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| Example of how survey rewards can be redeemed using PayPal, airtime, gift cards and mobile payment methods. |
📚 PAID SURVEYS SERIES — ARTICLE 6 OF 7
You are here: How to Redeem Survey Rewards
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How to Actually Get Your Money: The Complete Redemption Guide
You've done the surveys. You've earned the points. Now comes the part everyone actually cares about: getting paid.
But here's where many beginners get stuck. You see options like "PayPal," "airtime," "gift cards," and "bank transfer" — and if you've never used any of these before, it can feel overwhelming. What even IS PayPal? How do I use an airtime code? Can I turn gift cards into real cash?
That's exactly what this guide answers.
I'll explain every payment method that survey sites use, show you how to set each one up from scratch, and help you decide which option is best for your situation. By the end, you'll know exactly how to turn your survey points into real money, airtime, or shopping credit.
We demonstrated an actual redemption in our YourView payment proof article where we cashed out R30 MTN airtime. This guide explains how to do the same with any payment method.
📋 What This Guide Covers
Survey Payment Methods: Overview
Before we dive into each option, here's a quick snapshot of what's available:
| Payment Method | Best For | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 📱 Mobile Airtime | Prepaid mobile users in Africa | South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria |
| 💳 PayPal | Global users who want cash | 200+ countries |
| 🎁 Gift Cards | Online shoppers (Amazon, iTunes) | Global (varies by store) |
| 🏦 Bank Transfer | Large withdrawals, no PayPal users | Country-dependent |
| ⚡ Pix | Brazilian users | Brazil only |
| 📲 Mobile Money | East/West Africa users | Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda |
Now let's break down each option in detail.
Option 1: Mobile Airtime (Easiest for Beginners)
If you're in South Africa, this is probably the fastest and simplest way to redeem your survey earnings. No bank account needed. No PayPal setup. Just your mobile phone.
What is Airtime?
If you're in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, or most African countries, you already know what airtime is. But for international readers: airtime is prepaid mobile phone credit.
It's the credit you use to make calls, send SMS messages, and purchase mobile data bundles. When you "top up" or "recharge" your phone with R20, R50, or R100, you're buying airtime.
Survey sites like YourView let you redeem your points for airtime vouchers instead of cash. You receive a code, dial it into your phone, and your phone balance increases. Simple as that.
How Airtime Redemption Works
Here's the step-by-step process using YourView as an example:
Step 1: Earn enough points to reach the minimum threshold
- MTN: 30 points = R30 airtime
- Vodacom: 29 points = R29 airtime
- Telkom: 30 points = R30 airtime
- Cell C: 35 points = R35 airtime
Step 2: Log into your survey account and go to "Redeem" or "Rewards"
[Screenshot: YourView redemption page showing airtime options]
Step 3: Select your mobile network from the list
Step 4: Confirm your mobile number (double-check this!)
Step 5: Click "Redeem" or "Confirm"
Step 6: Receive your airtime voucher code via email (usually within minutes)
The email contains a 12-16 digit code that looks something like: 1234 5678 9012 3456
Using Your Airtime Code
Each South African mobile network has a different process to load your airtime code. Here's exactly what to dial:
MTN:
- Dial
*141#and press call - Select "Prepaid" or "Recharge"
- Select "Recharge with voucher"
- Enter your 16-digit voucher code
- Confirm
Vodacom:
- Dial
*136*[your voucher code]# - Example:
*136*1234567890123456# - Press call
- You'll receive confirmation SMS
Telkom:
- Dial
*180#and press call - Select "Recharge"
- Enter your voucher code
- Confirm
Cell C:
- Dial
*147*[voucher code]# - Example:
*147*1234567890123456# - Press call
- Confirmation message follows
[Screenshot: Phone screen showing successful airtime recharge confirmation]
💡 Good to Know: Airtime voucher codes are typically valid for 3-6 months. Don't worry if you can't use it immediately—just save the email and redeem when convenient.
Pros and Cons of Airtime Rewards
✅ Advantages:
- Instant delivery (usually within minutes)
- No bank account required
- No PayPal or verification needed
- Low minimum threshold (R29-R35)
- Perfect if you use prepaid mobile
- Can convert to data bundles
❌ Disadvantages:
- Cannot easily convert to cash
- Only useful if you need phone credit
- Network-specific (MTN code won't work on Vodacom)
- Limited to certain African countries
- Can't accumulate for larger purchases
Best for: South African users who use prepaid mobile and want instant rewards without any setup hassle.
