Looking for a simple way to make extra money online? InboxDollars has been around since 2000, helping people earn real cash (not points!) for everyday activities like taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.
But is it actually worth your time? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about InboxDollars—how it works, how much you can earn, and whether it’s legit or just another time-waster.
What Is InboxDollars?
InboxDollars is a rewards platform that pays you real money for completing simple online tasks. Unlike other sites that use confusing points systems, InboxDollars shows your earnings in actual dollars and cents, so you always know exactly how much you’re making.
The platform connects you with brands and market research companies who need consumer feedback. They pay InboxDollars for access to users like you, and InboxDollars shares that revenue with you. It’s owned by Prodege, a reputable company in the rewards space, and has paid out over $80 million to members since launching.
With over 20 years in business and millions of satisfied users, InboxDollars has established itself as one of the most trusted names in the online rewards world.
How Does InboxDollars Work?
Getting started is quick and easy. You sign up for free (no credit card required), answer a few basic profile questions so InboxDollars can match you with relevant opportunities, and immediately get a $5 bonus just for joining. Then you start earning.
Your dashboard shows all available earning opportunities in one place. Each activity clearly displays how much you’ll earn before you start, so there are no surprises. Once you complete a task, the cash is added to your account balance.
Ways to Earn on InboxDollars
What makes InboxDollars stand out is the variety of ways you can earn. Here’s everything available:
Online Surveys – The most popular way to earn. Surveys typically pay $0.50 to $5 and take anywhere from 3 to 25 minutes. Some specialized surveys can pay $10-$20 or more.
Watch Videos – Get paid to watch short video clips about entertainment, news, and products. It’s a passive way to earn while you’re doing other things. You’ll make a few cents per video, which adds up over time.
Play Games – Download and play mobile games, reaching certain levels or completing challenges to earn rewards. Some game offers pay $10-$35 or more if you hit the required milestones.
Cash Back Shopping – Earn 1-15% cash back (sometimes up to 40% during promotions) when you shop at over 1,000 partner retailers including Walmart, Target, Amazon, and more.
Read Paid Emails – Earn a few cents just for opening promotional emails that InboxDollars sends. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost your balance.
Scratch & Win – Every four web searches you make through the InboxDollars search engine earns you a scratch-off ticket. Win cash prizes up to $100.
Grocery Receipts – Upload photos of your grocery receipts and earn rewards. You’ll get 2 cents per receipt plus bonuses for buying featured brands.
Print Coupons – Print grocery coupons and earn cash when you redeem them in-store.
Complete Offers – Sign up for free trials, download apps, or complete special offers. These can pay anywhere from a few dollars to over $50 depending on the complexity.
Refer Friends – Earn bonuses when you invite friends to join InboxDollars and they start earning.
How Much Can You Actually Earn?
Let’s be honest: InboxDollars won’t replace your day job, but it’s a solid way to make extra spending money. Here’s what to expect realistically:
Casual users (30 minutes to 1 hour per day): $30-$50 per month
Active users (2-3 hours per day): $50-$100 per month
Dedicated users (focusing on high-paying offers and games): $100-$225 per month
Individual earning rates vary by activity. Surveys typically pay $2-$4 per hour of actual work time. Videos and emails earn less but require almost no effort. The real money comes from completing high-value offers on the Offer Wall and game challenges.
One user reported earning $600 over three years of consistent use. Another made $11 in just a few days by actively completing surveys, playing games, and using multiple earning methods. The key is consistency and choosing the right mix of activities for your time investment.
Getting Paid: Cash Out Options
InboxDollars pays real cash, not points or virtual currency. Here’s how payouts work:
Minimum Payout: $15 for your first cash-out, then $10 for subsequent payouts. (Some sources mention $30 for certain payment methods, so check the current requirements when you’re ready to cash out.)
Processing Time: Payments are processed on Wednesdays and typically take 3-10 business days to complete.
Payment Options:
- PayPal – Get cash sent directly to your PayPal account (no processing fee)
- Gift Cards – Choose from popular retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Starbucks, and more (no processing fee)
- Prepaid Visa/Mastercard/Amex – Use your earnings anywhere these cards are accepted (no processing fee)
- Check by Mail – Traditional payment option (may have $3 processing fee if balance is under $40)
Pro Tip: Some sources mention a $3 processing fee for payouts under $40, so it’s worth waiting until you hit $40 to maximize your earnings. However, PayPal and gift card options may not have this fee.
Is InboxDollars Legit?
Yes, InboxDollars is 100% legitimate. Here’s the proof:
- Founded in 2000 – over 20 years in business
- Paid out more than $80 million to members
- Owned by Prodege, a reputable rewards platform company
- 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot (42,000+ reviews)
- 4.5 stars on Apple App Store (216,000+ reviews)
- 4.2 stars on Google Play Store (160,000+ reviews)
- Better Business Bureau accredited
InboxDollars is completely free to join and never asks you to pay anything. Thousands of users confirm receiving regular payments through PayPal, gift cards, and checks. The platform uses encryption to protect your personal information and only shares necessary data with research partners.
