InboxDollars has paid out over $80 million to members since 2000. But with a $15 minimum cashout and mixed reviews online, is it actually worth your time in 2026?
We tested InboxDollars for weeks to give you an honest breakdown. Here's what you can really expect: the earnings, the frustrations, and how it stacks up against competitors.
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What Is InboxDollars?
InboxDollars is a rewards platform that pays you cash for completing online tasks. Unlike some competitors that use points, InboxDollars shows your earnings in actual dollars from the start.
The platform offers several ways to earn: taking surveys, watching videos, reading paid emails, playing games, shopping online, and completing offers. It's part of the attention economy where companies pay for consumer engagement and data.
Founded in 2000, InboxDollars is now owned by Prodege LLC (the same company behind Swagbucks). They're BBB accredited and have been paying members for over two decades. New users get a $5 sign-up bonus just for joining.
Is InboxDollars Legit?
Yes. InboxDollars is completely legitimate. They've paid out over $80 million to members, operate under Prodege LLC, and have an established 20+ year track record.
That said, legitimate doesn't mean lucrative. InboxDollars pays real money, but the amounts are small. Think of it as pocket change for your spare time, not a replacement for actual income. If you want apps that pay you to watch videos, InboxDollars delivers. Just keep expectations realistic.
How Does InboxDollars Work?
InboxDollars displays all earnings in cash (not points). You see exactly how much each activity pays before you start. Complete tasks, accumulate your balance, and cash out once you hit the minimum threshold.
The main earning methods include paid surveys (the highest paying), watching video playlists, reading sponsored emails, playing mobile games, shopping cashback, and completing special offers.
Once you reach $15 in your account, you can request payment via PayPal, gift card, or prepaid Visa. Subsequent cashouts only require $10.
How Much Can You Really Earn?
Let's look at realistic numbers based on our testing and data from thousands of users:
| Activity | Earnings Per Task | Monthly Potential | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surveys | $0.25 - $5.00 each | $15 - $30 | Active (20-40 min/day) |
| Watching Videos | $0.01 - $0.04 per playlist | $3 - $8 | Passive (background) |
| Playing Games | Varies by offer | $5 - $50+ | High (hours required) |
| Reading Emails | $0.02 - $0.05 each | $1 - $3 | Very low (clicks only) |
| Other (offers, search) | Varies | $5 - $10 | Low to medium |
Surveys: $15-30/month
Surveys are the primary earner on InboxDollars. Most pay between $0.25 and $5.00, with the average around $0.50 to $1.00. Longer surveys (15-30 minutes) pay more but aren't always available.
The frustrating part? Disqualifications. You'll often answer screening questions only to be told you don't qualify. This wastes time and pays nothing. Expect to qualify for about 50-60% of surveys you attempt.
If you dedicate 20-40 minutes daily to surveys, you can realistically earn $15-30 per month. That's roughly $1-2 per hour of active work.
Watching Videos: $3-8/month
InboxDollars pays $0.01 to $0.04 per video playlist. Each playlist contains multiple short clips about topics like health, entertainment, or sports. You can run these in the background while doing other things.
The earnings are tiny, but effort is minimal. Running videos during downtime can add $3-8 monthly. Not life-changing, but combined with other passive income apps, it adds up.
Playing Games: $5-50+/month
Game offers can be lucrative. InboxDollars pays you to download and play mobile games, reaching certain levels or milestones. Some offers pay $20, $50, or even more.
The catch? These milestones often require 10-40+ hours of gameplay. Some games subtly push you toward in-app purchases to progress faster. Still, patient gamers who enjoy mobile games can earn $5-50+ monthly from these offers.
Reading Emails: $1-3/month
InboxDollars sends paid emails to your inbox. Click them, read the sponsored content briefly, and earn $0.02 to $0.05 per email. It takes seconds per email.
You won't get rich here. Maybe $1-3 per month. But since it takes almost zero effort, it's free money for clicks you'd do anyway checking your inbox.
Total Realistic Earnings
Adding everything up:
- Casual users (15-20 min/day): $20-$40/month
- Active users (1-2 hours/day): $40-$80/month
- Power users (2+ hours/day, game offers): $80-$150+/month
Reddit users on r/InboxDollars report similar numbers. One stay-at-home mom shared earning $25-50 monthly with moderate effort. Another user mentioned hitting $60 monthly by focusing on surveys and game offers.
Payout Options
InboxDollars offers several ways to get your money:
- PayPal: Minimum $15 (first cashout), $10 after. Processing takes 3-5 business days.
- Gift Cards: Various retailers available. Usually processed within 3-5 days.
- Prepaid Visa: Minimum $15. Processed within a week typically.
- Check: Minimum $30. Takes 10-14 business days.
Important note: Your first cashout requires $15, but all future cashouts only need $10. This is higher than Swagbucks ($3 minimum) but reasonable for the category.
