Best Survey Sites to Make Money That Actually Pay in 2026
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 24, 2026
Swagbucks Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Swagbucks offers many ways to earn small amounts of money online. It is a good option for people who want to earn extra cash in their spare time.
Why it's our #1 Choice
For 2026, Swagbucks remains the gold standard for survey sites. Unlike many competitors that trap your money with high minimums, Swagbucks offers a low barrier to entry and a clean interface that works across all devices. It's the most consistent way to earn extra cash in your spare time.
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How We Rank Survey Sites
We evaluate every survey site on this list using real data we collect and verify. No promotional fluff. Here's what goes into our Grinder Score:
Minimum Cashout
How quickly can you actually get paid? Lower thresholds score higher.
Payout Speed
Instant payouts beat 2-week waits. We verify actual processing times.
Payment Options
PayPal, gift cards, direct deposit. More options means more flexibility for you.
User Reviews
We check Trustpilot, App Store, and Play Store ratings for real user feedback.
All 10 Best Survey Sites Ranked for 2026
Swagbucks
Our PickSwagbucks is an online rewards platform that pays you for common online activities. You can earn points, called SB, for taking surveys, playing games, and shopping online.
- Many ways to earn (surveys, games, shopping)
- Low minimum cashout ($3)
- PayPal and gift card options
- Daily tasks and bonuses
- Low pay per task
- Surveys can disqualify you
- Earnings can be inconsistent
Why it ranks #1: Swagbucks offers many ways to earn small amounts of money online. It is a good option for people who want to earn extra cash in their spare time.
Branded Surveys
Best PayoutsBranded Surveys is an online platform that pays you to take surveys. You share your opinions on products and services, and companies use this feedback for their research.
- Variety of payout options
- Low minimum cashout
- Loyalty program for bonuses
- Surveys can screen you out
- Pay is points-based, not hourly
- Survey availability varies
Why it ranks #2: Branded Surveys offers a way to earn points by sharing your opinions through surveys. It's a reliable option for those looking to make a little extra cash in their spare time.
i-Say (IPSOS)
Most Reliablei-Say (IPSOS) is an online community where you earn rewards by sharing your opinions through surveys. It is part of Ipsos, one of the world's largest market research firms.
- Part of a large research company
- Multiple survey types (product tests, live chats)
- Variety of reward options
- Strong privacy commitment
- Earnings vary per survey
- PayPal cashouts can be slow
- Survey availability can be inconsistent
Why it ranks #3: i-Say (IPSOS) is a legit survey site where you share opinions for rewards. It won't replace your main income, but it's a solid way to earn extra cash and influence products.
Survey Junkie
Best InterfaceSurvey Junkie is an online community where you can share your opinions and earn rewards. You take surveys that help big brands make better products and services.
- Easy to use platform
- Low minimum payout
- Multiple payout options
- Low pay per survey
- Not a full-time income
- Survey disqualifications can occur
Why it ranks #4: Survey Junkie lets you earn points for sharing your opinions through surveys. It is a simple way to make a little extra money online.
Freecash
Lowest CashoutFreecash is an online platform where you can earn money and rewards by completing various tasks. This includes playing games, testing apps, and taking surveys.
- High payouts for various tasks
- Instant cashouts available
- Wide variety of earning options
- Low minimum withdrawal ($5)
- Offer tracking issues can occur
- Minimum cashout varies by region
- High-paying tasks can be time-consuming
Why it ranks #5: Freecash offers a wide range of tasks for gig workers to earn extra money online, with many users praising its high payouts and fast cashouts.
GrabPoints
Best VarietyGrabPoints is an online platform that pays you to take surveys and share your opinions. You can convert your earned points into cash or various gift cards.
- Low $3 minimum cashout
- Many payout options
- Daily streak bonuses
- Referral earnings potential
- Missing points can occur
- New users may experience delays
- Survey availability varies
Why it ranks #6: GrabPoints is a legitimate survey site where you can earn cash and gift cards for sharing your opinions. It offers a low minimum payout and quick cashouts for active users, but be prepared for potential issues with missing points.
Opinion Outpost
Short SurveysOpinion Outpost is an online platform that pays you for sharing your thoughts. You earn rewards by taking surveys, testing products, and reviewing ads. It connects your opinions with companies eager to improve their products and services.
- Diverse earning opportunities
- Multiple reward options (PayPal, Amazon)
- Low minimum withdrawal ($5)
- Available on desktop and mobile
- No guaranteed hourly pay
- Screening questions can lead to disqualification
- Some rewards may take weeks to process
Why it ranks #7: Opinion Outpost is a survey platform where you can earn rewards for sharing your thoughts. It offers various ways to earn, including surveys, product tests, and ad reviews. If you're looking for extra cash or gift cards for your spare time, Opinion Outpost is a solid option.
InboxDollars
Cash DisplayInboxDollars pays you to do everyday online activities. You can earn cash for taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.
- Many ways to earn cash
- Low minimum cashout
- Long history of payments
- Earnings can be low per task
- Surveys can screen you out
Why it ranks #8: InboxDollars offers many ways to earn cash for simple online tasks. It is a legitimate platform for earning extra money, not a full-time income.
FeaturePoints
Best MobileFeaturePoints is an online platform that pays you to complete various tasks. You can earn money by taking surveys, trying offers, and referring friends.
