As with any high-profile topic, there are conflicting articles, websites, discussions and opinions regarding paid online surveys. In one place, you’ll find an offer for $100 per hour, and somewhere else you’ll read that all surveys online are scams and aren’t worth your time. There are people claiming to make a living simply for giving their opinions, while others have been scammed and want to convince you to that all paid online surveys are a waste of time, money, and precious inbox space. What is the truth?

Much like any other topic, the truth is confined within a small gray area. Through conducting research on the subject of paid online surveys, I have come across literally thousands of websites offering cash incentives, prizes and rewards, simply for filling out surveys; some are scams and some are not. If you’re looking to make some cash taking surveys, you could find yourself overwhelmed with possibilities and conflicting information. Again you ask, "What is the truth?"

The truth can be found in the fine print. All online survey companies fall into one of three categories. I will outline these categories in the following paragraphs.

Legitimate Paying Online Surveys -

Yes, they exist! There are quite a few marketing research companies that will actually pay you to participate in filling out questionnaires and recording your opinions on topics anywhere from new movie releases, to your shopping habits, to what you think about a potential new product. Most of these surveys pay between $1 and $3, but some will pay $75 or more if you qualify for further questions. There are additional survey companies who look for people who qualify for their focus groups. These usually pay between $50 and $150 for an hour or two of your time and opinions.

Survey Newsletter Club and Fill Out Offers -

These survey companies, whether legitimate or not, are not as revealing with what they promise. This is where reading the fine print comes in most handy. Many of today’s online survey companies will hook up with hundreds of other companies, and give you a newsletter or questionnaire with opportunities for free samples, discounts and survey panel memberships. Additionally, you may be promised a big ticket item like a Wii or a $500 Target Gift card. In order to qualify for these prizes, you must fill out offers; generally 2 silver, 2 gold and 2 platinum. If you like to discover great discounts and new products, like free contact lens subscriptions, discounted rates on informative e-books, and weekly pet food coupons, this is definitely a great service to look into. Please be aware, however, that you’ll want to set up a new email address, as you’ll definitely get lots of email offers and spam.

Surveys with a Fee-Based Subscription -

Many survey companies promise you paying online surveys for $100 per day or more! This sounds so wonderful and wouldn’t we all just love to quit our jobs and tell people what we think about Pop-Tarts all day? Of course we would. And of course, this sounds too good to be true, so you can bet that these promises come with a fee. That fee is generally $25.95 or higher. It’s a one-time fee that claims to hook you up with a long list of hiring survey companies that pay. I have not personally come across any positive feedback about such companies, unless it’s from another website trying to get you to sign up. If I were you, I’d never, ever pay a fee to sign up for filling out online surveys for cash.

It is important to note that legitimate survey companies are also called Market Research companies. When you link to the homepage of such a site, you will generally see lots of information that won’t pertain to you as a consumer looking to join a panel to make some quick cash from home. This is a good thing! These legitimate market research companies are also in the market of selling your opinions to stores and other retail markets. This is how they can pay you for your opinions! They will be up front about how they gather opinions from the consumer market, will have a privacy policy and usually will have a section for FAQs.

As with anything on the internet, it’s your responsibility to pay attention. But with a little bit of reading and common sense, you can easily select a few legitimate survey companies to join, for free, and make between $10 and $100 per week. Whether you’re a student, a mom working from home, or bored out of your mind, have some fun and join a free survey panel. Tell them what you think and make some quick cash; for real!