31 Legit Ways to Get Paid To Be an Online Friend (2023)

One of the more interesting ways to earn money that’s come out recently is one that lets you get paid to be an online friend.

We all know that people these days spend a huge part of their time staring at a screen, whether that be a phone or computer. So when you look at it like that, it’s probably not so surprising that there are now ways to get paid to be a virtual friend for someone who may be feeling pretty lonely.

After all, despite our constant connection to the online world, many are reporting a lack of connection on a personal level.

And at the end of the day, we’re all still human and so we still need some sort of social interaction.

But where there’s a need, there’s a business opportunity!

And so some companies have come on to the scene that let you get paid for companionship.

Meaning that not only can you make some extra cash if you get paid to be an online companion, but you can also help them with some socializing – which, to your new virtual friend, could make all the difference in the world.

Can you get paid to be someone’s friend?

Yes, you can get paid to be someone’s friend online these days, with more and more websites appearing that provide opportunities for you to do this. You can keep it completely platonic and not only do they help you earn money, but they help your client connect with someone socially.

I should note that the fact you can get paid to be an online friend isn’t only in response to our collective e-addiction. 

It’s also a great initiative for people who may be stuck inside due to mental or physical health issues and so don’t have the opportunity to see people face-to-face.

Or they could have recently moved somewhere new or simply have packed schedules and so don’t know anyone in “the real world”.

So you should definitely see this as a positive thing – even if the fact you’ll get paid to be a friend online may sound a bit weird at first.

Related: 37 of the Highest Paying Online Jobs

How to get paid to be an online friend

1. Rent a Friend

Rent a Friend is a legit site that does exactly what it says in its name, in that it lets you rent someone to be your friend. In particular, it emphasizes that its services are purely platonic.

It’s mostly focused on in-person meet ups but they do allow you to limit yourself to being a virtual friend, so you’ll only talk online with people.

They really emphasize letting clients know in your profile if you have a special skill, as a lot of people use the site as a way to not only meet someone new, but to learn something.

This can be anything from speaking Spanish to being good at baking to being really into astrology. Whatever your thing is, let people know as who knows who else is interested in learning about it.

How much does Rent a Friend pay?

Rent a Friend pays you based on the rate you set for yourself, with an average hourly fee of between $15 to $50. The website itself claims that most people earn $25 an hour.

The best part is though that you get to keep every cent you earn. Instead of charging a commission, potential clients are charged a small membership fee.

This is not only good for you from a money-making point of view, but it also means that you’re only contacted by paying members of the website.

By doing this, you avoid random people just wandering past the website. You also know that if someone reaches out to you, they’re actually serious about wanting you to rent a friend online given that they’ve paid a membership fee to be the recipient of this.

Is Rent a Friend worth it?

Rent a Friend is definitely worth it as a way to get paid to be a virtual friend online. The fact that you get to keep all your money earned really ensures you can manage exactly how much you can make from doing this.

Related: How to Make $100 a Day: 41 Ways That Actually Work

Is Rent a Friend dangerous?

There is always some risk in meeting people you meet online. However, the fact that Rent a Friend is a paid membership site is really reassuring from a security perspective as the small fee is a good way to deter anyone with ulterior motives.

Without this fee, you could basically be contacted by anyone on the internet, which would definitely increase the chances of people reaching out to you who are, shall we say, less than ideal.

Also, Rent a Friend makes it very clear on its website that it’s purely for platonic friendships. This also goes a long way towards decreasing the weirdo factor.

2. Rent a Cyber Friend

Rent a Cyber Friend is pretty similar to Rent a Friend except that, as you may have figured out from its name, it’s purely for people who want to get paid to be a virtual friend.

To join, you simply build your profile which involves listing your location, some interests and how you want to chat. On that last point, it can include things like Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp and more.

You can take a look at some of the other potential friends on there without signing up, so it’s worth checking out the site before signing up to see the kind of information you’d provide as a potential friend too.

3. FriendPC

FriendPC is another good option if you’re looking to get paid to be an online friend for someone.

It offers all the options for talking with your new friend that you could possibly think of – text message, chat room, phone call, online call…whatever works for you is likely an option here.

Users have to pay a small fee to request to talk to you, which helps to make sure that the people who approach you really do want to chat.

The site also emphasizes that it’s not only for people who just want to be friends, but also those looking to learn a new skill or even get a life coach.

So if they sound like something you’d be able to provide, perhaps look into FriendPC to earn a bit of cash.

Related: The 42 Best Passive Income Apps to Make Money on Your Phone

4. Freelancer

Freelancer is a site you may have heard of before. People can look for all kinds of services on there – including if you’re looking to get paid to be a virtual friend.

Can I get paid to chat online with Freelancer?

Absolutely. Once you’ve signed up with the site, you have the chance to bid on eight possible projects for free. And if you use up that quota, you can always buy more.

