Did you know you can get paid to chat with people online? Yes. This is a legit side hustle you can do if you have a computer or smartphone.
I wrote this post to teach you how you can make money chatting online. I tried and tested 14 sites so that I could discuss their features, pros, cons, earning potential, and more.
Let’s begin.
14 Ways To Get Paid To Chat and Socialize
Did you know some sites and apps allow you to earn extra cash by text chatting and video calling with lonely people looking for a cyber friend?
After extensive research, I’ve developed a list of legit and safe online friend platforms where you can earn money talking and chatting with strangers.
1- Rent a Cyber Friend
Rent a Cyber Friend is an excellent platform for someone looking for an online friend in the truest sense. It works by matching you with people who have the same interests and hobbies as yours.
Make sure you build your profile using keywords related to your hobbies and interests (e.g., sports and favorite activities) to allow the site’s algorithm to match you with like-minded individuals.
How Does It Work?
When you sign up as a virtual friend, you can only communicate with people via video call. To start accepting calls and chat requests, simply log in and click the active button.
How Much Can You Earn?
The site charges a 20% commission on your earnings. You can set your hourly rate between $15 and $50, depending on the topic you want to discuss.
How Do You Get Paid?
You get 80% of the income, which you can cash out once it reaches $75 through PayPal or bank deposit.
Should You Try It?
If you’re looking for platonic friendship and want to chat for money simultaneously, RentaCyberFriend is worth considering. It specifically states that it is not a dating site or an escort service.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| High potential earnings | 20% commission |
| Earn money by being a virtual friend | High cash-out threshold |
| Free account | No mobile app |
How To Get Started
Although you can register for free, consider signing up for a paid account (e.g., Gold, Silver, or Bronze) if you’re serious about making money using this platform.
When setting up your profile, add your interests using hashtags. Also, don’t forget to include your pay rates.
2- Phrendly
Phrendly is a social media site and app where you earn cash based on your popularity. Although this platform does not encourage nudity and other explicit content, you can have an adult chat, discuss adult topics, and send flirty messages.
The site has a mobile app version, although it’s only available for Android users.
How Does It Work?
Phrendly’s main clientele consists of lonely guys looking for attractive women to talk to.
You can send text messages and offer video calls without sharing your phone number and other personal information.
How Much Can You Earn?
Your earnings primarily depend on the type of interaction with clients. When you reply via text within 24 hours, you earn around $0.35 or higher if you communicate via video or phone calls. You also earn through gifts and tips from clients.
How Do You Get Paid?
Phrendly’s payment scheme is complicated because it comes in virtual drinks you receive every time a client initiates a text-based conversation.
Each virtual drink costs $0.35. However, you can set up your rates for video and phone calls.
You’ll get 90% of the gifts and 70% of the earnings from video and phone calls.
You can cash out your funds once they reach $10. Alternatively, you can receive your pay every month by selecting Monthly Check. The platform charges a $2 fee for each check.
Should You Try It?
If you want to chat with men for money, Phrendly’s mobile app allows you to do this from anywhere and at any time. However, the app is only available for Android users.
Here are the platform’s pros and cons.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Intutive site and mobile app | App only available to Android users |
| Multiple ways to earn money | Complicated payment scheme |
| 10% – 30% commission |
How To Get Started
You must be at least 18 years old to join Phrendly’s chat rooms to make money. Additionally, you must upload three photos before they allow you to use the platform.
3- Rent a Local Friend
Rent a Local Friend lets you offer virtual and in-person friendship services. Nevertheless, you have the option to make all the interactions online.
The platform also caters to travel agents who live in popular tourist destinations, allowing them to offer their services to travelers seeking local interactions and authentic cultural experiences.
How Does It Work?
If you sign up for Rent a Local Friend, you have multiple ways to earn extra cash.
Remote concierge
You conduct a Zoom or FaceTime interview with clients asking about your city, especially the must-visit places and must-do activities.
Virtual friend
You can avoid awkward meetups because you only communicate with strangers online.
Local friends
This service requires an in-person meetup to explore your city.
How Much Can You Earn?
The average hourly fee on Rent a Local Friend is between $15 and $50, although the website claims most users earn $25 an hour.
