Panelbase is a website where your opinions can turn into rewards. It’s a platform based in the UK, started by a market research company called Dipsticks Research Limited back in 1997. Panelbase itself came into existence in 2005.

As a member, you have a couple of ways to earn.  You can fill out surveys, join focus groups and try out new products.  The focus is mainly on the UK, but there’s more to it.

Now, you might wonder if Panelbase is the go-to spot for making some extra cash. Thankfully, I have spent quite a bit of time exploring what it offers, comparing it with numerous other sites I have checked out.

However, before you get too excited, let’s talk about whether it’s worth your time. You see, while Panelbase is a legitimate way to earn a bit on the side, the rewards aren’t exactly sky-high. This might make you think twice if you’re looking to make a significant amount from taking surveys alone.

In essence, Panelbase offers you a way to make your voice heard and get a little something for your efforts, but it won’t make you rich.

So, whether you want to learn more about Panelbase or maybe you want to make more money, let’s see if it’s worth your time.

Let’s begin!

Who Can Join?

If you’re thinking about joining Panelbase, there are a few things you should know.

First off, you need to be 16 years or older. Plus, having access to the internet and either a landline or a mobile phone is a must. This is because Panelbase is looking for members who can participate in various types of research.

Panelbase is exclusively for those living in the U.K.  And, the reason behind this is pretty straightforward – the research conducted by Panelbase is specifically for U.K.-based companies. They are all about gathering insights that are relevant to their local market.

While there’s a hint on their FAQ page about possibly expanding to other countries like the USA, Canada, and Europe, it’s best not to hold your breath. This message has been up for a while without any sign of change. So, for now, Panelbase remains a spot for U.K. residents only.

Earning With Surveys

The main way to earn money is through paid surveys. After you sign up and log in, you will find yourself on a dashboard full of surveys waiting for your input.

Each survey comes with a bunch of details. You should see how much you can earn, how long it will take, and whether you can do it on your phone, tablet, or computer. This is really helpful because you can pick surveys that fit what you’re looking for.  Make sure that you’re picking out surveys that are worth your time.

To get matched with more surveys, you will need to share some details about yourself via the initial profile survey. It might take a bit of time and you won’t get extra rewards for it, but it’s worth it. This way, Panelbase can find surveys that are just right for you once they know more about you.  This is fairly standard among most survey sites.  I highly recommend you fill this profile survey out.

Most surveys take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Focus Groups

Panelbase isn’t just about filling out surveys, as they have branched out, offering even more ways to earn rewards, including focus groups.

Now, you might find yourself being invited to join phone interviews, focus groups, or even test out new products. These opportunities are a bit different from the usual surveys. They might ask for a bit more of your time and attention, but the upside is that they often come with better rewards.  Plan on investing more time, but you can earn more money.

It’s smart to keep an eye open for these chances since they don’t come around every day, but when they do, they can really boost what you earn. Just remember, these special opportunities aren’t the main way to earn.

How Much Can I Make?

When you start diving into the world of survey sites like Panelbase, it’s key to set your expectations right. Making a living off these surveys isn’t realistic, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time.  I can say this about just about any survey site.

On average, surveys pay between £0.25 and £5. However, most of the time, the amount you get per survey leans towards the lower end of this scale. It’s rare, but sometimes you might stumble upon a survey paying more than £3.

Patience is your best friend here, as the amount you earn greatly depends on the surveys that come your way. Not every survey will be a match for you, and sometimes you might not qualify even after giving it a shot. To boost your chances of getting a survey, it’s wise to jump on them as quickly as they appear.

Keep note that if you let your account sit idle for 12 months, any rewards you have earned will disappear. Logging back in after a long break won’t recover them.

While Panelbase can add a little extra to your pocket, it’s probably better as a side hustle rather than your main gig. And if you’re really into survey sites, it might be worth exploring others too, as some might fit your needs better.

Monthly Prizes

At Panelbase, even when luck isn’t on your side and you don’t qualify for a survey, you won’t walk away empty-handed.  You will be entered into their monthly prize draw. This means you still have a chance to win something, with prizes ranging from £1 to £50.

Every month, two lucky winners snag the top prize of £50. While winning isn’t guaranteed, it’s a nice little bonus that makes trying out surveys a bit less disappointing when they don’t quite fit.

Referral Program

Now, let’s talk about spreading the word through the Panelbase referral program.

If you know someone who might enjoy taking surveys as much as you do, inviting them to join Panelbase could benefit you. However, keep in mind that this program might not be the most lucrative path you could hope for. You’ll get £0.20 for each friend who signs up through your invitation, which isn’t a lot, especially since you don’t earn anything from the surveys your friends complete.

While it’s great that Panelbase offers a way to earn by referring others, it’s not the most rewarding referral program out there.  There are much better refer-a-friend programs if that’s something that you’re looking for.

Getting Paid

Once your balance hits £10, you can start thinking about cashing out, and Panelbase makes this pretty straightforward with a few options.

First off, you can get your earnings directly transferred to your bank account using BACS. This is great because it means you avoid those pesky PayPal fees that can eat into your hard-earned money. If you’re not familiar with BACS, just know it’s a secure way to transfer money directly into your bank account.

If direct cash isn’t your thing, you might like the second option, which involves swapping your rewards for vouchers. These vouchers are pretty versatile and will be mailed right to your doorstep, offering another way to benefit from your earnings.

Lastly, if you’re feeling generous, Panelbase gives you the option to donate your earnings to charity. This way, you can make a difference by contributing to causes that matter to you, making your survey-taking experience not just rewarding for you but beneficial for others as well.

The Pros

• User-friendly and easy to navigate.
• The support team is responsive and helpful.
• Decent earning potential.
• Engagements like daily polls and prize draws offer additional rewards.

The Cons

• The transition to Norstatpanel has significantly decreased the quality and availability of surveys.
• Rewards for completing surveys are considered low.
• Users experience a high rate of disqualification from surveys.
• The referral program and compensation for time spent on longer surveys are seen as insufficient.
• Some users report issues with account bans and poor customer service interactions.

Final Thoughts

Panelbase stands out as a trusted survey site from the UK, rewarding its members with real money for completing surveys. Having been around for over a decade, it’s clear they have established themselves as a legitimate platform in the world of online surveys.

Panelbase offers a variety of ways to earn, which keeps things interesting. Navigating their website is a breeze, and another big plus is the option for direct bank transfers when you’re ready to cash out, adding a layer of convenience to accessing your hard-earned money.

However, it’s not all sunshine.

The rewards for completing surveys can feel a bit on the lower side, which might be disappointing. Also, the availability of surveys isn’t always as high as one might hope for, limiting your earning potential.  It’s definitely on the lower end in my research.

In conclusion, Panelbase serves well as a site for earning a little extra cash, especially if you’re in the UK.  While it’s not a scam, and it’s legit, you just won’t earn all that much.

That’s going to do it for now.

As always, feel free to comment on your experience in the comments below.