Octopus Group is an Australian-owned survey platform that has gained a reputation for being the highest-paying survey site in Australia and New Zealand. Members can earn up to $16 per hour equivalent, with payouts made directly to their bank account, PayPal, or gift cards. Unlike many competitors, Octopus Group even offers small rewards when you’re screened out, making your time feel more valued.
Who Is Octopus Group?
Octopus Group is an Australian-owned market research company founded in 2006 and headquartered in Sydney. Unlike the majority of survey panels available to Australians — which are offshore operations run by global research giants like Dynata — Octopus Group was built specifically for the Australian and New Zealand market.
That local focus matters. Surveys are written for Australian consumers, recruited from an Australian member base, and run by a team that understands the local market. The result is a significantly lower screenout rate than you'll experience on global panels, where Australian members are often an afterthought.
The company operates under the standards of The Research Society — Australia's peak professional body for market and social research — and holds ISO 27001 certification for information security. These aren't marketing claims; they're independently audited credentials that most competitors simply don't have.
Today Octopus Group has tens of thousands of active members across Australia and New Zealand, and has paid out millions of dollars in rewards since launching. It remains privately owned and Australian-operated — which means when something goes wrong, there's a local team you can actually call.
Earning
Earnings depend on how many surveys you complete and their availability.
While you won’t replace a full-time income, Octopus Group is one of the best side hustles for Australians who want extra spending money.
OctoQual: Earn Serious Money with Qualitative Research
Most survey sites stop at online questionnaires. Octopus Group goes further.
OctoQual is Octopus Group's qualitative research division — connecting everyday Australians with brands, researchers, and government agencies who need deeper insights than a multiple-choice survey can provide. Instead of clicking through questions on a screen, you're having a real conversation — and getting paid significantly more for it.
What does OctoQual involve?
OctoQual opportunities come in several formats:
- Focus groups — small group discussions (usually 6–8 people) exploring a product, brand, or topic in depth. Typically 90 minutes to 2 hours.
- In-depth interviews (IDIs) — one-on-one sessions with a researcher, either in person or via video call. Usually 45–60 minutes.
- Product testing — take home a product, use it for a set period, then provide detailed feedback in a follow-up session.
- Online communities — participate in a private online forum over several days or weeks, sharing opinions and completing tasks at your own pace.
- Ethnographic research — a researcher visits your home or workplace to observe how you interact with a product or service in a natural setting.
How much does OctoQual pay?
Significantly more than standard surveys. Typical rates:
- Focus groups: $75–$150 per session
- In-depth interviews: $50–$100 per session
- Extended online communities: $100–$300 for multi-day participation
- In-home product testing: $150–$400 depending on duration
- Ethnographic research: $200+ per visit
A single OctoQual session can earn more than a full month of standard surveys.
Who qualifies for OctoQual?
Qualitative research projects recruit for very specific profiles — parents of young children, small business owners, recent home buyers, people with specific health conditions, and so on. You won't qualify for every opportunity, but the more complete your profile, the more often you'll be matched.
How do you sign up for OctoQual?
OctoQual registration is separate from the standard Octopus Group survey panel. Once you've joined Octopus Group, look for the OctoQual section in your account dashboard and complete the additional profiling questions. This is what gets you matched to qualitative projects — don't skip it.
Octopus Group Referral Program
A great way to earn more cash rewards is to refer friends to Octopus Group.
The refer-a-friend process can work in two ways. First, enter a friend's email on the mobile app and allow them to sign up from the message they receive. Or second, copy the ‘Tell a Friend' link from your account dashboard to send a link manually via email or social media.
Earn $2 AUD for each friend that signs up and completes two surveys, and then $1 per survey for the next twenty three surveys your friend completes, for a total of $25 possible per referral.
If you want to make more from referrals, the add PureProfile to your list of must-join survey sites!
Set Rate
At the time of writing, surveys are guaranteed at a minimum rate of 28 cents per minute. In real terms, if you complete an hour of surveys, you can make $16.80. Some surveys offer even more per minute, so you can start making real money to provide your opinion.
Case Study: My experience with Octopus Group
I regularly undertake surveys and ensure I keep my profile up to date. Yes, sometimes I am screened out, but because surveys are for Australians, I succeed with far more than most sites.
