If you’ve been browsing ways to make a little extra money online, you may have come across Survey Junkie. It markets itself as a simple way to get paid for your opinions. The key question though is this: Is it legit?
In this article we’ll walk through how it works, what you can realistically earn, and whether it’s worth your time.
How Survey Junkie Works
Survey Junkie is a marketplace that connects you to companies doing market research. After signing up, you complete a profile with your demographics and interests, then you get survey invitations that match your profile. If you qualify, you complete the survey and earn points. After amassing a certain amount of points, you can redeem them for cash via PayPal, bank transfer, or electronic gift cards.
Points convert at the rate of 100 points = $1 and you typically must reach a minimum threshold (for example about 500 points = $5) before cashing out.
Realistic Earnings and Timeline
Let’s talk about what you can expect, and when. Most sources agree this is not a path to big income, but it might serve as a small side-earning tool. For example:
- Typical users can earn between $5-$20 per month with regular use.
- Surveys often pay as little as 20 cents or as much as a few dollars each; however, many participants do not meet eligibility requirements and are disqualified during screening.
- You can put in as many hours as you would at a part time job, and still only earn a few dollars per day.
There are several factors that impact how much you can earn. Your demographic profile is a big one, since some groups get more surveys. Earning potential also depends on how often you check the platform and take surveys, and how many surveys you qualify for (disqualifications reduce earning). Finally, the time each survey takes – some may only be a few questions, but others may take you an hour or more.
If you spend 10-20 minutes on a survey that pays $1, that could equal roughly $3-$6 per hour. Yeah, they say you can make big bucks… but it’s still far less than typical minimum wage in many areas. In short, this can be spare change money but not a substitute for a job.
Is It Legit? The Verdict
Yes, Survey Junkie is legit in the sense that it pays users for completed surveys and does not appear to be a scam. Multiple independent reviews also state its legitimacy clearly. The company is free to join, you are not required to pay anything upfront, and the site does release payments in exchange for taking enough surveys.
That said, you should also understand the limitations and be aware of potential frustrations. First, you aren’t going to qualify for all surveys and may spend a lot of time being screened out. Also, most surveys pay very little for the time invested. The volume of available surveys can fluctuate, and you may have quiet periods. There are also added headaches of glitchy verification steps, and slow payouts in certain cases.
Here are a few quick tips to use it wisely if you choose to try:
- Complete your profile fully and accurately to increase eligibility for surveys.
- Check often for new surveys rather than only occasionally.
- Treat it as a side activity for small earnings rather than reliable income.
- Cash out as soon as you hit the threshold rather than letting points sit.
If you’re looking for a free, easy way to earn a few extra dollars in your spare time, then Survey Junkie is a reasonable option. It is legit, it works as advertised, and you can redeem real money.
On the other hand, if you are hoping for a substantial income or full-time earnings, or even just a dependable monthly paycheck, this is not it. Instead, think of it as something you might use while waiting in line, during transit, or while relaxing at home.