If you have searched for “Pinecone Research changes”, “Pinecone Research PayPal removed” or “Pinecone Research 1000 points minimum”, you are not alone.
Long-standing members of Pinecone Research have recently seen significant changes to the platform. A new website was launched with promises of a better experience and more surveys. For those of us who have been members for years, that initially sounded positive.
Unfortunately, the reality so far feels very different.
Pinecone Research Used to Be Simple and Reliable
One of the reasons Pinecone stood out in the survey world was its simplicity.
Each survey paid 300 points.
300 points equalled £3.
You could redeem at 300 points.
It was clear, consistent and fair. You completed a survey, you earned £3, and you could withdraw straight away, often via PayPal. There was no guessing about reward amounts and no long wait to access your earnings.
Pinecone was also known for being selective and sending out products to test. It was not always easy to join. Invitations were limited, and that exclusivity added to its reputation. It felt like a more serious research panel rather than just another survey site.
The New Website and Reward Changes
With the launch of the new website, several important changes have been introduced.
PayPal is no longer available as a redemption option.
The minimum cash out now appears to be 1000 points, with redemptions in increments of 1000, 2500 and 5000 points. Previously, members could redeem at 300 points.
Rewards now include:
• Virtual Visa
• Physical Visa
• Amazon gift cards
• Other gift card options
A Virtual Visa is a digital prepaid card used online. A Physical Visa is a prepaid card posted to you. While usable, neither offers the flexibility of PayPal, where funds could be transferred directly into your bank account.
For many members, that flexibility was one of the main reasons for choosing Pinecone in the first place.
Rewards No Longer Fixed at £3?
Another growing concern is that rewards may no longer be fixed at the traditional £3 per survey.
Historically, Pinecone paid a flat 300 points per completed survey. That consistency built trust. Now, recent member reports suggest that rewards can vary. If that becomes standard practice, it marks a clear shift away from the predictable structure Pinecone was known for.
Combined with a higher redemption threshold, variable rewards make it harder to know what your time is worth.
What the Recent Trustpilot Reviews Are Saying
If you look at the most recent reviews on Trustpilot, the overall picture is not encouraging.
Common themes in recent feedback include:
• Surveys screening members out more frequently
• Completed surveys not being credited
• Delays or issues with rewards
• Frustration over the removal of PayPal
• Lower or inconsistent payouts
While no survey panel is perfect, the volume of negative recent feedback stands out, especially compared to Pinecone’s earlier reputation.
For years, Pinecone was often described as one of the better panels available. The tone of recent reviews suggests growing dissatisfaction.
Fewer Surveys, Not More
When the new website was announced, members were told to expect an improved experience and more surveys.
So far, that has not been my experience. I have not received any surveys since the update. Other members are reporting similar patterns, with invitations either limited or closing quickly.
If survey availability drops while the cash out threshold increases, that creates a frustrating combination. It becomes harder to reach the new minimum redemption level, especially if rewards per survey vary.
From Exclusive Panel to Referral Push
Another noticeable change is the stronger emphasis on referrals.
Pinecone Research used to be difficult to join. That exclusivity was part of its appeal. Now, the site actively encourages members to refer friends, offering rewards such as mugs, hats and even an Amazon £100 gift card.
The wording encourages you to share your referral link and earn “fun swag” when friends sign up and confirm their accounts.
Branded merchandise may be enjoyable for some, but realistically most people complete surveys as a side hustle. They want practical, flexible rewards. A mug or hat does not replace accessible cash.
The shift from being selective to actively pushing referrals feels like a change in direction.
Why Removing PayPal Matters
For many UK members, PayPal is the most convenient payout option. It is widely accepted, easy to transfer into a bank account and feels like genuine cash earnings.
Gift cards and prepaid cards limit how and where you can use your reward. They can also leave awkward small balances behind.
When people give their time and opinions to research companies, they expect straightforward compensation. Removing PayPal reduces that simplicity.
My Personal View After Years as a Member
I have been with Pinecone for around 11 years. It was one of the few survey panels I felt comfortable recommending because it was consistent and clear. I used to receive products to try, but haven’t received any for a long time.
The promise of an exciting new site and more surveys sounded encouraging. Instead, we now have:
• A higher minimum cash out
• No PayPal option
• Possible variable survey rewards
• Increased referral marketing
• Growing negative feedback online
At the moment, I am not excited.
That does not mean Pinecone cannot recover its strong reputation. But for long-standing members who valued its structure, these changes feel like a step in the wrong direction.
Survey panels succeed when they respect people’s time and offer fair, transparent rewards. If Pinecone wants to maintain trust, listening to member concerns about cash options and consistent payouts would be a sensible place to begin.
