Crystal here! When Jesse and I were first married, we were living in a little basement apartment on a literal beans and rice budget. Every single penny counted! When I discovered I could earn some income taking surveys through Pinecone, I was SO excited! It was a way for me to earn a little extra money every month that we’d use for fun things like dates or treats.
We’d save the money and use it to get a $2.99 meal and a $0.99 kid’s meal from Long John Silver’s with coupons for our date! Or we’d order two things each off the dollar menu at McDonald’s or we’d rent a movie for $0.50 from the movie store! I was so, so grateful for those little bits of income that came in from surveys because it was a way we could afford to do some fun things on a super, super tight budget!
If your budget is really tight, I highly recommend checking out the opportunity to take surveys through Pinecone — and they are accepting new applicants right now!
Earn Money With Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research has some openings available for new applicants! If you’ve tried in the past and haven’t been able to get in, definitely try again! They open their doors to more of a general population for a limited time at the beginning of each month.
Hurry — they typically only leave their doors open for a day or two! (But if you don’t get accepted this month, be sure to check back next month to try again. Sometimes it takes a few tries!)
Pinecone Research is one of my very favorite survey companies and one that I found offered the most surveys for the best pay. Our readers LOVE it and have had great experiences with it, too, as you can see from the testimonial above!
Gretchen from the MSM team here! When my husband and I were first married, we had NO money. (We lived on $22/week for groceries!) Sometime during those first few months of marriage, I got accepted to do surveys through Pinecone. Those little $3 surveys gave us “splurge” money for little date nights and coffee treats at Starbucks over the next couple of years. I am still so grateful for Pinecone and am kind of partial to it years later. It provided so many fun little blessings and memories.
If you are in a tight spot, or want a little bit of fun money, hurry and get in on this before they close it!
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Reader Interactions
Money Saving Mom® Comment Policy
We love comments from readers, so chime in with your thoughts below! We do our best to keep this blog upbeat and encouraging, so please keep your comments cordial and kind.Read more information on our comment policy.
Joysays
Within the past week or two, Pinecone has revamped their program. Initially, I thought it was just a platform change (tech only) but since then I’ve received around 10 survey invites a day but I don’t actually qualify for any of them. Also, instead of being a flat rate of $3 per survey, it now can vary from $0.50-3.00, and some of the surveys can be up to 30 minutes long. VERY disappointed in this change they’ve made! Not worth my time and attention any more.
Ariannasays
I agree, not worth it anymore. I did their surveys for years and enjoyed it. Very disappointing change of the way they work. I’m going to try to get to 1000 points, the minimum to cash out and then I won’t waste any more of my time with them.
Chrissays
I applied at Pine Cone research several times and was turned down (I presume because my husband works for a large retailer). I was finally accepted a few years ago and was excited. I started doing the $3 surveys. Then they started having an issue with me doing surveys and were not much help with helping me. I never received any of my pay. This week, this post reminded me, I emailed them. I was not even able to get into my account. They told me that my account was deactivated because of inactivity. They had been unable to help me with my problems several years ago. I did not know that they were going to deactivate my account. So I did those surveys with no pay. I see some other people here posting too about how Pinecone Research is not as good as it used to be. I would never recommend them. I am sure it was way better when you and your sister first started it. In fact, I do not mind very low pay. I did mturk for a while and made very low pay. But when you do not get help with problems and never receive 1 cent, that is not good business. Thank you for listening!
I’m so sorry you had that experience. I know that you do have to email them promptly or they will deactivate your account if there is no activity after a few years. Thank you for sharing! We known so many people who still love them and have great experiences with them which is why we still feel comfortable promoting them, but I’m so sorry you had a bad experience.
Chrissays
OK. Great! I did email them. Everything kind of went in a cycle and basically they weren’t any help but maybe I should have persisted. I’m just thankful I hadn’t done that many surveys. But thank you for responding.