While no platform is perfect, InboxDollars has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable rewards sites available.
The Good and The Not-So-Good
What We Love:
- Completely free to join and use
- $5 instant signup bonus
- Pays real cash, not points
- Multiple ways to earn money
- Over 20 years of proven reliability
- No processing fees for PayPal and gift cards
- User-friendly website and mobile app
- Variety keeps things interesting
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Higher minimum payout than some competitors ($15-$30 depending on method)
- Survey disqualifications can be frustrating
- Earnings are modest – best for extra spending money, not bills
- Payment processing takes longer than some sites (3-10 days)
- Some offers require time investment to complete
- Cashback earnings can take 30-75 days to approve
- Limited to U.S. residents for most earning opportunities
- Low pay per hour compared to traditional work
Who Should Use InboxDollars?
InboxDollars is perfect for you if you:
- Want to earn money during downtime (commuting, watching TV, waiting)
- Enjoy variety and like having multiple earning options
- Prefer earning real dollars instead of dealing with points conversions
- Already shop online and want cash back on purchases
- Don’t mind slower payment processing for higher payout amounts
- Like passive earning opportunities (videos, paid emails)
- Want a platform with a proven 20+ year track record
It’s probably not the best choice if you need quick cash, want a high hourly rate, or expect to make serious money fast. InboxDollars works best as a supplemental income source where you’re turning time you’d spend on your phone anyway into dollars.
Tips to Maximize Your InboxDollars Earnings
Want to make the most money on InboxDollars? Follow these strategies:
- Complete your profile thoroughly – Better matching means more survey opportunities and fewer disqualifications
- Focus on high-paying offers first – Game challenges and special offers pay way more than surveys per time invested
- Use multiple earning methods – Combine surveys with videos, shopping, and offers for maximum earnings
- Check daily – New opportunities appear regularly and the best ones go quickly
- Set up shopping cashback – If you already shop online, always go through InboxDollars for automatic cash back
- Read offer requirements carefully – This prevents wasted time and ensures you get credited properly
- Wait until $40 to cash out – Avoid potential processing fees by letting your balance grow
- Use the search feature – Every 4 searches earns a scratch ticket with cash prizes
- Upload grocery receipts – It takes seconds and earns you a few cents each time
- Download the mobile app – Earn anywhere, anytime from your phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Is InboxDollars really free?
Yes, InboxDollars is completely free to join and use. There are no membership fees, subscription charges, or hidden costs. You’ll never be asked to pay anything, and you get a $5 bonus just for signing up.
How long does it take to get paid?
Payments are processed on Wednesdays and typically take 3-10 business days to complete. PayPal payments are usually faster than checks or gift cards. Some users report receiving PayPal payments within 2-3 days.
What’s the minimum age to join?
You must be at least 18 years old to join InboxDollars.
Why don’t I qualify for some surveys?
Market researchers need specific demographics for each survey. Not qualifying is normal and happens on all survey sites. The good news is you’ll still often earn a few cents for trying, and InboxDollars works to improve your matches over time.
Can I really make $100+ per month?
It’s possible if you’re very active and focus on high-paying offers and game challenges. Most casual users make $30-$50 per month, while dedicated users who spend 2-3 hours daily can reach $100-$225 per month.
Is InboxDollars available outside the U.S.?
InboxDollars is primarily for U.S. residents. However, sister sites InboxPounds (U.K.) and DailyRewards (Canada) serve those regions.
Do my earnings expire?
Your earnings don’t expire as long as your account remains active. However, accounts may become inactive if you don’t log in or complete activities for an extended period.
What happens if I get disqualified from a survey?
If you get screened out of a survey, you’ll typically still earn 2-5 cents for your time. It’s frustrating but happens on all survey platforms.
Can I use InboxDollars on my phone?
Absolutely! InboxDollars has apps for both iOS and Android. The mobile app gives you access to most earning opportunities, making it easy to earn on the go.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes, InboxDollars uses encryption to protect your data and is owned by Prodege, a reputable company. They only share necessary information with research partners in a secure, compliant way.
Final Verdict: Is InboxDollars Worth It?
InboxDollars is one of the most established and reliable rewards platforms available. With over 20 years in business and $80+ million paid out to members, it’s definitely legit. The variety of earning options means you won’t get bored, and earning real dollars (not points) makes tracking your income simple.
The higher minimum payout and longer processing times are drawbacks, but if you’re patient and consistent, InboxDollars can generate $30-$100+ in extra cash each month. It’s perfect for turning your downtime into dollars—watching TV, commuting, or just relaxing on the couch.
Will you get rich? No. But if you’re looking for a legitimate, proven way to earn extra spending money without leaving home, InboxDollars is absolutely worth trying. Plus, you get $5 just for signing up, so there’s literally no risk.
Note: InboxDollars is available primarily to U.S. residents. Minimum age is 18+. Sister sites InboxPounds (U.K.) and DailyRewards (Canada) serve those markets.