How Teens and Kids Can Actually Make Money Taking Online Surveys—5 Platforms With Real Payouts

Want to earn some extra cash without leaving your room? Online surveys might be your answer. Unlike those questionable “get rich quick” schemes, legitimate survey platforms actually pay out real money and gift cards to participants. The catch? You need to know which platforms are trustworthy and how much you can actually earn.

The Money Side: What You Can Really Make

Let’s talk numbers first. Platforms like Swagbucks have distributed over $600 million in rewards to users, while Branded Surveys has paid out more than $72 million to 3 million+ participants. Individual surveys typically pay anywhere from 50 cents to $5, depending on length and specificity. Some in-home product tests on Swagbucks? Those can hit $100 or more.

The key difference between scams and legit platforms: real survey sites never ask you to pay them upfront. They pay you for your time—period.

Age Requirements: You Might Qualify Sooner Than You Think

Different platforms have different age gates:

• Swagbucks & MyPoints: 13+ (parental consent required for ages 13-17)
• Branded Surveys & Scrambly & Rakuten Insight: 16+ (or parental account access if under 16)

So if you’re 13, you’ve already got entry points. If you’re 16+, all doors are open.

The 5 Platforms Actually Worth Your Time

Swagbucks—The Easiest Entry Point

Why it stands out: Lowest age requirement (13+), multi-task earning (surveys + games + videos + trivia). Payments hit PayPal or go toward gift cards for Amazon, Target, Starbucks, etc.

Minimum payout: $1 for cash, $5 for gift cards. Available on web + iOS/Android app.

Branded Surveys—Highest Volume of Surveys

Why it stands out: 3+ million active users means consistent survey availability. Points system is straightforward (500 points = cashout). Accepts PayPal, bank transfers, or charitable donations.

Minimum payout: Flexible based on points accumulated. Web + iOS/Android.

Rakuten Insight—For the Patient Earner

Why it stands out: Up to $5 per survey, often completable in minutes. 25 years in the research industry means serious credibility. Fast payouts—once you hit $5, you can cash out immediately.

Minimum payout: $5 (lowest among these platforms). Web + iOS/Android.

MyPoints—The Surprise Rewards Platform

Why it stands out: Oldest on this list (operating since 1996). You earn points not just from surveys but from shopping, trying trial services (Disney+, HelloFresh), and games. Exceptionally low withdrawal threshold.

Minimum payout: Just $3—lowest of the five. Web + iOS/Android.

Scrambly—Most Variety in Tasks

Why it stands out: Surveys are only part of it. You also earn coins testing products from Disney+, AARP, Cash App, and similar brands. Instant redemption with $1 cash minimum.

Minimum payout: $1 for cash, $5 for gift cards. Web + Android (no iOS app yet).

How to Tell If a Survey Site Is Legit

Red flags to watch for:

• They ask for credit card or Social Security numbers upfront—legitimate sites never do this
• They want you to send them money—opposite of how real survey sites work
• They promise full-time income—surveys are side money, not a career
• No track record or reviews—all platforms mentioned here have years of user history

All the sites listed above have transparent payout histories, which is why they’re worth your time.

The Honest Truth: What You Should Expect

Survey taking won’t replace a part-time job. But for filling downtime during lunch breaks or evenings, it’s legitimate cash. Teens have reported earning $20-50/month consistently on these platforms, with higher earners (those hunting specific high-paying surveys) hitting $100+.

The real win? You control when and where you participate. Surveys work on your schedule.

What to Do With Your Earnings

Once you’ve accumulated some cash:

• Save it in a teen bank account (Greenlight offers parental controls + savings rewards up to 5% APY)
• Invest it (If you’re 13+, teen investment accounts let you buy stocks and ETFs)
• Donate it (Charity Navigator and GuideStar help verify legitimate nonprofits)

The mental shift from “free money” to “money I earned” changes how you think about spending. Use that to your advantage.

Final Thought

Paid surveys for kids and teens are real, they do pay out, and they require zero previous experience. Start with Swagbucks if you’re 13+, or jump into any of the five above if you’re 16. Give each a week, see which interface you like best, then go all-in on that one.

It’s not glamorous, but it works.