13 Companies That Will Pay You Just to Use the Internet

If you’re interested in making some additional money without committing to a regular part-time job, the internet is full of unique opportunities to work flexibly. With an internet connection, you can piece together various part-time activities. This could include renting out a room on Airbnb, completing errands or shopping for others via apps like TaskRabbit, DoorDash, or Instacart, or even buying and reselling goods (or selling your own used items) on sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or other niche sites.

But your potential to earn online doesn’t stop at part-time gigs and reselling. Innovative technologies, creative start-ups, and the ongoing efforts of marketers to understand consumer behavior open up even more avenues. Some websites will pay you for activities you do online, like web searches, taking surveys, or doing in-depth online research. If you have spare time and are curious about who these companies are, you could potentially earn a significant amount of extra money or possibly hundreds of dollars in gift cards every month.

Many of these companies are interested in tracking your online habits to help their clients target ads more effectively to your demographic. However, this means that not everyone will be eligible for every program. Some programs may target specific groups, like men aged 25-34 in a certain area or income range.

It’s still worth considering these opportunities. So, relax, open your web browser, and explore the various ways you can earn money simply by surfing the internet.

1. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is all about earning money by taking surveys. The signup process is free, and it quickly connects you to relevant surveys offered by various companies. Participating in these surveys earns you virtual points, which can be converted into PayPal funds or electronic gift cards.

The amount you can earn varies. You typically receive between 100 and 200 points for each survey. To cash out your points, you need to reach a threshold of 1,000 points, worth $10. So, you could make $10 by completing about five surveys. While this isn’t a large sum, the ease of the task makes it a worthwhile option for easy earnings.

2. Swagbucks

This site will pay you for simply using the internet, without requiring much from you.

Here’s how it works: After signing up for Swagbucks, you install their search bar on your computer. Then, you start earning points by shopping online, watching selected videos, searching the web, and completing surveys. When you’ve accumulated a lot of points, you can trade them for gift cards at well-known stores like Amazon and Walmart.

It’s true that Swagbucks offers gift cards instead of cash but these Amazon gift cards can effectively be converted into cash with a bit of creativity. For instance, you could use Walmart gift cards to buy groceries, thereby saving money on your grocery expenses.

3. Nielsen

Nielsen, a well-known global market research company, helps businesses understand consumer behavior and trends. You can earn money through Nielsen by using their Computer and Mobile Panel service.

The process is straightforward: sign up, install the app on your registered devices, and then use the internet as usual. The app runs discreetly in the background, gathering data about your internet and mobile usage and sending this information to Nielsen. This data is then used to inform Nielsen’s clients.

4, Opinion Outpost

The saying goes that everyone has opinions, and Opinion Outpost values yours enough to pay for them. By responding to surveys and answering questions on their platform, you can make money. This counters the notion that your opinions are worthless.

Getting started is simple: sign up using your email or a social media account. Once registered, you’ll be chosen for surveys that you can complete in return for cash or gift cards to places like iTunes and Amazon.

5. User Testing

User Testing is another site where your opinions can earn you money. This platform is trusted by over 34,000 customers and companies globally to gain insights into marketing strategies and consumer thoughts.

The sign-up process is free and straightforward. By visiting websites or trying out new apps, you can earn $10 per task. The more campaigns you participate in, the more you can earn. Each task, usually taking 20 minutes or less, pays $10. It’s an easy and efficient way to make extra money.

6. mobileXpression

By installing their app and answering various questions, you become eligible for a range of prizes and free merchandise. Simply install the app on a compatible device and continue using the internet as you usually would. In return, you can earn rewards ranging from Amazon gift cards to electronics like iPads or flat-screen TVs.

To participate, you need a device compatible with their software and to meet the program’s requirements. Once set up, the software operates in the background, analyzing your usage patterns without requiring any extra effort from you.

7. Inbox Dollars

Inbox Dollars, on the other hand, pays you for activities you might already enjoy, like watching online videos. Besides video watching, you can earn money by taking surveys, reading emails, playing games, shopping online, and even searching the web.

According to their website, its users have collectively earned over $60 million. Signing up is free and straightforward: you provide your email, create a password, and you even receive a $5 bonus for joining. The amount of money you can earn depends on the number of tasks you complete.

8. MyPoints

MyPoints.com is yet another site offering cash-back for online shopping and printing coupons. If you’re already an avid online shopper, MyPoints can be particularly beneficial. You earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for gift cards and more.

You also have the chance to win an Amazon gift card or immediately earn one by spending at least $10 at selected online stores like Walmart.com, Target.com, or Amazon.com. Using MyPoints for your regular shopping is a smart way to earn rewards simultaneously.

9. Qmee

Qmee provides an experience similar to Swagbucks for earning money online. By installing the Qmee browser app, you can make money just by using the internet as you normally do.

The process involves clicking on certain search results to collect rewards. Qmee is compatible with various popular sites, including Google, eBay, and Amazon, expanding the scope of earning opportunities while you browse.

10. Appen

Appen hires individuals to work as web search evaluators, where contributors engage in projects to evaluate the performance of search engines and advertisements. Appen also opens roles for social media evaluators.

To be eligible, contributors should have a computer that’s less than three years old, high-speed internet, and a thorough understanding of technology, social media, and search engines.

The process to start includes an initial screening and a qualification exam. For those who qualify, Appen offers an average daily workload of about four hours. The company provides bilingual work opportunities as well, catering to those who are proficient in multiple languages.

11. Microsoft Rewards

When you use Bing for your web searches, shop at the Microsoft Store online, or purchase digital content from the Xbox store, you can earn points. These points can be accumulated and then redeemed for various rewards, such as gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and even donations to charitable organizations.

The program is simple to join and use. You sign up with your Microsoft account, and you automatically start earning points for activities you might already be doing, like searching the web using Bing or making purchases. Microsoft Rewards also offers fun quizzes and polls that not only provide a chance to earn more points but also make the experience engaging and informative.

One of the unique aspects of Microsoft Rewards is its integration with Xbox. Gamers can earn points by purchasing games, movies, and more from the Xbox store, enhancing the value of their gaming experience.

12. Ask Wonder

Ask Wonder is a research service where clients submit questions on various topics, and freelance researchers provide detailed, well-researched answers. It’s a platform for those who need expert-level research on specific subjects, ranging from market trends to academic topics.

As a researcher on Ask Wonder, you take on these questions, conducting thorough research to compile comprehensive and accurate responses. The work involves analyzing information from credible sources, synthesizing data, and presenting findings in a clear, concise manner.

13. Branded Surveys

This is an online platform where users can earn money by participating in market research surveys. Businesses and organizations use these surveys to gather consumer opinions and preferences. When you sign up, you’re matched with surveys that fit your demographics and interests.

Completing these surveys earns you points, which can be redeemed for cash (usually via PayPal), gift cards, or other types of virtual currency. The surveys vary in topic and length, encompassing various industries like consumer products and healthcare.

Using Websites to Get Paid to Use the Internet

If you want to earn some extra cash, the internet provides numerous options, more than many people might expect. Simply by engaging in activities like answering surveys, watching television, or doing regular online shopping, you can accumulate real cash rewards or, at the very least, gift cards that can be spent on items you want.

Every site we’ve mentioned is free to sign up for, though not everyone will qualify for every opportunity. Nonetheless, if you’re interested in earning some nearly free money for activities you’d do anyway, it’s an attractive proposition.