How Do You Get Paid?
The platform takes a 30% cut; the rest goes to you. Additionally, you pay them a $100 annual membership fee, which is a bit expensive considering that many friends-for-hire sites are free to use.
You need a PayPal account to cash out your earnings.
Should You Try It?
You should only consider this platform if you’re a professional travel agent or don’t mind paying the hefty membership fee. Otherwise, you’re better off trying your luck with other sites where you can sign up for free.
Before signing up for this platform, read its pros and cons.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple earning opportunities | No mobile app |
| High earning potential, especially for travel agents | $100 annual membership fee |
| 30% commission rate | |
| Limited payment method (PayPal only) |
How To Get Started
You must pay the $100 annual membership fee and upload a passport photo to sell your chat services on the platform.
4- FriendPC
FriendPC claims to promote platonic friendship, adding that it is not a dating website. However, it has a service that allows you to be a virtual girlfriend, where you get paid to chat with men.
How Does It Work?
This platform offers multiple ways to make extra money: You can be a virtual lover, a life coach, an online gaming partner, or a normal cyber friend. You also have the option to meet your clients in person, especially travelers who want to tour your city.
How Much Can You Earn?
How much you earn depends on your pay rate. To give you an idea, some users claim to earn around $1,000 monthly.
How Do You Get Paid?
The platform takes 5% to 10% of your earnings from each booking and a small fee to cover your listings.
Cash out via bank transfer, PayPal, or other online payment methods. Your payments are ready two days after completing your task.
Should You Try It?
FriendPC is worth the shot if you want more flexibility regarding schedule, pay rate, and interaction (e.g., text messages, phone calls, and video chats).
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Mobile app version | 5% – 10% commission rate |
| Multiple ways to earn cash | |
| Flexible schedule |
How To Get Started
You can sign up for FriendPC without posting any personal photos. However, you must be at least 18 to use the platform.
5- Papa
Papa is a companionship site that caters to vulnerable community members, such as seniors and people with disabilities. Thus, it conducts a more rigorous hiring process before it allows you to offer your services on the platform.
Papa also gives companion care services and support to members of these health insurance programs.
Medicare Advantage
Medicaid
Commercial health plans
How Does It Work?
As a Papa Pal, your tasks surpass the typical online friend. Since many of your clients have mobility issues, you may need to drive them to appointments and perform some light housework.
However, you have the option to provide virtual friendship only.
How Much Can You Earn?
Depending on where you live, you can earn anywhere between $13 and $16 per hour, plus bonuses and gas credits. You’ll get reimbursement if you drive your companion or visit them at their home or clinic.
How Do You Get Paid?
The platform usually pays you within two business days. You need to have a Stripe account to cash out your earnings.
Should You Try It?
If you want to offer your companionship service to people who need it, consider signing up as a Papa Pal.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Reputable site | Rigorous application process |
| Gas reimbursement when you visit a client’s home | You may need to help people with mobility issues by doing light housework or driving them to the doctor’s office. |
| Decent hourly pay |
How To Get Started
The requirements to become a Papa Pal are more rigorous than other platforms. You must complete a personality quiz and pass the orientation, training, phone interview, and background check.
They will also inspect your vehicle and driving record.
Once you pass the application, you need to complete their training.
Get Paid To Chat Online and Give Advice
If you have vast knowledge on a specific topic, consider signing up for platforms that pay experts to share tips and tricks. You may also check out sites allowing ordinary consumers to give feedback after using a product or service.
6- Studdit
Studdit is a website that connects students and experts in math, science, or any subject. The idea is to help students with their academic homework, from essays and dissertations to research papers and theses.
How Does It Work?
If you’re a subject matter expert with a flair for writing, the platform allows you to get paid to chat with students who need help and guidance with their homework.
The site uses a simple ordering process. Students can specify the details and choose the deadline and writer. You will not receive any new orders as a freelancer until you finish the current task.
Once hired, you can access writing tools like grammar apps, plagiarism checkers, and online libraries. Also, you may need to talk with students throughout the project to provide a more customized output.
How Much Can You Earn?
The website does not mention pay rates. However, one freelance writer who uses the platform says the company gives bonuses for bringing in new customers.
