Looking for a way to pad your wallet a bit? You’re not alone. Lots of Aussies are checking out online surveys to make money in Australia, and it’s not as complicated as you might think. Forget those get-rich-quick schemes; this is about earning a bit of extra cash in your downtime. We’ve looked into some of the better options out there this year, so you don’t have to waste your time on ones that don’t pay out.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on a few reliable survey sites rather than signing up for dozens. This helps you reach payout thresholds faster.
- Don’t expect to get rich; surveys are best for earning a bit of extra cash, not a full-time income.
- Always check if a survey site is legitimate. Reputable ones are free to join and have clear privacy policies.
- Your demographic profile matters. The more you fit what companies are looking for, the more surveys you’ll get.
- Be patient. Earning rewards takes time, and some sites have longer payout times than others.
1. Ipsos iSay
Ipsos iSay is a big name in the online survey world, and for good reason. It’s run by Ipsos, a global market research company that’s been around since way back in 1975. So, they’ve got a lot of experience, and thousands of Aussies are already signed up and earning points.
Joining is pretty straightforward. You just need to register on their website, fill out your details, and confirm your email. After that, keep an eye on your inbox for survey invitations. They cover all sorts of topics, so there’s usually something interesting to give your opinion on.
The points you earn can be swapped for real rewards, which is the best part. You can get gift cards for places like Coles or Woolworths, or even get cash sent straight to your PayPal account. Generally, 100 points equals about a dollar, and most surveys take between 10 to 25 minutes. It’s a pretty clear system, no confusing tricks.
Here’s a quick look at how the points stack up:
- 100 Points: Roughly equivalent to $1 AUD.
- Survey Duration: Typically 10-25 minutes.
- Earning Rate: Around 10 points per minute, according to Ipsos iSay’s estimates.
- Redemption: Points can be redeemed for eGift cards (e.g., $10, $20, $50) or PayPal cash.
It’s a good idea to fill out your profile completely when you sign up. This helps Ipsos iSay match you with more relevant surveys, meaning you’re less likely to get screened out and waste your time. Being a consistent participant really pays off in the long run.
2. Surveyz
Surveyz is another platform that lets you earn a bit of extra cash by sharing your opinions. They’ve got a bit of a unique approach, asking you to link your main bank accounts through Consumer Data Right (CDR) powered by Mastercard Open Banking. Don’t worry, they say it’s all secure and government-regulated, and your personal info isn’t shared. The idea is that by looking at de-identified spending patterns, they can match you to more relevant surveys and even offer double pay.
It’s all about getting paid for your say, and Surveyz aims to make it straightforward. You’re already giving your opinions to mates, so why not get paid for it? They reckon you can earn money online in Australia with their surveys, and you can download their app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Here’s a quick rundown of how it generally works:
- Sign up: Create an account on the Surveyz platform.
- Link accounts (optional but recommended): Connect your bank accounts via CDR for potentially more surveys and better pay.
- Complete your profile: Fill out your details so they can match you to surveys.
- Take surveys: Answer questions on various topics.
- Earn rewards: Get paid for your completed surveys.
They’re trying to make market research a bit more personalised by understanding spending habits, which could mean fewer irrelevant surveys for you. It’s a different way to approach paid surveys, focusing on data to improve the matching process.
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money on the side, Surveyz is definitely worth a look. It’s a way to get paid for your opinions, and they’ve got a secure system in place to handle your data. You can find out more about how they operate on their FAQs page if you’re curious about the CDR system.
3. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a pretty well-known name in the online survey world, and for good reason. It’s been around for a while, operating in Australia for over 8 years, and has a solid reputation. They describe themselves as an ‘online market research community’, which basically means they connect people like us with companies that want to know what we think.
Signing up is straightforward. You’ll need to register, then fill out a general profile. Completing this profile thoroughly is key to getting more survey invites. It helps them match you with surveys you’re actually likely to qualify for. Once you’re in, you’ll start receiving survey invitations. The surveys cover a bunch of different topics, so it’s usually something interesting to do when you have a spare moment.
