7 Sites Where You Can Get Paid to Take Surveys

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Getting rich quick? A dream, but unlikely. Earning some extra money with very little effort? That is definitely possible by doing online surveys for money. These apps make it easy for you to quickly make a few extra dollars (or earn gift cards) in your spare time. To really make money taking surveys, there are a few things you should know. For starters, it won’t make you a boatload, but we have some tips on how to maximize your earnings with platforms like Branded Surveys, InboxDollars, Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, KashKick and Scrambly. We’ll also explain how their legitimacy, ease of use and payout reliability helped them make the list.

Can You Really Make Money Taking Surveys Online?

You can make money taking surveys online but it’s not going to get you a crazy amount of money. Most of these survey sites pay between 50 cents and $5 per survey. Plus, each one could take as little as five minutes or as much as 20 minutes. 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. 

If it seems too easy, that’s because it is. The reason these sites are willing to pay for your opinion is so it can be used for 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 offer pennies for your effort. Others never pay at all. The truth is, while there are legitimate ways to earn money by taking surveys, plenty of scam survey sites promise big payouts and deliver nothing.

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. Real platforms don’t require you to pay money to earn money.

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 legit survey sites like Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie, you can earn actual rewards without jumping through sketchy hoops.

How to Get Paid to Take 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.

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 Swagbucks or 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 Best Survey App for Money?

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.

Branded Surveys offers some of the highest-paying online surveys and is great for daily use with a straightforward points-to-cash system. Swagbucks adds variety with tasks beyond surveys. Survey Junkie leans into clean surveys that match your profile, while KashKick focuses on cash-only payouts with no point conversions.

If you’re just getting started, it might take a bit of testing to find the right fit. 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 Surveys to Make Real Money

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

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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.

Payout Options: PayPal, direct deposit, gift cards.

2. InboxDollars: Get Paid for More Than Just Surveys

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Signing up for a free account with InboxDollars means you could earn up to $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 throughout the day. 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.

Payment Options: PayPal, gift cards, or checks.

3. KashKick: Cash Payouts and Surveys That Add Up

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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) 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. 

Payment Options: PayPal.

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

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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 — 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

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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.

Payment Options: PayPal, e-gift cards.

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

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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

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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)

To make money taking surveys, you have to do them consistently. Joining more of these platforms will give you even more opportunities. Keep them organized by using a dedicated email address for sign-ups. Then, you should keep track of what you’re earning and where so you can see who offers the best payout. And don’t lie or give random answers in order to get through as many as possible — that can get you disqualified from using these platforms. They want your honest opinions. 

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.

Top Paid Surveys FAQs

Is getting paid for surveys legit?

Yes, getting paid for surveys is legit, but only if you stick with trusted platforms. Marketing is big business, and companies use surveys to gather consumer opinions and are willing to pay for your feedback. That said, not every site is worth your time. Avoid any sites that ask for upfront fees, request sensitive personal information, or make unrealistic income promises. Stick with legitimate survey companies like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, Five Surveys, and those included in this list.

Which surveys pay real money?

A handful of online survey sites do pay real money, though the payout depends on your time and consistency. Platforms like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks allow users to make money online through PayPal or select gift cards. Five Surveys also pays directly in cash for tasks and surveys completed daily. While earnings can range from $0.50 to $5 per survey, some users report higher monthly totals by using multiple apps.

How do I get paid to take surveys?

To get paid to take surveys, you first need to sign up for reputable platforms and fill out a profile. That helps sites match you with surveys that fit your background. Most surveys offer rewards in points or cash, which can be redeemed through PayPal, gift cards, or other payout options. Sites like Branded Surveys, Five Surveys, and InboxDollars offer easy ways to take surveys to make money with clear dashboards and low minimum thresholds, usually around $5. Be honest, stay consistent, and avoid platforms that ask for your bank account information.

How much can you make by taking online surveys?

Most users earn between $1 and $5 per day taking surveys, depending on how much time they spend. That adds up to about $30 to $150 per month for casual users. More active survey takers, those who check in daily, qualify consistently, and complete surveys quickly, can earn $200 or more each month. Platforms like Branded Surveys and Scrambly report top users pulling in extra cash, sometimes hitting $500 to $1,000 per month through a mix of surveys and bonus activities. But results vary. It takes time, and not every survey pays.