Is Respondent Legit? 2026 Review, Safety Score & Payouts

By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 23, 2026

Respondent Review Quick Verdict

The Bottom Line: Respondent offers a legitimate way to earn good money by taking part in various research studies. If you qualify for studies, the pay is often high for your time.

Why We Love It

  • High pay potential per study
  • Engaging research studies
  • Global study opportunities

The Catch

  • Study availability can be inconsistent
  • Payouts are not instant
Availability
Global
Payment Method
PayPal, Gift Cards
Payout Speed
7-10 Business Days
Min. Payout
$5 min (Processing fee applies)

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

What is Respondent & How Does It Work?

Respondent is an online platform that pays you to share your opinions and experiences through various research studies. You can earn money by participating in interviews, usability tests, and other research tasks.

Unlike typical survey sites with low pay, Respondent focuses on deeper, higher-paying research studies that value your specific insights.

At A Glance

  • TypeSurvey
  • PlatformDesktop & Mobile Web
  • CostFree
  • Est. YearN/A

How It Works

1

Create Your Profile

Sign up and build a detailed profile. This helps Respondent match you with relevant studies that fit your background and experiences.

2

Apply for Studies

Browse available paid research projects. Apply to those that interest you and for which you meet the specific criteria.

3

Participate & Earn

If selected, participate in the research study. Once completed and approved, you will earn the stated payment for your time.

Is Respondent Legit or a Scam? (Safety Check)

When looking for online earning opportunities, it is smart to check for legitimacy. Here is what we found about Respondent's safety and reliability.

  • Real Company, Real Earnings: Respondent has paid out over $35 million in total incentives to participants. This shows it is a large and active platform where people earn money consistently.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: The platform is highly rated by businesses that use it, with a 4.6-star rating from over 400 reviews on G2. This suggests a well-run service that satisfies its users.
  • Trusted by Big Brands: Many well-known companies, like Deloitte, use Respondent for their research needs. This trust from major businesses adds to its credibility as a legitimate platform.
  • Global Reach: Respondent connects 4 million participants from over 150 countries with research projects. This wide reach shows it is a well-established and global operation.

Verdict: Legit

Respondent is a legitimate platform for earning money by participating in research studies. It has a strong track record of paying participants and is trusted by many companies worldwide.

How Much Money Can You Make? (Earning Potential)

Let's talk about how much you can really earn on Respondent. While it won't replace a full-time job, it offers excellent pay for your time.

  • High Payouts Per Study: Research studies on Respondent often pay significantly more than typical online surveys. The pay varies greatly by study, but many offer a high hourly rate for your time.
  • Many Studies Available: Around 4,000 research projects are posted every month. This means there are many opportunities to find studies that match your profile and interests.
  • Targeting is Key: Your earnings depend on how well your profile matches the needs of researchers. A complete and accurate profile increases your chances of getting selected for studies.
  • Referral Program: You can earn extra money by referring others to the platform. Respondent offers a bonus of $20 to $50 based on what your referrals earn.

Bottom Line: Respondent is great for earning extra cash with high-paying studies, but study availability can vary. It is a good option for supplemental income.

Respondent Payment Methods & Cashout Speed

Getting paid is a crucial part of any side hustle. Respondent makes the payment process clear and reliable.

  • Payment Method: Respondent pays participants through PayPal or various gift cards. These are common and convenient options for receiving your earnings.
  • Minimum Cashout: You can withdraw your earnings once you reach a minimum of $5. Keep in mind that a processing fee applies to payouts.
  • Cashout Speed: After your study is approved, it typically takes 7 to 10 business days for your payment to be processed and sent to you.
  • Approval Process: Researchers must approve your participation and completed work before your payment is released. This usually happens shortly after you finish a study.
  • Tax Considerations: Any money you earn on Respondent is considered taxable income. You are responsible for reporting your earnings to the tax authorities in your country.

Bottom Line: Respondent offers straightforward payment options with a low minimum cashout, though you should factor in processing fees and the payout timeline.

Pros and Cons of Using Respondent

The Good

  • High Pay Potential. Studies often offer significantly higher pay compared to typical online surveys, making your time more valuable.
  • Engaging Research. You get to participate in interesting research, sharing valuable insights instead of just answering basic questions.
  • Global Opportunities. The platform is available in over 150 countries, offering chances to earn money to a wide audience.
  • Referral Program. You can earn extra bonuses by inviting friends to join Respondent and participate in studies.
  • Low Minimum Cashout. With a minimum withdrawal of just $5, you can access your earnings quickly.

The Bad

  • Inconsistent Study Flow. The number of available studies can vary, meaning earning opportunities might not always be steady.
  • Processing Fees. A fee is applied to your payouts, which reduces your total earnings slightly.
  • Not Instant Payouts. It can take 7 to 10 business days to receive your money, which is not as fast as some other platforms.
  • Specific Targeting. You need to fit very specific demographic or professional criteria to qualify for many studies.

Respondent Frequently Asked Questions

Is Respondent legit or a scam?

Respondent is a legitimate platform. It has paid out over $35 million to participants and is used by major companies for research. It has a strong track record and good reviews.

How much money can I make on Respondent?

Earnings vary greatly by study, but Respondent offers high pay per hour compared to many other online earning sites. There are around 4,000 studies posted monthly, giving many opportunities.

How fast does Respondent pay?

After a study is completed and approved by the researcher, it generally takes 7 to 10 business days for your payment to be processed and sent to your chosen payment method.

What payment methods does Respondent offer?

Respondent primarily offers payouts via PayPal or gift cards. These methods provide a convenient way for participants to receive their earnings.

Who qualifies for studies on Respondent?

Anyone can sign up, but qualifying for studies depends on your profile details. Researchers look for specific demographics, professions, and experiences. A detailed profile helps you match with studies.

How can I get more studies on Respondent?

To get more study invites, make sure your profile is completely filled out and kept up-to-date. This helps researchers find you for relevant projects. Also, check the platform regularly for new listings.

Does Respondent have a referral program?

Yes, Respondent offers a referral program. You can earn a bonus of $20 to $50 when people you refer sign up and earn money from studies.