Lesser-known websites can pay real money and are free to join, but they are not get-rich-quick sites: expect small but real earnings from surveys, research studies, testing or local gigs. Below I show what you do on each site, when it pays and how.
Three good secret websites to start
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#1 Branded Surveys
Best for: Paid surveys in the US, the UK and Canada
Not one of the best-known survey sites, but a great and easy way to earn some extra money on the side. Active members get a bonus.
- When it pays
- From $5 · instant approval for Silver and Gold members
- Paid via
- PayPal · Bank transfer · Gift cards
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#2 Sharetown
Best for: Reselling returned products in the US and Canada
It handles product returns for brands and individuals, and you earn by reselling these returned products. It has an app for Android and iOS.
- When it pays
- You and the buyer agree how the buyer pays you
- Paid via
- Agreed with the buyer
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#3 User Interviews
Best for: Well-paid research studies
It pays well per study, and the studies are in person, over the phone or online.
- When it pays
- No threshold · paid per study after approval
- Paid via
- PayPal · Bank transfer · Amazon or Reward Link gift cards
This is not a ranked list, so pick the sites that fit you best. Joining around 5 to 7 sites gives you more opportunities.
On this page6 sections
Compare all 12 secret websites to make money
| Site | What you do | When it pays | Paid via | Join or read review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paid surveys, offers, daily poll · US, UK, Canada | From $5 · instant approval for Silver and Gold members | PayPal · Bank transfer · Gift cards | ||
| Resell returned products · US and Canada, app | You and the buyer agree how the buyer pays you | Agreed with the buyer | ||
| Research studies in person, by phone or online · mostly US | No threshold · paid per study after approval | PayPal · Bank transfer · Amazon or Reward Link gift cards | ||
| Medical research studies for patients and caregivers · 8 countries | No threshold · paid when a study is completed | Check (US only) · Prepaid Mastercard · Amazon gift cards | ||
| Pet sitting and dog walking · 10 countries, app | Withdraw anytime · no threshold | PayPal · Check (US only) | ||
| Surveys for scientific research · 33 countries, waitlist | From £6/$6 · cash out once a day | PayPal | ||
| Passive appShare your unused internet · worldwide | PayPal from $20 (15% fee) · from $0.50 through JumpTask | PayPal · Bitcoin · Venmo +3 more | ||
| Rent out free storage space at home · mainly US | No threshold · 4.9% + $0.30 fee per payout | Bank transfer via Stripe | ||
| Small local jobs, mostly manual labor · 6 countries, app | After the client confirms the task (held in escrow) | Bank transfer | ||
| Teach English to students online · worldwide | Every week, automatically | PayPal | ||
| Test websites and record your screen · worldwide | 14 days after each test, automatically | PayPal | ||
| Furniture assembly, moving help, repairs, cleaning · 8 countries | No threshold · needs a checking account | Bank transfer |
No site on this list matches these filters.
12 secret websites to make money online for free
Now, let’s get started with the actual options. Keep in mind that this is not a prioritized list, so you can just choose which ones fit you best. To maximize your earnings, I recommend you join around 5 to 7 sites to gain access to more earning opportunities.
You can always join more later if you feel like you have enough time for additional sites. I will keep updating this guide if I discover more secret websites to earn from, so make sure to bookmark this page and check on it from time to time for new options.
#1 Branded Surveys
- What you do
- Paid surveys, offers, daily poll · US, UK, Canada
- When it pays
- From $5 · instant approval for Silver and Gold members
- Paid via
- PayPal · Bank transfer · Gift cards
Branded Surveys is not one of the most well-known survey sites, but it offers a great and easy way to earn some extra money on the side.
It is only available in 3 countries, but if you live in any of them (the US, UK, or Canada), it is a great platform to join to access paid surveys.
You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal or bank transfer once you have earned $5. You can also redeem various gift cards using your rewards.
#2 Sharetown
- What you do
- Resell returned products · US and Canada, app
- When it pays
- You and the buyer agree how the buyer pays you
- Paid via
- Agreed with the buyer
Sharetown is a U.S.-based company that partners with brands and individuals to handle product returns, pickups, and resales. In short, you can earn by reselling these returned products.
You and the buyer must agree on the payment method. Once you’ve sold a product, you’ll have to send Sharetown’s share of the sale via direct bank transfer.
It is only available in the US and Canada, but it has an app that works with both Android and iOS devices.
#3 User Interviews
- What you do
- Research studies in person, by phone or online · mostly US
- When it pays
- No threshold · paid per study after approval
- Paid via
- PayPal · Bank transfer · Amazon or Reward Link gift cards
User Interviews is a market research site that will pay you for participating in paid research activities. These research projects are conducted either in person, over the phone, or online.
