WARNING! Comsumer surveys ARE NOT "get rich quick" or $200 a day earnings. TRUE free consumer surveys are those that ask you questions without jumping through 'partner offers'. Typical survey questions for honest, real surveys include demographic and household information, do you own... have you tried... have you ever heard of...review this ad, would you purchase based on this ad?
The sites I list have to meet certain criteria.
No fees
No purchase necessary
Cash payout
Payment by Check or PayPal
SurveyPolice listing with no complaints or resolved complaints
Please note that I have joined a lot of survey panels in hopes of adding to my savings for my dream truck - Dodge Dakota SLT Crew Cab. It will be a slow process and I accept that. In the meantime, I have fun and it gives me something to do when I'm bored. I also learn about new products coming out and have actually even purchased some to try because of the survey. I have also joined surveys that offer sweepstake entries as rewards.
Some of these sites also offer other ways of "earning" money, but I try and stick with just the surveys. I don't download any survey software, gaming sites, or shop online.
My top picks are:
Opinion Outpost - Pays by check and earnings for cash out are fast at first. These are legitimite consumer surveys. Negative: Fee of $3.00 to recieve cash-out payment by check.
American Consumer Opinion - These are legitimite consumer surveys. Depending on your profile you may or may not receive many surveys. You can win money in monthly drawings just for being a member, win money in drawings when you fill out a screener (a short questionnaire), and earn money each time you fill out a survey (a longer questionnaire).
Inbox Dollars, SnapDollars and SendEarnings - These sites offer the same thing. They send you email ads to read, have "offer" opportnities to earn cash and require a $30.00 earning minimum before requesting payment. Reading emails pays $.02. You must click on the link in the email and sometimes click on the link veryfying reading the email. All emails cost you money or require registering for solitations (in one way or another). You DO NOT have to sign up or purchase any of these ads. You just have to read them.
Cash Crate - This site automatically sends you a check after you have earned $10.00. You do not need to 'request payment". Here you are allowed to complete 2 surveys a day for $.80 each (which I rarely qualify for) plus offers for other things. Mind you, these offers are not surveys. You must register for solicitaions or purchase something in order to qualify. You can also play games and shop online for earnings.
Some things to stay away from...
"Surveys" that want you to accept offers. Example: "Sign up for XYZ and receive $20." Well, first of all, signing up COST YOU. So, you are NOT receiving $20. Second, it is a advertisment ploy not a survey.
"Surveys" that want you to "register for a chance to win..." You usually have to jump through marketing hoops for this CHANCE to win. Buy something from a specified retailer online with a credit card, apply for a credit card, sign up for solicitations. (Email, Phone and Postal Mail.) If you want this...go for it, but if you don't, Stay Away!
Gift card "surveys" - These are TOTAL SCAMS! In order to recieve your "gift card", you MUST participate in a Silver, Gold or Platinum option or any combination of each. You must open yourself up to solitations, apply for credit cards or spend $250 to get a $50 gift card!