- Multiple ways to earn
- Fast cashouts
- Low minimum withdrawal
- Variety of payment methods
- Low Trustpilot rating
- Earnings can be low per task
- Inconsistent task availability
Why it ranks #9: FeaturePoints offers a way to earn cash and gift cards by doing surveys and small tasks. It's a decent option for some extra money, but earnings can be low for the time spent.
Attapoll
Best AppAttapoll is a mobile app that pays you to take surveys on your phone or tablet. Companies use your answers to help improve their products and services.
- Low cashout minimum
- Fast payout speeds
- Control survey length and frequency
- Earnings can be inconsistent
- Trustpilot rating is low
Why it ranks #10: Attapoll is a mobile survey app that lets you earn money by sharing your opinions. It offers low payment thresholds and control over the surveys you take, making it a decent option for casual side earnings.
Best Survey Sites Comparison Table
| Survey Site | Min Cashout | Payout Speed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | $3 | 2-5 Days | 4.3 |
| Branded Surveys | $5 | 1-3 Business Days | 4.3 |
| i-Say (IPSOS) | $5 | Instant (Gift Cards) / 1-4 Weeks (PayPal) | 4.2 |
| Survey Junkie | $5 | Instant to 24 Hours | 4.3 |
| Freecash | $5 | Instant (PayPal/Crypto) | 4.5 |
| GrabPoints | $3 | 24-48 Hours (Instant for active users) | 3.8 |
| Opinion Outpost | $5 | Instant (Gift Cards) / Up to 7 Days (PayPal) | 4.0 |
| InboxDollars | $10 | 3-10 Business Days | 4.2 |
| FeaturePoints | $3 | < 24 Hours | 3.8 |
| Attapoll | $3.00 | Instant to 72 Hours | 4.2 |
How to Maximize Your Survey Earnings
Most survey takers leave money on the table. These five strategies will help you earn more with less wasted time:
Use multiple sites
Sign up for 3-5 platforms from our list. Survey inventory changes daily, so more sites means more chances to earn.
Complete your profile fully
The more info you provide, the more surveys you'll qualify for. Most sites match surveys based on your demographics.
Check daily during peak hours
New surveys drop constantly. Mornings and early evenings tend to have the most fresh inventory.
Be consistent with your answers
Survey sites track answer consistency. Contradictory responses will get you disqualified more often.
Stack with cashback extensions
Pair survey sites with browser extensions that pay for shopping. Swagbucks has one built-in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Survey Sites
Are survey sites actually legit?
Yes, the sites on this list are all legitimate and have paid out millions to users. That said, surveys won't replace a full-time income. Expect to earn $50-$300+ per month of extra cash with consistent effort.
Which survey site pays the most?
Swagbucks offers the highest overall earning potential because it combines surveys with cashback shopping, video watching, and other methods. For pure surveys, Branded Surveys typically has the highest per-survey payouts.
How much can you realistically make from surveys?
Most users earn $50-$200 per month spending 30-60 minutes daily. Power users who stack multiple sites can earn $300-$500+. Be skeptical of anyone claiming $1,000+ monthly from surveys alone.
Why do I keep getting disqualified from surveys?
Survey companies need specific demographics for each study. If you don't match their target audience, you'll get screened out. This is totally normal. Even experienced users get disqualified 30-50% of the time. Answer honestly and use multiple sites.
What's the fastest way to cash out from survey sites?
Freecash has the lowest minimum ($0.50) and instant PayPal payouts. Swagbucks and Survey Junkie also offer same-day PayPal processing for most users.
How old do you have to be to do paid surveys?
Most survey sites require you to be at least 13-18 years old, depending on the platform and country. Swagbucks requires 13+ (with parental consent under 18), while most others require 18+.
Do survey sites work internationally?
Many survey sites work globally, but availability and payouts vary by country. Swagbucks, i-Say (IPSOS), and Attapoll have the best international coverage. US users typically get the most survey opportunities.
Why isn't Prolific or CloudResearch on this list?
Prolific and CloudResearch are fantastic high-paying platforms, but they currently have 6+ month waitlists for most new users. This list focuses on trusted sites where you can sign up and start earning cash today.
Is survey income taxable?
Yes, in most countries income from surveys is taxable. In the US, you should report earnings over $600 (you may receive a 1099). Keep records of your earnings and consult a tax professional if unsure.
Do survey sites sell my data?
Survey companies collect data to sell to brands. That's their business model. Reputable sites anonymize your responses. They want aggregate demographic trends, not your personal identity.
Can I use multiple survey sites at once?
Absolutely! We recommend using 3-5 sites to maximize survey availability. Our top picks (Swagbucks, Branded Surveys, i-Say) work well together.
Best Survey Site: Our Final Verdict
Swagbucks
Swagbucks offers many ways to earn small amounts of money online. It is a good option for people who want to earn extra cash in their spare time.
Why It Won
Consistent earner with the most reliable payout track record. Unlike competitors, they don't ban active users for "speeding" through surveys.
Power User Strategy
Don't just do surveys. Stack earnings by using Swagbucks for paid sign-up offers (banking/streaming) which pay 10x more per hour.
The Downside
Low pay per task
Transparency: We test every platform with real accounts. Links above support our testing costs at no extra charge to you.
