I tested PanelPolls to see if it is worth your time. It is legit and some of its projects pay well, but it is only for the US and it does not always accept new members. Below is what I found, and which sites I recommend instead.
Legit, but US only and hard to get into
Surveys, focus groups, communities and TV show tests, also for kids. Gift card payouts only, from $10.
On this page
The short answer
PanelPolls is a legit survey site. It pays you in points for surveys, focus groups, online communities, TV show tests and app tests, and kids can join through their parents.
But it is only for people in the US, and it does not always accept new members. It also no longer pays in cash: you redeem your points for a Reward Link e-gift card. If you can get in, it can be a decent secondary site. Do not expect it to replace a job.
- Plenty of earning opportunities
- Relatively high rewards for its paid offers
- Relatively low payment threshold: $10
- Kids from 2 to 17 can join with their parents’ consent
- More than one member of a household can join
- Phone support for members
- Cash payment is not available
- Only for people in the US
- It does not always accept new members, and it does not say so clearly
- Focus groups and online communities do not come often
- No app, and the FAQ is not very complete
My experience with PanelPolls
I tested PanelPolls and have updated this review since 2019. This is what I looked at, and what I did not test.
- First tested
- July 2019Review first published Jul 9, 2019
- Latest retest
- Checked: earning methods, payouts, support
- Payout option
- Reward Link e-gift cardCash by check is no longer offered
- The registration form and the qualifying question
- The survey invites and the member dashboard
- The focus group, online community, TV show and app testing sections
- The mobile version of the website
- The FAQ, the contact form and the Facebook page
- A Reward Link payout. This review does not show payment proof.
- The kids projects. They are for parents who sign up their child.
A look inside PanelPolls
These screenshots show the ways to earn on PanelPolls, the mobile site and the registration form.
Screenshots from PanelPolls
PanelPolls is US only and does not always accept new members. See the best survey sites in your country instead.
See the best sites in your countryPanelPolls at a glance
| What it is | Survey site that also runs focus groups, online communities, TV show tests and app tests |
|---|---|
| Ways to earn | Paid surveys, focus groups, online communities, TV show testing, mobile app and game testing, kids projects |
| Rewards | Points. Surveys usually pay $1 to $10, most at the lower end. |
| Minimum cashout | 10,000 points ($10) |
| Payout method | Reward Link e-gift card (powered by Tango Card), usable at more than 100 retail brands or charities. No cash. |
| Who can join | People in the US. Kids from 2 to 17 with their parents’ consent; adults from 18 without. More than one member of a household can join. |
| New members | Not always accepted. You answer one qualifying question and see right away if you can join. |
| Apps | No app, but the website works on phones and tablets |
| Support | FAQ, contact form, a phone number for members, and a Facebook page that has not posted for several years |
Is PanelPolls legit and safe?
Yes, PanelPolls is a legit survey site that rewards you for its surveys and other offers. But it has its issues. Here is what you should know.
- It does not always accept new members
Based on feedback from members, it is hard to join. PanelPolls does not always accept new members, and it does not show a clear announcement when it is closed. If it does not accept you, you can try again some other time.
- Only for people in the US
You must live in the US to join. Outside the US, you cannot become a member.
- No cash payouts
PanelPolls used to pay by check, but it no longer offers cash. You can only redeem your points for a Reward Link e-gift card.
- The best projects are rare
Focus groups and online communities pay the most, but in my experience they are seldom available. Some projects also last weeks or months, so read the conditions before you start.
My takeIf you can sign up and become a member, it can be a decent secondary site to earn money from. Just don’t expect it to replace the income you earn from your full-time job.
How you earn on PanelPolls
There are 6 ways to earn. Surveys are the most common; focus groups and online communities pay the most. Tap one to read more.
Paid surveys$1–$10 each
Once you are a member, you get survey invites by email or text message (if you opt in), and you see all available surveys on your member dashboard.
Before a survey, you answer a few pre-qualification questions. If you do not qualify, you are told right away, so you do not waste time.
You usually earn $1 to $10 per survey, which is a decent rate in my experience. But most surveys pay at the lower end, and few pay around $10.
Focus groups$5–$300, rare
From time to time, you get an invite to an in-person or online focus group about new TV shows, products or services. PanelPolls says you can earn $5 to $300 per focus group. The more work it takes, the higher the reward.
In my experience, these invites do not come very often. If you get one, take advantage of it.
