Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular online rewards platform that lets you earn points—called SB—for doing everyday activities like taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, playing games, and searching the web. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, or Starbucks, or for cash via PayPal. It’s run by Prodege, LLC, a company based in El Segundo, California, that’s been around since 2005 and also operates other reward sites like MyPoints and InboxDollars.
How It Works
- Sign Up: It’s free to join—just need an email and password. New users often get a small welcome bonus (e.g., $5–$10) if they meet initial activity goals.
- Earn SB:
- Surveys: Pay 20–500 SB ($0.20–$5) depending on length and topic (e.g., consumer habits, politics).
- Videos: Earn 1–5 SB per short clip or playlist—low payout but passive.
- Shopping: Get cashback (1–10% of purchase) at partnered stores like eBay or Target.
- Games: Complete levels in mobile games for 100–5,000 SB, though some require in-app purchases.
- Search: Use their engine for random SB wins (small, like 5–25 SB).
- Redeem: 100 SB = $1. Gift cards start at 300 SB ($3), PayPal cash at 2,500 SB ($25). Options vary by country.
Pros
- Variety: Lots of ways to earn, so you can mix it up.
- Legit: Paid out over $900 million since 2008, with an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and 4.3/5 on Trustpilot (over 35,000 reviews).
- Low Threshold: Cash out with as little as $3 in points.
- Passive Options: Watching videos or using the SwagButton (browser extension) requires minimal effort.
Cons
- Time vs. Reward: Surveys might take 15 minutes for $1—hourly rate’s often $2–$5 unless you snag high-value ones.
- Disqualifications: You can get screened out of surveys after starting, wasting time.
- Delays: Some rewards (like game bonuses) pend for 7–30 days.
- Clutter: The site and app can feel busy with offers, and rules for earning can shift.
Who It’s For
It’s best for people who want extra cash or gift cards without much upfront cost—think $20–$100/month with casual use, more if you grind. It won’t replace a job, but it’s a solid side hustle for downtime. Teens (13+) can join with parental consent, making it a teen-friendly option too.
Tips to Maximize
- Focus on high-paying surveys (100+ SB).
- Install the SwagButton for shopping alerts and easy SB.
- Hit daily goals for bonus points.
- Refer friends—earn 10% of their SB for life.
Swagbucks isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s a reliable way to turn spare time into small rewards. Want specifics on earning or redeeming? Let me know!
InboxDollars is an online rewards platform that pays users real cash for completing simple tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, shopping online, and reading promotional emails. Operated by Prodege, LLC—the same company behind Swagbucks and MyPoints—it’s been around since 2000 and claims to have paid out over $80 million to members. It’s based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and markets itself as a way to earn extra money from home with no upfront cost.
How It Works
- Sign Up: Free to join via their website or app with an email and basic info. New users get a $5 bonus after confirming their email and completing a short profile.
- Earn Money:
- Surveys: Pay $0.25–$5 based on length (3–25 minutes). You might get disqualified mid-survey if you don’t match the target demographic.
- Videos: Earn a few cents (e.g., $0.01–$0.05) per short clip or playlist—low effort but low reward.
- Games: Play mobile games and hit goals (e.g., reach level 10) for $1–$100+, though some require spending money to unlock full rewards.
- Shopping: Cashback (1–10%) at partnered retailers like Walmart or eBay.
- Emails: Read “PaidEmails” and confirm for a couple of cents each.
- Cash Out: Minimum payout is $15 for your first withdrawal, then $10 after that. Options include PayPal, gift cards (Amazon, Visa, etc.), or a check (with a $3 fee). Processing takes 3–10 business days, sometimes up to 16.
Pros
- Legit: Over 20 years old, A-rated by the BBB, and 4.1/5 on Trustpilot (46,000+ reviews). Users confirm payouts happen.
- Variety: Multiple earning methods keep it flexible.
- No Points Confusion: Pays in dollars, not abstract points.
- Bonus: That $5 sign-up perk is a nice kickstart.
Cons
- Low Earnings: Most tasks pay pennies—$20–$30/month is typical with 2–3 hours daily. One user, Sarah Houston, made $600 over three years.
- High Threshold: $15 to cash out initially is steep compared to competitors like Swagbucks ($3).
- Time Sink: Surveys often disqualify late, and game offers can feel like bait-and-switch if they push in-app purchases.
- Support Issues: Some users report slow or vague responses from customer service, especially on payout disputes.
Realistic Expectations
It’s not a job replacement—think of it as pocket change for downtime. Casual users might scrape $10–$50/month; dedicated grinders could hit $100 with consistent effort. Posts on X and reviews suggest it’s reliable but slow, with occasional frustration over “technical glitches” or uncredited tasks.
Tips to Maximize
- Focus on surveys over $1 and skip low-payers.
- Use the app for on-the-go tasks.
- Stack with shopping if you’re already buying online.
- Watch for “WinIt” codes (promoted on their X) for bonus offers.
InboxDollars is legit for small, easy cash, but don’t expect it to pay the bills. Want to try it or compare it to something like Swagbucks? I can dig deeper!
MyPoints is an online rewards platform that allows users to earn points—redeemable for cash or gift cards—by completing various activities like taking surveys, shopping online, watching videos, playing games, and reading promotional emails. It’s owned by Prodege, LLC, the same company behind Swagbucks and InboxDollars, and has been operating since 1996, making it one of the older players in the “get-paid-to” (GPT) space. Based in the U.S., it’s primarily available to users in the United States and Canada.
