Is Branded Surveys a Scam? (My Honest Review 2023)

Are you thinking of giving Branded Surveys a try but feeling unsure if it’s legit or not? Well, you’re not alone! Online surveys have become a popular way to earn some extra cash from the comfort of your own home. They may not pay a ton, but they’re usually pretty easy and safe. Plus, it’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of making money online.

Now, you might have stumbled upon a bunch of Branded Surveys reviews, both positive and negative, and might be wondering if it is a scam.

As an Internet entrepreneur, I’m in a good position to share with you everything I know about online surveys. Over the years, I’ve reviewed many survey sites.

In this review, we’ll break it down for you – how it works, why some folks have doubts about it being legit, and what are the most commonly reported issues. 

​​As a disclaimer, I’m not affiliated with Branded Surveys. It means I’m not paid to write this review. So you can rest assured that you will get an honest and unbiased review from me.

At the end of this review, I’ll also tell you the best alternative to Branded Survey that has enabled me to make a full-time passive income online.

What is Branded Surveys?

Branded Surveys used to be called Mintvine. That’s right, Branded Surveys is the new and improved version of Mintvine, which was launched back in 2012.

Nowadays, Branded Surveys is one of the top survey platforms out there, competing with other big names like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. And the best part? They still pay their members real money to take surveys!

In fact, Branded Surveys is known for having an even wider selection of surveys than its competitors, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to earn some extra cash. Plus, they’ve made the process super simple and user-friendly.

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Red Flags For Branded Surveys

Points Approval Time can be a Drawback

If you’re looking to earn some quick cash, Branded Surveys might not be the best option. Points earned from surveys can take up to two weeks to get approved, which means you won’t see the cash in your account right away. This can be frustrating if you’re looking for a quick way to make some extra money.

No Passive Income from Referrals

While experienced web marketers might be able to make some money through referrals, the average person won’t see any passive income from Branded Surveys. This means that you’ll need to put in the time and effort to complete surveys in order to earn money. It’s not a passive way to make money, so it’s important to keep this in mind before signing up.

Repeated Surveys and Closed Surveys

While Branded Surveys offers a wide range of survey types, some users have reported receiving repeated surveys, while others have noted that some surveys are closed before they can finish them. However, the company does have a system in place for reporting these issues and compensating users with points for trying the survey.

Low Payment Rates

One downside of using Branded Surveys is that payment rates can be low, but this is par for the course with most survey sites. Keep this in mind if you’re looking to earn a significant amount of money.

Account Security Measures

If you provide inconsistent answers to security questions, you may be locked out of your account. While this is just a precautionary measure to protect your account, it’s important to make sure you’re answering those questions consistently to avoid any issues.

Broken Surveys and Bait-and-Switch Tactics

Several users have complained about spending a considerable amount of time on surveys only to be disqualified or receive no credit for their efforts. Some have also noticed that surveys dry up when they get close to a bonus. This is a classic bait-and-switch tactic, which can be frustrating and discouraging.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

Several users have reported being blocked from surveying without any explanation or prior warnings. Some have points that they cannot redeem due to this issue. This lack of transparency and accountability can be frustrating and worrisome for users.

Suspicious System and Inequitable Treatment

Several users have reported a suspicious system where some people are making hundreds of dollars a day doing surveys, which seems impossible, while others get kicked out of surveys when they are almost complete. There have also been reports of members being rejected from surveys for no apparent reason, making them unable to reach their elite bonus.

Branded Surveys complaint on Trustpilot 1

 

Branded Surveys complaint on Trustpilot 2

 

Branded Surveys complaint on Trustpilot 3

 

Branded Surveys complaint on Trustpilot 4

 

Branded Surveys complaint on Trustpilot

Green Lights For Branded Surveys

Get Points Even If You’re Disqualified

Nothing’s more frustrating than spending time on a survey, only to find out you don’t qualify for it. Fortunately, Branded Surveys still rewards you with points even if you’re disqualified. That means you’ll never waste your time completely!

Consistent Survey Opportunities

Another perk of Branded Surveys is that there’s always something to do. You can count on a steady stream of survey opportunities, which means you can earn more points (and cash) over time.