Jennifer Gsays
If you are an older individual, there is no reason to apply. They used to provide surveys for we older ones but now anytime you start it comes up as “not eligible”.
Autumnsays
Very disappointing to see Pinecone is saying they pay $1.00 now for a survey
I was with them years ago and was paid $3 which was disappointing considering how long the surveys were I often received. There has to be a better company
Kellysays
Agreed. I have qualified for five surveys, have taken 4 and have only earned $4! At 20 minutes per survey, you are earning little to money – $3 an hour. Not worth it for me especially when it only offers you one a month on average.
Julie Bsays
Sadly Pinecone is not the gem it once was. It now pays only $1 per survey if you qualify for it. (It used to always give you ones you qualify for). They also did away with the cash prize ,(PayPal option) & you need $10 to cash out. I was previously a member at both the $5 & $3 tier. It doesn’t seem worth it now. I’ve been a member gor a few months again & have only qualified & completed 2 or 3.
Lydiasays
Yes, I agree. The $1 is just not worth it anymore. So sad as I always loved Pinecone!
Tiffany Hsays
That link goes to a survey company called “YouGov” – is that the same thing?
Wendy Shipleysays
I would like to join.
Jordansays
Follow the link in the post above to apply! -Jordan, MSM Team
Shari Kellerhalssays
I’m interested. Do you have spots left in May? Or should I just wait until June 1?
Make sure to click and fill out the form and it will let you know if they are looking for people with your demographics!
Angel Britnellsays
Yay! Thank you for the heads up! I was a member for years and let it lapse last year and have been trying to get back in. It was a success! I am all signed back up!
Jordansays
Yay! That’s great to hear! I am so happy we could help. -Jordan, MSM Team
Daniellesays
Signed up in December and have already made nearly $40 and have gotten a product to try at home. Not a lot of money, but in another month or so that’s a dinner out for maybe 20 minutes worth of time. Every penny counts!
Jordansays
That’s so great to hear! -Jordan, MSM Team
Juliesays
Sadly Pinecone is not the gem it once was. It now pays only $1 per survey if you qualify for it. (It used to always give you ones you qualify for). They also did away with the cash prize ,(PayPal option) & you need $10 to cash out. I was previously a member at both the $5 & $3 tier. It doesn’t seem worth it now. I’ve been a member gor a few months again & have only qualified & completed 2 or 3.
Angiesays
I finally got in after several tries over the years 🙂 Thanks so much for the heads up! I received my first credit this morning!
Leahsays
Would anyone who has worked with Pinecone already chime in here, please? I’m reading the agreement and find what sounds like they require you to share personal information like names and birthdates of each person living in your home. Is this true? I thought surveys are usually annomomous. I wouldn’t want to be required to give out the names and birthdates of my kids. Can anyone share their experience, please? Thanks.
Sonasays
I joined on the last go around. No names but yes ages of people in your home. I have gotten one so far I qualified for and only got 100 POINTS not money. Unless I dont understand, gift cards are like 50,000 points for the lowest denominator card. I dont think it is the panacea as advertised. Willing to hear though where I have not understood something correctly.
Cherissasays
I got on with Pinecone a few months ago and was so excited- but every single time I click on a survey, it says I’m not qualified. In four months I’ve only been invited to complete two, and I have clicked on every single opportunity- dozens! We are a family of six with kids and teenagers- so I’m surprised that I haven’t been in *any* of the demographics they are looking for. I’ve tried on both my phone and my laptop. I’m amazed that others are able to do so many! Any ideas?
Jeaniesays
I applied for the first time, never heard of Pinecone before, and was accepted! Already completed my first survey!
Karensays
I tried to enter a verification code three different times, but kept receiving message that phone number or cartier was invalid?
Jaimysays
I was able to get into this a few months back, thanks to your post. I save the money “earned” in the account and will use as extra for our Christmas fund. I have also gotten to trial a couple of new products and give feedback. Very exciting and well worth the time!
