Earning tips
How to spot a fake survey site in 30 seconds
Discover simple checks you can do right now to tell a real market research panel from a scam. Find out what to look for before you share your personal details.
Survey panels and "get paid to" sites: what is the difference?
Search for "paid surveys" and you will find two kinds of sites mixed together: market research panels and "get paid to" reward sites. Both can be legitimate, but they are not the same thing. Knowing the difference helps you choose where to spend your time and how to protect your data.
Key points
- A research panel invites you to genuine studies run for brands, agencies and public bodies, and rewards you for your opinion.
- A "get paid to" site, or GPT site, rewards many activities, such as watching videos, installing apps, signing up for offers and sometimes surveys from other providers.
- GPT activities often involve sharing data with advertisers, while genuine research keeps your identity separate from the client.
- Whatever site you choose, check who runs it, how it uses your data and how you get paid before you sign up.
Two models that look alike
Market research panels
A market research panel exists to supply people for research. Brands and agencies pay for honest opinions, and the panel rewards members for taking part. Activities are research activities: surveys, pre-screeners, focus groups, interviews, diaries and product tests.
Research panels follow professional codes that separate research from marketing. Your contact details are not passed to the client, and you are not sold anything during a study.
"Get paid to" sites
A "get paid to", or GPT, site rewards you for a wide range of tasks. Common ones include:
- watching videos or ads
- installing and playing mobile games
- signing up for free trials or newsletters
- shopping through cashback links
- completing surveys supplied by other companies
Much of the reward comes from advertisers who pay for sign-ups, installs or purchases. These offers are often grouped in an "offerwall".
GPT sites can be legitimate and some people enjoy them, but they work on a different model.
Why the difference matters
Your data
When you complete an offer, such as signing up for a trial, you usually give your details directly to the advertiser. That is the point of the offer. In genuine research, your identity stays with the panel.
Your time
GPT offers can require long chains of steps, such as reaching level 20 in a game, and rewards sometimes fail to track. Research studies tell you their length and reward upfront.
Your inbox
Offers often lead to marketing emails and texts from the advertiser. Research participation should not.
One quick test. Ask yourself: "Is someone paying for my opinion, or for my sign-up?" If it is your opinion, it is research. If it is your sign-up, install or purchase, it is marketing.
Signs of a trustworthy panel
- A real company behind it, with a name, address and contact details.
- A clear privacy policy explaining what data is collected and why.
- No joining fee. Genuine panels never charge you to take part.
- Honest promises. Rewards are described realistically, without claims of large incomes.
- Clear redemption rules, including minimums and payment methods.
- Professional standards, such as membership of a research industry body or a stated code of conduct.
Red flags on any site
- Requests for payment to unlock surveys or rewards.
- Promises of earning a full-time income from surveys.
- Requests for bank passwords, card PINs or one-time security codes.
- Pressure to recruit friends before you can withdraw.
- No way to contact a real person.
Can you use both?
Of course. Many people belong to a research panel and also use cashback or reward apps. The key is to understand what you are signing up for each time, read what data you are sharing and keep separate passwords for every account. If you join several research panels, remember that each one allows only one account per person.
Common questions
Are surveys on GPT sites real research?
Often they are, supplied by research companies through a partner. But you may be routed through several providers, which can mean more screen-outs and less clarity about who is running the study.
Why does Reward Hours not offer app installs or trial sign-ups?
Because we are a research panel. Our role is to connect members with genuine research, and keeping marketing offers out protects your data and your inbox.
How do I know Reward Hours is legitimate?
We are run by Research and Metric, a market research fieldwork company working in more than 35 countries. Our company details, privacy policy and contact information are on our website.
