Linking your bank account to Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is a survey platform that pays users for completing questionnaires. To receive payments, you need to connect a bank account where the money will be deposited. The process takes about five minutes and requires your routing number and account number — the same information you would give to set up direct deposit at a job.
You can link your account during signup or add it later from your account settings. Branded Surveys uses Dwolla, a third-party payment processor, to handle the actual transfer of funds. Your bank details are sent to Dwolla, not stored directly by Branded Surveys, which is a common security practice for survey and gig-work platforms.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link your account — find these on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- Branded Surveys uses Dwolla to process payments, so your bank information goes to Dwolla rather than being stored by Branded Surveys itself.
- Payments typically arrive within three to five business days after you request a withdrawal.
- You can unlink your bank account at any time from your account settings, and Dwolla will not retain your information after you disconnect.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from your bank. The routing number is the first set of nine digits, and your account number follows it. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or account summary — the exact label varies by bank.
Some banks also print these numbers on statements or display them when you call customer service. If you cannot locate them online, call your bank's customer service line (the number is on your debit card or bank website) and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number ready when you call, since the bank will ask you to verify your identity.
The step-by-step linking process
Log into your Branded Surveys account and go to Account Settings or Payments — the exact label depends on whether you are on desktop or mobile. Look for a section called Bank Account, Payment Method, or Withdrawal Settings. Click Add Bank Account or Link Account.
Enter your bank's routing number, your account number, and your account type (checking or savings). Double-check both numbers before submitting, since an error will cause payments to fail or go to the wrong account. Branded Surveys will then send your information to Dwolla to verify the account.
Verification usually takes one to two business days. During this time, Dwolla may make two small test deposits (typically under one dollar each) to your account. You may need to confirm the amounts of these deposits back in your Branded Surveys account to prove you own the bank account. Once verified, your account is linked and ready to receive payments.
What happens when you request a withdrawal
Branded Surveys has a minimum withdrawal amount, typically $10 or $20 depending on the payment method you choose. Once you reach that threshold, you can request a withdrawal from your account dashboard. The money goes to Dwolla first, then Dwolla transfers it to your bank account.
The transfer usually takes three to five business days. Weekends and bank holidays can add time, so a withdrawal requested on a Friday may not arrive until the following Wednesday. You can track the status of your withdrawal in your Branded Surveys account, though the status may not update in real time.
Security considerations when linking your bank account
Sharing your routing and account number is safe for direct deposits and bill payments — it is information you would give to your employer or utility company. However, only link your account on a device you trust and a network you control, such as your home WiFi rather than public WiFi at a coffee shop.
Branded Surveys uses encryption to send your information to Dwolla, and Dwolla is a licensed financial services company regulated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. That said, no online transaction is risk-free. If you notice unauthorized withdrawals from your account after linking, contact your bank immediately — your bank can reverse fraudulent transfers and investigate the source.
You can unlink your bank account at any time from your account settings. Once you disconnect, Dwolla will not retain your routing number or account number, though Branded Surveys may keep a record that you had an account linked (for their own records, not for future use).
Troubleshooting common linking problems
If your bank account fails to verify, the most common cause is a typo in your routing number or account number. Log back into your bank's website and copy the numbers directly rather than typing them from memory. Paste them into Branded Surveys to avoid transcription errors.
Some banks flag transfers from third-party processors like Dwolla as unusual activity. If your account fails verification, contact your bank and ask whether they have blocked transfers from Dwolla. If they have, you may need to call the bank to whitelist Dwolla or allow the transfer manually. Once your bank approves it, try linking again in Branded Surveys.
If you linked your account successfully but a withdrawal fails, check that your account is still active and that you have not exceeded any daily transfer limits your bank may have set. Some banks limit the number of ACH transfers (the type Dwolla uses) you can make per month. If you hit that limit, you may need to wait until the next month or contact your bank to increase it.
Alternatives if you do not want to link a bank account
Branded Surveys also offers PayPal as a withdrawal option. If you have a PayPal account, you can transfer your earnings there instead of linking a bank account directly. PayPal then handles the transfer to your bank if you choose, or you can keep the money in PayPal to spend online.
Some users prefer this route because it adds a layer between Branded Surveys and their bank account. However, PayPal also requires verification and may hold funds for a day or two before releasing them. The choice depends on whether you prioritize speed (direct bank transfer) or an extra step of separation (PayPal).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give Branded Surveys my routing number and account number?
Yes, routing and account numbers are standard information for direct deposits and bill payments. Branded Surveys sends this information to Dwolla, a licensed payment processor, using encryption. The risk is low if you link on a device and network you trust. If you remain uncomfortable, use PayPal instead.
How long does it take for money to appear in my bank account?
Transfers typically take three to five business days. Weekends and holidays add time. A withdrawal requested on Friday may arrive Wednesday. Check your Branded Surveys account for the withdrawal status, though updates may not be instant.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
If verification fails, you will see an error message. You can delete the account and try again with the correct number. If you already completed a withdrawal to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately — they can reverse the transfer if it has not yet settled.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to Branded Surveys?
Most survey platforms allow only one linked bank account at a time. If you want to switch accounts, unlink the current one and link a new one. The process takes the same one to two days for verification.
What happens to my bank information if I delete my Branded Surveys account?
Branded Surveys will stop storing your information, and Dwolla will delete it as well. However, Branded Surveys may keep a record that you had an account for their own compliance purposes. If you want to be certain, contact Branded Surveys support and ask them to confirm deletion.