Option 2: PayPal (Most Popular Globally)
PayPal is the most widely accepted payment method across survey platforms worldwide. If you want actual cash that you can transfer to your bank account, PayPal is usually the way to go.
But here's the thing: many beginners have never used PayPal before. So let's start from the absolute basics.
What is PayPal? (For Complete Beginners)
Think of PayPal as a digital wallet that sits between your bank account and the internet.
Instead of giving every online store your bank details (risky), you give them your PayPal email address. PayPal then handles the money transfer securely.
Here's how it works for survey earnings:
- Survey site sends money to your PayPal email address
- Money arrives in your PayPal account balance
- You can keep it there, spend it online, or transfer to your bank
PayPal is free to create and free to receive money. There are small fees when you withdraw to a bank or convert currencies, but receiving survey payments costs you nothing.
PayPal operates in over 200 countries and supports 25+ currencies. If your survey site offers PayPal, chances are it works in your country.
How to Create a PayPal Account (Step-by-Step)
If you don't have PayPal yet, here's exactly how to set it up:
Step 1: Go to paypal.com
Step 2: Click "Sign Up" (top right corner)
Step 3: Choose "Personal Account"
Don't choose Business—that's for companies selling products.
Step 4: Select your country from the dropdown
Step 5: Enter your details:
- Email: Use the same email as your survey accounts (makes tracking easier)
- Password: Strong and unique—you're trusting PayPal with money
- Phone number: Your mobile number for verification
- Full legal name: Must match your ID exactly
- Address: Your current residential address
- Date of birth: Must be 18+ in most countries
[Screenshot: PayPal signup form with fields highlighted]
Step 6: Verify your email address (click link in email from PayPal)
Step 7: Link a bank account or debit card (optional but needed for withdrawals)
To link your bank account:
- Go to "Wallet" in PayPal
- Click "Link a bank account"
- Enter your bank name
- Enter account number and branch code
- PayPal may send a small deposit (R1-R2) to verify
- Confirm the deposit amount to complete linking
Your PayPal account is now ready to receive survey payments!
→ Need more help? See our detailed guide: [How to Create a PayPal Account]
Linking PayPal to Survey Sites
This is the easy part. When you redeem points for PayPal on a survey site, they simply ask for your PayPal email address.
- Go to your survey site's "Redeem" or "Cash Out" section
- Select "PayPal" as payment method
- Enter your PayPal email address
- Confirm the amount you want to redeem
- Submit
The survey site sends money directly to that email. It appears in your PayPal balance automatically—usually within 24-72 hours.
[Screenshot: Survey site redemption page with PayPal email field]
Withdrawing PayPal Money to Your Bank
Once money arrives in PayPal, here's how to move it to your bank account:
Step 1: Log into PayPal
Step 2: Click "Transfer Money" or "Withdraw"
Step 3: Select "Transfer to your bank"
Step 4: Choose your linked bank account
Step 5: Enter the amount
Step 6: Review and confirm
Processing time: 1-3 business days in most countries. South African users typically see funds within 2-3 business days.
PayPal Fees and Limits
Understanding fees helps you maximize your earnings:
- Receiving survey payments: FREE (no fees)
- Withdrawing to South African bank: FREE for amounts over R400, small fee below
- Currency conversion: Approximately 3-4% if receiving USD/EUR and withdrawing in ZAR
- Minimum withdrawal: Typically R100-R200 depending on bank
💰 Pro Tip: Let survey payments accumulate in PayPal before withdrawing. Making one R500 withdrawal is more efficient than five R100 withdrawals due to potential currency conversion fees.
Pros and Cons of PayPal
✅ Advantages:
- Accepted by almost every survey site globally
- Real cash you can transfer to your bank
- Can use directly for online shopping
- Secure and trusted worldwide
- Free to receive money
- Works in 200+ countries
❌ Disadvantages:
- Not available in all countries (check PayPal's list)
- Currency conversion fees eat into earnings
- Requires bank account for withdrawals
- Slower than airtime (1-3 days processing)
- Account can be limited if flagged
Best for: Users who want real cash and shop online frequently. Essential if you plan to join multiple international survey platforms.