Paid online communitiesHigher, rare
You share your opinion about products and services, or test apps and games, in an online community. A project can last 3 to 7 days, two weeks, a month, six months, a year or longer.
The rewards are significant, but these invites are not available often. It is not clear when you receive the reward for a long project.
TV show testingSmaller rewards
You watch TV shows or videos that have not aired yet, then share your opinion. The rewards are lower than for focus groups or online communities, but it is a fun way to earn.
Mobile app and game testingCan take a month+
You test games and mobile apps and get rewarded when you finish. Some tests last more than a month, so read the conditions first. It can be a big time commitment.
Kids projectsWith parent consent
Kids can take surveys and other activities about new TV shows, toys, games, trends, sports and music. The parent signs up, receives the invites and approves each activity for their child.
How much can you make?
It depends on how many invites you get and how many offers you complete. PanelPolls does not guarantee regular survey invites; it depends on your profile.
The rewards are slightly higher than on most survey sites, from what I saw while testing it. Based on feedback from many members, the average is around $15 a month.
The real money is in focus groups and online communities, but they are seldom available.
Payout method and minimum
| Method | Minimum | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Reward Link e-gift card (Tango Card) | 10,000 points ($10) | Use it for e-gift cards from more than 100 retail brands, or for charities |
PanelPolls used to pay by check, but it no longer offers cash payments. If you want to be paid in cash, see the legit survey sites that pay via PayPal.
Who can join PanelPolls?
Almost anyone who lives in the US can join, even kids. A child must be between 2 and 17 years old and needs a parent’s consent: the parent becomes the member, gets the notifications first, and approves each activity. If you are 18 or older, you do not need consent.
To sign up, you fill out the registration form, and PanelPolls asks you one qualifying question. You know right away if you can join. More than one member of a household can join, which is unusual for a survey site.
But PanelPolls does not always accept new members. If you are in the US and want sites that always accept new members, see the top survey sites in the US.
What readers told me
This review has 2 comments since 2024: 1 from a reader and 1 reply from me.
A reader corrected an older version of this review about who can join. PanelPolls had changed its terms, and I updated the review.
“The assertion that adults over the age of 34 cannot join isn’t correct. I was able to join this site, even though I don’t have kids.”
Mikael: I have just double-checked and you are right that they have changed their terms and I have now updated the review with the correct info.
PanelPolls alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Opinion | Surveys only, cash payouts | $5 or $10, by country | 4.6 / 5 |
| Survey Junkie | Popular US survey site with PayPal payouts | 500 points ($5) | 4.4 / 5 |
| Branded Surveys | Surveys with a low cashout | $5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Focusgroup.com | Focus groups and surveys in the US | 1,000 points ($10) | 3.3 / 5 |
Outside the US, or PanelPolls does not accept you? See the top survey sites in your country. They always accept new members.
How I scored PanelPolls
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. Platform Information.
PanelPolls scores 54 out of 100. Legit, but US only and hard to get into. These sites accept new members.
See the best sites in your countryPanelPolls FAQ
Is PanelPolls a scam?
No. PanelPolls is a legit survey site that rewards you for completing its surveys and other offers.
Who can join PanelPolls?
People who live in the US. Kids from 2 to 17 can join with a parent’s consent. Adults from 18 do not need consent. More than one member of a household can join.
Why can I not join PanelPolls?
PanelPolls does not always accept new members, and you answer one qualifying question when you sign up. Try again some other time, or join a site that always accepts new members.
How does PanelPolls pay?
With a Reward Link e-gift card, powered by Tango Card. You can use it for e-gift cards from more than 100 retail brands, or for charities. PanelPolls no longer pays cash.
What is the minimum payout?
10,000 points, which is worth $10.
How much can you earn?
Surveys usually pay $1 to $10, most at the lower end. Based on feedback from many members, the average is around $15 a month.
Is there a PanelPolls app?
No. But you can complete surveys on your phone or tablet, and the website works well on mobile.
How do I contact PanelPolls?
Use the FAQ and the contact form on the website. Members can also call the phone number PanelPolls provides.
Who tested PanelPolls for this review
If you have any comments, questions, or experiences with PanelPolls, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.
The assertion that adults over the age of 34 cannot join isn’t correct. I was able to join this site, even though I don’t have kids.
Thanks for sharing. I have just double-checked and you are right that they have changed their terms and I have now updated the review with the correct info. Thanks for letting me know.