Easy-to-Use Interface

Some survey sites can be clunky and difficult to navigate, but Branded Surveys isn’t one of them. The site is designed to be user-friendly, with a visually appealing layout that’s easy on the eyes. Plus, the site is straightforward, so you won’t waste time trying to figure out how to use it.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Is Branded Surveys a Scam?

We know that there are a lot of scams out there, so it’s understandable if you’re a little cautious. But with Branded Surveys, you can rest easy knowing that they are not a scam, but a reputable company.

Like other survey sites, Branded Surveys does require a significant time investment, and there is no guarantee that you will be compensated for your efforts. But the good news is that even if you don’t qualify for a survey, Branded Surveys will still pay you 5 points (5 cents). While it’s not a lot of money, it’s better than nothing.

Of course, there are always potential problems with accessing your account or getting your points approved. But unlike some other sites that try to avoid financial obligations, Branded Surveys is upfront and honest about their policies.

It’s important to note that all survey sites have their own issues, and Branded Surveys is no exception. Some customers have reported that their attempts to redeem points were rejected. However, this is usually due to reasons listed in the terms and conditions.

One thing to keep in mind is that Branded Surveys generates revenue from third-party advertisers. If an advertiser fails to pay Branded Surveys for any reason, they reserve the right to withhold your share of the revenue. While this may seem concerning, it’s a common practice among survey sites.

So, is Branded Surveys a scam? It really depends on how much you trust them. While it’s impossible to tell whether they were compensated for a particular survey, the fact that they have been in business for a while is a good sign.

In conclusion, Branded Surveys is a legit way to earn some extra cash online. While there are potential issues like with any survey site, they are transparent about their policies and have a good reputation.

How Does Branded Surveys Work?

This paid survey site partners with companies like Nielsen, JD Power, and Forrester to provide you with surveys that pay for your information. It’s easy to sign up if you’re a resident of the US, Canada, or the UK – just use your Facebook or email address.

When you sign up, you’ll start earning money right away. All you have to do is fill out a short profile for 50 points ($0.50). I know giving out personal information can be a bit uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for the surveys to match you to the right demographic and offer you the most relevant surveys. Unfortunately, some people find this process intrusive. 

But don’t worry, reputable survey sites like Branded Surveys just want to learn more about you so they can tailor the surveys they offer you to your interests and demographics.

It’s important to note that this isn’t unique to Branded Surveys – all market research companies will ask personal questions about your financial situation, banking habits, family size, health, and other details. So, feel free to confide in them however you want. 

Just remember, your answers will determine which surveys you qualify for. Some people say they never qualify for surveys, while others rave about how great they are.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How to Make Money with Branded Surveys?

If you’re looking for an easy way to earn gift cards, cash, and more, Branded Surveys may be the perfect solution for you! Here’s what you need to know:

Redeeming Points

Branded Surveys use a point system that’s common to online surveys and incentive programs. You can redeem points for a variety of gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as cash using PayPal or Branded Pay (bpay). 

Plus, there are a wide variety of gift cards to choose from, including retail stores, restaurants, travel destinations, and entertainment venues, as well as prepaid cards like Visa.

Donations

In addition to redeeming points for gift cards and cash, you can also choose to make donations. It’s an easy way to give back to causes you care about.

Earning Points

On average, a survey takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete and earns between 10 and 300 points. 

Plus, if you’re a Silver or Gold member, you can earn even more points by completing a certain number of surveys within a certain period of time (called a “survey streak”). Here are the details:

  • Silver Badge: Complete 10 surveys within 7 days and earn 100 points, or complete 30 surveys within that period and earn 150 points.
  • Gold Badge: Complete 10 surveys within 7 days and earn 200 points, or complete 30 surveys within that period and earn 300 points.

Local Deals

Another perk of being a Branded Surveys member is that you’ll get information about discounts offered by stores near you (if available in your area). This feature corresponds to a section on Rewards Giant and other similar websites.

Daily Polls

Looking for an even easier way to earn points? Check out Branded Surveys’ Daily Polls. These quick polls won’t pay a lot, but they’re easy and convenient. You can earn 5 points for a Bronze badge, 7 points for a Silver badge, and 10 points for a Gold badge.