Jordansays
Yay! I’m so glad you are having a good experience! -Jordan, MSM Team
Tanyasays
I got an acceptance email this morning! Thanks!
Jordansays
Yay! You’re so welcome! -Jordan, MSM Team
Suesays
I signed up a few months ago. Last time you shared they were taking applications. I have earned $33.50 so far. Love it
Jordansays
WOW!! That’s so great! -Jordan, MSM Team
Bethsays
Accepted in September! Received my 1st $3.00
The process is very easy. Thanks for the link.
Jordansays
Yay! You’re so welcome! -Jordan, MSM Team
Dawnsays
I also got directed to Toluna and so I went ahead and signed up. The first survey was pretty long. I’ve never done surveys before, but the first couple I”ve done seem to be collecting more information about me than answering questions about products or services. Kinda invasive. Now I fear I’m being scammed or something. Have you heard anything about this company?
Jordansays
Definitely not a scam! Pinecone is a really legitimate survey company. Pinecone was temporarily redirecting people to their sister site, Toluna, yesterday because we had capped out on the amount of slots they gave our readers. After seeing the success, though, they upped our slots to a few hundred more, so you can try applying now! I hope that helps! – Jordan, MSM Team
Terisays
Dawn, I have the same concern. I clicked the link and was directed to Toluna, and completed the first comprehensive survey. I have heard of Toluna, but I hope we haven’t been scammed.
Deidrasays
I opened the like and was directed to a Toluna?, not Pinecone. Is that right?
Jordan, the link now takes you to Pinecone today, but I swear it didn’t last night! And it looks like I’m not the only one who had this problem.
Jordansays
Pinecone was temporarily redirecting people to their sister site, Toluna, yesterday because we had capped out on the amount of slots they gave our readers. After seeing the success, though, they upped our slots to a few hundred more, so you can try applying now! I hope that helps! -Jordan, MSM Team
Jen Lehrsays
That happened to me too! But now today it links to Pinecone! I wonder if Pinecone got temporarily hacked?
Jsays
Do people actually give the birthdates of everyone in their household? Isn’t that giving too much info? Especially if you have children?
Jen Lehrsays
I applied and got accepted, but did they change their name? When I clicked on your link, it took me to a company called Toluna.
not currently accepting Applicants! SO, Hopefully they will shoot me an email when they do open them back up. would love to participate.
Msays
They don’t accept people who live in Hawaii? 😂 (Hawaii wasn’t a choice in the pull down menu)
Kathleen Maugerisays
I’m very interested in doing surveys.
Jordansays
You should sign up and see if you are accepted! -Jordan, MSM Team
Autumn Stonesays
Has anyone earned more than $3.00 ? I used them years ago but spent sometimes an hour a survey and sometimes after I hit submit I would receive messages like ” sorry we have enough submissions now” they would tell us AFTER spending close to an hour completing surveys that you are not eligible to be paid. Not fair at all. Hopefully this is not the case anymore! Anyone?
Yes! I just heard from someone who had earned $60 in the last few months from them. And I know lots of people who regularly get 1-4 surveys per month. Are you sure this was Pinecone? I’ve never heard of them doing that to anyone, but I have heard of that happening many times with other survey companies, which is why we are so careful in what survey companies we promote.
Jordansays
The links should be working now. Can you try again? Or you can try clicking here. -Jordan, MSM Team
Jordansays
Thanks for pointing that out! We are looking into it. -Jordan, MSM Team
Sandra Libbysays
Yay! Got accepted and have my first survey waiting for me! Excited because I couldn’t get in last time. Thanks for posting!!!
Jordansays
Woohoo! You’re so welcome! -Jordan, MSM Team
Amandasays
I received a welcome email, but can’t access a questionnaire they sent me, nor can I get a message through via their “contact us” form that you’re supposed to submit. I was so excited to be accepted, but this is extremely disappointing so far. Do you have a direct contact for them by chance? Thanks.