Option 3: Gift Cards (Amazon, iTunes, Google Play)
Gift cards are another popular redemption option, especially on platforms like Swagbucks, PrizeRebel, and InboxDollars. Instead of cash, you receive a code that works like store credit.
How Gift Card Rewards Work
When you redeem points for a gift card:
- Choose your preferred retailer (Amazon, iTunes, etc.)
- Select the gift card value (usually $5, $10, $25, $50)
- Confirm redemption
- Receive a digital code via email
- Apply code to your retailer account
The code looks something like: ABCD-EFGH-IJKL-MNOP
Once redeemed, the value becomes store credit in your account.
Popular Gift Card Options
The most commonly offered gift cards on survey sites include:
- Amazon: Shop for almost anything (most versatile)
- iTunes/App Store: Apps, music, subscriptions
- Google Play: Android apps, games, movies
- Walmart: General merchandise (US)
- Starbucks: Coffee and food
- Target: Retail shopping (US)
- PayPal (as gift card): Some sites offer this option
- Takealot: Popular for South African users on some platforms
[Screenshot: Survey site gift card selection page]
Redeeming Your Gift Card Code
Here's how to use an Amazon gift card as an example:
Step 1: Copy the code from your email
Step 2: Go to amazon.com (or your regional Amazon site)
Step 3: Log into your account
Step 4: Click "Account & Lists" → "Gift Cards"
Step 5: Click "Redeem a Gift Card"
Step 6: Paste your code and click "Apply"
The amount is now added to your Amazon balance and automatically applies to future purchases.
Can You Sell Gift Cards for Cash?
Yes, but it's not straightforward. Options include:
- Gift card exchange sites: Sell at 70-90% of face value (CardCash, Raise)
- Facebook Marketplace/Gumtree: Sell directly to buyers (beware of scams)
- Trade with friends/family: They pay you cash, you give them the code
⚠️ Warning: Selling gift cards means losing 10-30% of their value. Only choose gift cards if you'll actually use them at that retailer. Otherwise, cash out via PayPal.
Pros and Cons of Gift Cards
✅ Advantages:
- Instant delivery (usually within minutes)
- No bank account or PayPal needed
- Often have lower minimum thresholds than cash
- Great if you shop at that specific store anyway
- Sometimes offered at discount (500 points = $5.50 Amazon)
❌ Disadvantages:
- Not real cash
- Limited to specific retailers
- May not work in your country (US Amazon card won't work on Amazon.co.za)
- Lose value if you sell them
- Can expire (check terms)
Best for: Users who already shop at Amazon, iTunes, or other offered retailers. Great for treating yourself or buying gifts.
Option 4: Bank Transfer (Direct Deposit)
Some survey platforms offer direct bank transfers, depositing money straight into your bank account without going through PayPal or other intermediaries.
How Bank Transfers Work
The process is straightforward:
- Navigate to your survey platform's redemption section
- Select "Bank Transfer" or "Direct Deposit"
- Enter your banking details (see below)
- Submit withdrawal request
- Wait for processing (typically 3-7 business days)
- Money appears in your bank account
Information You'll Need
Prepare these details before attempting a bank withdrawal:
- Bank name: (Standard Bank, FNB, Capitec, ABSA, etc.)
- Account holder name: Must match your survey account name exactly
- Account number: Your full bank account number
- Branch code: Or universal branch code (many SA banks now use universal codes)
- Account type: Savings, Cheque/Current
- SWIFT code: For international transfers only
[Screenshot: Bank transfer form showing required fields]
🚨 Important: Triple-check your banking details. Errors can result in lost payments or significant delays. Copy directly from your banking app to avoid typos.
Processing Times
Bank transfers are the slowest payment method:
- Domestic (within South Africa): 2-5 business days
- International: 5-10 business days
- First-time withdrawal: May take longer due to verification
Pros and Cons of Bank Transfers
✅ Advantages:
- Money goes directly to your bank (no middleman)
- No need for PayPal account
- Good for large accumulated amounts
- Real cash you can withdraw or spend anywhere
❌ Disadvantages:
- Slowest processing time (up to 7 days)
- Higher minimum thresholds (often $50-$100)
- May have transfer fees
- Not offered by all survey platforms
- Requires sharing banking details
Best for: Users who don't want PayPal, are accumulating larger amounts, and don't mind waiting for processing.
