Like many people looking to earn extra cash online, I was skeptical at first. Can you really make money by filling out surveys? It sounded too good to be true—but curiosity got the best of me. One lazy weekend afternoon, I decided to give it a shot. A few months and many surveys later, I finally hit my first $100 milestone. Here’s exactly how I did it, what I learned, and how you can do it too.
Step 1: Researching Legitimate Survey Sites
Before diving in, I spent about an hour doing some basic research. I read user reviews, Reddit threads, and blog posts about which survey sites were legit and which were scams. The general advice was clear: avoid any site that asks for payment upfront.
I ended up signing up for the following platforms:
- Swagbucks
- InboxDollars
- Pinecone Research
- Toluna Influencers
- YouGov
Each had its own system, but they all offered cash or gift card rewards for survey participation.
Step 2: Setting Expectations
Let me be blunt: you won’t get rich from online surveys. But if you’re realistic about the time versus reward, it’s a solid way to make money in your spare moments. Most surveys paid between $0.25 and $2, though some rare ones paid up to $5 or more.
I decided to treat it like a side hobby—something to do while watching Netflix or during my commute.
Step 3: Creating a Survey Routine
Success came when I made it a habit. Here’s how I organized it:
- Morning (15 mins): Checked each app/site for new high-paying surveys.
- Lunch break (20 mins): Completed 2–3 surveys.
- Evening (30 mins): A mix of surveys and daily bonuses (watching ads, polls, etc.).
On average, I earned about $3 to $5 a day when I was consistent. Some days were dry, others more fruitful.
Step 4: Maximizing Earnings
I picked up a few tricks along the way:
- Use a dedicated email to avoid clutter in your primary inbox.
- Fill out profile questionnaires completely to qualify for more surveys.
- Join referral programs – I made $10 just by referring friends.
- Stack activities – watch videos or click-through ads while waiting for survey approvals.
Pinecone Research turned out to be the most consistent in terms of high-paying, short surveys, but Swagbucks had the most variety.
Step 5: The $100 Milestone
It took me just under two months of part-time effort to hit $100. I split the earnings like this:
- Swagbucks: $40 in PayPal cash
- InboxDollars: $25 check
- Pinecone Research: $20 in gift cards
- YouGov and Toluna: $15 Amazon voucher
Seeing that money actually land in my account was more satisfying than I expected—it made the time feel worth it.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for fast cash, surveys might not be the answer. But if you’re patient, consistent, and like the idea of passive earnings during downtime, it’s a great low-effort side hustle. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about getting paid for your opinions.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. And with smarter strategies, I’m confident the next $100 will come even faster.
Pro Tip: Always cash out as soon as you reach the minimum threshold—some platforms are slow to pay or might deactivate inactive accounts.
Have you tried online surveys? Let me know how it went or drop your favorite survey site in the comments!