How Do You Get Paid?
The website does not mention how and when it pays its freelancers.
Should You Try It?
Studdit is worth the shot if you’re a subject matter expert with a good flair for writing. Nonetheless, you need to understand its pros and cons:
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible schedule | No available information about pay rates and payment methods |
| Free access to writing tools |
How To Get Started?
The site prefers native English speakers who are skilled professionals to ensure the quality of essays and theses. After submitting your application, the company will review your background and qualifications before allowing you to enter the platform.
Apps To Chat and Teach English Online
Some platforms that connect English tutors and language students may not require a TEFL (Teaching Engish as a Foreign Language) certificate as long as the teachers possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
If language teaching is your cup of tea, consider signing up for these platforms:
7- NiceTalk
NiceTalk is a platform where language students (usually Chinese children and teenagers) can directly or randomly call English teachers. The company prefers native English speakers with any of these certifications:
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
How Does It Work?
This popular mobile English learning platform in China gives students instant access to native English speakers. Thus, you need a quiet space at home to give lessons.
How Much Can You Earn?
You can earn $10 to $11 per hour on the platform. You also get a $10 welcome bonus after signing up as an English tutor.
How Do You Get Paid?
You need a PayPal account to receive your weekly pay, which the platform will process if you have a balance above $20.
Should You Try It?
Although the platform has a low pay rate, it has its own merits, like a flexible work schedule.
Check out its pros and cons before signing up as an English tutor to Chinese students.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible work schedule | Low pay rate |
| $10 Welcome bonus |
How To Get Started
The platform prefers native English speakers, especially those with teaching experience and certifications.
Before you apply as an online teacher, make sure you have these things:
A reliable internet connection
Updated Android or IOS operating system
Headset with a noise-cancelling feature
Quiet environment
8- PalFish
As an education platform, Palfish hires native English speakers who provide one-on-one classes to Chinese students aged three to 12. It also has a mobile chat app that allows teachers and learners to communicate anywhere and anytime.
How Does It Work?
Once you register as an English tutor, you can access learning materials and cartoon lessons. Each class lasts 25 minutes, although you can go as long as the students want to continue the discussion.
How Much Can You Earn?
The starting rate is $18.50 per hour, higher than a typical chat job. Then, for each 25-minute class you teach, you gain points. The number of points you earn in a month will determine your pay rate for the next month.
One tutor who used the platform said he earned $23 per hour after three months of teaching and added that teachers who reach the highest pay tier get a daily cash bonus.
How Do You Get Paid?
You need to sign up for Payoneer to receive your monthly pay, which you can transfer to your main bank account. The transfer usually takes about a week.
Should You Try It?
PalFish is an excellent education app for remote workers and digital nomads who want to teach English to international students. But as with any side hustle, it comes with pros and cons you need to be aware of.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| High starting pay rate | Only pays via Payoneer |
| Cash bonuses and incentives | |
| Intuitive mobile app |
How To Get Started
To sign up as a language tutor, you must be a native English speaker living in one of these countries:
US
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
You also need a stable internet connection and a quiet space to make money video chatting with English learners.
9- Cambly
Cambly is another education platform connecting English language learners and tutors from these countries:
United States
Canada
UK
South Africa
Australia
Ireland
New Zealand
How Does It Work?
Unlike many online ESl platforms, Cambly does not require teaching experience or certification. The only critical requirement is that you reside in an English-speaking country. As such, this side hustle is perfect for college students.
How Much Can You Earn?
You earn $0.17 per minute of talk time for regular classes or $10.20 per hour. Special classes have a slightly higher hourly pay, around $12.
How Do You Get Paid?
The platform pays you through PayPal, wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or direct deposit. It processes payments every Tuesday, although you can request to receive them biweekly or monthly.
Should You Try It?
Despite the low hourly rate, Cambly is worth the shot if you have no teaching experience or certification.
Here are the pros and cons of using this education platform:
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible work schedule | Low pay rate |
| Easy to pass the requirements | |
| Ideal for college students |
How To Get Started
Go to the Cambly website and fill out its application form, which takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Next, wait for an email that informs you whether it approves your application or not.