Other Payment Methods
Beyond the main four options, some survey platforms offer region-specific or alternative payment methods:
Pix (Brazil)
If you're in Brazil, Pix is the fastest and most convenient option available.
What is Pix? Pix is Brazil's instant payment system launched by the Central Bank. Transfers happen in seconds, 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
How to use Pix for surveys:
- Have a Pix key registered (CPF, email, phone, or random key)
- Select Pix when redeeming survey points
- Enter your Pix key
- Confirm redemption
- Receive money instantly in your bank account
Pros: Instant transfer, no fees, works 24/7
Cons: Brazil only, requires Brazilian bank account
Mobile Money (M-Pesa, etc.)
In East and West Africa, mobile money services are often more accessible than traditional banking.
What is Mobile Money? Mobile money lets you store, send, and receive money using your phone number. No bank account needed—just a registered SIM card.
Popular services:
- M-Pesa: Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique
- MTN Mobile Money: Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon
- Orange Money: Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali
- Airtel Money: Multiple African countries
How to receive survey payments via Mobile Money:
- Register for mobile money with your network provider
- Link your mobile money number to the survey platform
- Select mobile money when redeeming
- Money arrives in your mobile money wallet
Pros: No bank needed, widely accessible in Africa, instant transfers
Cons: Limited to certain countries, withdrawal fees at agents, daily limits
Cryptocurrency
A small but growing number of survey platforms offer cryptocurrency payouts.
What you need:
- A cryptocurrency wallet (Coinbase, Trust Wallet, etc.)
- Your wallet address for the specific cryptocurrency
Common crypto payment options:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- PayPal crypto (on some platforms)
Pros: No banking required, potentially appreciating value, global access
Cons: Volatile value, complex for beginners, network fees, limited availability
Recommended for: Only users already familiar with cryptocurrency. Not recommended for beginners.
Payment Method Comparison: Which is Best?
Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide:
| Method | Speed | Fees | Min. Payout | Setup | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airtime | ⚡ Instant | None | R29-R35 | None | SA prepaid users |
| PayPal | 1-3 days | Low (3-4% forex) | $5-$10 | 10-15 min | Global, want cash |
| Gift Cards | ⚡ Instant | None | $3-$5 | None | Online shoppers |
| Bank Transfer | 3-7 days | Varies | $50-$100 | None | Large payouts |
| Pix | ⚡ Instant | None | R$5-R$10 | Already have | Brazil users |
| Mobile Money | Minutes | Low | Varies | 5 min | East/West Africa |
My Recommendations by Situation
🇿🇦 South Africa (Prepaid User): Start with airtime. It's instant, requires zero setup, and the minimum is low. Once comfortable, add PayPal for more options.
🇿🇦 South Africa (Contract User): Go straight to PayPal or bank transfer. Airtime won't be as useful.
🌍 Global User: PayPal is your best option. Most universally accepted and gives you real cash.
🇧🇷 Brazil: Use Pix whenever available. It's instant and fee-free.
🇰🇪 Kenya / East Africa: M-Pesa if the platform supports it, otherwise PayPal.
🛒 Heavy Amazon Shopper: Amazon gift cards can work well since you'd spend money there anyway.
5 Tips to Maximize Your Redemptions
Tip #1: Redeem at higher thresholds when possible
Some platforms offer better rates for larger redemptions. Check if 1000 points gets you $11 while 500 points only gets $5.
Tip #2: Watch for bonus promotions
Platforms occasionally run "10% bonus on gift cards" or similar promotions. Follow their emails/social media.
Tip #3: Don't let points expire
Many platforms expire points after 6-12 months of inactivity. Set calendar reminders to redeem.
Tip #4: Verify your account early
Some platforms require ID verification for first withdrawal. Do this BEFORE you hit the threshold to avoid delays.
Tip #5: Keep redemption emails safe
Your gift card codes and voucher numbers are sent via email. Don't delete them until you've successfully redeemed.
Common Redemption Problems & Solutions
Things don't always go smoothly. Here are common issues and how to fix them:
Problem: "Your payment is pending"
Solution: First-time payments often need manual verification. Wait 48-72 hours. If still pending, contact support.