Amandasays
I was finally able to get the form to submit. Hopefully, this is just a weird fluke today and it’s going to be great. Thanks for telling us about it!
Jordansays
I’m sorry you had that trouble but am glad you were able to get it worked out! -Jordan, MSM Team
Elizabethsays
Same with me. I submitted the error code to them via contact us button. I don’t know why I can’t complete surveys. It’s happened with last two surveys and I wasn’t even late getting to them.
Nitasays
Thank you for sharing this information! I applied yesterday and received a welcome email this morning.
Jennifersays
This takes me to a Toluna site. Is this the same as the Pinecone Research? Just want to be sure I’m giving my time to the right company
Jordansays
Pinecone was temporarily redirecting people to their sister site, Toluna, yesterday because we had capped out on the amount of slots they gave our readers. After seeing the success, though, they upped our slots to a few hundred more, so you can try applying now! I hope that helps! -Jordan, MSM Team
mswebcam31says
Thanks I have bee trying to get back on with them for years
Jordansays
You’re welcome! -Jordan, MSM Team
Jenny Behesays
Been trying to join no lucky
Tatyanasays
Hi Crystal! Do you by chance what are their requirements to get in? Thank you
Within the past week or two, Pinecone has revamped their program. Initially, I thought it was just a platform change (tech only) but since then I’ve received around 10 survey invites a day but I don’t actually qualify for any of them. Also, instead of being a flat rate of $3 per survey, it now can vary from $0.50-3.00, and some of the surveys can be up to 30 minutes long. VERY disappointed in this change they’ve made! Not worth my time and attention any more.
I agree, not worth it anymore. I did their surveys for years and enjoyed it. Very disappointing change of the way they work. I’m going to try to get to 1000 points, the minimum to cash out and then I won’t waste any more of my time with them.
I applied at Pine Cone research several times and was turned down (I presume because my husband works for a large retailer). I was finally accepted a few years ago and was excited. I started doing the $3 surveys. Then they started having an issue with me doing surveys and were not much help with helping me. I never received any of my pay. This week, this post reminded me, I emailed them. I was not even able to get into my account. They told me that my account was deactivated because of inactivity. They had been unable to help me with my problems several years ago. I did not know that they were going to deactivate my account. So I did those surveys with no pay. I see some other people here posting too about how Pinecone Research is not as good as it used to be. I would never recommend them. I am sure it was way better when you and your sister first started it. In fact, I do not mind very low pay. I did mturk for a while and made very low pay. But when you do not get help with problems and never receive 1 cent, that is not good business. Thank you for listening!
I’m so sorry you had that experience. I know that you do have to email them promptly or they will deactivate your account if there is no activity after a few years. Thank you for sharing! We known so many people who still love them and have great experiences with them which is why we still feel comfortable promoting them, but I’m so sorry you had a bad experience.
OK. Great! I did email them. Everything kind of went in a cycle and basically they weren’t any help but maybe I should have persisted. I’m just thankful I hadn’t done that many surveys. But thank you for responding.
If you are an older individual, there is no reason to apply. They used to provide surveys for we older ones but now anytime you start it comes up as “not eligible”.
Very disappointing to see Pinecone is saying they pay $1.00 now for a survey
I was with them years ago and was paid $3 which was disappointing considering how long the surveys were I often received. There has to be a better company
Agreed. I have qualified for five surveys, have taken 4 and have only earned $4! At 20 minutes per survey, you are earning little to money – $3 an hour. Not worth it for me especially when it only offers you one a month on average.
Sadly Pinecone is not the gem it once was. It now pays only $1 per survey if you qualify for it. (It used to always give you ones you qualify for). They also did away with the cash prize ,(PayPal option) & you need $10 to cash out. I was previously a member at both the $5 & $3 tier. It doesn’t seem worth it now. I’ve been a member gor a few months again & have only qualified & completed 2 or 3.
