What you need to know about “Get Paid To” Programs

Get-Paid-To programs (GPT) might include programs such as get paid to surf the web, get paid to read emails, get paid to take surveys, get paid to play video games, get paid to watch movies or videos, get paid to share files, etc. These programs are offered by websites who are getting paid for their advertising or recruiting services. They are essentially sharing some of their advertising revenue with you. Methods of payment include credit for your own ads, payment through Paypal, direct deposit or a check by mail.

Are “Get Paid To” Programs Actually Free?

There is no monetary commitment to participate in “get paid to” programs. You’re exchanging some of your time to acquire the freebie, but many freebies require time. So it becomes a matter of how much time it takes and whether that’s worth it to you.

Many would argue that GPT programs aren’t worth the time. They often require that you earn a certain amount before payout, and they pay very little per required action, so it takes forever to get paid. For example, a get-paid-to site could require that you earn $50 before they pay you and you can earn 10 cents for reading 3 emails. If it took you a half hour to read 3 emails, then you would have to read emails for 250 hours before getting paid (or about 20 cents an hour). You can spend your time way more efficiently than that.

However, this math is just an example. Some sites offer much better deals for your time. Some sites will pay you for performing activities you would do anyway. How much time do you spend searching the internet? You could get paid just for letting it run in the background and it doesn’t take any additional time. If the program can run in the background without taking any of your additional time, then it is actually free.

Also, some of the activities are fun and if you’re getting paid even a small amount, that makes it better than wasting your time on things like games or social media, for which you get paid nothing.

Is the “Get Paid To” Program Legitimate?

Legitimate GPT sites do exist, however trying them can be risky due a large number of scams. Obviously if they don’t pay out, then you wouldn’t want to waste your time with a particular site.

Whenever you see a program available, then don’t follow the link until you check it with a site like Norton Safe Web. That will make sure the site is safe to visit. Then when you visit the site, you’ll be able to assess if the offer is even worth your time. Read the fine print. Then you’ll check with other websites and forums to see if others have actually received payouts. Don’t give any of these sites credit card information. They certainly don’t need that to pay you. You might be required to give them an email address so that they can pay you by PayPal. Do NOT give them your PayPal password.

Some “get paid to” programs are simply rewards programs. You might earn rewards to claim prizes instead of getting paid in cash. Read Rewards for more info. Some programs will offer to let you donate what you’ve earned to charity.

Definitely don’t pay for “access” to directories that list GPT programs. You should never have to pay to get paid. That’s a scam.

Where Can I Find Legitimate “Get Paid To” Programs?

Whenever “Get Paid To” programs are discovered with positive evidence of payouts, they will be added to the GPT Directory. Some of these are tested by Actually Free, and some are not yet tested. I have tried these programs a couple of times, and I’ve been paid in traffic exchange. I have not yet been paid in cash. Many of these programs are currently being tested by Actually Free, however it may be a while before the payout limit is reached. See Actually Free Experiments.

The GPT Directory has the following categories:

• GPT programs (multiple category)
• Get Paid to take surveys
• Get paid to click ads
• Click for charities
• Get paid to read emails
• Get paid to surf the web
• Get paid to play games online
• Get paid to share files
• Get paid to share photos
• Third party resources to verify legit GPT programs

More will be added as they are discovered.

Of course, you can get paid for other simple services or if your job is related to the activity. Get paid to shop by Mystery Shopping. The Cash For Stuff page describes activities such as getting paid to recycle. You can get paid to travel by blogging, joining the Peace Corps or working in the travel industry. Obviously, video game developers get paid to play video games. And the ways to make money online are almost limitless. Yet, if a resource is added to the GPT directory, it will be very simple. It’s not really a resource for finding a second job or helping freelancers get additional gigs.

Since internet-based jobs can help people improve their financial situation, which is part of the purpose of Actually Free, another directory is also maintained called Make Money Online. This directory would list resources where you could get paid to teach English, get paid for creative services, like graphic art or video editing, or get paid for digital marketing services. Read the introduction to Make Money Online.

Some topics are addressed individually, such as affiliate programs, which allow you to get paid to sell other people’s products online, or product testing where you can get paid or get free stuff by testing products.

Also, to stay inline with the main topics discussed on this site, it’s important to point out that getting paid for a job is not actually free. You’re getting paid for your time. So free money is only actually free when it starts working for itself or when it’s working for you. This is best described with the Rich Dad Cash Flow Quadrant. The free money comes on the right side of the quadrant when you own a business or invest. See Passive Cash Flow Businesses With $0 Startup Fees.