Based on my experience and the 28c/min guaranteed rate and typical survey availability, you can expect to earn:
- Casual user (3 surveys a week): around $40–$60/month
- Regular user (1 survey a day): $150–$250/month
- Power user (2–3 surveys a day): $400+/month
As well as surveys, I have built up my referral base, delivering me a nice little earner each month…
How does Octopus Group compare to other surveys?
Octopus Group pays out up to five times what you can earn on many other survey sites. As an example, they pay much higher than global survey sites such as Survey Junkie and Swagbucks.
| Valued Opinions | Octopus Group | OpinionWorld | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Products | Surveys, Product Testing, Focus Groups | Surveys, Product Testing, Focus Groups | Surveys, Product Testing, Focus Groups, Mystery Shopping |
| Redemptions | Gift Cards, Charity | Direct Debit, Gift Cards | PayPal, Gift Cards |
| Redemption Threshold | $20 | $20 | $10 |
| Est. Earnings | $8/hour | $16/hour | $8/hour |
| Australian? | No | Yes | No |
Joining
Joining Octopus surveys is quick and easy and doesn't cost a cent. Once you’ve confirmed your information, and answered the profiling questions, you’re ready to start taking surveys.
To sign up you’ll need to provide an email and a mobile number. Your number needs to be registered in Australia or New Zealand. You will need to click on links and enter validation codes. This functionality delivers a layer of security to your account.
After you’ve signed up to the platform, read the terms of service and privacy policy. Then, you are ready to start working on completing your profile.
Is There An Octopus App?
Yes, however, the reviews on the apps for both Android and apple are less positive than for desktop, so we advise you use the desktop based platform wherever possible.
If only app-based surveys are for you, checkout our Best Paid Survey Apps page here.
Redemptions
One of Octopus Group’s biggest advantages is its fast and flexible payment options. Members can redeem earnings via:
- Direct bank transfer (most popular)
- Gift cards from retailers like Woolworths, Coles, JB Hi-Fi and more
- Charity
The minimum payout is just $20, and most members receive their money within a few business days.
A payment run occurs each Monday, and Octopus surveys payout within a week of any redemption request. Your bank can take longer to clear payment, especially during holidays. Gift card redemptions are instant.
Is Octopus Group legit?
Yes — Octopus Group is a completely legitimate survey site and, by most measures, the most credible one operating in Australia.
Unlike many survey panels that are overseas operations with little local accountability, Octopus Group is Australian-owned and operated — headquartered in Sydney with a local support team you can actually call. That alone sets it apart from the majority of its competitors.
The trust signals speak for themselves:
- Australian-owned — not a foreign panel with no local presence
- Member of The Research Society — Australia's peak body for market and social research, which holds members to a strict code of professional conduct
- ISO 27001 certified — the international standard for information security management, meaning your personal data is handled to a verified, audited standard
- Phone support available — unlike most survey sites that offer tickets only, Octopus Group has a real phone number staffed by an Australian team
- Responds to reviews on Trustpilot and ProductReview.com.au — a sign of an accountable, engaged operation
- Paying members since 2006 — nearly two decades of consistent, verified payouts direct to Australian bank accounts
Will Octopus Group sell your data? Your survey responses are shared with research clients in aggregate and anonymised form — standard practice for all market research panels. As a Research Society member, Octopus Group is bound by a strict code of conduct that governs how member data is collected, stored, and used. Their full privacy policy is available before you sign up.
What about account suspensions? Like all survey platforms, accounts can be flagged for inconsistent or rushed responses. Answer genuinely and this won't be an issue — Octopus Group's local support team is also reachable by phone if you ever have a concern about your account.
The bottom line: Octopus Group is Australian-owned, independently certified, professionally accredited, and has been paying members for nearly two decades. It's the most credible survey site available to Australians — and it's free to join
Reviews
Overall, surveys boasts positive reviews on the web, with a majority of users appearing to be satisfied with their experience.
A safe & Trustworthy Survey Site
Trustpilot, user Ash
I've tried a bunch of different sites for online surveys in Australia, and have found this to be the best so far. No- you're not going to make a TON of money- but this isn't a full-time job, you're sitting on your couch answering surveys. They have the best pay rates I've found, will directly transfer to your bank account, and generally, I have no issues (even if it's slightly annoying when I'm screened out, it's not at the fault of the company, and they still pay a few cents for attempting)!
Best survey site – by far!
