There’s no shortage of online survey websites and there’s real potential for extra cash. While it’s not a substitute for a full-time wage, survey sites can become a reliable way to earn a bit on the side. Whether you’re a university student, a parent squeezing in survey sessions after the kids are in bed, or simply looking to earn a little during your downtime, there are some golden rules to help you maximise your earnings and avoid common pitfalls. Here’s everything you need to know before jumping into the world of online surveys.
Set up a dedicated email address
Survey sites are known to send numerous emails, and having these flood your personal inbox can become overwhelming. Setting up a dedicated email keeps your survey invitations in one place, making it easy to check and access them quickly. This also ensures you don’t miss out, as surveys often close once enough responses have been gathered. Keeping survey invites separate from your daily emails means a more organised approach – no lost invitations buried under shopping promotions and family messages.
Try Gmail or Mail.com for a free email address.
Don’t pay to join survey sites
Legitimate survey sites should always be free. Some sites may promise the world – even a £100 payout – but with a hefty registration fee as high as £80. These promises are rarely fulfilled and are often scams. A genuine survey site will not ask for payment from its users, as it should be the companies who are paying you for your opinion, not the other way around.
Withdraw earnings as soon as you hit the threshold
Survey accounts are not banks. They don’t have the security measures or legal protections that traditional bank accounts do. If a survey company suddenly shuts down, there’s no guarantee that any accumulated earnings will be protected or refunded. For this reason, always withdraw your cash as soon as you reach the payout threshold. This way, you avoid any nasty surprises if a site closes unexpectedly. This also avoids the possibility of losing your earnings, should your account suddenly be restricted or banned (a common complaint on Review websites).
Don’t store gift vouchers for later use
When you choose to be paid in gift vouchers, spend them as soon as possible. Gift vouchers come with an expiration date and can be voided if the retailer goes out of business. By spending vouchers right away, you’re ensuring your hard-earned reward doesn’t vanish due to store closures or forgotten expiry dates.
“If the retailer goes into administration (and so tries to avoid collapse) it can continue to trade, but the administrator can and often will refuse to accept the voucher. If the retailer goes into liquidation (which closes it down) its assets will be distributed in accordance with a defined order of priority. Holders of gift vouchers rank as unsecured creditors, who are low on the list of priorities, so they often get little or nothing.” ~ UK Parliament
Keep a record of completed surveys
It’s a good idea to keep track of surveys you’ve completed, especially since not all survey sites are perfectly reliable in awarding points or cash. A simple log of survey titles, dates, and promised payment amounts can help you ensure you’re getting credit for your efforts. Taking screenshots and noting any reference numbers can also be useful in case there’s a dispute. If a survey payment is missing, reach out to the company; they’re often responsive to queries, especially on social media, where reputation is key.
Don’t misrepresent yourself
When filling out surveys, honesty is crucial. It might be tempting to pretend to fit a survey’s target profile, but most survey companies can spot inconsistencies, especially if they verify answers across surveys. Misrepresentation can result in the deletion of your account and the forfeiture of any accrued balance. Additionally, using two accounts on the same survey site to increase earnings is against most sites’ terms of service and could lead to a permanent ban.
Refer friends to boost your balance
Many survey sites offer bonuses for referring friends. This can be a quick way to push your balance over the withdrawal threshold, especially if you’re just short of the required amount. Some survey companies offer between 50p and £1 per referral, which can add up nicely over time. It’s also a way of sharing a money-making opportunity with friends, who might appreciate the extra cash themselves.
Don’t get stressed about screenouts
A common frustration among survey-takers is being ‘screened out’ – when you start a survey only to be told you don’t qualify. This is a common theme in negative reviews. While frustrating, it’s simply a part of survey-taking. Some companies are known for screening people out after several questions, which can feel like wasted time, but this is often balanced by other surveys that you do qualify for. Learning which companies have the highest screenout rates can help you focus on those that don’t waste too much of your time.
Be patient and consistent
Survey sites don’t usually offer instant riches. Instead, they reward consistency over time. Some weeks may be quiet, while others are more active, but steady participation will eventually yield results. While you might not reach payout thresholds in a day or even a week, sticking with it can lead to regular rewards. It’s a nice boost to your income, but persistence is key.
Don’t leave unredeemed points to fester
Some survey sites offer points instead of cash. These points usually convert to cash or vouchers, but only if redeemed. Don’t leave points idle, as some sites have expiry dates, meaning your unclaimed points could disappear. If you’re working towards a large payout, make sure your points remain valid or opt to cash out at a lower threshold to avoid losing them.
Check out multiple survey sites
Not all survey sites are equal. Some have better payouts, fewer screenouts, or more frequent surveys. By exploring a few different sites, you can see which suits you best, allowing you to make the most of your time. Experiment with sites offering other reward options too – some may have cashback options or partnerships that align well with your interests or spending habits.
We have reviewed the best survey sites for money here.
Keep your accounts active
Most survey sites have a minimum activity requirement to keep the account open. For example, Swagbucks requires that you “do at least one of the following every 12 months: (i) login to the Account; (ii) redeem rewards held in the Account; or (iii) post at least one (1) unit of reward earnings from new activity that the holder initiates on the Prodege Sites or Features.” Otherwise your account will be automatically closed. Make sure you don’t lose any of your accounts by leaving them untouched for too long.
Don’t let your frustrations build up
Survey-taking is meant to be an easy-going way to earn extra cash. While glitches and screenouts happen, try to keep it light. Remember that it’s supplemental income, not something to stress over. If one survey site becomes more frustrating than rewarding, try others. The internet has a wealth of options, and finding the right one can make a big difference to your experience.
Taking surveys can be a satisfying way to earn a bit extra, especially when following the dos and don’ts. By steering clear of scams, keeping things organised, and understanding the quirks of each site, you can make the most of online survey opportunities. While it might not buy a new car, the extra income can cover smaller treats, helping to make the most of your spare time.