Refer-a-Friend

Finally, if you refer a friend to Branded Surveys, you can earn even more points. A Silver Badge member receives 50 points for each referral, while a Gold Badge member receives 100 points. (Unfortunately, those who have earned a Bronze Badge cannot participate in the referral bonus program.)

Learn more:

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Is It For?

If you’re looking to make some extra money and snag some gift cards in your free time, Branded Surveys could be just the ticket. It’s a great way to supplement your income, but keep in mind it’s not a replacement for your full-time gig.

But don’t worry, Branded isn’t the only site out there for earning a few bucks. You could also check out Survey Junkie and Inbox Dollars as possible alternatives. 

While the pay for surveys may not be super high, they’re a perfect way to dip your toe into the world of online market research and could set you up for success down the line. 

Who Is It Not For?

Taking surveys can be a fun way to pass the time and make some extra dough.

But hey, let’s be real: taking surveys alone won’t make you rich overnight. If you’re looking for something more substantial, it’s best to pair survey-taking with other side hustles or work-at-home jobs.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Branded Surveys Alternatives

InboxDollars – Get Paid to Play Games and Take Surveys

If you’re looking for a fun way to earn some extra cash, InboxDollars is a great website to check out. In addition to taking surveys, you can also earn money by playing games or watching ads.

Plus, when you sign up, you’ll receive a $5 bonus just for joining! Once you’ve earned $30, you can cash out by requesting a check, electronic gift card, or prepaid Visa gift card.

You may check out our full review of InboxDollars here.

Survey Junkie – Earn Points for Your Opinions

Another great option for taking online surveys is Survey Junkie. You can earn points by participating in online and in-person surveys, product testing, and focus groups.

Once you reach 1,000 points, you can cash out through PayPal, purchase $10 worth of e-vouchers, or deposit $10 directly into your bank account.

So, there you have it! These are just a couple of the many great websites out there that pay you for sharing your opinions. Give them a try and start earning some extra cash today!

You may check out our full review of Survey Junkie here.

You may also check out our article on the best survey sites.

Final Verdict

Branded Surveys is a fantastic option for making some extra cash online. It’s super easy to use, there are plenty of ways to earn points, and cashing out is a piece of cake.

The best part is that you can combine it with other online gigs, such as taking paid surveys or watching videos, to increase your earnings. 

But keep in mind that taking surveys can be time-consuming, and the compensation may not always be proportional to the effort required. So, if you want to maximize your online income, it’s a good idea to supplement survey-taking with another side hustle. I will tell you the best way to make money online in the next section.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Is There a Better Way to Make Money Online?

If you want to make a stable and secure stream of passive income, I would suggest you start an affiliate marketing business online.

Affiliate Marketing is perfect for anyone who is new to online business. 

In fact, of all the online business models I’ve tried, affiliate marketing is the easiest and most rewarding so far.  

In affiliate marketing, you can actually run your business almost with zero cost and achieve a steady and sustainable passive income to pay for your bills. You don’t need any initial capital and can even do it as a side hustle.

And if you really want to learn affiliate marketing and build a business from scratch, I’d recommend you to get started with the most reputable platform for affiliate marketing: Wealthy Affiliate.

Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform for building your affiliate marketing business from scratch. It offers you a free account (including a free website) with comprehensive training on SEO (free traffic methods), which enables you to get started with affiliate marketing right away without paying a penny.

But How Much Can You Earn with Wealthy Affiliate?

A 21-year old student from Wealthy Affiliate was able to earn $7,395 in just 1 week, which means he made more than $1k a day…all while using free traffic methods.

Wealthy Affiliate Testimonial

Wealthy Affiliate has existed for 15 years and there are many success stories in the past decade.

You can read our full review of Wealthy Affiliate here.

Where to Join Wealthy Affiliate?

Wealthy Affiliate has a very simple pricing scheme. It has free and premium membership.

If you want to feel about Wealthy Affiliate, you can sign up for the free starter membership here (no credit card required). You can select to be a free member with no time limit.

And as a starter member, you can get instant access to the community, live chat, over 500 training modules, 2 classrooms, networking, commenting, 1 free website, access to the keyword tool.

You can enjoy all these values without paying a penny. 

So I strongly recommend you register a free account and see it yourself.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

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