Do you take surveys that require a credit card?
By Barb42
@Barb42 (4214)
United States
June 24, 2008 2:39pm CST
I have signed up with several survey sites. I am constantly getting survey options sent to my email. Some let you take a survey and you get paid in money or reward points. But then there are those that require a credit card in order for you to take the survey or get the free gift. I am uneasy just putting my credit card number on a website just to take a survey. They say the surveys are free; yet they require you to use the credit card. Anyone out there using your credit card to do surveys? If so, what is your experience with them? Are they honest? Have you ever had a problem when giving your credit card number for a survey? The surveys are usually good ones, but I wanted some input on whether it is safe or not.
5 responses
@StereoDiva (2143)
• Canada
25 Jun 08
I have used my credit card many times and I have not had any troubles. I had a few scares when I couldn't contact customer support, but everything was worked out and it turned out ok. I just call my CC company if I fear anything.
I think it's a risk like anything, but I get paid well for taking. And I really don't think it's that great of a risk if you are careful.
Let me know if you want any direction as to which sites pay the best. Good luck. Do not do the ones that ask for your CC for the free gift... well, I shouldn't say don't, but I've never used one on those.
I hope this helps.
@StereoDiva (2143)
• Canada
1 Jul 08
Yes, I have done that before. Ususally those are the offers that pay the best. :) Buy something for $4.99 and then you are rewarded $15. Making a profit of $10! I love it!
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
1 Jul 08
Well, I haven't done any of their surveys passed that page where they want your credit card number. And, I won't. I'm just about to unsub from most of those 'paid' surveys because most of them are just con artists, or come-ons. When they tell you that you'll get something free for reading their emails, it's a lie. You have to sign up for other things in order to get the money or points.
@luvstochat (6907)
• United States
24 Jun 08
I do not take surveys that require a credit card number even if it says they are a free trial as your card usually ends up getting charged and it is hard to get those charges off when they get on there.
@zhuuraan (961)
• United States
24 Jun 08
I've pretty much given up on survey sites because the only truly good one I found discriminates against me due to my visual impairment. I have been on one other that was okay but it took forever to get any rewards. I've never given a credit card number though and never would. I don't trust them, just like you.
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
24 Jun 08
It is terrible that they discriminate against you for that! I sometimes think surveys also discriminate against you for age as well! Many of the surveys I felt I was qualified for would say I was not qualified. Lots of the surveys are geared toward people with children at home.
@rantingqueen (495)
• United States
24 Jun 08
I have never, and will never give my credit card to a site that states free survey or free gift, but then asks for my personal credit information. The number one rule when working online and doing surveys, mystery shops and more is to protect yourself. The number two rule is to trust no one.
That being said, you may want to check out the Better Business Bureau online. Research their company, find out if there have been any complaints against them, and look for companies that are verified by the BBB or Verisign. If they have gone through the trouble of being verified by Verisign, then they are 99.9% of the time a legitimate company and safe to use in my experience.
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
24 Jun 08
I don't think they should require a credit card, if the survey is free. I would never do a survey for them and use my credit card. Too many ways for that to be stolen. As you said, the best rule is trust no one. I had rather be safe than sorry later. I can do without their big payouts. It is not worth chancing my credit card number being stolen.