It pays well per study, but qualifying for them can be a bit hard sometimes, so you need to be patient. The good thing, though, is that you don’t need to reach a threshold to receive your earnings. The payment method used depends on the study, but some studies will pay you in cash via PayPal or direct bank transfer, while some will reward you with an Amazon electronic gift card or a digital Reward Link gift card.
It is only for people who live in the US, though.
#4 Rare Patient Voice
- What you do
- Medical research studies for patients and caregivers · 8 countries
- When it pays
- No threshold · paid when a study is completed
- Paid via
- Check (US only) · Prepaid Mastercard · Amazon gift cards
Rare Patient Voice is a platform that connects patients and family caregivers of rare and non-rare diseases with opportunities to share their opinions with companies and researchers by participating in all types of research studies. So, you will essentially be helping to advance medical technology through this platform.
Most often, these studies are conducted through surveys. But from time to time, there will be studies that require more time commitment on your end (phone or online interviews, focus groups, etc.).
You can get paid in cash (check via postal mail) if you live in the US. If you live elsewhere, payment will be made via a prepaid Mastercard or an Amazon gift card. It is only available in the US, UK, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.
#5 Rover
- What you do
- Pet sitting and dog walking · 10 countries, app
- When it pays
- Withdraw anytime · no threshold
- Paid via
- PayPal · Check (US only)
Rover is a company that specializes in pet sitting and dog walking services for its members. So, to earn, you must provide any of these services to your clients.
You can get paid via PayPal, or if you live in the US, a check via postal mail. You can withdraw your earnings anytime, because there is no payout threshold.
It is available in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. Aside from that, it also has an app that works on both Android and iOS devices.
#6 Prolific
- What you do
- Surveys for scientific research · 33 countries, waitlist
- When it pays
- From £6/$6 · cash out once a day
- Paid via
- PayPal
Prolific is a survey site that is a bit more unique than many other survey sites because it mainly offers surveys related to scientific research. This means you can get paid to participate in surveys that are requested by researchers around the world.
You will not be offered surveys very often compared to many other survey sites, but it can be a great way to contribute to modern research. Also, be aware that there is a waitlist, so it can take patience to become a member.
You can get paid through PayPal once you have earned $6. It is available in 33 countries.
#7 Honeygain
- What you do
- Passive appShare your unused internet · worldwide
- When it pays
- PayPal from $20 (15% fee) · from $0.50 through JumpTask
- Paid via
- PayPal · Bitcoin · Venmo +3 more
Honeygain is a way to earn some extra money passively. It is a different kind of GPT site where you will earn simply by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. Just download the app for your computer or mobile, set it up, and then you will start earning.
Once you have earned $20, you can withdraw your earnings via PayPal. If you choose to get paid in JMPT tokens, there is no payout threshold.
It is available globally. Plus, if you join through the invitation link below, you will get a $3 joining bonus into your account right away.
#8 Neighbor
- What you do
- Rent out free storage space at home · mainly US
- When it pays
- No threshold · 4.9% + $0.30 fee per payout
- Paid via
- Bank transfer via Stripe
Neighbor is a storage rental site that lets you rent out your free space at home to earn extra cash. It offers an opportunity to earn money from something you already have and aren’t using. This is the true value Neighbor offers, in my opinion.
You can get paid via direct bank transfer, and you don’t need to hit a threshold to withdraw your earnings. Just remember that it charges a 4.9% + $0.30 processing fee for every payout you make.
You can sign up as a member anywhere in the world, but it is only really for people who live in the US.
#9 Airtasker
- What you do
- Small local jobs, mostly manual labor · 6 countries, app
- When it pays
- After the client confirms the task (held in escrow)
- Paid via
- Bank transfer
Airtasker is a gig-economy platform that lets you find small jobs in your area to earn extra cash. Most tasks offered involve manual labor, so if you are not used to this type of work, Airtasker may not be the right fit.
You’ll get paid via direct bank transfer after finishing a task. Just keep in mind that the payment will be held in escrow until the client confirms the task is complete.
It is available in the US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Ireland, and New Zealand. Additionally, it has apps for Android and iOS.
#10 Cambly
- What you do
- Teach English to students online · worldwide
- When it pays
- Every week, automatically
- Paid via
- PayPal
Cambly is a platform that will allow you to earn by tutoring kids and students over 18 years. You’ll be teaching students the English language when they book you as their tutor.
You will get paid every week via PayPal, and the website processes payments automatically, so it’s a very convenient system. It is also available globally, so anyone eligible can join.
#11 UserTesting
- What you do
- Test websites and record your screen · worldwide
- When it pays
- 14 days after each test, automatically
- Paid via
- PayPal
UserTesting is legit and a real way to earn by becoming a tester. You’ll mainly be testing websites and recording a video during the entire testing process.
You’ll get paid via PayPal after 14 days of completing the testing project. It will be processed automatically, so you don’t need to do anything else.
