimum balance, these sites let you redeem points for PayPal payouts or direct deposit. Some apps even offer cash bonuses just for signing up and completing your first task.

Prefer gift cards? Many platforms allow you to choose between Amazon, Target, Starbucks and dozens of other gift cards. With sites like Branded Surveys, you can complete surveys or small daily tasks to rack up points and exchange them for gift card rewards.

Each app is a little different, but the process is usually simple: sign up, take online surveys and choose your preferred payout method once you’ve earned enough.

What is the Top Paid Surveys App?

The best survey app for money depends on how you want to earn and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Some platforms focus on short, frequent surveys that add up over time. Others offer higher-paying online surveys, but only occasionally, and you’ll have to qualify for them. A few include extra tasks, such as watching videos or trying out new services for bonus rewards.

If you’re looking for the top paid surveys, Branded Surveys offers some of the highest-paying online surveys and is great for daily use with its straightforward points-to-cash system. Survey Junkie leans into clean surveys that match your profile, while KashKick focuses on cash-only payouts with no point conversions. For higher payouts, research panels like Prolific or User Interviews exist, but these are separate from casual survey apps.

If you’re just getting started, it might take a bit of testing to find the right fit. Some apps let you do surveys for money alongside extra tasks like games, videos or trials, while others stick strictly to survey-only formats. The key is to explore a few paid survey opportunities, track which ones pay reliably, and stick with the ones that feel worth your time.

Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the best-paid survey sites to help you skip the guesswork.

Top Online Surveys for Cash

When you’re looking for easy ways to earn a little side income, online survey sites are among the most accessible options out there. Most surveys pay between 50¢ and $5, and they usually take about 5–20 minutes to complete. Many platforms set a minimum cash-out threshold of $5 to $25, which determines how quickly you can redeem rewards. Payout speed also varies, with some sites paying within a couple of days, while others may take a week or more.At the end of the day, taking paid online surveys is a simple way to earn a bit of money online, but it’s not going to replace a paycheck. If you stay consistent, though, these opportunities can provide a steady trickle of extra cash or gift cards.

1. Branded Surveys: Earn Rewards Fast With a Trusted Platform

Branded Surveys is a reliable platform that uses a points-to-cash system. You earn those points by taking surveys, answering polls and doing daily challenges. You can get your payout after racking up as little as $5, and the dashboard is relatively easy to use. If you use the app consistently, you can get your first payout in a couple of days.

Read our Branded Surveys review.

Payout Options: PayPal, direct deposit, gift cards.

2. InboxDollars: Get Paid for More Than Just Surveys

Signing up for a free account with InboxDollars means you could earn as much as $225 a month taking these surveys. They send you short surveys every day, which you can fill out whenever you have a few extra minutes. You can also watch videos or read emails, giving you multiple ways to earn.
You can join for free and earn a $5 bonus. Most active users get their first payout within a week.

Read our InboxDollars review.

Payment Options: PayPal, gift cards, checks.

3. KashKick: Cash Payouts and Surveys That Add Up

Kashkick is a newer platform that offers cash payouts, so you won’t have to worry about figuring out a points system, and there’s no sign-up fee. Plus, the dashboard is simple to use.

After you register online, Kashkick will provide you with all sorts of money-making tasks you can do to boost your earnings.

You’ll earn various dollar amounts (up to $1,000 a month on rare occasions) for answering survey questions, playing games, watching videos and reviewing things. Use it regularly, and you could get your first payout in three to five days. 

Read our KashKick review.

Payment Options: PayPal.

4. Scrambly: A Mobile-First Survey App with Extra Earning Options

Scrambly is an app-based platform for iOS with a gamified experience. You can do things like take surveys, complete mini-tasks, play games and earn coins to redeem for real rewards. It’s a way to make decent money — we’re talking between $50 to over $500 a month for the highest earners — all while enjoying a sleek mobile experience.

Depending on how much you use it, your first payout could come within a week.

Payment Options: Gift cards or PayPal.

5. Survey Junkie: Personalized Surveys with Consistent Payouts

Survey Junkie is one of the most recognized names in the survey world. It connects you with surveys matching your profile, making you more likely to qualify and finish each one. The signup is free, and the interface is clean and easy to navigate.

Once you’re in, you’ll earn points for completing online surveys and can cash out through PayPal or opt for popular e-gift cards. Members who also choose to share their online behavior can unlock even more paid survey opportunities, earning up to $40 monthly by staying consistent and opting into data-sharing.

Read our Survey Junkie review.

Payment Options: PayPal, e-gift cards.

6. Five Surveys: Daily Sets That Prioritize Speed and Cash Rewards

Five Surveys is designed for speed and simplicity. As the name suggests, you get a curated set of five popular surveys each day tailored to your interests. There’s no points system to deal with, and each task pays in clear dollar amounts.

The platform also offers daily bonuses for completing all five. You can expect short surveys, quick feedback loops, and reliable payouts. It’s excellent for survey takers who want to earn cash in a structured way without endless scrolling.

Payment Options: PayPal.

7. HeyCash: Mobile Surveys with Instant Payout Tracking

Looking for a way to get paid to take surveys from your phone? HeyCash stands out with its mobile-first design and a strong focus on fast earnings. After signing up, you’ll get access to market research surveys, product trials, game-testing and mini-tasks that help boost your payout rate. Everything is laid out clearly, with a dashboard that tracks daily progress.

Surveys range from a few minutes to longer sessions, and rewards are shown upfront. You can withdraw your earnings through PayPal once you reach the low payout threshold, which is perfect if you’re starting and want fast results.

Payment Options: PayPal.

Tips for Maximizing Survey Earnings (and Avoiding Scams)

If you’re going to spend your free time on surveys, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most value out of it. The right habits can help you earn more while steering clear of scams.

Here are a few smart ways to maximize your earnings:

• Complete your profile fully. This reduces disqualifications and helps match you with higher-paying surveys.
• Expect only a few survey invites per week per platform. Combining multiple apps is key.
• Keep a dedicated email address for survey sign-ups to stay organized and avoid clutter.
• Track your earnings across platforms so you know which sites deliver the best payout.
• Always provide honest answers. Random or false responses can get you disqualified from legitimate platforms.
• Watch for red flags like requests for credit card details, unusual fees, or promises that sound too good to be true.
• And most importantly, don’t let your quest to find paid online surveys lead to becoming a victim of a scam. If any sites ask you for credit card information or try to charge strange fees, don’t use that site.

At the end of the day, surveys are best for earning a little extra spending money, not replacing your paycheck. By staying consistent and cautious, you can make survey apps a safe and worthwhile side hustle.

Top Paid Surveys FAQs

If you’re thinking about signing up for survey sites, you probably have questions about how much surveys pay, whether the work is worth your time and which platforms actually deliver real rewards. That’s what we’re here to answer.