Online Surveys That Pay

Best Survey Sites That Pay Cash 

(via paypal or check)

American Consumer Opinion Panel

They offer sweepstakes entries for their screeners, which is a short survey you take to see if you qualify for a larger study. These have a lot of small cash prizes, which increases the odds of winning compared to many other companies and, in my opinion and experience, makes it worth the time. If you qualify and complete the larger study, those are paid. They also have a monthly drawing just for being a member. Cash your earnings out through the website, and they'll mail you check.

E-Poll

Surveys are often worth 500 points. You can cash out for $5 paypal or $5 gift cards, such as Amazon, at 3500 points. They also allow the donation of points to a few different large nonprofits, at the 2500 point level: National Wildlife Fed., Make-a-wish Foundation, Humane Society, just to name a few.

Esearch

They pay your paypal account. Some surveys they send are sweeps only, others are pay, you have to take note of which is which. Those they send that don't offer set payment will sometimes lead to a paying follow-up survey.

Lightspeed Consumer Panel

Gives points for surveys. These points can be exchanged for items, gift certificates, or turned in for cash paid to you via paypal. The cash payments start at 575 points for $5, and that amount tends to stack up fairly quickly, in my experience. Occasionally a single survey will pay $20.

My Survey

Gives points for surveys, which you can trade in for a check when you reach 1000 points. 1000 points = $10. When you see a survey from this company only offering a few points to take it, don't skip it! These are usually screeners for larger, higher paying surveys, that you will be offered immediately if you qualify.

Opinion Place - AOL

AOL members can get a few $ taken off their AOL bill each month by completing surveys. Payment is made to whatever method you're using to pay your AOL bill.

Those with free AOL, and non-members, can choose to be paid via paypal, AAdvantage miles, or Amazon gift certificates.

Opinion Outpost

Ten points = $1.00. You can cash out for a check at 50 points. One thing I like about this company, in addition to the low payout threshold, is that they have a variety of consolation rewards when you attempt a survey and do not qualify. You can choose from a 10cent donation to a charity, a sweepstakes entry, and a chance at an instant win prize. Even giving that dime to charity feels like less of a waste of my time to have bounced out.

SurveySavvy

Not only do they pay per survey, but they pay you for the activity of two tiers worth of referrals. While their typical survey only pays a dollar or two, adding in the referral program makes them one of the better sites. You can cash out for a check at any time.

Synovate

Pays with a points program and sweeps entries. In their points program, 5000 points = $5. While I've found they add up a little slower than some, the chances of sweeps wins in addition to your basic point allotment, and their habit of offering points for trying to qualify, make them worth doing. It helps that their sweeps offer many small to moderate prizes rather than just one or two large ones, meaning more winners overall and your odds are better.

Cash out is 5000 points; they'll mail a check.

Global Test Market

This really is a global company with panelists in many countries. Some surveys will offer only entries for sweeps, but most offer a ranged point award, like 5-75 points. The lower number is if you screen out - you at least get something for trying. The higher number is if you qualify and complete the entire survey. Payout level is 1000 points, which is a $50 check.

Best Survey Sites That Pay With Gift Cards 

Keynote

In my experience, they either offer you a gift card to Amazon or from a site where you order a gift card for any of a variety of stores. They offer surveys at a slower rate than some, but pay higher rates per survey than most. These are often surveys about or testing other online websites.

Harris Poll Online

With their points program, you can cash out for gift cards, cds, or other items.

Best Survey Sites That Pay In Items 

Zoompanel

Offers a points program that allows you to exchange for cds, magazine subscriptions, and assorted items. This is one of my most active survey sites, where I get a lot of product tests.

Online Survey Sites That Pay Kids and Teens 

(paying with cash and items)

Just Kid Inc.

Has surveys for kids, ages 6-14, and their parents. Pays in points that can be redeemed for cash or items.

KidzEyes

For ages 6-12. Accumulate points for cash and win items.

TeensEyes

Same company as KidzEyes, but a sister-site just for Teens 13-18.

Nickelodeon Kids Forum and Parents Panel

Has one program for kids 3-5, with mom and dad's help, and another for kids 6-17. Points earned by doing surveys can be exchanged for cash. 10000 points equals $10. My three-year-old and my seven-year-old have each done work for this company, as have I. It pays better than many. All points go into a family account but how they were earned, and whether by parent or children, is shown on the point account page. You can request a check when the family account reaches $10.

Where To Find More Surveys That Pay 

Survey Police

Has bio pages for various survey companies, and a "Rap Sheet" that highlights issues people have had with companies. Very helpful for making informed decisions about who to sign with and who not to bother with unless you have lots of extra time to spend on something that might not pan out.

Their ratings page is an excellent tool but don't only look at the number, check out the comments on the bio page as well.

FreePaidSurveys.net

Has a review section for each company where users can comment and rate the company.