Make Money · Scorecard
Survey & App Scorecard
An honest look at popular survey, reward and gig apps — what they take, how they pay, and what to watch out for.
Survey and reward apps won’t replace a paycheck, but some can fill small gaps — a gift card for groceries, a little PayPal cash, points toward gas. Gig apps can pay more but come with real costs.
This scorecard compares well-known names on effort, payout methods and common complaints. Terms, thresholds and availability change often and can vary by country, so always check each app’s current terms before signing up.
Survey & research apps
| App | Typical effort | Payout methods | Payout threshold | Payout speed | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prolific | Low–medium (academic studies) | PayPal (check current options) | Low | Usually quick once approved | Studies are from researchers; clear time estimates; respectful of your time | May have a waitlist; study availability varies a lot |
| Survey Junkie | Medium | PayPal, gift cards | Low | Often within days | Simple interface; low cash-out minimum | Frequent screen-outs partway through surveys |
| Swagbucks | Medium–high | Gift cards, PayPal | Low | Days to a couple of weeks | Many ways to earn (surveys, shopping cashback, offers) | Easy to spend lots of time for little; offers can push spending |
| YouGov | Low–medium | Varies by country (gift cards, cash options) | High | Slow to reach payout | Interesting opinion polls; reputable research firm | Points build slowly; payout can take months |
| Ipsos iSay | Medium | Gift cards and other options by region | Medium | Varies | Large, established research company | Screen-outs are common; rewards are modest |
| Pinecone Research | Low–medium | PayPal, gift cards (check current terms) | Low | Usually reasonable | Product testing and well-regarded surveys | Invitation-based; sign-ups open only occasionally |
| InboxDollars | Medium–high | PayPal, gift cards | Medium | Can be slow | Long-running; several earning methods | Offers can require purchases or trials; read fee terms for certain payout types |
| UserTesting | Medium (screen + voice) | PayPal | Low | Typically within a couple of weeks | Pays per completed test; you give real feedback on sites and apps | Screeners are competitive; you must speak your thoughts aloud |
Cashback & reward apps
| App | Typical effort | Payout methods | Payout threshold | Payout speed | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibotta | Low (with shopping you already do) | PayPal, bank transfer or gift cards (check current) | Medium | Fairly quick once reached | Cash back on groceries and everyday items | Only helps if you’d buy those items anyway |
| Fetch | Very low (scan receipts) | Gift cards | Low | Fast | Any receipt earns something; very easy | Points are small; gift cards only |
| Freecash | Medium–high | PayPal, gift cards, crypto (check current) | Low | Often fast | Low minimums; many offer types | Game and app offers can take many hours; offers sometimes fail to track |
Gig & task apps
| App | Typical effort | Payout methods | Payout threshold | Payout speed | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash (Dasher) | High (driving/biking) | Direct deposit; instant cash-out options | Low | Weekly or instant (fees may apply) | Flexible hours; start fairly quickly in many areas | Gas, car wear and taxes; pay varies by market and time |
| Instacart (Shopper) | High (shopping + delivery) | Direct deposit; instant cash-out options | Low | Weekly or instant (fees may apply) | Tips can help; you choose batches | Heavy orders; vehicle costs; busy-time competition |
| Uber (rides & Eats) | High | Direct deposit; instant cash-out options | Low | Weekly or instant (fees may apply) | Widely available; flexible | Vehicle requirements; insurance questions; wear and tear |
| TaskRabbit | Medium–high (hands-on tasks) | Direct deposit | Low | After task completion | You set your own rates; good for handy skills | Registration fee in some areas; competitive in big cities |
| Rover | Medium (pet sitting/walking) | Via platform after service | Low | Shortly after service | Great for animal lovers; you set rates | Platform takes a service fee; responsibility for pets |
Scam red flags for survey and reward apps
Tips to get more out of these apps
- Use a separate email address just for survey and reward sites to keep your main inbox clean.
- Fill out your profile surveys completely — they help you get matched to surveys you qualify for.
- Answer honestly and consistently. Many sites ban accounts for rushing or contradictory answers.
- Cash out as soon as you hit the minimum instead of letting points pile up.
- For gig apps, track mileage from day one — it can matter at tax time.
- Read our guide: Legit survey sites that actually pay.