As a consultant dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs generate additional income streams, I‘m often asked about paid online survey sites like Survey Junkie.
In this article, we will learn if Survey Junkie is legit or a scam. Let us take a look.
A Quick Background on Survey Junkie
Founded in 2005 in Idaho, Survey Junkie is one of the largest, most established survey sites with over 6 million registered users. According to Survey Junkie‘s website, the platform has paid out over $50 million in cash rewards.
To put Survey Junkie‘s scale into perspective, here is how it compares to top competitors:
- Survey Junkie has over 2x as many users as Swagbucks, and over 3x as many as InboxDollars.
- Survey Junkie conducts 3 million surveys per month, compared to just 500,000 for Opinion Outpost.
- Survey Junkie has maintained an A rating with the Better Business Bureau since 2013.
Clearly, Survey Junkie dominates the paid online survey space in terms of size, user base, and reputation. But is it a legitimate way to earn money? Let‘s analyze further.
Inside the Survey Taking Process
The sign-up process for Survey Junkie is quick and secure. You simply provide your email, create a password, and complete a short profile. The site uses encryption and will not ask for any sensitive financial information.
Once signed up, you can browse available surveys on topics spanning entertainment, retail shopping, public opinions, brand experiences, and more. Each survey will display the estimated completion time and points awarded.
Here is a breakdown of how Survey Junkie‘s points system works:
- Surveys under 10 mins earn ~25 points or $0.25
- Surveys from 10-20 mins earn ~75 points or $0.75
- Surveys over 20 mins earn ~150 points or $1.50
So completing just 2 or 3 surveys in an hour could easily earn $1 – $3. Not huge earnings, but consistent.
When you reach the minimum payout of 500 points ($5), you can redeem your points for cash via Paypal or popular gift card options. Many users report quickly receiving payments within days of requesting them.
Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Survey Junkie
Based on my research, here is an overview of the advantages and potential drawbacks of using Survey Junkie:
Pros
- Well-established site with excellent reputation
- Huge number of surveys available each month
- Easy to sign up and cash out rewards
- Rewards structure is clear and transparent
Cons
- Inconsistent survey availability depending on demographics
- Lower earnings ceiling compared to some sites ($10 – $50 monthly)
- Can be tedious or frustrating at times
- Accounts can be temporarily frozen if inactive
The biggest downside is that earnings will realistically max out around $50 per month for active users. Survey Junkie is better suited for secondary income rather than replacing a full-time job.
Tips to Maximize Earnings from Survey Junkie
Here are some expert tips to help you earn more rewards from Survey Junkie:
- Check new surveys frequently – availability changes daily
- Complete your entire user profile for better targeting
- Take surveys on both desktop and mobile when possible
- Provide honest, thoughtful answers to screening questions
- Cash out consistently to stay motivated – don‘t let points expire!
Real-Life Examples of Survey Junkie Payments
To give you a better idea of how real users earn income through Survey Junkie, here are a few examples:
"I make around $20-25 per month in Amazon and Target gift cards. I usually spend 30-60 minutes every evening taking surveys on my phone while watching TV." – Lucas D., 25 years old
"In the past 3 months I‘ve earned $107 in PayPal cash from Survey Junkie! I try to set aside time on weekends to take surveys. It‘s become a nice source for extra spending money." – Julia T., 36 years old
"I signed up for Survey Junkie on a friend‘s recommendation. In 2 months I earned over $75 in rewards that I used towards my cell phone bill. For just a little time each week it‘s worth it for me." – Ryan S., 55 years old
While individual earnings vary based on survey activity, these examples demonstrate it is possible to earn steady rewards. Just don‘t expect it to replace your regular income!
Legitimate Survey Site Alternatives
If you‘re looking for additional paid survey sites similar to Survey Junkie, here are some other legitimate options:
- Swagbucks – Popular rewards site with cashouts starting at just $3
- InboxDollars – Earn by taking surveys, playing games, shopping online
- Opinion Outpost – Focused solely on online surveys, no distracting activities
- Toluna – Offers product testing in addition to paid surveys
I suggest signing up for 2-3 sites to maximize your survey and earnings opportunities.
Final Verdict: Survey Junkie is 100% Legitimate
In my professional opinion as a business consultant, Survey Junkie is absolutely a legitimate way to earn modest cash and rewards during your spare time. It is not a scam or get-rich-quick scheme, but provides a real opportunity to earn extra income.
Millions of people have earned over $50 million collectively from Survey Junkie because it delivers on its promises. Just focus on taking surveys consistently, cash out earnings regularly, and don‘t rely on it as your sole income stream.
For working professionals, stay-at-home parents, students or anyone else with some downtime, Survey Junkie can be a great hassle-free option for earning supplemental cash. Give it a try and see for yourself!