When it comes to getting paid, Survey Junkie uses a points system. You earn points for each survey you complete, and these points can be redeemed for cash. The conversion is pretty simple: 1 point equals 1 cent. So, 500 points gets you $5. The minimum payout threshold is 500 points, which is quite accessible. You can get your earnings sent to you via PayPal, usually within 1-3 days of cashing out. This low threshold is a big plus, meaning you don’t have to wait ages to see some cash in your account.
Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up:
- Points System: Simple and clear, 1 point = 1 cent.
- Payout Threshold: A low $5 (500 points) minimum, which is great for getting paid sooner.
- Reward Options: Primarily PayPal transfers, offering direct cash.
- Survey Availability: Generally good, with various topics and weekly opportunities.
While Survey Junkie offers a straightforward way to earn a bit of extra cash, it’s important to remember that the earnings per hour can vary. It’s best to view this as a way to supplement your income rather than a primary source of money. Be patient, as it can take a number of surveys to reach that $5 payout.
One thing to note is that PayPal is the only reward option available. Some people might prefer gift cards, but for most, getting cash directly is perfectly fine. Also, while there are plenty of surveys, you won’t qualify for every single one, which is standard for most survey sites. You might find that it takes completing around 8-12 surveys to hit that $5 minimum, so keep that in mind. You can find out more about their cash out process on their site.
4. Opinion World
Opinion World is a pretty well-known name in the online survey game, and for good reason. It’s run by Dynata, a big market research company, so you know it’s legit. Loads of Aussies sign up each year to share their thoughts and get a bit of cash back for it.
Signing up is pretty straightforward. You just need to give them your basic details like name, postcode, age, and gender, agree to their terms, and you’re good to go. They’ll start sending you surveys based on your profile.
The points system is easy to get your head around: 500 points equals $10. So, if you do a survey that gives you 50 points, that’s about a dollar for your time. Most surveys take between 15 to 30 minutes, so you can do the maths on that. They also offer rewards like Flexi eGift cards and Uber vouchers, which is a nice touch.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:
- Rewards: PayPal transfers, Flexi eGift cards, Uber vouchers.
- Points to Cash: 500 points = $10.
- Survey Length: Typically 15-30 minutes.
- Payout Threshold: Around $10 (500 points).
One thing to keep in mind is that it can take a little while to rack up enough points for a payout. You’re looking at needing about 2,000 points for a $20 reward, so you’ll need to complete a fair few surveys. But, they do have a steady stream of surveys coming through, so if you’re consistent, it’s definitely doable.
It’s a solid option if you’re looking for a reliable platform to earn a bit of extra cash. The rewards are clear, and the company behind it is reputable, which gives you peace of mind.
5. LifePoints
LifePoints is a pretty well-known name in the online survey game, and for good reason. It’s run by Lightspeed, which is part of a massive market research company, so they’ve got some serious backing and experience. They’ve been around for ages, and they’ve got a presence right here in Australia, with an office in Sydney, which is a nice touch.
So, how does it work? You sign up, fill out your profile – and make sure you do this properly, it helps them send you surveys you’ll actually qualify for – and then you start taking surveys. For your time, you earn ‘LifePoints’.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Joining is straightforward: Just register with your email, verify it, and then complete your profile. You even get some points just for finishing your profile, which is a nice little bonus.
- Earning potential: They reckon you can make around $3 to $5 an hour if you’re constantly doing surveys. It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s a bit of extra cash.
- Redeeming your points: You can swap your LifePoints for different things. They offer gift cards for places like Coles, or you can get cash sent to you via PayPal. The minimum to cash out is usually around 550 LifePoints for a $5 Coles voucher, and the points usually show up pretty quickly after you finish a survey.
It’s important to remember that not every survey will be a perfect fit. You might get screened out sometimes, which can be a bit frustrating, but that’s just part of how these survey sites operate. The key is to keep your profile updated and respond to invitations promptly.
They’ve got a pretty clear system: generally, 1 LifePoint is worth about 1 cent. Surveys can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, and the points you earn will vary depending on the survey’s length and complexity. It’s a solid option if you’re looking to fill in some downtime and earn a little extra.
6. Empowered Surveys
Empowered Surveys is an Australian-owned platform that’s been around since 2017, run by a Sydney-based company. It’s a pretty straightforward way to earn a bit of extra cash by sharing your opinions. Hundreds of Aussies sign up each month, and it seems to be a reliable place to get paid for your time.
