Best Survey Sites for Teens (2026): 8 Platforms That Let You Earn Under 18

Most survey sites require you to be 18. They don’t always tell you that upfront. You sign up, fill out your profile, maybe even complete a few surveys — then your account gets flagged, your balance gets frozen, and the time you invested is gone.

If you’re a teenager looking to earn money from surveys, the first question isn’t “which site pays the most?” It’s “which sites will actually let me participate legally?”

The answer: not many. The majority of survey platforms, market research companies, and reward apps restrict membership to adults. This isn’t arbitrary — it’s driven by data privacy regulations (COPPA in the US, GDPR in Europe) that impose strict rules on collecting personal data from minors. Companies that get this wrong face significant fines, so most simply exclude anyone under 18 to avoid the risk.

But some platforms do accept teens — typically ages 13–17, sometimes with parental consent. These platforms have built their compliance frameworks to handle younger users legally. The trade-off: teen-eligible platforms generally offer fewer surveys, lower individual payouts, and more restrictive payout methods than adult-only sites.

I’ve spent over 15 years evaluating online income methods. For teens, survey income is one of the few legitimate options that doesn’t require a work permit, transportation, or adult supervision. The income is small — set that expectation now — but it’s real, legal, and accessible from your phone or laptop.

First — This Is Important…

Hey, my name is Mark.

Survey income for teens is tiny — $10–$50/month realistically. But if you’re under 18 and learning how to earn money online, the skills matter more than the dollars right now. Understanding platforms, identifying scams, managing small earnings, and developing consistency are skills that compound over time.

When you’re ready for income that actually scales, the model I use is local lead generation — building simple websites that rank in Google and send leads to local businesses. Each site generates $500–$1,200/month in recurring revenue. You don’t need to be 18 to learn how it works, even if you start building after you turn 18.

Go here to see the exact system I use to do this

Here are the platforms that actually accept teens.

Age Requirement Reality Check

Before listing platforms, here’s why the age landscape matters more than you might think.

COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) applies to US-based services collecting data from children under 13. Companies must obtain “verifiable parental consent” before collecting personal information from this age group. Most platforms avoid this entirely by setting their minimum age at 13.

Ages 13–17 fall into a grey zone. COPPA doesn’t apply, but platforms still need to handle teen data carefully. Many choose to require parental consent, limit data collection, or restrict payout methods (gift cards instead of PayPal, which itself requires users to be 18).

PayPal requires users to be 18. This is the single biggest limitation for teen earners. Most platforms that pay cash do so through PayPal, which teens can’t legally use. This means teen-eligible platforms typically pay via gift cards, prepaid Visa cards, or parent-intermediated methods.

What this means practically: If you’re 13–17, expect to earn gift cards (Amazon, Visa, Google Play) rather than direct cash. If your parent has PayPal and is willing to help, some platforms allow parent-supervised accounts. But gift cards are the standard payout for teen earners.

8 Best Survey Sites for Teens

1. Swagbucks (Age 13+)

Minimum age: 13 (with parental awareness) Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Visa, 100+ options) Minimum cashout: $1 for select gift cards Earnings range: $20–$80/month Best for: Broadest earning options beyond just surveys

Swagbucks is the most versatile teen-friendly platform. Beyond surveys, you earn through watching videos, shopping cashback, web searches, and completing offers. This variety means you’re not limited to survey availability — when surveys dry up, other earning methods keep your balance growing.

The $1 minimum for gift card redemption is the lowest threshold of any platform accepting teens. You can cash out an Amazon gift card almost immediately after starting. Surveys typically pay $0.50–$5.00, and the daily poll, video watching, and search features add small amounts that accumulate.

For teens, Swagbucks is the strongest starting point because it teaches you how multiple online earning methods work — not just answering questions. The skills you develop managing multiple earning streams apply to bigger opportunities later.

2. Survey Junkie (Age 16+)

Minimum age: 16 (US, Canada, Australia, UK) Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Target, Walmart, Visa, Starbucks) Minimum cashout: $5 (500 points) Earnings range: $15–$40/month Best for: Clean, survey-focused experience for older teens

Survey Junkie accepts users 16 and older — not 13, so younger teens need to look elsewhere. The interface is clean and simple, focusing exclusively on surveys without the visual clutter of offer walls and video sections.

For 16- and 17-year-olds, Survey Junkie provides a straightforward experience: complete your profile, get matched with surveys, earn points, redeem for gift cards. Each survey shows estimated time and point value before you start. Points convert at a simple 100 points = $1 rate.

The key limitation for teens: PayPal and bank transfer (the cash payout options) require being 18. If you’re 16–17, you’ll be redeeming for gift cards only, unless a parent helps set up a verified PayPal account in their name.