All you have to do then is use the search function to look for opportunities to get paid to be a virtual friend for someone. I used search terms like “chat” and “friend” to find a number of possibilities with average bids of between $12 and $25 per hour.

While Freelancer clearly isn’t strictly for people looking to get paid to be an online friend, its benefit in being a large site is that it’s pretty good at weeding out scammers.

Also, the payment process is both very secure and very fast, making this perfect if you need money urgently. Users have to link their account to either PayPal, a card or a bank account so either way, you’ll definitely get paid.

Finally, Freelancer allows teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 years old to use an adult’s account (with the permission of the account holder) making it a great way for teens to make money being a friend.

5. Fiverr

Similar to Freelancer, Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers to offer their services in response to requests from users.

How do I get paid to be a companion on Fiverr?

Create a profile, including setting your hourly free, and then people looking to talk will have the chance to approach you.

A quick search of Fiverr shows that there are actually quite a lot of people offering this service on there, so try to find a way to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Fiverr is a massive website though with a lot of traffic, so there’s a good chance that someone visiting will want to talk to you.

Also, keep in mind that the average fees are a bit lower than some of the other sites mentioned in this list, at around $5 to $25 per hour.

You may also be interested in: The 29 Best Companies That Pay For Ideas

6. College Pirates

While not strictly for making online friends, College Pirates lets you get paid to be a mentor to college students.

They say that you can earn up to $80 per consultation, which involves you either providing general advice on issues facing college students or specific guidance on things like selecting a major.

It’s open to people who are either a current student or recent graduate who’s spent at least one year in the particular college or major that you want to give advice on. It is one of the best online jobs for college students.

They’ll help to link you up with students whose needs best fit your profile and you’ll be able to talk to students through either chat, voice or video, so it’s really flexible in terms of which option you prefer.

Related: 6 Proven Ways to Make Money on Snapchat

7. Rent a Local Friend

Have you heard about Rent a Local Friend? It’s this cool website where you can get paid to hang out with tourists and show them around your city! It’s kind of like being a tour guide, but more casual and personalized – so you’re basically able to get paid to be a friend for a day!

You can create a profile and showcase your interests and hobbies, and travelers will choose you based on that. Plus, you can charge by the day or by the job, so you can set your own rates depending on what you’re comfortable with.

Apparently, the average rate is $35 per hour, but you can set your own rate up to $20 per hour. It’s important to keep in mind that there’s a bit of risk involved since you’re depending on someone actually booking your services.

To get started, you’ll need to create a detailed profile that shows off your personality and what makes you unique. And when you sign up, you need to make a small contribution to verify your account, but you can recoup that cost with just an hour of friendship services.

Overall, it seems like a fun and rewarding way to earn some extra cash while meeting new people and showing off your city.

8. Preply

Another way to get paid to be an online friend is by helping people learn and practice their English conversation skills on Preply.

As a Preply tutor, you don’t need any special certifications or teaching experience to get started. You’ll just make money as a virtual friend to someone who wants to improve their English skills!

The best part? You can earn up to $15-25 an hour just by having conversations with people. So basically, you get paid to chat with people and help them improve their English skills. Plus, you can work from anywhere and at any time!

Just keep in mind that Preply takes a commission fee that can be a bit high, but it’s worth it if you’re up for the challenge. Overall, it’s a fun and rewarding way to make some extra cash while connecting with people from all over the world.

Related: 19 Best Online Tutoring Jobs to Make Money From Home

9. Outschool

Another way to get paid to be a virtual friend and tutor for kids online is with Outschool. It’s a platform that creates a fun and safe online learning environment for kids, and it’s a great way to earn some extra cash while making a difference in young lives.

With Outschool, you can create virtual group classes on any topic, whether it’s academic or not. You can teach writing, reading, or just have social hours to discuss the latest books, games, or movies. The best part is that you get to connect with kids and make new friends while getting paid for it!

You don’t need any formal teaching credentials to join, and you can set your own schedule and prices. Plus, you can work from anywhere in the world! And with the potential to earn up to $4,000 a month part-time, it’s definitely worth a try.

Just keep in mind that Outschool takes a commission fee of 30% from the enrollment of students. But overall, it’s a fun and rewarding way to make a difference in kids’ lives while making some extra cash on the side. 

You may also be interested in: How Much to Charge For Tutoring (2023 Rates Per Hour)

10. PenPalWorld

If you’re looking for genuine friendships and being able to get paid to be a penpal, you should check out PenPalWorld! It’s not your usual platform to get paid to be someone’s friend, but a search engine that connects you with global users who have similar interests as you. 

Plus, you can open an account for free and start communicating with friends right away!

If you want to take it up a notch, you can opt for a VIP membership and contact up to 50 friends each day. But, if you’re sticking with a free account, you’re limited to only three connections per day. 