Yes, I agree. The $1 is just not worth it anymore. So sad as I always loved Pinecone!
That link goes to a survey company called “YouGov” – is that the same thing?
I would like to join.
Follow the link in the post above to apply! -Jordan, MSM Team
I’m interested. Do you have spots left in May? Or should I just wait until June 1?
Make sure to click and fill out the form and it will let you know if they are looking for people with your demographics!
Yay! Thank you for the heads up! I was a member for years and let it lapse last year and have been trying to get back in. It was a success! I am all signed back up!
Yay! That’s great to hear! I am so happy we could help. -Jordan, MSM Team
Signed up in December and have already made nearly $40 and have gotten a product to try at home. Not a lot of money, but in another month or so that’s a dinner out for maybe 20 minutes worth of time. Every penny counts!
That’s so great to hear! -Jordan, MSM Team
Sadly Pinecone is not the gem it once was. It now pays only $1 per survey if you qualify for it. (It used to always give you ones you qualify for). They also did away with the cash prize ,(PayPal option) & you need $10 to cash out. I was previously a member at both the $5 & $3 tier. It doesn’t seem worth it now. I’ve been a member gor a few months again & have only qualified & completed 2 or 3.
I finally got in after several tries over the years 🙂 Thanks so much for the heads up! I received my first credit this morning!
Would anyone who has worked with Pinecone already chime in here, please? I’m reading the agreement and find what sounds like they require you to share personal information like names and birthdates of each person living in your home. Is this true? I thought surveys are usually annomomous. I wouldn’t want to be required to give out the names and birthdates of my kids. Can anyone share their experience, please? Thanks.
I joined on the last go around. No names but yes ages of people in your home. I have gotten one so far I qualified for and only got 100 POINTS not money. Unless I dont understand, gift cards are like 50,000 points for the lowest denominator card. I dont think it is the panacea as advertised. Willing to hear though where I have not understood something correctly.
I got on with Pinecone a few months ago and was so excited- but every single time I click on a survey, it says I’m not qualified. In four months I’ve only been invited to complete two, and I have clicked on every single opportunity- dozens! We are a family of six with kids and teenagers- so I’m surprised that I haven’t been in *any* of the demographics they are looking for. I’ve tried on both my phone and my laptop. I’m amazed that others are able to do so many! Any ideas?
I applied for the first time, never heard of Pinecone before, and was accepted! Already completed my first survey!
I tried to enter a verification code three different times, but kept receiving message that phone number or cartier was invalid?
I was able to get into this a few months back, thanks to your post. I save the money “earned” in the account and will use as extra for our Christmas fund. I have also gotten to trial a couple of new products and give feedback. Very exciting and well worth the time!
Yay! I’m so glad you are having a good experience! -Jordan, MSM Team
I got an acceptance email this morning! Thanks!
Yay! You’re so welcome! -Jordan, MSM Team
I signed up a few months ago. Last time you shared they were taking applications. I have earned $33.50 so far. Love it
WOW!! That’s so great! -Jordan, MSM Team
Accepted in September! Received my 1st $3.00
The process is very easy. Thanks for the link.
Yay! You’re so welcome! -Jordan, MSM Team
I also got directed to Toluna and so I went ahead and signed up. The first survey was pretty long. I’ve never done surveys before, but the first couple I”ve done seem to be collecting more information about me than answering questions about products or services. Kinda invasive. Now I fear I’m being scammed or something. Have you heard anything about this company?
Definitely not a scam! Pinecone is a really legitimate survey company. Pinecone was temporarily redirecting people to their sister site, Toluna, yesterday because we had capped out on the amount of slots they gave our readers. After seeing the success, though, they upped our slots to a few hundred more, so you can try applying now! I hope that helps! – Jordan, MSM Team
Dawn, I have the same concern. I clicked the link and was directed to Toluna, and completed the first comprehensive survey. I have heard of Toluna, but I hope we haven’t been scammed.