The points system is easy to get your head around: 100 points usually equals $1. Surveys typically take between 10 to 25 minutes to complete, and they estimate you can earn about 10 points per minute. So, if you’re doing a 20-minute survey, you might get around 200 points for it.
Here’s a quick look at how you can cash in:
- Gift Cards: You can get eGift cards from popular retailers through Prezzee. The minimum to redeem is usually a $20 card, which costs 2,000 points.
- PayPal: If you prefer cash, PayPal transfers are an option. A $50 PayPal voucher might set you back about 5,700 points.
- Charities: Some sites let you donate your earnings, and while not explicitly mentioned for Empowered Surveys, it’s a common option on similar platforms.
Signing up is simple enough:
- Head over to their website and register.
- Fill in your personal details.
- Provide and verify your email address.
While it might not have the longest history compared to some giants in the survey world, Empowered Surveys focuses on the Australian market. This means the rewards and surveys are often more relevant to local users, which is a nice touch. They’re owned by GrowthOps Ltd, a Sydney company, so it feels a bit more personal.
It’s worth noting that while they offer a good variety of surveys and reward options, earning enough for the minimum redemption can take a little while. For example, getting that $20 gift card means completing surveys that add up to 2,000 points. But hey, every little bit counts, right?
7. Surveyeah
Surveyeah is another platform that lets you earn a bit of extra cash by sharing your opinions. It’s been around since about 2014 and has a presence in Australia, though it’s more widely known in Europe where it’s based. They describe themselves as a panel provider with members all over the world, and you’re known as a ‘Panelist’ when you join.
Getting started is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to sign up, answer some questions to build your profile, and then you can start taking surveys.
- Sign up on their website.
- Fill out your personal details and interests.
- Wait for survey invitations to come through.
- Complete surveys to earn rewards.
The payment system is generally clear, with rewards credited after you finish a survey. However, it’s worth noting that some users find the number of available surveys can be a bit limited compared to other sites. This means it might take a little while to build up your balance to the minimum payout threshold. The minimum you can cash out is $10 for an Amazon voucher, but if you want to get paid via PayPal, you’ll need to have accumulated $34.
While Surveyeah offers a few different ways to get your earnings, like PayPal and vouchers, the amount you earn per survey can be on the lower side. This means you might need to complete quite a few to reach the cash-out limit, so patience is key here.
8. Market Agent
Market Agent is one of those survey platforms based in Europe, and it’s been around since 2000. Australians can join, but honestly, there aren’t loads of surveys available compared to some more local options. The point system is simple—every survey tells you upfront how many points you get, and you can see what that adds up to in dollars. But you might find yourself waiting a while before you hit the payout mark.
Here’s a quick summary of how Market Agent works for survey-takers in Australia:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Time per survey | 10–25 minutes |
| Points per survey | 5–100+ points |
| Point value | 1 point ≈ 1.6 cents |
| Minimum payout | 1,000 points ($16.44 via PayPal) |
| Payout speed | 1–3 days (once you redeem) |
| Payment method | PayPal only |
Pros:
- Simple and clear points system, so you always know where you stand.
- Low payout threshold compared to some other sites—$16.44 gets sent to your PayPal within a few days.
- Owned by a well-known market research company (based in Germany).
Cons:
- Not enough regular survey invites for Australians, so your earning speed is pretty slow.
- You need to do 10–25 surveys just to reach the cashout point most times.
- There are no gift card or other options—PayPal is your only payout method.
Some users have had mixed experiences with Market Agent. One thing is clear: if you want frequent invitations, you might want to stick to other platforms or combine this with another site like other well-reviewed survey options.
Basically, Market Agent is worth considering if you’re keen to try something extra on the side, but don’t expect stacks of surveys coming your way every week. It can be a set-and-forget side hustle where you check in every so often to see if there’s anything worth your time.
9. Nielsen
Nielsen is a big name in market research, and they have a couple of ways for Aussies to get involved and earn a bit of extra cash. They’re known for their panels, which are a bit different from your typical survey sites.