The approval process takes one day to several months, depending on the number of students. Cambly wants to ensure the platform remains profitable to existing teachers.
Get Paid To Provide Chat Support
These chat support jobs will allow you to work from home and enjoy more flexibility.
10- The Chat Shop
The Chat Shop is an excellent site to get paid to chat as a customer service rep. Although they have IA chatbots, the company still needs human agents as clients prefer them to auto-replies.
The platform works with many companies across sectors, from tech and medical care to retail and entertainment.
How Does It Work?
As a remote chat agent, The Chat Shop lets you provide customer service in the comfort of your home. For this job, you need good communication and problem-solving skills.
How Much Can You Earn?
The hourly rate as a chat agent is between $7.25 and $17.85. However, most operators make around $12 per hour.
How Do You Get Paid?
You get your pay via bank transfers or wire transfers.
Should You Try It?
If you can use positive language, consider signing up as a text chat agent.
You need to know the pros and cons before using the platform.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Paid training | Low pay |
| Weekly quality assurance process |
How To Get Started
To apply as a chat agent, your typing speed must be at least 65 words per minute (WPM) with above 97% accuracy. Good communication and problem-solving skills are also important.
You must undergo a paid 100-hour training if you pass the application process. Note that the company prefers agents who can work at least 20 hours per week.
11- SiteStaff
SiteStaff is a customer solution provider that needs chat and email support agents. Although they offer on-site positions, they prefer hiring people who can work from home.
How Does It Work?
As a chat agent, you need to communicate with multiple people simultaneously. In most cases, you’ll handle accounts involving legal, finance, home care, medicine, or senior living.
Aside from chat support, the company also hires people to provide call and email support to different businesses worldwide.
How Much Can You Earn?
The pay varies significantly, depending on your experience and the account/project you are handling. However, on average, you can earn between $10 and $18 per hour.
Should You Try It?
If you want to work as a customer service rep who only handles non-voice accounts, SiteStaff is a nice side hustle.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Work-life balance | As a freelancer, you won’t enjoy insurance benefits and paid leave. |
| Higher starting pay rate than most platforms |
How To Get Started
To pass the hiring process, you must have at least 65WPM typing speed with excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation accuracy.
12- Arise Virtual Solutions
Arise Virtual Solutions hires contractual workers who can provide on-demand customer support for small businesses worldwide.
One of the perks of working at the company is the ability to set your own schedule.
How Does It Work?
You can earn money when you chat online with the customers of a business you’re assigned to handle.
When you sign up as a service partner, you can review and select the chat jobs that work best for you. Next, you must take a certification course to prepare for the role.
How Much Can You Earn?
You can expect to earn $14 per hour.
How Do You Get Paid?
The payment scheme will depend on the company that hires you. However, most businesses pay chat agents through PayPal or direct bank transfer.
Should You Try It?
Arise is worth the shot if you want to work in the customer service industry and enjoy flexibility. Nevertheless, it still comes with some pros and cons you must understand before signing up.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher pay than most chat jobs | Your pay and bonuses depend on the company that hires you. |
| Flexible work schedule | Only available in the US, the UK, and Canada |
| As a contractual worker, you won’t enjoy the same benefits as an employee. |
How To Get Started
You can only sign up if you live in the US, UK, or Canada. To register as a text chat agent, complete the registration form requiring your mobile number.
Once you’ve completed the registration process, you can log in to the dashboard to look for opportunities to earn money chatting.
13- Smith.ai
Smith.ai is a platform that offers virtual receptionist positions and text chat jobs. It has one of the highest starting pay rates, although the caveat is that it has a strict hiring process.
How Does It Work?
The company is constantly on the lookout for contractual workers who can provide text chat services that involve the following tasks:
Booking appointments
Screening new clients
Transferring calls
Collecting payments
Sending emails
Performing ext chat online
How Much Can You Earn?
Pay starts at $15 an hour, which can reach $18 after working several months for the company. Additionally, you may get cash bonuses, tips, or sales commissions.
How Do You Get Paid?
Smith.ai sends quarterly payments directly to your bank account using Bill.com.
Should You Try It?
