Surveys for Cash: Earn Money with Online Surveys

Completing surveys for cash can be a great way to earn a bit of extra income in your spare time. Learn how to make surveys work for you!

Finding Surveys

The biggest challenge in getting started with surveys is finding survey sites that you can trust. How can you know which sites are legitimate and which aren’t? For help in deciding, avoid sites that:

• Charge a fee. You shouldn’t have to pay money to answer surveys; they should be paying you. It doesn’t matter if they’re calling it a membership fee, a fee for accessing their database or something else entirely.
   
• Guarantee you a certain amount of money. No survey site can guarantee you a set hourly rate or a certain amount of money per month—that depends on how many surveys you qualify for and how much each survey pays.

Look for sites that:

• Have a good reputation. There are lots of people who complete surveys for money, so it doesn’t take much research to find out which companies are worth working for. SurveyPolice maintains a list of the most reputable survey companies, as reported by survey takers, like you.
   
• Provide a clear overview of the program. Before signing up with any company, look over their site to learn about the specifics of the program. If the site doesn’t make clear how you’ll be rewarded for your time—money, prizes, etc.—cross them off of your list, and look for a company that does.

Signing Up and Getting Started

Once you’ve identified the companies that you want to work with, sign up on their website, and you’re ready to go. Most companies will e-mail you any time they have a survey that matches your profile. You can answer as many or as few of these as your time allows—there’s no minimum obligation to meet.

Completing Surveys

While surveys vary from site to site, you can generally expect most surveys to take about 15-20 minutes to complete. Most companies will provide you with a time estimate in the e-mail, along with a link to the actual survey. Just go to the provided address, and answer all of the questions. Then hit the submit button, and you’re done!

Once you complete the survey, expect an instant or near-instant credit for the amount of money or points specified in the survey invitation. The survey company should provide you with access to a list of your earnings, and the ability to cash in your earnings—either through a check request or a rewards program where you can turn in your points for prizes.

Surveys for Profit

Completing surveys can be a great way to earn a little extra money or a few fun prizes. If you’re ready to give it a try, sign up for several companies; and wait for the survey invitations to roll in. Before long you’ll have plenty of survey opportunities waiting in your e-mail box, and soon a fun reward or two waiting in your actual mailbox.

Looking for survey leads you can trust?

Check out the discussion board for our list of picks:

Surveys for Cash

~Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less.