Pinecone Research
Expert and User Insights by Pinecone Research Customers
Pinecone Research is an invite‑only survey panel owned by NielsenIQ, offering guaranteed payouts (often $1–$3 per survey) and occasional paid product testing. With survey invitations curated to your profile and reliable payouts through PayPal or other options, it’s a trusted choice for people earning higher-than-average rates.
Based on expert ratings
Honest Review with no Affiliate ties to the featured platform.
Expert Review
Folasade Oluwagbenga
Money Making Expert
Pinecone Research is an invite-only panel by Nielsen; surveys pay $1–$3 with low disqualification, product tests pay more; legit, but limited invites and survey volume.
Earning Potential
Surveys pay $1–$3 each (10–20 min); product tests pay $10+; low disqualification; typical ~$50/month; invites only
Earning Breakdown
| Monthly Earning Potential | $50 |
| Hourly Earning Potential | $9 |
Tips to Earn More
Payment Details
| Payout Methods | PayPal, Check, Bank Transfer, Gift Cards |
| Payout Frequency | 30 days |
User Reviews | Pinecone Research
Markus Wilson
I finished a product testing survey 5 days ago. I had to take a survey the day after the first day of testing, use the product daily, and then complete a second survey after 7 days. The instructions said I’d be paid $7.50 after finishing both surveys. During the second survey, it also offered an extra $5.00 for uploading a photo. On top of that, Pinecone credited me 300 points for each survey. It sounded like a fair deal, but I never received the $7.50 or the $5.00 rewards. When I tried to redeem the 600 points, I discovered Pinecone no longer offers small e-gift cards. I usually redeem for $3.00 Amazon cards, but now the only option is a prepaid Visa card. The problem is it only works if the purchase matches the exact balance or if the retailer allows split payments. Six dollars doesn’t go far online, and I feel cheated out of the promised cash rewards. They also never explained how those payments would be issued, which should have been a red flag. I’ve been with Pinecone for 20 years, but this might be the last straw. When I saw that Amazon gift cards now require 5000 points, I figured it’s not worth the effort. It would take months to build up to $50, and PayPal hasn’t been available to me in years. I’m not too upset since I did get a free product to test and actually liked it. The downside is it came in plain packaging with no product name, so I can’t buy it even if I wanted to.
Oscar Romano
They send me an email when a survey is ready, usually once or twice a week. Each one takes about 5–10 minutes and pays $3. You can’t cash out with PayPal, but they do have plenty of reward options. If you want cash, they mail you a check that arrives in about two weeks. I’ve received every one so far and deposit them with Chase’s mobile check feature, which makes the money available immediately. For my last two surveys, they also sent free samples. I can’t share details because of confidentiality, but the first was fresh food that came with an ice pack I still use, worth about $5 and very tasty. The second was medicine that’s currently being shipped to me.
Is Pinecone Research Legit?
Pinecone Research
Expert and User Insights by Pinecone Research Customers
Pinecone Research is an invite‑only survey panel owned by NielsenIQ, offering guaranteed payouts (often $1–$3 per survey) and occasional paid product testing. With survey invitations curated to your profile and reliable payouts through PayPal or other options, it’s a trusted choice for people earning higher-than-average rates.
Based on expert ratings
Honest Review with no Affiliate ties to the featured platform.
Expert Review
Folasade Oluwagbenga
Money Making Expert
Pinecone Research is an invite-only panel by Nielsen; surveys pay $1–$3 with low disqualification, product tests pay more; legit, but limited invites and survey volume.
Is Pinecone Research Legit?
Earning Potential
Surveys pay $1–$3 each (10–20 min); product tests pay $10+; low disqualification; typical ~$50/month; invites only
Earning Breakdown
| Monthly Earning Potential | $50 |
| Hourly Earning Potential | $9 |
Tips to Earn More
Payment Details
| Payout Methods | PayPal, Check, Bank Transfer, Gift Cards |
| Payout Frequency | 30 days |
User Reviews | Pinecone Research
Markus Wilson
I finished a product testing survey 5 days ago. I had to take a survey the day after the first day of testing, use the product daily, and then complete a second survey after 7 days. The instructions said I’d be paid $7.50 after finishing both surveys. During the second survey, it also offered an extra $5.00 for uploading a photo. On top of that, Pinecone credited me 300 points for each survey. It sounded like a fair deal, but I never received the $7.50 or the $5.00 rewards. When I tried to redeem the 600 points, I discovered Pinecone no longer offers small e-gift cards. I usually redeem for $3.00 Amazon cards, but now the only option is a prepaid Visa card. The problem is it only works if the purchase matches the exact balance or if the retailer allows split payments. Six dollars doesn’t go far online, and I feel cheated out of the promised cash rewards. They also never explained how those payments would be issued, which should have been a red flag. I’ve been with Pinecone for 20 years, but this might be the last straw. When I saw that Amazon gift cards now require 5000 points, I figured it’s not worth the effort. It would take months to build up to $50, and PayPal hasn’t been available to me in years. I’m not too upset since I did get a free product to test and actually liked it. The downside is it came in plain packaging with no product name, so I can’t buy it even if I wanted to.
Oscar Romano
They send me an email when a survey is ready, usually once or twice a week. Each one takes about 5–10 minutes and pays $3. You can’t cash out with PayPal, but they do have plenty of reward options. If you want cash, they mail you a check that arrives in about two weeks. I’ve received every one so far and deposit them with Chase’s mobile check feature, which makes the money available immediately. For my last two surveys, they also sent free samples. I can’t share details because of confidentiality, but the first was fresh food that came with an ice pack I still use, worth about $5 and very tasty. The second was medicine that’s currently being shipped to me.