They’re particularly interested in understanding consumer behaviour and media consumption.
Nielsen operates a few different panels:
- Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel: This one involves installing their software on your devices (computer, tablet, smartphone). It tracks your internet usage anonymously, helping Nielsen understand online trends. You get rewarded for keeping the software active.
- Nielsen (IRI) Shopper Panel: This panel focuses on your grocery shopping habits. You scan your receipts or connect your loyalty cards to track what you buy. It’s a way for Nielsen to see what people are purchasing in supermarkets.
It’s not exactly about answering heaps of questions like other sites. Instead, it’s more about letting Nielsen gather data on your digital habits or shopping patterns over time. The rewards might not be huge per survey, but if you’re consistent, it can add up.
The key to getting the most out of Nielsen is to be a consistent participant. They value long-term data, so sticking with their panels and providing the information they need regularly is how you’ll see the rewards come through. It’s less about quick cash and more about steady, passive earning for sharing your data.
Payouts usually come in the form of gift cards or sometimes direct credits, depending on the specific panel and Nielsen’s current offers. It’s worth checking out their Australian site to see which panels are currently recruiting and what the specific reward structures are.
10. IRI Shopper Panel
IRI Shopper Panel is a bit different from your typical survey site. Instead of just answering questions, you’re often asked to scan your shopping receipts or track your purchases. This helps them understand consumer behaviour on a deeper level. It’s a great way to get paid for something you’re already doing – shopping!
Joining up is pretty straightforward. You’ll usually need to sign up on their website and then download an app or follow instructions to start submitting your purchase data. They often have different panels or studies you can join, so it’s worth checking what’s available.
Here’s a general idea of how it works:
- Sign Up: Register your details on the IRI Shopper Panel website.
- Choose a Panel: Select the study or panel that best fits your shopping habits.
- Track Purchases: Use their app or website to log your grocery or other purchases, often by scanning barcodes or receipts.
- Earn Rewards: Accumulate points or entries into prize draws for your participation.
While surveys are part of the mix, the core of IRI Shopper Panel is about your actual shopping habits. This means you might get fewer direct survey invitations compared to other sites, but the rewards can be quite good for the effort involved. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for diverse ways to earn, and you can find more information about their earning opportunities on their platform.
Participating in panels like IRI Shopper Panel often requires a bit more commitment than just clicking through surveys. You’re providing real-world data that companies use to make decisions about products and services. Because of this, they tend to value consistent participants and offer rewards that reflect that contribution.
Wrapping Up Your Survey Journey
So, there you have it. Making a bit of extra cash online through surveys in Australia is totally doable. It’s not going to make you rich overnight, that’s for sure, but it’s a decent way to use up some spare time and get a few extra dollars in your pocket. Remember, the key is to stick with a few good sites rather than signing up for everything under the sun. Focus on the ones that pay well and have a good reputation, like Ipsos i-Say or Nielsen. Keep your profile updated, answer honestly, and you’ll start seeing those survey invites roll in. Good luck out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I actually get paid for doing surveys?
Most survey sites will pay you using PayPal or by sending you gift cards for popular Australian shops. Some might even let you get cash straight into your bank account. Just keep in mind, you won’t get rich doing this – it’s more for a bit of extra pocket money.
How much money can I expect to earn?
The amount you earn depends on the survey company and how long the survey is. Some surveys might give you a few dollars, others less. It’s not a full-time job replacement, so think of it as earning a bit extra in your spare time.
How often will I get survey offers?
This really varies. Some companies might send you a few surveys each week, while others might only send a couple each month. That’s why many Aussies sign up for a few different survey sites to get more chances.
Is it safe to give my personal details?
Generally, it’s safe if you stick to well-known and trusted survey sites. Always have a quick read of their privacy policy before you give them any sensitive info. If a site feels dodgy, it’s best to steer clear.
Do I have to pay to join a survey site?
Nope, definitely not! Any legitimate survey company will let you join for free. If a site asks you to pay money upfront, it’s a big red flag and likely a scam.
Can I sign up for more than one survey site?
Absolutely! Signing up for several survey companies at once is a smart move. It means you’ll likely get more survey invitations and have a better chance of earning more cash.