3. Google Opinion Rewards (Age 13+)

Minimum age: 13 Payout methods: Google Play credit (Android) or PayPal (iOS, age 18+ required) Minimum cashout: No minimum Earnings range: $2–$8/month Best for: Absolute minimal effort, instant payout for Android users

Google’s own survey app sends short 2–5 question surveys based on your location and app usage. Payouts are small ($0.10–$1.00 per survey) but instant. On Android, credits go directly to your Google Play account — useful for buying apps, games, in-app purchases, or subscriptions.

For teens with Android phones, Google Opinion Rewards converts 15 seconds of effort into Google Play credit with zero friction. The earnings won’t buy you much, but the complete lack of effort makes it a no-brainer to have running alongside other platforms.

iOS teen users face a limitation: PayPal payout requires being 18, so this app is primarily useful for Android teens.

4. Toluna (Age 16+)

Minimum age: 16 Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Visa), merchandise, prize draws Minimum cashout: Varies by reward (gift cards from 30,000 points) Earnings range: $10–$30/month Best for: Teens who enjoy community features and product testing

Toluna combines surveys with polls, opinion topics, and product testing opportunities. The community aspect — voting on topics, creating polls, engaging with other members — makes it more interactive than straight survey platforms.

Product testing opportunities occasionally involve receiving free products for review, which appeals to teens even if the monetary value is modest. Surveys typically pay 1,000–5,000 points (roughly $0.50–$2.50). The higher redemption thresholds mean you’ll need patience to accumulate enough for meaningful gift cards.

5. MyPoints (Age 13+)

Minimum age: 13 Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Visa), PayPal (18+) Minimum cashout: $5 for most gift cards Earnings range: $10–$40/month Best for: Teens who also shop online (cashback + surveys)

MyPoints has been operating since 1996 — one of the longest-running reward platforms online. Teens earn through surveys, shopping cashback at partner retailers, watching videos, and completing offers. The combination of earning methods means you’re not dependent on survey availability alone.

The shopping cashback component is particularly useful if you or your parents shop at partner retailers anyway — earning points on purchases that would happen regardless is effectively free money. Gift card redemption starts at $5 for most options.

6. Lifepoints (Age 16+)

Minimum age: 16 Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Visa), PayPal (18+) Minimum cashout: Approximately $5 (550 Lifepoints) Earnings range: $10–$30/month Best for: Older teens interested in consumer product research

Lifepoints (formerly MySurvey and GlobalTestMarket) is operated by Lightspeed, a major global research firm. Surveys focus on consumer products, technology, and brands. For 16–17-year-olds, Lifepoints provides access to legitimate market research surveys from a well-established company.

Payout is via gift cards for under-18 users. Survey payouts range from 50–500+ Lifepoints each. The platform occasionally offers product testing opportunities — receiving items to test and review.

7. Branded Surveys (Age 16+)

Minimum age: 16 Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Visa), PayPal (18+) Minimum cashout: $5 Earnings range: $15–$40/month Best for: Older teens who want low-threshold cashouts

Branded Surveys accepts users 16+, with a $5 gift card minimum that makes cashouts accessible. The tiered loyalty system rewards consistent survey completion with bonus points, which helps teens who develop a daily survey habit earn more over time.

The disqualification rate is lower than many competitors, meaning less wasted time on screening questions that lead nowhere. Push notifications for high-paying surveys help you catch the best opportunities quickly.

8. Curious Cat (Age 13+)

Minimum age: 13 Payout methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Visa) Minimum cashout: $1 Earnings range: $5–$20/month Best for: Younger teens (13+) who want ultra-low cashout thresholds

Curious Cat (by Citizen Me) is specifically designed to be accessible to younger users. Surveys are generally shorter, the interface is simplified, and the $1 minimum cashout means even small earnings become redeemable quickly.

Individual survey payouts are smaller than adult platforms ($0.10–$1.00 typical), but the age accessibility and low threshold make Curious Cat one of the only genuinely teen-friendly options for the 13–15 age bracket.

Age Requirement Comparison

Platform	Min. Age	Payout Method (Under 18)	Min. Cashout	Parental Consent	Monthly Range
Swagbucks	13	Gift cards	$1	Recommended	$20–$80
Survey Junkie	16	Gift cards	$5	No	$15–$40
Google Opinion	13	Google Play credit	$0	No	$2–$8
Toluna	16	Gift cards / merchandise	Varies	No	$10–$30
MyPoints	13	Gift cards	$5	Recommended	$10–$40
Lifepoints	16	Gift cards	~$5	No	$10–$30
Branded Surveys	16	Gift cards	$5	No	$15–$40
Curious Cat	13	Gift cards	$1	No	$5–$20

Realistic Earnings for Teen Survey-Takers

Let’s set expectations clearly, because this is where most teens get disappointed.

Average hourly equivalent: $1–$3/hour. Teen-eligible surveys pay less than adult surveys because the demographic data teens provide is less valuable to most market researchers. Brands researching purchasing decisions, financial products, or workplace technology don’t need feedback from 14-year-olds.