It is available worldwide, so you can sign up as a member anywhere in the world. Just make sure you have a verified PayPal account when you register.
#12 TaskRabbit
- What you do
- Furniture assembly, moving help, repairs, cleaning · 8 countries
- When it pays
- No threshold · needs a checking account
- Paid via
- Bank transfer
TaskRabbit is a gig economy site where you can find part-time jobs to earn extra cash. The usual jobs you will find will be furniture assembly, assistance in moving from one house to another, doing home repairs, or even cleaning, and similar jobs.
You will need to have a checking account to withdraw your earnings via bank transfer, which is the only payout method it offers. However, the good thing is that they don’t have a payout threshold you need to reach before you can withdraw your earnings.
It is available in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
What to expect?
These websites are not get-rich-quick sites. You will not get rich overnight, and they will not instantly replace a full-time job.
What you can expect
Small but real earnings. Some sites can even build up to quite a lot of extra money, or a part-time income.
What to keep in mind
Opportunities are not limitless, so check back regularly. Not every task will fit you, and payments are usually modest: some sites pay a few dollars per task, others pay more but less often.
Most of the platforms pay you for simple online tasks, while some help you find tasks in your local area.
- Surveys
- Research studies
- Testing apps and websites
- Short local gigs
Free to try
These platforms are free to join, so you can try them without risking anything. With realistic expectations, they can be a useful side hustle in your spare time.
How I choose the sites on this list
I only put a site on this list when I have tested it myself. I test hundreds of sites every year, and I keep this list updated.
What I look at
- Lesser-known sites that pay real money
- Free to join
- Tested by me and legit
- Flexible ways to earn in your spare time
What readers ask in the comments
This page has 4 comments since 2026, and I answered 2 of them. These are the questions that come up most, with my answers.
Are there sites that work in my country?Asked about 1 times
My answer: You can check out my list of the best international sites. Those are the ones you should go for.
What can I do besides surveys?Asked about 1 times
My answer: There are plenty of other free ways to earn some extra money. I have a list of side hustles you can check out for inspiration.
Are captcha tasks worth it?Asked about 1 times
My answer: I definitely do not recommend captcha work. It pays extremely little and is often also used for unethical things.
Read the comments or ask your own question below.
Ready to start?
All of these sites are free to join. I recommend you join around 5 to 7 sites, so you get access to more earning opportunities. You can always join more later.
I keep this list updated, so bookmark this page. Know a site that belongs here, or have a question? Leave a comment below.
Frequently asked questions
Which site gives real money?
All 12 sites on this list pay real money. I have personally tested them, so I know they are legit and free to join. They are just less known, because they do not spend much on advertising.
What site pays you instantly?
None of these sites pays the second you finish a task. On Branded Surveys, payouts are approved instantly once you are a Silver or Gold member. On Prolific, you can cash out once a day, and Rover lets you withdraw anytime.
The comparison shows when each site pays.
Can I earn $100 a day online for free?
Not on these sites, and I would not count on it. They are not get-rich-quick sites. You can expect small but real earnings, and some can build up to quite a lot of extra money or a part-time income.
How can beginners make money online?
Start with simple online tasks like surveys, research studies or testing apps. All the sites on this list are free to join, so you only invest some time and effort. I recommend you join around 5 to 7 sites to get more opportunities.
What apps pay you real money?
Honeygain pays you for sharing your unused internet, without doing anything. Sharetown, Rover and Airtasker have apps for Android and iOS where you find local work like reselling, pet sitting or small jobs.
Hello. Can you add works for Turkmenistan
You can check out this list of the best international sites which are the ones you should go for.
Hello. I’m writing here in the hope that you’ll see my comment, since this is one of your most recent posts. First, I want to say that I truly appreciate your work and the information you share, because you’re one of the few genuinely honest creators online who focuses on this type of content.
I would like to ask if you might be able to help me with some advice. I’m an EU citizen and I recently moved abroad from my home country. At the moment I’m still waiting for my tax identification number, but the process is very slow and currently I’m unable to do any serious work. I do have some savings, but for normal living expenses I would need about €300–€500 more per month.
Since I can’t get a regular job yet (and even for most precarious platform-based work here you also need a tax or residency number), my only option at the moment is to earn the missing money through small online tasks. The issue is that I don’t yet speak the local language, so surveys unfortunately aren’t an option.
So I wanted to ask whether, given my situation, you might be able to recommend any online platforms for working from home where I could realistically earn that amount within my circumstances (perhaps AI training, captcha tasks, or something similar). I’m currently in Spain.
Thank you very much, and sorry for the long comment
First of all, thanks for your kind words.
As for other ways to earn than surveys, there are plenty of other free ways to earn some extra money. I definitely do not recommend capthca. It pays extremely little and is often also used for unethical things.
But I have a list here of side hustles you can check out for inspiration.
Hope this helps.