If you’ve ever received a letter from Nielsen with real cash inside, you’re not alone — and it’s not a mistake.
Across the U.S., Nielsen has been sending out cash-in-the-mail survey invitations to selected households as part of their research programs. Unlike most survey companies that pay in points or gift cards, Nielsen still uses physical cash to encourage participation.
Here’s how it works — and how you can check if your household qualifies.
It Usually Starts With $1… But That’s Just the Beginning
Many Nielsen letters arrive with $1 cash included. This isn’t the full payment — it’s a small incentive to open the letter and answer a few questions.
Once completed, Nielsen may follow up with additional payments, often:
- $5 per person, or
- $10 per person in the household
The key detail most people miss?
👉 Each eligible person in the household can be counted.
That means larger households often earn more.
Example:
A 4-person household could earn $20–$40 from a single survey invitation.
👉 Check if your household qualifies for Nielsen cash surveys here
December Bonus: $20 Sent via PayPal (Limited-Time)
In addition to mailed cash surveys, Nielsen is currently offering a December bonus where new participants can receive $20 sent via PayPal after opening an account and completing initial registration.
This bonus is separate from mailed surveys, meaning some users may receive:
- Cash in the mail and
- Digital payments via PayPal
Availability varies by household profile and location. Not all users receive the same offers.
👉 Open a Nielsen account now to qualify for the $20 PayPal December bonus
Smart Earners Stack Multiple Survey Bonuses
People who earn consistently from surveys don’t rely on just one platform. They stack legitimate sign-up bonuses while offers are active.
Here are three trusted platforms offering bonuses right now:
Branded Surveys — $50 Sign-Up Bonus (Ends Dec 31)
Branded Surveys is offering a $50 sign-up bonus for new users who join before December 31st.
- Short surveys
- PayPal & gift card payouts
- Well-established platform
👉 Claim the $50 Branded Surveys bonus before December 31st
Top Survey — $25 Just for Opening an Account
Top Survey currently gives $25 simply for opening an account, making it one of the fastest ways to get started.
- Quick registration
- Low payout threshold
👉 Open a Top Survey account and get your $25 bonus
SoFi — Up to $500 Sign-Up Bonus
While not a survey site, SoFi is offering up to $500 as a sign-up bonus for opening an eligible account.
Many users stack this bonus alongside survey earnings for a bigger payout.
👉 Check if you qualify for the SoFi $500 sign-up bonus
The Bottom Line
Nielsen’s cash-in-the-mail surveys are one of the few legitimate programs still paying real money, and when combined with December bonuses from other platforms, the earnings can add up quickly.
Best strategy:
- Start with Nielsen
- Add Branded Surveys
- Stack Top Survey
- Finish with SoFi while bonuses are active
👉 Get started now — December bonuses won’t last