Monthly income by effort:

Daily Time	Monthly Earnings	What That Buys
10 min/day	$5–$15	One streaming subscription
20 min/day	$10–$30	A couple of app purchases or fast food
30 min/day	$20–$50	A video game or modest clothing item
60 min/day	$30–$80	A small monthly savings contribution

Hard ceiling: Teen survey income realistically tops out at $50–$80/month with consistent daily effort across multiple platforms. Exceeding that requires spending more time than the returns justify at teen pay rates.

Context that matters: $30–$50/month from surveys while you’re 15 isn’t “good money” by adult standards. But it’s money you earned yourself, from home, without a work permit or transportation. For saving toward a specific goal — a game console, concert tickets, a new phone — surveys provide a concrete path, even if it’s slow.

For other age-appropriate earning methods, see how to make money as a teenager. For what different income methods actually produce, see realistic online income expectations.

Safety Considerations for Teen Earners

This section is non-negotiable. If you’re under 18 earning money online, these rules protect you.

Never share your Social Security number. Legitimate survey sites do not require SSN from teen participants. If any platform asks for it, close the page immediately.

Use a separate email address. Create an email specifically for survey sites. This protects your primary email from spam, phishing attempts, and data breaches that could affect other accounts.

Don’t lie about your age. If a platform requires you to be 18 and you sign up claiming to be 18, your account will eventually be flagged and your balance forfeited. You’ll lose everything you earned. It’s not worth the risk.

Tell a parent or guardian. Even on platforms that don’t require parental consent, inform a trusted adult about what you’re doing. This isn’t about permission — it’s about having someone who can help if something goes wrong (suspicious emails, data concerns, payment issues).

Be cautious with personal information. Survey sites need basic demographic data (age range, gender, general interests). They don’t need your home address, phone number, school name, or details about your family’s finances. If a survey asks for information that feels too personal, skip it.

Recognise scam patterns. Any site promising teens $100+/day from surveys is a scam. Any site asking you to pay before earning is a scam. Any site asking for “verification” via credit card is a scam. If it sounds too good, it is.

For more on earning safely online without experience, see make money online without experience. For instant-pay options when you turn 18, see apps that pay you real money instantly. For an overview of the lead generation model you can start learning about now, see local lead generation.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Earn money from home with no work permit, no transportation, no schedule conflicts with school. Several legitimate platforms accept users as young as 13. Gift card payouts are useful for teens (Amazon, Google Play, Visa). Zero startup cost — all platforms are free. Teaches online literacy, platform evaluation, and basic income management. Can be done around school, sports, and social activities.

Cons: Very low hourly rate ($1–$3/hour typical for teen-eligible surveys). Monthly income ceiling of $50–$80 even with consistent effort. PayPal cash payout unavailable for under-18 users on most platforms. Fewer survey opportunities than adult users receive. Disqualifications waste time without compensation. Gift cards are restricted spending — not universal cash. Age verification can flag and freeze accounts if you misrepresent your age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 13-year-old make money from surveys? Yes, on platforms that accept age 13+ (Swagbucks, Google Opinion Rewards, MyPoints, Curious Cat). Earnings will be modest ($5–$20/month) and paid in gift cards rather than cash.

Which survey site pays the most for teens? Swagbucks offers the highest total monthly potential ($20–$80) due to multiple earning methods beyond just surveys. For survey-only platforms, Survey Junkie and Branded Surveys (both age 16+) pay the best per-survey rates available to teens.

Can I use PayPal under 18? PayPal’s terms of service require users to be 18+. Some teens use a parent’s PayPal account with permission, but this technically violates PayPal’s TOS and the account could be restricted if flagged. Gift card payouts are the safest option for under-18 earners.

How much can a teenager realistically make from surveys? $20–$80/month with consistent daily effort (20–30 minutes/day) across 3–5 platforms. This is supplemental pocket money, not income replacement.

Are survey sites safe for teens? The platforms listed in this article are legitimate and have established track records. General internet safety practices apply: use a dedicated email, don’t share personal financial information, don’t lie about your age, and inform a parent about your activity.

What’s the best way for teens to earn money online? Surveys are one option, but teens can also earn through reselling items (eBay, Mercari), freelancing on platforms like Fiverr (with parental involvement), tutoring peers, offering local services (lawn care, pet sitting, babysitting), and learning skills that scale into higher-paying opportunities later. See how to make money as a teenager for a comprehensive guide.

The Bottom Line

Survey sites for teens are real but limited. The platforms listed here legally accept under-18 participants, pay in gift cards or Google Play credit, and provide a legitimate way to earn $20–$80/month from home without a work permit or transportation.

The income is small. Let’s not pretend otherwise. But the experience of evaluating platforms, identifying scams, managing small earnings, and developing a consistent earning habit has value beyond the dollars. These are foundational skills for the significantly higher-earning opportunities available when you’re older.

When you’re ready for income that actually scales — recurring revenue from digital assets rather than gift cards from surveys — here’s the model I’ve used for over 15 years to generate $500–$1,200/month per website.