Paid survey and cashback sites remain a popular way to earn a little extra money online. Among the most established names are Opinion Outpost (launched 2006) and MyPoints (launched 1996). Both have evolved into hybrid platforms offering surveys, shopping rewards, and more. But which one gives you better returns for your time in 2026? In this comprehensive comparison, we break down earning methods, payout options, reward rates, and real user experiences to help you decide where to invest your spare moments.
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📋 Table of Contents
1. Platform Overview
Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost is a market research panel operated by Dynata (formerly Survey Sampling International). It has been around since 2006 and is available in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and other countries. Members earn points for completing surveys, with each point worth $0.10. The platform also offers occasional polls, product testing invitations, and sweepstakes entries. Payout options include PayPal cash, gift cards (Amazon, Visa), and bank transfers (depending on region).
MyPoints
MyPoints, founded in 1996 and now part of the Prodege family (owners of Swagbucks, InboxDollars), is a hybrid rewards platform. Members earn points (called “Points”) by taking surveys, shopping through the MyPoints portal, watching videos, playing games, printing coupons, and even searching the web via the MyPoints search engine. Points can be redeemed for gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, etc.) or PayPal cash. It’s a more diversified earner compared to Opinion Outpost.
2. Earning Methods Compared
Opinion Outpost
Survey-FocusedPrimary method: Paid surveys. You receive email invitations or can check the dashboard for available surveys. Typical surveys pay between 10 and 50 points ($1–$5) and take 5–25 minutes. Occasionally you may qualify for product tests or focus groups that pay more.
MyPoints
Hybrid (Surveys + Cashback)Multiple earning channels:
- Surveys: Similar to Opinion Outpost, pay varies (often 50–200 points per survey, worth $0.50–$2.00).
- Shopping Cashback: Earn up to 40% cashback at 2,000+ stores (Walmart, Macy's, Kohl's, etc.) when you click through MyPoints.
- Search Web: Use MyPoints as your search engine and earn up to 10 points per day for random searches.
- Watch Videos: Earn points watching sponsored videos (small amounts, good for passive earning).
- Print Coupons: Print and redeem coupons for points.
- Games, Daily Polls, Special Offers.
3. Rewards & Payouts
| Feature | Opinion Outpost | MyPoints |
|---|---|---|
| Points Value | 1 point = $0.10 | ~100 points = $1 (varies by reward) |
| Minimum Payout | $5 (50 points) | $3 (300 points) for Amazon gift cards; $5 for PayPal |
| Payout Options | PayPal, Amazon, Visa gift cards, bank transfer (US only) | Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, Target, PayPal, and many others |
| Payout Speed | Usually within 2–3 business days | Gift cards often instant; PayPal takes 2–5 days |
| Reward Variety | Moderate (gift cards + cash) | Excellent (hundreds of gift cards, PayPal, sweepstakes) |
4. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Aspect | Opinion Outpost | MyPoints |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 1996 |
| Parent Company | Dynata | Prodege (also owns Swagbucks, InboxDollars) |
| Available Countries | US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, etc. | Primarily US, Canada, UK; limited elsewhere |
| Earning Activities | Surveys, occasional product tests | Surveys, shopping cashback, search, videos, coupons, games, offers |
| Survey Frequency | Moderate (varies by profile) | High (more surveys due to larger panel network) |
| Average Survey Pay | $0.50–$5.00 | $0.25–$3.00 (but more opportunities) |
| Cashback Rates | None | Up to 40% at select stores |
| Mobile App | Yes (basic) | Yes (full-featured, including receipt scanning) |
| Support | Email, help desk | Email, live chat, help center |
| Trustpilot Score (as of 2026) | 3.9 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
5. User Experience & Reviews
Both platforms are legitimate and have been paying members for decades. Opinion Outpost is praised for its straightforward interface and reliable payments. However, some users report occasional disqualifications after starting surveys, which is common in the industry. MyPoints users appreciate the variety of earning options, especially the cashback shopping, which can quickly add up if you shop online regularly. The main complaint about MyPoints is that survey availability can be inconsistent and the points value is slightly lower per survey compared to Opinion Outpost.
⭐ Real User Quote
"I've been using MyPoints for over 5 years. The cashback from holiday shopping alone covers my Christmas gifts. Surveys are a nice bonus." — Sarah T.
"Opinion Outpost is my go-to for quick surveys. I cash out $5 almost every week." — Mike D.
6. Realistic Earning Potential
It's important to set realistic expectations. Neither platform will make you rich, but they can provide some extra spending money. Based on user reports and our testing:
- Opinion Outpost: With consistent effort (15–30 min/day), you can earn $20–$50 per month.
- MyPoints: With surveys plus cashback from regular shopping, you can earn $30–$100+ per month, depending on shopping habits.
For cashback, if you shop through MyPoints for purchases you were already going to make, the earnings are essentially passive. Surveys require active time investment.
7. Pros & Cons
Opinion Outpost Pros
- Simple, clean interface
- Low minimum payout ($5)
- PayPal cash option
- Available in multiple countries
- Reliable payments for over 15 years
Opinion Outpost Cons
- Only surveys (no cashback)
- Survey disqualifications can be frustrating
- Limited payout options compared to MyPoints
MyPoints Pros
- Diverse earning methods (shopping cashback is a standout)
- Hundreds of gift card options
- Frequent bonus points and promotions
- Mobile app with receipt scanning
- Backed by Prodege (trusted parent company)
MyPoints Cons
- Points value per survey can be lower
- Some activities earn very little (videos, search)
- Not available in as many countries as Opinion Outpost
8. Which One Is Better for You?
The answer depends on your online behavior and goals.
- Choose Opinion Outpost if: You want a straightforward survey site with decent pay per survey and you prefer cash via PayPal. It's also a good choice if you're in a country where MyPoints isn't available.
- Choose MyPoints if: You shop online frequently and want to earn cashback on top of surveys. The variety of activities keeps things interesting, and the extensive gift card selection is a plus.
Can you use both? Absolutely! Many people use multiple survey and cashback sites to maximize earnings. Just be mindful of your time.
9. Tips to Maximize Earnings
- Fill out your profile thoroughly on both platforms to get more survey invites.
- Use MyPoints shopping portal for all online purchases (install the browser extension for reminders).
- Check for bonus offers – MyPoints often has bonus points for completing a certain number of surveys in a week.
- Set aside a specific time each day for surveys to build a routine.
- Refer friends – both platforms have referral programs that can earn you extra points.
- Combine with other sites like Swagbucks or InboxDollars for more opportunities.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Opinion Outpost is completely legitimate. It's owned by Dynata, one of the world's largest market research firms. Millions of members have been paid since 2006. Trustpilot and BBB ratings are positive.
Yes, MyPoints has been paying members since 1996. It is part of Prodege, a reputable rewards company. Payments are reliable, though survey disqualifications can happen as with any panel.
Absolutely. There's no rule against using multiple survey sites. Many people use several to increase their total earnings. Just be careful not to overcommit your time.
Opinion Outpost usually processes payments within 2–3 business days. MyPoints gift cards are often instant, while PayPal can take 2–5 days. Both are relatively fast compared to some other sites.
Opinion Outpost surveys tend to pay slightly more per survey on average ($0.50–$5) compared to MyPoints ($0.25–$3), but MyPoints offers many more surveys and additional earning methods. It's a trade-off.