Taking surveys online to make cash may seem like an easy way to earn some extra money in your spare time. However, the reality may not be as lucrative as it seems. In a test conducted by NerdWallet writers back in 2017, the results were less than impressive. After spending more than 50 hours taking surveys, they made less than $90 in total. This raises the question: are paid surveys worth it?
When considering whether to take online surveys for cash, it’s essential to weigh the potential earnings against the time and effort required. In the test conducted by NerdWallet, hourly earnings ranged from 41 cents to $2.03 on popular survey sites. This is significantly lower than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Additionally, most survey sites have a minimum threshold that must be reached before you can redeem your earnings, which can be challenging to achieve.
One of the major downsides of taking online surveys is the amount of personal data that you may have to disclose. Testers in the NerdWallet study revealed sensitive information such as dates of birth, ZIP codes, incomes, health ailments, ethnicities, and more. This information could potentially be used for questionable purposes or even sold to third parties. There is also a risk of identity theft if this data falls into the wrong hands.
In terms of safety, it’s crucial to be cautious when sharing personal information on survey sites. Avoid giving out sensitive details like your Social Security number, bank account number, or driver’s license number. It’s also advisable to create a separate email address for survey sites to prevent your main inbox from being cluttered with survey offers. Installing anti-malware software is another precautionary measure to protect yourself from potential threats.
When it comes to choosing survey apps, it’s essential to research and read user reviews to understand the experiences of others. Some popular survey apps like Make Money, Eureka, InboxDollars Surveys, Google Opinion Rewards, and Swagbucks offer opportunities to earn cash or rewards for completing surveys. However, users have reported issues such as delayed payouts, disqualifications from surveys, and low earnings.
In conclusion, while taking online surveys for cash may seem like a simple way to make money, the reality is often different. The potential earnings are meager compared to other work opportunities, and there are risks involved in terms of privacy and data security. If you decide to pursue this avenue for earning extra cash, proceed with caution, and be mindful of the potential drawbacks. Consider exploring other ways to make money in your spare time that may offer more substantial rewards.
