Need extra cash? Earn some by taking surveys

Update: 2/22/2204: This post has been updated in 2020 and 2024 to update changes to survey site names and to include the latest links. This post was originally posted on 10/11/2019.

Header image source Pixabay

I don’t know about you but I can always use some extra cash especially as we head into the holiday season. So I thought I’d share a few more ways you can earn some.

You can check out my previous posts here, here, and a video post here.

I’ve been taking surveys for many years. I know not everyone enjoys them. But I thought I’d share a few of my favorite sites with you.

What to know before you sign up

Let me start out by saying each survey site is different. Some may have payment thresholds as low as $3 or lower. While others may have higher payouts. This may mean you have to wait until you reach $25 or even $50 before you can cash out.

This being said some survey sites have extra perks such as possible product review or testing. Some survey sites may also have other projects as well such as diaries or product usage updates.

In terms of payouts, some may give you a variety of options from using your points for a gift card or PayPal payment. Others may let you use your points for a product such as a DVD or whatever they have to offer in their catalog.

Also depending on how much you cash out in a year, you may have to claim some of your earnings on your taxes. As far as I know, it’s $600 USD but still, you can contact the sites and ask them.

A few of my favorites

As I mentioned above I’ve been taking surveys for years. I have a few of my favorites for you along with an added option at the end of the post.

Pinecone Research

I’ve been a member of pinecone research for a number of years now. I like the interface and the surveys are a nice variety. I’ve been able to test some products as well. Their payout is $3 a survey and you can opt for Paypal or a virtual Visa card. PayPal payouts are delivered within a day of cashing out. This may vary if it’s a weekend or during a holiday. You can sign up here.

My favorite test for Pinecone was Tollhouse cookies. They also have a product catalog if you’d like to use your points that way as well. You can also donate a portion of your earnings to charity too.

Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost is similar to Pinecone. You can cash out when you earn $5. They have virtual gift cards and Paypal. Also like Pinecone, they offer a variety of surveys.

I’ve also been selected to test a few products for Opinion OutPost as well.

Harris Poll Online

Update: 3/31/2020: I just saw an email stating that Harris Poll is going to change to E-rewards.

Harris Poll Online is similar to the previous two sites. You have the option of cashing in your points for a product or gift card. I haven’t checked their catalog lately so I don’t recall what all they have.

Once again like the prior two sites, you can cash out at a set monetary threshold. I’ve also tested products for them as well.

Life Points (formerly My Survey)

LifePoints is like the other sites. They have a variety of payment options. You can cash out for as little as $5. They also have gift cards, gift cards, and charity donations as well.

The surveys may vary by length and point payout. You may also be able to test a product too.

Branded Survey

I haven’t been a member of Branded for very long but the surveys are pretty simple. You can cash out at $10.

Survey sites with a payout threshold

Ipoll

Ipoll is a good site but it may take a bit for you to earn the payout you’d like. I’ve been a member for a number of years. They have two payout options $25 PayPal or an Amazon gift card.

Unlock Surveys (Formerly Maru Springboard America)

Update: 2/22/2024: Maru Spring Board America has now changed its name to Unlock Surveys

So Springboard America is a great site. The only catch for me is that the payout of $50 may take time for you to earn. They send out surveys fairly often but sometimes I may cash out twice a year if that.

I think I’ve also tested a few products for them as well. They also offer a PayPal option or a gift card.

Other survey sites

YouGov

If you like political surveys YouGov may interest you. Some are very straightforward dealing solely with politics others may be a mix of general events with a few political questions thrown in.

YouGov offers a variety of gift card options as payment.

A Bonus site

I thought I’d mention this site as well since it does offer surveys

NCP

National Consumer Panel is a great site. You can help brands find out where you shop. They also offer surveys too. You scan product barcodes and log in shopping trips.

You earn points to cash in for items or gift cards. I will admit this may vary by certain times of the year. But currently, they have Amazon gift card options as payment.

Well, I hope you found this helpful. Feel free to share some of your favorite survey sites in the comments below.