How It Works
- Sign Up: Free to join via their website or app (iPhone-only mobile app). You’ll need an email and password. New users often get a $5 bonus for completing five surveys or a $10 gift card (Amazon/Visa) if you spend $20 through a partner retailer within 30 days.
- Earn Points:
- Surveys: Pay 10–500 points ($0.06–$3) depending on length and complexity. You get 5 points if disqualified (up to 25/day).
- Shopping: Earn 1–20 points per dollar spent at 1,900+ partnered retailers like Walmart, Amazon, or Expedia. Must shop through MyPoints links.
- Videos: Watch playlists (news, entertainment, etc.) for 1–5 points—takes time, pays little.
- Games: Earn 100–5,000+ points for hitting milestones, but some require spending money.
- Emails: Read “PaidEmails” for 1–5 points each.
- Magic Receipts: Upload receipts for specific items (e.g., groceries) to earn points; 2 points for any receipt.
- Redeem: Points vary in value, but roughly 165 points = $1. Cash out via PayPal (2,500 points = $25), gift cards (300 points = $3 minimum), or travel miles. Processing takes 2–5 days.
Pros
- Legit: Over $300 million paid out, with a 4.4/5 rating on Trustpilot (23,000+ reviews) and an A from the BBB.
- Variety: Multiple earning options beyond surveys.
- Low Cash-Out: Starts at $3 for gift cards.
- Passive Perks: Shopping cashback aligns with regular spending habits.
Cons
- Low Pay: Surveys and videos often net $1–$5/hour—minimum wage beats it.
- Disqualifications: Surveys can boot you midway, eating time.
- App Glitches: Users report slow receipt uploads or crashes (3.7/5 on Google Play, 7,800+ reviews).
- Support Complaints: Some say customer service is slow or unhelpful, especially for point disputes.
Earnings Outlook
- Casual Use: $10–$50/month with 1–2 hours daily.
- Heavy Use: $100+/month if you target high-value tasks (shopping, games).
- It’s small change, not a career. Best for supplementing, not surviving.
Tips to Get More
- Prioritize surveys over 50 points and shopping deals.
- Use the browser extension (SwagButton) for seamless cashback.
- Stack with routine purchases—e.g., 4 points/$ at Walmart adds up.
- Watch for “Point Perks” codes on their site or X posts (e.g., “StayForLess” for 4 points today, April 4, 2025, per their latest X post).
MyPoints is a solid, trustworthy option for pocket money if you’re already shopping online or have spare time to burn. It’s not a goldmine—think beer money, not rent money. Want to try it or compare it to Swagbucks/InboxDollars? I can walk you through setup or differences!
UserTesting is an online platform that connects companies with real people to test websites, apps, prototypes, and other digital or real-world experiences, providing valuable feedback to improve user experience (UX). It’s also a side hustle opportunity where individuals can earn money by participating as testers. Here’s a breakdown based on its dual role:
As a Testing Platform
- Purpose: Companies use UserTesting to gather human insights by watching and hearing real users interact with their products. This helps refine designs, fix usability issues, and boost customer satisfaction.
- How It Works for Businesses: You set up a test with specific tasks (e.g., “Find a product on this site”), define your target audience (age, location, etc.), and get video feedback from participants. Results come fast—often within hours.
- Features:
- Unmoderated tests (users record themselves) or moderated (live interviews).
- AI tools for quick analysis and highlight reels.
- Access to a panel of over 1 million testers worldwide.
- Clients: Big names like Walmart, AutoTrader, and Udemy use it. Over 3 million tests completed by 2021, per their site.
- Cost: Starts with a free trial, then paid plans (from $20,000/year for basic subscriptions, per some estimates). Custom pricing for enterprises.
As a Money-Making Opportunity
- How It Works for Testers: Sign up, take a practice test, and, if approved, access paid tests from your dashboard. You record your screen and voice while completing tasks, sharing your thoughts aloud.
- Earnings:
- $4 for 5-minute recorded tests.
- $10 for 15–20-minute standard tests.
- $30–$120 for live interviews (30–60 minutes).
- Payout: Via PayPal, typically 7 days after test approval. No taxes withheld—you handle that yourself.
- Availability: Open worldwide, but test frequency depends on your demographics (age, location, tech use) and client needs. Most testers get 1–2 tests/week, though some report less.
- Requirements: A computer or smartphone, microphone, and decent internet. You must pass a sample test to join.
Pros
- Legit: Operating since 2007, it’s paid out millions and has a 4.4/5 on Trustpilot (690+ reviews). Testers on X and forums confirm payments.
- Flexible: Work from home, no set hours.
- Easy Start: No special skills—just talk through your experience.
Cons
- Inconsistent Work: Tests aren’t guaranteed—some users wait days or disqualify often due to screener questions.
- Low Hourly Rate: $10 for 20 minutes is $30/hour, but gaps between tests drag the average down ($10–$50/month is common).
- Screening Time: Unpaid screener questions can eat time before you qualify.
Tips for Testers
- Complete your profile fully (devices, interests) to match more tests.
- Check the dashboard often or enable email alerts—tests are first-come, first-served.
- Speak clearly and give detailed feedback to boost approval odds.
Realistic Outlook
It’s not a full-time gig—think $50–$200/month with moderate effort. Posts on X and reviews suggest it’s reliable but slow, with some calling it “beer money” rather than a major income source. For companies, it’s a top-tier tool for UX insights, though pricier than alternatives like Userlytics or Trymata.
Want to try it as a tester or use it for a project? I can guide you through signup or compare it to similar platforms!
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