If you have ever searched the web for the best online survey sites, chances are you've come across Toluna. Today, it is one of the most popular paid-survey and marketing research companies with over 800 employees globally. As of 2018, they have a user base of over 13 million registered members in over 86 countries.

In simple terms, they're kind of a big deal.

Yes they have a lot of hype, but are they actually legit? Considering the fact that scams are becoming more and more easily disguised, it can be tricky trying to find a keeper. Luckily, I am going to discuss the ins and outs of Toluna and what they're about.

Toluna is an online community dedicated to making your voice heard! It all started when they were founded by the Toluna Group, and since then they have grown remarkably. Today, they are a global community that has over 10 million members. One of them could be you.

toluna logo

Every service that the site offers is completely free, and you will be awarded points for participation in most Toluna activities.

Toluna USA, Inc. has an A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau). A good rating from a credible organization like this is a positive sign while determining the legitimacy of a company.

Catch Toluna on all of your favorite social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. There you can keep up to date on special offers and announcements.

Earning Potential

One of the primary ways to make money on Toluna is through surveys. This is my personal favorite because there are so many interesting topics to choose from.

On average, surveys range from 15-20,000 points. The amount of points varies depending on their length and difficulty. Most of the time our surveys will last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Surveys are created by their clients who are mostly market research agencies and brands; they are accessible on Toluna or by invitation sent to your inbox.

All the information is listed before you take a survey. The very first survey disqualified me before I answered my first question, but luckily I was entered into a $4,500 sweepstakes as a compensation. Sometimes you are rewarded points if you disqualify as well.

Each one will start with a few questions that will make sure you are part of the targeted demographic group needed for the study. Sometimes, determining whether someone qualifies for a survey takes just a few questions, other times it may take more.

Don't forget that by filling in your profile surveys on Toluna you will have a greater chance of being selected for specific surveys.

Product testing is another viable option for members to make some extra dough. Toluna lets its members test products in the comfort of their own homes.

You can apply to test products based on your interests or needs. It could be makeup, deodorant and more. You can keep the product and are asked for feedback after using it.

Along with surveys and product testing, there is so much more to get involved with in the Toluna Community. Listed below are some of the lesser-known paying options.

  • Mini Polls: participate in sponsored mini polls, a system of yes or no questions that last around 15 minutes (100 points)
  • Friend Referrals: if your're enjoying the Toluna experience, refer your friends and let them join in on the fun (500 points each)
  • Battles: give your opinions in a battle of products or subjects
  • Thumb It: let other members give a thumbs up or thumbs down on any topic you want to discuss

Even though they are not as well known, they are still just as much beneficial.

You also get points for simple things like signing up and filling out your profile surveys. Although once your balance starts growing, it's up to you what rewards you get and when you cash them.

Decision made already? If you know for a fact that Toluna is the survey site for you, wait no longer and sign up now!

Methods of Payment

Toluna offers an extensive variety of rewards.

  • Gift certificates and Cash paid via PayPal: PayPal payments start at 90,000 points. Toluna offers many types of giftcards including ones from Target, Starbucks, Best Buy and many more. The value starts at 30,000 points.
  • Checks: You can request a $25 check for 75,000 points. These forms of payment are specific for the US, and they may vary depending on the country
  • Sweepstakes: Draws are held monthly for thousands of cash dollars. Sweepstakes draws are not available in all regions.

A minimum of $5 worth of points required in account in order to request payment and rewards can take up to 8 weeks for the rewards to deliver, although many have received virtual giftcards and cash payments within a few weeks.

Examples of Toluna's Rewards

If you're tired of the normal flow of payments, you can switch things up and donate your earnings to charity instead.

Toluna Complaints

Though Toluna is one of the largest paid-survey companies out there, there is a common thread of complaints.

Now not only do they keep increasing points for an award, but it can take a while to rack up a substantial amount.

Another major issue deals with how members partake in a survey and only mid-way through or even after completion, they are “screened out”  and not entitled to the full payment.

Legit Or A Scam?

Despite the concerns voiced by some members, Toluna  is still considered legitimate because they pass the 4 most important things to consider while evaluating a potential survey site.

They may not pay enough for you to be able to rely on them as your sole income, but survey sites are not here to make you rich. Sites like Toluna serve best as a way to make money on the side.

FAQ's

What is Gifties?

Gifties is a virtual scratch game that allows you to exchange a small number of points for the chance to win a large selection of rewards. Each Giftie represents a gift that you can win if you are randomly selected, you only need to click to find out if you’re a winner. 

Do points have to be used by a certain time?

Yes, once points are credited to your account they will remain redeemable for 12 months. If after this period the points have not been used, they will expire and be deleted from your account.

How does Toluna use the data they collect?

Toluna  goes to great measures to make sure they use your data responsibly. They only provide non-identifiable information to clients  for use in market research and for the client’s own internal purposes.

How safe is Toluna?

Toluna is completely safe and legit. They do not use Direct Marketing and will never share your data with telemarketers or ad agencies for promotion and targeting purposes. If you have questions about your data, you can contact administration at [email protected].

Getting Started

Members are eligible to sign up worldwide as long as they are 13 years or older. New members to the Toluna community will automatically have 500 points deposited into their accounts.

In order to have full access to their rewards, Gifties and prizes, you need to verify your email. It may seem like an inconvenience, but it was no hassle because I received my email right away!

A fun feature that Toluna offers is the ability to customize your profile by updating a profile image. This shows that Toluna understands that every survey taker is an individual with their own unique voice.

Their mobile app now allows you to access your profile from anywhere, you can even snap photos and create polls easily. You can download it on Google Play or The App Store.

Conclusion

Still wondering about Toluna?

Most survey sites prove to function best as a way to make cash on the side, and this is true for Toluna as well. If you're willing to accept the risk of your account being terminated, it can be a great non-serious way to make some money.

To optimize your money-making potential, I recommend signing up for more than one survey site. Rated #1 in our Top 5 list, Swagbucks  is considered the best of the best because they are dependable and have great earning potential. You can access our full review here.