Product Review, user Buckwheat
Been doing surveys with Octopus Group for 3 years. Absolutely superb outfit. Pay better than any other survey site I know of, help desk is quick to respond with any issues you might be having doing a particular survey. You're paid fairly for each survey you complete and payment is never delayed….Paid every Tuesday, if not late Monday. I've been in several other survey sites over the years…..Octopus has way more integrity and professionalism than all of them. By far the best I've seen….highly recommend to anyone interested in doing surveys.
Australia management regularly responds to reviews and acknowledges pain points; showing they are committed to continuously improving the user experience.
Customer support
Like any survey website, things can go wrong. If you become an active member of octopusgroup.com.au, chances are that you may need to contact support at some point. There are a number of ways to contact support when you need it.
Check the FAQs: First, browse the extensive FAQ information on the website. Most answers to questions you may have are there, and you can use the search function if you are not sure where to start.
Lodge an online support ticket: Second, if you can't find an answer to your question, lodge a ticket to seek help. The customer care team will respond to the ticket and help you resolve the issue. The Group email address is [email protected]
Conclusion
If you're only going to join one survey site in Australia, make it this one.
Octopus Group pays more than any competitor — up to $16.80 per hour at the guaranteed minimum rate, direct to your bank account. It's Australian-owned, independently certified, and has been paying members consistently for nearly two decades. When you're screened out, you still get paid. When you have a problem, you can call a real person.
No other survey site on this list offers all of that.
The honest caveat: survey availability isn't guaranteed every day, and at $20 the minimum payout is slightly higher than some competitors. Neither of these is a dealbreaker — but if you want daily survey volume, pairing Octopus Group with one or two other panels is the smarter move.
Our recommendation: join Octopus Group first, then add Dynata's OpinionWorld or Valued Opinions alongside it. Between them you'll have enough surveys to earn consistently every week without relying on any single platform.
Our verdict: the highest-paying, most trustworthy survey site available to Australians. Join it.
Thanks for taking the time to read this Octopus review!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Octopus Group Australian-owned?
Yes — Octopus Group is headquartered in Sydney and is one of the only major survey panels that is genuinely Australian-owned and operated. This means local support, local surveys, and a team that is accountable to Australian consumer standards.
Is Octopus Group free to join?
Completely free — no credit card, no subscription, no catch. Sign up at octopusgroup.com.au and you can start taking surveys immediately after completing your profile.
How much can you earn with Octopus Group?
Surveys are guaranteed at a minimum rate of 28 cents per minute — equivalent to $16.80 per hour. Casual users typically earn $40–$60 per month, regular users $150–$250, and power users $400+. Earnings from referrals and OctoQual qualitative research can push this higher.
How does Octopus Group pay you?
Via direct bank transfer, PayPal, or gift cards from retailers including Woolworths, Coles, and JB Hi-Fi. Bank transfer is the most popular option and typically clears within a few business days of the Monday payment run.
What is the minimum payout for Octopus Group?
$20 — slightly higher than some competitors but still low enough that most active members reach it within a week or two.
Do you get paid if you're screened out?
Yes — Octopus Group pays a small compensation when you don't qualify for a survey. This is one of its most appreciated features and something most competitors don't offer.
How often will I receive surveys?
Survey availability varies by demographic and week, but most members receive several opportunities per week. Keeping your profile fully up to date maximises the number of surveys you're matched to.
Does Octopus Group have a referral program?
Yes — one of the best in the industry. Earn $2 for each friend who signs up and completes two surveys, then $1 per survey for their next 23 surveys — up to $25 per referral in total.
Does Octopus Group have an app?
Yes, apps are available for both Android and iOS. However, user reviews of the apps are more mixed than for the desktop platform, so the desktop version is recommended where possible.
Can I use Octopus Group outside Australia and New Zealand?
No — membership is limited to residents of Australia and New Zealand only. You'll need an Australian or New Zealand mobile number to sign up.
How does Octopus Group compare to other survey sites?
Octopus Group pays up to five times more per hour than many global survey platforms, and consistently outperforms Australian competitors like OpinionWorld, Valued Opinions, and MyOpinions on per-survey rates. Its Australian ownership, bank transfer option, screen-out payments, and phone support make it the standout choice for Australian members.
What is OctoQual?
OctoQual is Octopus Group's qualitative research arm, offering in-person focus groups, interviews, and product testing sessions. These pay significantly more than standard online surveys — often $50–$200+ per session — and are worth signing up for separately if you have spare time.