Becoming a Smith.ai partner comes with some pros and cons you must understand.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher earning potential | Strict hiring process |
| Flexible schedule | Agents outside the US won’t get benefits. |
How To Get Started
For most text chat jobs, you need to be a resident of the US and must meet these requirements:
Typing skills of at least 40 WPM with 100% accuracy
A quiet home office to handle video chat
A headset with a noise-cancelling microphone arm attached
14- ModSquad
ModSquad is well known in the customer service industry as they work with leading national brands (i.e., NFL, Vimeo, PBS, A&E), providing them with social media, content moderation, and community management services.
How Does It Work?
As a Mods service partner, you can select your project based on your skills, pay rate, and schedule.
These are the most common opportunities you can find on Mods:
Video chat and other types of customer support
Community or social media accounts management
Content moderation
How Much Can You Earn?
The pay rate starts at around $10 per hour.
How Do You Get Paid?
You’ll get your pay via PayPal at the end of the month. The company will process your payment regardless of your monthly earnings.
Should I Try It?
Despite the relatively low starting rate, Mod Squad is worth the shot if you’re looking for a side hustle with a flexible work schedule. Nevertheless, you must understand its pros and cons to have realistic expectations.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple work opportunities | Low starting pay rate |
| Flexible work schedule | Limited payment option |
| It is ideal if you’re looking for a quick side hustle |
How To Get Started
Go to the website and send your application. Make sure to include your hobbies, interests, and languages you speak. Next, wait for an email acknowledging your application.
You must pass a background check before you can use the platform.
Is It Safe To Talk to People for Money Online? 5 Tips To Protect Yourself
Although the internet allows us to work in the comfort of our homes, it is replete with scammers targeting people looking for online side hustles. Protect yourself by following these tips:
Check Platform Reviews.
A quick internet search can help you understand a platform’s reputation. Ensure you read reviews from employees, freelancers, and subscribers.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information.
Scammers and hackers may figure out your password or answer your security questions using password reset tools if you post your birthday, your mother’s maiden name, and your address.
Limit Interactions to Purely Virtual.
If you can’t limit your interactions to purely virtual, at least practice these safety tips:
Meet your virtual friend in a public place.
Make it a group meetup.
Don’t get into vehicles or go somewhere you are not familiar with.
Read the Platform’s Terms and Conditions.
Ensure you understand your rights and obligations in the terms and conditions agreement. Don’t sign up if you’re uncomfortable with the guidelines or feel a platform poses a security or privacy risk.
Set Boundaries and Trust Your Instincts.
Setting up boundaries will help you enjoy your job as a paid virtual friend or an online chat operator. Doing so also protects your personal space, mental health, and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Other Ways To Earn Money Online?
If chatting online is not your cup of tea, digital platforms offer other ways to earn money.
Find freelance work (virtual assistant, copywriter, graphic designer, etc.).
Become an influencer.
Develop an app.
Start a dropshipping business.
Write and publish an eBook.
Create websites.
Start trading or investing.
Create a blog.
Start a YouTube channel.
Why Would People Pay You To Chat?
Some individuals don’t have many friends in real life; others are uncomfortable discussing certain topics with their friends and family. As a result, these lonely people may look for virtual friends.
Can I Get Paid Just To Text People?
Yes. If you don’t have strong typing skills but want to get paid chatting online, consider signing up for any of these platforms:
RentaCyberFriend
Phrendly
FriendPC
Rent a Local Friend
Can I Get Paid To Just Listen to People?
Yes. You can get paid to talk on the phone through online friend sites.
Which App Is Used To Make Money by Chatting?
Not all platforms I mentioned have mobile app versions. If you only want to use your smartphone as a chat hostess or text chat operator, consider these apps that pay you to chat with strangers:
FriendPC
Phrendly
Is Chat for Cash Legit?
Yes. There are legit platforms that pay to chat with strangers online.
The Bottom Line
I hope my list of the best websites to get paid for chatting helps you pick the right platform for your goals, needs, and qualifications.
You can earn money by chatting with strangers, but you must also know the tell-tale signs of scammers.
On the other hand, consider doing other side hustles that pay weekly if you need extra cash and don’t want to chat with strangers online.