I opened the like and was directed to a Toluna?, not Pinecone. Is that right?
Same thing happened to me….
That’s strange. Here is the link I used that took me to Pinecone’s page. I hope that helps! -Jordan, MSM Team
Jordan, the link now takes you to Pinecone today, but I swear it didn’t last night! And it looks like I’m not the only one who had this problem.
Pinecone was temporarily redirecting people to their sister site, Toluna, yesterday because we had capped out on the amount of slots they gave our readers. After seeing the success, though, they upped our slots to a few hundred more, so you can try applying now! I hope that helps! -Jordan, MSM Team
That happened to me too! But now today it links to Pinecone! I wonder if Pinecone got temporarily hacked?
Do people actually give the birthdates of everyone in their household? Isn’t that giving too much info? Especially if you have children?
I applied and got accepted, but did they change their name? When I clicked on your link, it took me to a company called Toluna.
That’s strange. Here is the link I used that took me to Pinecone’s page. I hope that helps! -Jordan, MSM Team
Thank you Chrystal. I gave it a try and just waiting for a confirmation email to see if I got accepted.
Din you get the confirmation email?
The link doesn’t open for me.
not currently accepting Applicants! SO, Hopefully they will shoot me an email when they do open them back up. would love to participate.
They don’t accept people who live in Hawaii? 😂 (Hawaii wasn’t a choice in the pull down menu)
I’m very interested in doing surveys.
You should sign up and see if you are accepted! -Jordan, MSM Team
Has anyone earned more than $3.00 ? I used them years ago but spent sometimes an hour a survey and sometimes after I hit submit I would receive messages like ” sorry we have enough submissions now” they would tell us AFTER spending close to an hour completing surveys that you are not eligible to be paid. Not fair at all. Hopefully this is not the case anymore! Anyone?
Yes! I just heard from someone who had earned $60 in the last few months from them. And I know lots of people who regularly get 1-4 surveys per month. Are you sure this was Pinecone? I’ve never heard of them doing that to anyone, but I have heard of that happening many times with other survey companies, which is why we are so careful in what survey companies we promote.
The links should be working now. Can you try again? Or you can try clicking here. -Jordan, MSM Team
Thanks for pointing that out! We are looking into it. -Jordan, MSM Team
Yay! Got accepted and have my first survey waiting for me! Excited because I couldn’t get in last time. Thanks for posting!!!
Woohoo! You’re so welcome! -Jordan, MSM Team
I received a welcome email, but can’t access a questionnaire they sent me, nor can I get a message through via their “contact us” form that you’re supposed to submit. I was so excited to be accepted, but this is extremely disappointing so far. Do you have a direct contact for them by chance? Thanks.
I was finally able to get the form to submit. Hopefully, this is just a weird fluke today and it’s going to be great. Thanks for telling us about it!
I’m sorry you had that trouble but am glad you were able to get it worked out! -Jordan, MSM Team
Same with me. I submitted the error code to them via contact us button. I don’t know why I can’t complete surveys. It’s happened with last two surveys and I wasn’t even late getting to them.
Thank you for sharing this information! I applied yesterday and received a welcome email this morning.
This takes me to a Toluna site. Is this the same as the Pinecone Research? Just want to be sure I’m giving my time to the right company
Pinecone was temporarily redirecting people to their sister site, Toluna, yesterday because we had capped out on the amount of slots they gave our readers. After seeing the success, though, they upped our slots to a few hundred more, so you can try applying now! I hope that helps! -Jordan, MSM Team
Thanks I have bee trying to get back on with them for years
You’re welcome! -Jordan, MSM Team
Been trying to join no lucky
Hi Crystal! Do you by chance what are their requirements to get in? Thank you
It changes depending upon what their needs are right now.
do they only allow 1 account per household?
I got in last month when you mentioned it in your stories! I have done 8 surveys and was sent a full-size box of cat litter to review! Thank you! 😊
Sounds like fun