YouGov

YouGov: a market-leader, but no quick payouts to be had

YouGov is another firm favourite of mine as it is a highly professional and leading market research company that has great surveys. They are frequently commissioned by political parties, big brands and national newspapers.

YouGov has surveys on a wide range of topics, including advertising, brands, finance, politics and current affairs. It sometimes even asks what you thought about the TV programs you've watched in the last 24 hours!

The only possible downside is that it can take a long time to reach the payout threshold, which is a (quite large) £50 when you hit 5000 points. With each survey rewarding you with 50 points, and surveys coming through on average once or twice a week (in my experience), you face a fair old slog to hit the payout.

Nevertheless, it's well worth signing up as the surveys tend to be relatively quick and interesting to complete. If you don't want to spend months clocking up your points to get your £50 cheque, you do have the option of cashing in your points as entries into the monthly prize draws, the top prize for which is £2000. Personally, I prefer to wait for guaranteed cash rather than gamble my hard-earned points away, but that's just my choice.

YouGov also has a referral program (follow the link above or click here to register as one of my referrals) which at the time of writing gives you 200 points for each person you refer who goes on to complete six or more surveys.

YouGov quick facts: 

• Typical survey length: 10 - 15 minutes 
• Pay per survey: 50p 
• Pays out when you hit: £50 
• Pays out by: cheque 
• Referral program? Yes, get 200 points per person who goes on to complete six surveys