Paid studies guide
FocusGroup.com (Sago): what participants should know
FocusGroup.com is Sago's US panel for surveys, online and in-person focus groups, product tests and interviews, and it says its qualitative work is moving to a new 'Focus Group+' panel. Rewards are points worth one cent each, redeemable from $50, and members verify their identity and give tax details.
At a glance
- PayNot published per study; points (100 = $1)
- Paid viaPoints for debit cards or retailer gift cards
- How fastOnline studies within 2–3 weeks
- Minimum$50 (5,000 points)
- WhereUS-focused
The facts
In its own words, checked and dated.
From FocusGroup.com (Sago)’s own help pages and terms, checked October 2026. Platforms change their rules; check the linked pages before you rely on a figure.
| Topic | What FocusGroup.com (Sago) says |
|---|---|
| Who can join | Adults 18+, one membership per person. In-person studies happen at Sago's US offices. |
| Study types | Online surveys, webcam focus groups, chats, video diaries, product tests, phone interviews and in-person groups. |
| Typical pay | No per-study rates published. Rewards are points: 100 points = $1. |
| Fees | None mentioned. |
| How you're paid | Points redeemed for virtual or physical debit cards and retailer gift cards; the terms also mention Visa debit cards and checks. |
| When | Online study rewards within 2–3 weeks. |
| Verification | Email plus identity verification; photo ID may be requested. An SSN or tax ID is collected for US tax forms ($2,000+ a year triggers a 1099). |
| How selection works | You're matched to studies from your profile and contacted to check whether you qualify; quotas fill quickly. |
| Rules worth knowing | No multiple accounts or forwarded invitations. AI-written answers aren't paid. Points stay valid only if you take part at least once a year. |
| Referral programme | None on its official pages. |
Stay safe
A message claiming to be from FocusGroup.com (Sago) asks you to pay,
share a password, or move to WhatsApp or Telegram? That's a scam. Here are the warning signs.
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