Problem: "PayPal email doesn't match"
Solution: Ensure the email on your survey account matches your PayPal email exactly. Update one or the other.
Problem: "Airtime code didn't work"
Solution: Double-check you're using the correct network's process. Ensure no spaces in the code. If still failing, contact survey site support with screenshot.
Problem: "Gift card code already redeemed"
Solution: Screenshot the error, contact survey site support immediately. They can verify and issue replacement.
Problem: "Minimum threshold not reached"
Solution: Complete more surveys. Check if there are other redemption options with lower minimums (airtime often has lower thresholds than PayPal).
Problem: "Bank transfer rejected"
Solution: Verify all bank details are correct. Ensure account holder name matches your survey profile exactly. Try again or switch to PayPal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment methods do survey sites use?
The most common payment methods are PayPal (global), mobile airtime (Africa), gift cards (Amazon, iTunes), bank transfers, mobile money (M-Pesa), and Pix (Brazil). Available options vary by platform and country.
How do I create a PayPal account for surveys?
Visit paypal.com, click "Sign Up," choose "Personal Account," and enter your details (email, name, address, phone). Verify your email by clicking the link PayPal sends. Optionally link a bank account for withdrawals. The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
Can I get real cash from survey points?
Yes. Redeem your points via PayPal or bank transfer to receive real cash. PayPal money can be transferred to your bank account and withdrawn as cash. Gift cards and airtime are not direct cash but can sometimes be sold or traded.
What is airtime in surveys?
Airtime is prepaid mobile phone credit. Survey platforms in Africa (especially South Africa) offer airtime as a reward option. You receive a voucher code that adds credit to your mobile account for calls, SMS, and data.
How long does PayPal payment take from surveys?
Most survey platforms process PayPal payments within 24-72 hours. Some pay instantly, others have weekly payment cycles. First-time payments may take longer due to verification. Check your specific platform's payment schedule.
What is the best payment method for surveys?
It depends on your location and needs. PayPal is best for global users wanting cash. Airtime is ideal for South African prepaid mobile users. Gift cards work well if you shop at those retailers. Pix is fastest for Brazilian users. Choose based on what you'll actually use.
Do survey payments have fees?
Receiving payments is usually free. Fees may apply when withdrawing PayPal to your bank (especially with currency conversion, around 3-4%), using mobile money agents, or with some bank transfers. Airtime and gift cards typically have no fees.
Can I change my payment method after signing up?
Yes. Most survey platforms let you update your payment preferences in account settings at any time. You can change from airtime to PayPal, update your PayPal email, or add bank details whenever needed.
What happens if my payment fails?
Contact the survey platform's support immediately with your username, redemption date, and any error messages. Most platforms will investigate and re-issue the payment. Keep screenshots of any error messages. Points are usually restored or payment re-sent within a few days.
Do survey points expire?
Many platforms expire points after 6-12 months of account inactivity. Some have no expiration. Check your platform's terms and conditions. To prevent expiration, complete at least one survey every few months or redeem points regularly.
Summary: Getting Your Money
You now know exactly how to turn survey points into real value:
- ✅ Airtime: Instant, no setup, perfect for SA prepaid users
- ✅ PayPal: Real cash, globally accepted, requires account setup
- ✅ Gift Cards: Instant, great if you shop at those stores
- ✅ Bank Transfer: Direct deposit, slower but no middleman
- ✅ Pix/Mobile Money: Regional options with instant delivery
My recommendation: Start with the simplest option for your situation. If you're in South Africa with a prepaid phone, redeem your first R30 as MTN/Vodacom airtime—it takes seconds and proves the system works. Then set up PayPal for more flexibility going forward.
The most important thing? Actually redeem your points. Don't let them sit there expiring while you wait for the "perfect" payment method.
What's next?
Now that you know how to get paid, make sure you're not falling for scams. Read our next article: How to Avoid Survey Scams.
📚 Continue Reading This Series
1. What Are Paid Surveys?
2. How to Start Doing Paid Surveys
3. YourView Complete Review
4. Multipolls Complete Review
5. Real Payment Proof
6. How to Redeem Survey Rewards ← You Are Here
7. How to Avoid Survey Scams
💰 Ready to Start Earning?
You know how to get paid. Now start earning with YourView or Multipolls.