Online surveys & panels
People in this category want their opinions valued fairly and their rewards to arrive as promised. Many worry about payouts being delayed or small print working against them.
Online surveys & panels companies
58 companies
About Online surveys & panels
Online surveys and panels cover the paid market research platforms that invite members to answer questionnaires, take part in product tests and share opinions on everyday topics. Members are rewarded with points, cash or vouchers once they reach a set threshold. Companies in the sector sign up members through advertising and partnerships, then sell their insight to brands, agencies and academic researchers.
The UK sector is shaped by data protection rules under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, which govern how personal information is collected, stored and shared with clients. The Information Commissioner's Office is the regulator responsible for enforcing these rules. The Market Research Society sets the professional code of conduct for research in Britain, and its members agree to standards on honesty, transparency and the protection of participants.
Panel businesses also operate within advertising and consumer protection law enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority and the Competition and Markets Authority, which set expectations on how incentives and claims are presented. Membership of the MRS and compliance with its code form part of how the sector presents itself to the public.
Questions about Online surveys & panels
How do I know if an online survey site is legitimate?
A legitimate survey panel will name the company operating it, give a registered business address and explain clearly how members are paid. Check that the company is registered with Companies House and read its privacy policy to see how your personal data is used under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
What should I compare before signing up to a survey panel?
Compare how payment works, including the minimum balance before you can withdraw, the methods available and whether rewards expire. Look at how many surveys are offered, how long they take to complete according to the terms, and whether the company explains how it screens people out of surveys.
Do I have to pay to join an online survey panel?
Reputable survey panels in the UK are free to join and do not require you to pay a membership fee. If a site asks you to pay upfront to access surveys or earn money, treat it as a warning sign and check whether the Advertising Standards Authority has ruled on its promotions.
What personal information will a survey company ask me for?
Survey companies ask for demographic details such as age, postcode, occupation and household make-up so they can match you to research projects. You are entitled under the UK GDPR to know what is held about you, to ask for corrections and to request deletion of your data.
How do I cancel my account with a survey panel?
Most panels let you close your account from within your profile settings or by emailing their support team. Before you close the account, withdraw any balance you have earned, because some companies remove unpaid rewards once an account is closed.
Can I get a refund if I am unhappy with a survey company?
Survey panels offer free services, so there is no purchase to refund, but any paid product you buy from a company is covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If a service is not provided with reasonable care and skill, you can ask for a repair, a repeat performance or a partial refund.
What do I do if a survey company refuses to pay my rewards?
Start by contacting the company in writing, quoting your account details, the amount owed and the dates of the surveys you completed. If they do not resolve the matter, you can escalate it through the company's complaints procedure and then to an alternative dispute resolution scheme or the small claims track of the county court.
Which regulator should I contact about a problem with an online survey company?
The Information Commissioner's Office handles complaints about how a company has used your personal data under UK data protection law. The Competition and Markets Authority and Trading Standards deal with unfair trading practices, and the Advertising Standards Authority covers misleading adverts.
What rights do I have when I take part in market research online?
You have the right to be told who is conducting the research and how your answers will be used before you take part. Under the UK GDPR you can withdraw consent at any time, and companies must not use your responses for direct selling disguised as research under the MRS Code of Conduct.
Is there an industry body that sets standards for survey companies in the UK?
The Market Research Society publishes the MRS Code of Conduct, which binds its members to honest data collection and proper treatment of respondents. Membership of the MRS and adherence to its code are a useful indicator of a company's standards, though not every panel is a member.
What should I look for in reviews of online survey companies?
Read reviews that describe specific payment experiences, such as how long withdrawals took and whether a minimum balance applied. Be cautious of a cluster of very similar positive reviews posted within a short period, and give more weight to reviews that mention both good and bad experiences.
How do I avoid survey scams when signing up online?
Never pay a fee to receive surveys or a promised reward, and do not give bank details or passwords to a site that asks for them to verify your account. If a website makes unrealistic earnings claims, report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.