Best online surveys for extra money in June 2024

In a nutshell:

Taking surveys won't get you rich, but they can help you earn a little money with the time you may have spent scrolling mindlessly on your socials.

• The best survey apps can help you find the right earning opportunities for your needs.
• Low cash-out thresholds are necessary to get your rewards faster.
• Some companies give you more reward choices and offer sales on their rewards.
• It’s important to research them thoroughly before joining. To cut down on your email clutter, choose wisely.

Average payout	$0.40 – $2	$1 – $3	$0.50 – $5.00
Payment method	Paypal or gift cards	Paypal, eGift cards, or bank transfer	Paypal Cash, Amazon gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, and more
Minimum to cash out	$3 for gift cards; $25 for PayPal	$5 (500 points)	$30
Promotion	$10	K.A.	$5
	View Offer	View Offer	View Offer

Earning money from surveys isn't a new phenomenon, but using apps has changed the game for major survey companies. Swagbucks tops the list for the most earning opportunities, the best app interface, and one of the lower cashout thresholds in the industry.

Best online survey sites in 2024

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie has the potential for lucrative survey rewards. The site claims it's possible to earn up to $40 per day with some offers; however, most surveys pay under $3. By signing up for email notifications, users can learn what opportunities are available before opening the app to take part in each survey.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks pays users with its custom, points-based currency, called Swagbucks (SBs). There are many opportunities to answer surveys, and prequalifications are almost always available. However, not everyone will qualify to earn more by completing a longer survey. Swagbucks gives you many ways to earn, including additional polls, completing shopping offers and signing up for newsletters. All of the offers can be seen on the same dashboard, making it easy to find something to do with your time.

With an average payout of $.25 to $4, Swagbucks makes it possible to earn PayPal cash or gift cards with just a small time commitment. Cashouts begin at just $3 for gift cards, and some rewards go “on sale,” giving you more value for your Swagbucks.

Inbox Dollars

There are many ways to earn from Inbox Dollars, including confirming your email address upon signup. There are many survey opportunities that everyone can review, with average payouts between $0.50 and $4. The payout threshold is $15, and the company offers gift cards and rewards for a wide variety of retailers as well as PayPal cash. More money can be earned if you're willing to complete offers and scan shopping receipts in addition to playing online games.

Google Opinion Rewards

Android phone users can earn credit toward the Google Play store by doing simple surveys and polls from their devices. Google Opinion Rewards only works through the app, but the low $2 cash-out thresholds mean users can benefit from their participation very quickly. Since it’s integrated with a Google Play store account, cashing out is seamless.

Rakuten Insights

The Rakuten Insights app is just for surveys: There are no additional ways to earn money, such as through games or shopping. However, Rakuten does have shopping and cashback opportunities, though these are just under a different program and unavailable in the app.

There aren't a lot of survey opportunities starting with Rakuten, but those that are available pay between a few cents and a few dollars. The low cashout threshold ensures you can get rewarded sooner than some other apps.

Are paid surveys worth it?

Some people find surveys worthwhile, even though they don't pay as much as a part-time job. However, surveys are accessible for those who want to earn extra cash in their spare time. No special skills are required, and you can do as many or as few surveys as you want. Compared to other money-making opportunities, paid surveys require very little in return for some extra cash spent.

Best tips for taking online surveys for money

Online surveys are a relatively easy way to make some extra cash, but there are things you can do to increase your earning chances.

Share your best info

Survey companies need a wide range of consumer types to help them meet each company’s research needs. By filling out your profile completely and giving as much information as you can, the survey company can more easily match you to paying opportunities. If your situation changes, for example, if you have a baby, move or earn more money, be sure to update your profile right away.

Answer honestly

It can be tempting to answer screening or prequalification questions in a way that will get you paid surveys, but you should always be honest. Not only is it the right thing to do for the companies who pay for opinions, but it sets you up to receive the most relevant surveys for your consumer type.

Check in often

The better-paying surveys can fill up fast, and companies only have slots for so many participants. Check your app daily to see what opportunities are available for you. Better yet, see if the app has notifications for when you may qualify for a survey.

Compare redemption options

Cash may be king, but other reward types may pay more. Carefully assess the ways each survey company pays out rewards. You may be able to get more value from your points if you cash out for a certain type of gift card, for example, or if you save up for a high cash-out amount.

To see how much you get for your time, divide the reward dollar value by the number of redemption points it costs. Some rewards may be a better bargain, helping you earn more for your time.

The AP Buyline roundup: Make apps do more of the work

Mobile apps make it easier than ever to earn cash and rewards through surveys. By installing the best survey apps on your phone — and keeping those apps updated frequently — you can be sure to see more of the survey opportunities available to you.

Opting into email communications and turning on your phone notifications can also improve your chances of getting those high-paying surveys. Compare the reward terms to be sure that when you do cash out, you are getting the most for your valuable opinions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do online surveys really pay?

All legitimate survey companies pay some type of reward, whether that’s cash or credits (points) that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards or merchandise. Other survey companies may offer a product or service in exchange for honest opinions.

Are online surveys legit?

Not all websites or companies that claim to offer paid surveys are legitimate, so it's best to do your research before signing up. Read articles to see how they compare or search out reviews from users to see their experiences. Of those that have a good reputation, you can expect to get paid or receive rewards in exchange for sharing your opinions.

What are the best money-making apps?

There are all kinds of money-making apps, including those for finding online gig jobs and taking surveys. Of the survey site apps, the highest-reviewed include Survey Junkie, Swagbucks and InboxDollars.

What are the best ways to make money online?

There are dozens of ways to earn cash online, including freelancing, selling things and taking surveys. The best opportunity will be the one that helps you meet your money goals and works with your schedule, skills and lifestyle goals.