There was a time when if a kid wanted to make a few bucks, all they could do was mow some lawns, babysit, or get a paper route. (Do people even read newspapers today?) If a kid was lucky, they could work with the family business during summer. But that was the past. If you’re a kid under 18, you’ve got more ways than ever to make money!
I’ve compiled a list of ways for you to earn. And since kids are always on their mobile phones, these methods all involve doing activities online.
If you’re a parent, chances are you’re wary of your kid getting duped by unscrupulous websites. Don’t worry; these sites are all legit and safe. That’s why I compiled this list in the first place; I wanted to have a list of dependable money-making websites I could share with my own nephews and nieces.
I’m happy to report that my nephews and nieces all enjoyed using and earning from these sites. They earned more money than if they had tried earning through old-school ways. Their parents were also pleased. Instead of using mobile phones aimlessly, their kids were using their gadgets productively. Can’t argue with that!
Check out my list!
1. CashCrate
Minimum age to qualify: 13 years
CashCrate is one of the more popular reward websites out there. It’s part of the so-called GPT (short for “Get paid to…”) websites. As the name implies, GPT sites pay you to do a variety of small tasks, usually taking surveys, but also includes trying out offers and testing apps. Users get paid in points per task completed, which they can redeem later on for cash or rewards.
Since kids are already spending so much time on the internet, CashCrate provides them with a great opportunity to earn. They have a $20 minimum payout amount, which is actually a good thing because it encourages kids to save. CashCrate also has a referral system that rewards members for bringing in new ones.
A little advice, though. CashCrate has a “Payment Wall” where members share pics of their cheques. I would recommend telling your kids to avoid posting anything that could contain personal information.
Link: https://www.cashcrate.com
2. Swagbucks
Minimum age to qualify: 13 year
Swagbucks is another popular site. And chances are, your kids would already have heard about this. The site rewards members for playing games, making searches with specific search engines, watching videos, taking surveys, and trying out offers.
Points are awarded for each completed task. Your kids can then redeem this as either cash (which is paid via PayPal) or gift cards for popular retailers, including Amazon , eBay , and Walmart.
Link: https://www.swagbucks.com
3. Global Test Market
Minimum age qualify: 14 years
Global Test Market is one of my personal favorites. They’re legit, reliable, and I’m sure your kids will enjoy using the site. The company specializes in conducting market research, which it does via surveys. It pays members to complete these surveys.
Since most kids love sharing opinions on movies, games, and apps, they should have a relatively easy time earning from Global Test Market. They will have to pass some screening questionnaires to ensure that the surveys they get are appropriate to them (No liquor surveys).
They pay half a cent for each point earned. Each survey earns them anywhere from 5 to 100 points, depending on the length and complexity of the surveys. If they’ve got a lot of free time to take surveys, those points can pile up quickly!
Minimum payout is 1,000 points. It may seem a lot, but it encourages them to save their earnings. Earnings can be redeemed as cash (via PayPal) or gift cards.
Link: https://www.globaltestmarket.com
4. i-Say
Minimum age to qualify: 14 years
Here’s another survey site. Even if your kids are already using Global Test Market, I would recommend they give i-Say a shot. That’s because different sites might have different surveys. If they’ve tried all the surveys suitable to them on Global Test Market, they could then check i-Say.
As per the experience of my nephews and nieces, i-Say seems to have more surveys that are specifically geared towards a younger market. Members can earn points by taking part in polls, completing surveys, and referring friends and family.
The site also has a super-awesome loyalty program. If they’re active members, they can earn 25 bonus points for every five surveys they complete!
Link: https://social.i-say.com
5. SurveySavvy
Minimum age to qualify: 13 years
SurveySavvy is a survey site like the previous two I’ve mentioned, but they have a really cool feature: they pay in cash. No points to keep track of, no more calculating how much your accumulated points are worth in cash. SurveySavvy lets kids earn by taking surveys. Complete a survey, earn money. That simple. They can even request a payout as long as they have at least $1 in their account.
Surveys cover the usual wide range of topics, many of which are kid-friendly. (Only the appropriate topics will be assigned to them) These include entertainment, technology, food, toys, and games.
SurveySavvy also has a pretty sweet referral system. Your kids will get paid $1 for each survey their referrals complete. Basically, they’re getting active income (by taking surveys) and passive income (by earning from their referrals).
Link: https://www.surveysavvy.com
6. SavvyConnect
SavvyConnect is like a next-level version of Survey Savvy. Your kids will have to install the SavvyConnect app, which will earn them $5 per month. Yup, just for installing the app. (Which is free, I must add)
SavvyConnect connects users to higher-paying surveys. If your kids love sharing opinions and taking surveys, this is the app for them!
Payments are also processed faster for members of SavvyConnect. Pretty savvy, huh?
Link: https://www.surveysavvy.com/savvyconnect
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/savvyconnect/id1167090176?mt=8
Android: Download available via website link provided above
The Verdict: Legit or Scam?
All these sites are legit! They are safe and fun ways for kids to earn some money. Since kids are online most of the time, these are great options for them. These sites also teach kids money and time management, professionalism, and perseverance. Highly recommended!
Your Turn
This review is based on my own experiences, as well as those of my nephews and nieces. Now it’s your turn to share. Have you found other ways for kids to make money?
Let’s hear your stories!