Want to make some extra cash while browsing the internet?
You’re in luck!
Plenty of companies are willing to pay you for your online searches and browsing the web as you normally do.
You can earn money or free gift cards just by using specific search engines or installing apps that track your web activity.
This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s a simple way to earn a little extra money doing something you already do.
Before you start, it’s important to understand how these programs work and pick the ones best suited for you.
Some require you to change your default search engine, while others run in the background as you browse.
So, if you’re ready to learn how to get paid to search the web, then let’s begin!
Then let’s begin!
Why Search Engines Pay You for Your Search Activity
Companies want to know how people use search engines so they can understand people better.
This helps companies figure out what people like, what they shop for, and what they’re curious about.
With this info, they can create smarter ads that are more likely to reach the right audience who are interested in their products and services.
That means their ads work better and save them money.
On top of that, companies can share or sell this data to other businesses, making it even more valuable.
So they are willing to pay you to use their search tools instead of Google or Bing.
Many of these programs offer other ways to earn too. You might get paid to:
- Watch videos
- Take surveys
So when you learn how to get paid to search the web, you can comfortably make money from home as a stay-at-home parent, college student or even teen!
Companies that will Pay You to Surf the Internet
Some companies that will pay you to search the web include Swagbucks, Qmee, Nielsen, MobileXpression, and Microsoft Rewards.
Let’s look at these popular options and a few more!
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is my favorite way to make money doing everyday online activities. So they are my top choice!
In my Swagbucks review, I break down the various ways you can earn money, from searching the web and playing online games to taking advantage of sign-up offers.
You can earn between 1 and 20 SB points per search using their search engine, which translates to $0.01 to $0.20 per search.
These points can be traded for gift cards, such as free Starbucks gift cards, or cash via PayPal.
The site also pays you to:
- Take surveys
- Watch Videos
- Print Coupons
This is also an online job teens 13 years and older can participate in to make extra money working from home.
Swagbucks also has a mobile app. This makes it easy to earn on the go. To-date, I’ve earned $2,231 with Swagbucks!
2. Microsoft Rewards and Bing Rewards
Microsoft Rewards is a program that pays you to use Bing as your search engine.
You earn points for each search you do. These points add up fast and can be redeemed for gift cards, Microsoft apparel or other prizes.
To join, just sign up for a free Microsoft account.
Then set Bing as your default search engine. You’ll get 5 points for each search, up to a maximum of 150 points per day.
The site also pays you to:
- Take Quizzes
- Play Trivia Games
- Make Purchases from Microsoft Store Online
Microsoft Rewards points don’t directly convert to cash, but you typically need around 5,000 points to redeem a reward valued at $5.
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars rewards you for using their search engine through a feature called “Cash Search.”
As you make progress through qualified searches, you’ll be rewarded with scratch cards that give you a chance to win a few cents to upwards of $100.
If you perform online searches on four or more days within a week, InboxDollars gives you a $0.05 loyalty reward.
The site also pays you to:
- Read Emails
- Play Games
- Take Surveys
InboxDollars pays in cash, not points. This makes it simple to know how much you’re earning.
4. Qmee
Qmee is a browser extension that works in the background with your preferred browser such as Google, Bing and Yahoo.
It displays sponsored results next to regular search results.
When you click a Qmee link, you earn money.
Essentially, advertisers pay Qmee for directing traffic to their sites. Qmee then shares a portion of this revenue with you as a reward for your engagement.
The site also pays you to:
- Take Surveys
- Shop Online
- Play Online Games
You can earn money by clicking ads and make a few cents per click.
There’s no minimum payout, so you can cash out anytime to PayPal, Venmo or gift cards.
5. MobileXpression
MobileXpression is different from other rewards sites. It’s a market research panel that studies mobile internet use.
You install their software on your phone. It runs in the background and tracks your mobile usage. In return, you earn weekly credits.
These credits can be exchanged for gift cards, such as free Amazon gift cards. The longer you keep the app installed, the more you earn.
The site also pays you to:
- Take Surveys
- Enter Sweepstakes
- Search the Web
MobileXpression also offers bonus rewards. So you might get extra points for participating in other tasks as well.
6. MyPoints
MyPoints, similar to Swagbucks, rewards you for using their search engine through a feature called “Search and Earn.”
You can access this through your MyPoints account.
Use the search bar to enter your online queries, and you’ll earn points randomly for your searches.
As with many of the other platforms, the more online searches you conduct, the better the chances you’ll earn rewards.
