How to make quick cash with online surveys

Online surveys are a great way to make a little extra money. Recently, I cashed in some survey points and got about $400 in restaurant gift cards, grocery gift cards, and even some checks. So if you want to spend a few extra minutes each week to get a free meal, here are some sites to try out:

MyPoints – This is one of my favorites because it’s so simple to use. Sign up for an account and earn 5 points for every e-mail you read. In addition, hundreds of stores are connected to MyPoints (including NetFlix, eBay, and more!) If you purchase online from these stores, purchase through the MyPoints website and you’ll earn points for every $1 you spend. Points can be traded in for gift cards. I’ve used mine to get numerous free meals at Chili’s, Macaroni Grill, and more.

LightSpeed Panel – Another one of my favorites. They send out a lot of surveys and you can earn points quickly to trade for gift cards.

TestSpin - They send out TONS of surveys (I’m not kidding – you might even feel spammed!) Each one pays at least $1, often more, so they’re worth it. But warning: it’s really tough to qualify. Usually, I take the “screener” questions and get rejected.

Global Test Market - Earn marketpoints that can be traded for cash.

ESearch - They pay you on PayPal, which is nice.

Greenfield Online – This one will spam you with surveys. Each e-mail will tell you if the survey is worth $$ or just a sweepstakes entry. If you join this group, don’t bother taking the sweepstakes ones. Every now and then, they offer cash surveys worth $5 to $50. It’s worth it for those moments. Plus, it can pay through PayPal – an added bonus.

American Consumer Opinion - The payments aren’t huge, but they can add up over time. Includes drawings and money for longer surveys.

Amplitude Research - Payment comes in the form of gift cards. This one doesn’t send out many surveys.

Clear Voice Surveys - Another one that you trade in points for gift cards. Sometimes these are harder to be eligible for.

Global Opinion  Panels - These tend to be mostly point rewards and sweepstakes entries. But every now and then you might get one that pays.

HCD Surveys – Interesting surveys. I’ve received several reviewing videos about politicians’ speeches.

iThink – Payments are usually smaller (some are only a dollar!), but you get your checks quickly and automatically. No requests are necessary!

Mindfield - Earn money through surveys. I haven’t qualified for as many with this one, but they pay quickly.

Socratic Forum – State-of-the-art web-based surveys about the hottest new technologies and software.

ZoomPanel - OK, this one is my least favorites. They send lots of surveys and your points add up quickly. But you can only use the points to “purchase” items from their gift store – and gift cards or money aren’t among the choices.