One lesser-known but surprisingly easy way to earn extra cash online is by reading emails.
Whilst you won’t get rich from doing it, many users have gone on to earn an additional $100-$200 a month by using the genuine companies I’ve listed below.
In this post, I’ll dive into the details of how this works, highlight the best companies to get paid to read emails, and provide tips on maximizing your earnings!
How Does Getting Paid to Read Emails Work?
Getting paid to read emails typically involves signing up with a company that sends you promotional emails from various advertisers.
These emails might include special offers, surveys, or links to websites. The process generally involves the following steps:
1) Sign Up: Register with a company that offers this service.
2) Receive Emails: The company will start sending promotional emails to your inbox.
3) Read and Interact: You get paid for opening and reading these emails. Some emails may require you to click on an advertising link or complete a short task to earn more.
Earn Money: Payments are usually made via PayPal, gift cards, or other rewards.
The Best Companies to Get Paid to Read Emails
Not all companies are created equal when it comes to getting paid to read emails.
Here are some of the most reputable and highest-paying options on the market right now:
1) Swagbucks
Overview:
Swagbucks is a well-known rewards site that pays you for various online activities, including reading emails.
It’s one of the most popular platforms with a wide array of earning opportunities.
How It Works:
After signing up, you’ll receive emails with special offers and surveys.
Simply opening these emails and engaging with the content earns you Swagbucks (SB), the platform’s currency.
Every 500SB equals to $5 in payment.
Payout:
You can redeem your SB for PayPal cash, gift cards, or merchandise. The minimum payout threshold is 300 SB (equivalent to $3).
Benefits:
- Multiple ways to earn (surveys, shopping, watching videos).
- Low payout threshold.
- Trusted by millions of users.
2) InboxDollars
Overview:
InboxDollars has been around since 2000 and pays users for reading emails, taking surveys, playing games and watching videos online.
They are a legitimate company run by Proedge, and offer free sign-up, a start-up bonus and referral bonuses if you wish to refer other people to it too.
How It Works:
Once you sign up, you’ll start receiving PaidEmails. Open these emails and follow the instructions to earn cash.
Payout:
Payments are made in cash via check, PayPal, or gift cards. The minimum payout threshold is $15.
Benefits:
- Multiple earning avenues.
- User-friendly interface.
- Cash payments.
3) Inbox Pounds
Overview:
InboxPounds is a popular platform in the UK that allows users to earn money by engaging in various online activities, including reading emails.
Founded by the same company that operates InboxDollars in the US, InboxPounds offers a familiar and reliable way for UK residents to earn some extra cash.
How it Works:
When you register for InboxPounds, you’ll receive your first £1 instantly as a signup bonus.
Then, you’ll be paid for reading emails, with additional incentives for completing any offers within the emails.
The beauty of Inbox Pounds? You can also surf the web on the InboxPounds website (i.e. use them as a search engine) to earn even more money.
Benefits:
- Open to UK Residents.
- Additional incentives and ways to make money.
- Can make money through general online searching.
4) MyPoints
Overview:
MyPoints offers rewards for various online activities, including reading emails.
It’s been around since 1996 and is known for its reliability.
Some of the unique rewards for this site include travel miles for United Airlines, free gift cards to around 50 different retailers, and a VISA gift card.
How It Works:
Sign up, and you’ll receive BonusMail offers. Reading and clicking on these emails earn you points that can be redeemed for rewards.
Payout:
Points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
The minimum payout threshold is around $10, depending on the reward chosen.
Benefits:
- Long-established and trusted company.
- Variety of earning options.
- Low payout threshold for gift cards.
5) InboxPays
Overview:
InboxPays is a platform that pays users for reading emails, taking surveys, and completing offers.
It’s similar to InboxDollars and offers multiple ways to earn.
How It Works:
After signing up, you’ll start receiving paid emails. Open these emails, click on the links, and follow any instructions to earn money.
Additionally, you can participate in surveys and complete special offers for extra cash.
Payout:
Payments are made via PayPal, and the minimum payout threshold is $50, so this is considerably higher than other companies mentioned above.
Benefits:
- Multiple earning opportunities.
- Direct cash payments.
Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings
While getting paid to read emails won’t make you rich overnight, there are strategies to increase your earnings:
1) Sign Up for Multiple Sites
Diversify your income by signing up for multiple email-reading programs. This increases the volume of emails you receive and boosts your earnings.
2) Stay Active
Regularly check your email and engage with the content promptly. Many platforms reward consistent activity and will send you less offers if you’re inactive.
3) Complete Additional Tasks
Most platforms offer multiple ways to earn. Participating in surveys, watching videos, and shopping online through these sites can significantly increase your earnings.
4) Refer Friends
Many of these platforms have referral programs that pay you for bringing in new users. Share your referral link with friends and family to earn extra.
5) Use a Dedicated Email
Create a separate email account for these programs to keep your primary inbox clutter-free and ensure you don’t miss any paid emails.
Pros and Cons of Getting Paid to Read Emails
Pros
- Easy to Start: Minimal effort and no special skills required.
- Flexible: You can do it anytime and anywhere.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Most platforms are free to join.
- Passive Income: Earnings accumulate without much active involvement.
Cons
- Low Earnings: Payments per email are typically small ($50-$200 a month max)
- High Payout Thresholds: Some platforms require a good amount of earnings before you can cash out.
Is It Worth It?
Whether getting paid to read emails is worth it depends on your expectations and financial goals.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to earn some extra pocket money without much effort, this can be a viable option!
But if you’re seeking substantial income, you might want to explore additional or alternative methods.
Tips for Choosing the Right Platform
When deciding which platform to use, consider the following factors to maximize your earnings and minimize hassle:
1) Reputation: Choose platforms with good reviews and a proven track record.
2) Payout Threshold: Consider how much you need to earn before you can cash out. Lower thresholds are generally better.
3) Earning Potential: Look at how much you can realistically earn from reading emails and other activities.
4) Payment Options: Check if the payment methods offered (PayPal, gift cards, checks) suit your preferences.
Additional Earning Opportunities: Platforms that offer surveys, cashback, and other tasks can help boost your earnings.
Sites I Absolutely Don’t Recommend
- CashCrate – really bad reviews online, not trusted by users.
- Unique Rewards – Unique Rewards only offers $0.01 for opening emails and visiting the advertiser’s website but minimum payout is $20, so you’ll likely never cash out.
- Rupee Inbox – has far too many negative reviews for me to even consider recommending it.
- Vindale Research – company no longer operates.
- SendEarnings – company no longer operates (but has a lot of impersonators, so don’t sign up for anything that has their name).
- DailyRewards – though Prodege did used to own this site, it’s now defunct.
- Fusion Cash – Far too many 1 star reviews on Trustpilot, users claim the site blocks their accounts, meaning they can’t claim their earnings. Avoid.