The site also pays you to:
- Shop Through Their Links
- Watch Videos
- Play Games
Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards, travel miles or PayPal cash.
Apps That Pay You to Share Your Data
There are also several apps that let you earn easy money by sharing your data. I use many of these apps to make a few extra dollars each week!
These apps collect information about your online activities, location, or purchases. They use this data for market research and in return pay you for your participation.
7. Pogo App
Pogo is a free app that pays you for sharing your location data. You can earn up to $50 per year just by keeping the app running in the background on your phone.
That’s about in line with how much I make with the Pogo app.
To use Pogo:
- Create an account
- Allow location access
- Let it run in the background
Pogo pays you in cash through PayPal, or you can also redeem points to an Amazon gift card.
I always redeem to PayPal, so I can use my rewards for anything I need.
You can also earn extra money by taking surveys, signing up for offers, or referring friends. The app is easy to use and doesn’t drain your battery.
Download Pogo and enter promo code BWX5V9 to earn a 250 point sign up bonus!
8. Caden App
Caden is a fairly new data-sharing app that puts you in control of your personal information. It lets you decide what data to share and with whom.
You earn money by sharing your data with brands and researchers.
Here’s how Caden works:
- Connect your accounts (social media, email, etc.)
- Choose what data to share
- Get paid when companies use your data
Caden uses strong encryption to keep your data safe. You can see exactly how your data is being used and who’s using it.
Earnings potential may vary and the app is currently only available on iOS.
9. HoneyGain
HoneyGain pays you for sharing your unused internet bandwidth.
It’s a passive way to earn money without doing any extra work. You can install HoneyGain on your computer or smartphone.
To use HoneyGain:
- Sign up on their website
- Download the app
- Let it run in the background
HoneyGain uses your internet connection for various purposes, like content delivery and market research.
Your earnings potential is unlimited and depends on your internet speed and usage. Payments are made through PayPal or in cryptocurrency.
HoneyGain is unfortunately no longer available in the Google Play Store. Android users can still find the app for download on the official HoneyGain website.
10. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel App
The Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel app pays you for sharing your internet usage data.
Nielsen is a well-known market research company that studies consumer behavior. The app runs in the background and tracks your web browsing and app usage.
Key features:
- Easy to install and use
- Runs on computers and mobile devices
- Earn up to $60 per year
- Occasional sweepstakes for bigger prizes
Your data is kept anonymous and used for research purposes only. The app doesn’t slow down your device or use much battery power.
11. Fetch App
Fetch is a bit different from the other apps.
It pays you for sharing your purchase data. You earn points by scanning receipts from your shopping trips. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.
How to use Fetch Rewards:
- Scan your shopping receipts
- Earn points for your purchases
- Redeem Fetch points for gift cards, merchandise and sweepstakes entries
The app is free to use and available for both iOS and Android devices. To-date, I’ve earned over $13k in free gift cards with Fetch!
Download Fetch and use promo code AWPFV8 to earn free sign up bonus points!
How to Maximize Your Earnings
Try these strategies to earn more money for your online activities.
Combine Surveys, Apps, and Searches
Mix up your online tasks to earn more. Use survey sites along with search rewards. Many platforms, such as Swagbucks, offer both options.
Take quick surveys between searches. This can add up to extra cash.
Then remember to cash out your earnings regularly! Some sites have point expiration dates, and losing rewards you’ve worked hard for would be a shame.
Leverage Browser Extensions
Browser extensions make earning easier. They remind you to use reward sites when you shop or search.
Install extensions from trusted reward programs, such as from Rakuten and Swagbucks.
These tools track your searches automatically. You don’t have to remember to log in each time.
Some extensions alert you to bonus point opportunities. This helps you earn more without extra effort.
Avoid Scams and Unreliable Platforms
When looking for ways to get paid for web searches, be wary of sites that promise big payouts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Watch out for platforms asking for payment to join. Legitimate sites won’t charge you money upfront.
Be careful with personal info. Don’t share bank details or passwords with unfamiliar websites.
Check for clear payment terms. Trustworthy sites explain exactly how and when you’ll get paid.
Get Paid to Search the Web Final Thoughts
I like the idea of getting paid to search the web, especially since it doesn’t require much effort on my part.
And since companies are already collecting and using your data every time you use the web, you might as well get paid for it!
Every little bit counts when you’re looking for ways to make extra money. Next, you may be interested in reading about different ways to earn $100 a day.