Pros and Cons
After thorough testing, here's our honest assessment:
Pros:
- Shows earnings in cash (not confusing point systems)
- $5 sign-up bonus for new members
- 20+ year track record with $80 million paid out
- Multiple payout options including PayPal
- Owned by Prodege LLC (reputable company)
- Game offers can pay well for patient players
Cons:
- $15 minimum for first cashout (higher than competitors)
- Survey disqualifications waste time
- Video earnings are extremely low ($0.01-$0.04)
- US only (no international access)
- Some offers feel spammy or require trial signups
- Hourly rate is well below minimum wage
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
If you decide to use InboxDollars, these strategies will help:
- Complete all profile surveys first. This improves your survey matches and reduces disqualifications.
- Always take the "Best Survey" option. These are pre-qualified and less likely to disqualify you.
- Run videos in background tabs. Passive earnings while you work or browse.
- Focus on high-value game offers. Check Reddit for tips on which games pay best for time invested.
- Check paid emails daily. Takes seconds, adds up over time.
- Use InboxDollars search occasionally. Earns small bonuses for searches you'd do anyway.
- Stack with other apps. Run InboxDollars alongside other reward apps to maximize overall earnings.
This approach of maximizing return while minimizing wasted effort is exactly what we call getting paid for your attention. Every minute should count.
InboxDollars vs Swagbucks
Since both are owned by Prodege LLC, how do they compare?
| Feature | InboxDollars | Swagbucks |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Cash (dollars) | Points (SB) |
| Minimum Cashout | $15 first, $10 after | $3 (gift cards) |
| Sign-up Bonus | $5 | $10 |
| Earning Variety | Good | More options |
| Availability | US only | Multiple countries |
| Monthly Earnings | $20-$80 | $20-$100 |
Bottom line: Swagbucks offers more flexibility with lower minimums and wider availability. InboxDollars is simpler with direct cash display. Many users run both simultaneously for maximum earnings. See our full Swagbucks vs InboxDollars comparison for more details.
Who Should Use InboxDollars?
Good fit if you:
- Live in the United States
- Have spare time to fill and want extra cash
- Prefer seeing earnings in dollars (not points)
- Enjoy mobile games and don't mind long-term offers
- Want to stack with other reward apps
Not ideal if you:
- Live outside the US (not available internationally)
- Need quick access to earnings (high first cashout minimum)
- Get frustrated by survey disqualifications
- Value your time at more than $2-3/hour
The Verdict: Is InboxDollars Worth It?
InboxDollars is legitimate and pays real cash. Whether it's worth your time depends on your situation and expectations.
If you have downtime you'd otherwise waste scrolling social media, InboxDollars can convert that into $20-80+ monthly. Running videos in background tabs, checking paid emails, and doing occasional surveys during TV time adds up without much active effort.
If you're looking to maximize earnings from your attention, consider stacking InboxDollars with other apps. Combine it with Swagbucks, walking apps, and platforms like VISU to build multiple passive income streams. The combination works better than any single app alone.
FAQ
Is InboxDollars legit?
Yes. InboxDollars has been operating since 2000 and has paid out over $80 million to members. They're owned by Prodege LLC (same company as Swagbucks) and are BBB accredited.
How much can you realistically earn on InboxDollars?
Most users earn $20-$50 per month with regular use. Active users focusing on surveys and game offers can reach $50-$100+ monthly. Earnings depend on time invested and available offers.
What is the minimum to cash out on InboxDollars?
The minimum is $15 for your first cashout. After that, you can request payment at $10. Payments are made via PayPal, gift card, or prepaid Visa.
How long does InboxDollars take to pay?
PayPal payments typically arrive within 3-5 business days. Gift cards are similar. Checks can take 10-14 business days.
Is InboxDollars available worldwide?
No. InboxDollars is only available in the United States. International users can try InboxPounds (UK) or DailyRewards (Canada), which are sister sites.
How much does InboxDollars pay per survey?
Surveys typically pay $0.25 to $5.00 each, with most averaging around $0.50 to $1.00. Longer surveys pay more but can take 15-30 minutes.
Is InboxDollars better than Swagbucks?
It depends on your priorities. InboxDollars pays directly in cash (not points) but has a higher minimum cashout ($15 vs $3). Swagbucks offers more earning variety and lower minimums. Many users run both.
Does InboxDollars sell your data?
InboxDollars shares data with market research partners. This is standard for survey platforms. Your responses help companies improve products and target advertising.
Can you use InboxDollars and Swagbucks together?
Yes. Many users run both apps simultaneously to maximize earnings. There's no conflict between them. You can complete similar activities on both platforms.
Stack Real-World Rewards With Your Survey Apps
InboxDollars pays for online tasks. VISU pays for places you already visit. Different sources, same goal: more money in your pocket.
Quick video. Earn your first reward.