While this platform is not explicitly designed for paid virtual friendships, you can connect with people and offer them your services.

One of the best things about PenPalWorld is that you can set your own rates, and with more than 3 million active users worldwide, the possibilities are endless. However, keep in mind that this platform might not be the right fit for you if your only goal is to get paid to be a friend.

11. Premium Chat

Premium Chat is an awesome way to make some extra cash by being able to become a virtual companion while connecting with people from all over the world. 

For text chat, you can expect to earn around $1 to $5.99 per minute on average. But if you prefer video chat, you can earn up to $8.99 per minute! 

And if you prefer flat billing, you can earn an average of $25 per hour.

The best part is that you don’t need any special skills or certifications to get started. Just sign up, start chatting, and get paid as a virtual friend!

However, keep in mind that your net payout is only 60% of what you get paid, and you can only connect with one person at a time. But with the potential to make anywhere between $25 to $149.75 in less than an hour, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.

Premium Chat is great if you’re looking for a fun and easy way to make some extra cash while chatting with strangers. 

12. Papa

Papa isn’t just another gig-economy platform. It’s a unique service that combines making money and making a difference. 

Specifically, with Papa, you get paid to be a virtual friend to elderly people in your local area.

The platform has received high praise from The New York Times for its mission to combat loneliness among older adults. As a Papa Pal, you’ll be helping to make a real difference in someone’s life, while also earning up to $25 an hour.

Plus, you don’t need any formal qualifications to care for the elderly. All you need is a friendly personality and a desire to make a difference.

While you may be able to make more as an online friend on other platforms, Papa is a great way to make money while also doing good in the world. It’s a win-win situation that’s hard to beat.

If you’re a millennial looking for a way to make some extra cash while also making a positive impact on the world, then Papa is definitely worth checking out.

13. College Steps

College can be tough, especially when you’re new to campus and trying to make friends. But with College Steps, you can get paid to be a friend, mentor, or campus guide to other students.

Although it’s primarily intended to connect college guides and mentors to new students and students with disabilities, it’s also a great platform for making friends. And the best part is, you can choose whether to connect entirely as a virtual companion or in-person.

On average, you can earn around $10 to $15 an hour while making new friends through College Steps. Plus, you get to choose the reason for connecting with others, whether it’s mentoring a sport or just hanging out.

It’s worth noting that College Steps is limited to a handful of colleges in the US, and you’ll need to commit to working for at least two semesters. 

But if you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash while also making new friends at college, College Steps is definitely worth checking out.

14. Palfish

Are you a native English speaker interested in teaching and looking for a way to make some extra cash? Look no further than Palfish!

Palfish is an app that connects English speakers with people who are learning to speak English. You can choose from two programs: the Free Talk program for unstructured conversations with people of all ages, and the Official Kid’s Course for structured learning with school-aged children.

Through the Free Talk program, you can set your own rate and make on average between $12 to $30 an hour, with bonuses available as well. And the best part is, you can start right away without any training.

However, keep in mind that you do need to be a citizen of a native English-speaking country and have a TEFL certification to join. 

But if you meet these requirements and are looking for a flexible way to make some extra money while helping others learn English, Palfish is definitely worth considering.

15. Cambly

Another way to get paid to be an online friend that you might not have thought of is with Cambly.

It’s a platform that lets you get paid to chat with people who are learning English. All you have to do is log on and wait for a student to come online, and then you can start chatting and helping them practice their English skills.

On average, you can earn around $10 to $12 per hour through Cambly, making it a great way to earn extra money in your spare time. Plus, the platform is super flexible – you can end the chat whenever you want.

So if you’re looking for a fun and easy way to make some extra cash by being an online friend, Cambly is definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re a native English speaker or just fluent in the language, you can help others improve their skills while also earning money from the comfort of your own home.

16. NiceTalk

NiceTalk is a cool app that connects English speakers with Chinese students who are learning English. And the best part? You don’t even need a degree to get started! 

(Although, if you have a TEFL or TESOL certification, that’s definitely a plus.)

The pay is pretty good too – on average, you can earn around $10 to $12 per hour just by chatting with your new Chinese friends! And the best part is, you can do it all from your phone, so you can chat with your new friends whenever and wherever you want.

There are a few things you should know before signing up. You’ll need a fast internet connection, and you’ll have to go through a selection interview. And while a TEFL or TESOL certification isn’t always required, it’s definitely preferred by the platform.

Overall, NiceTalk is a super easy and fun way to make some extra cash by getting paid to be an online friend and helping others learn English. So why not give it a try and start chatting with some new friends from across the globe?

17. Fibler

Fibler is an awesome app that connects experts, coaches, consultants, and talents with people who want to learn from them. You can chat with your clients via text, voice, or video calls – either one-on-one or in a group setting. 

And if you’re feeling creative, you can even upload pre-recorded videos that your clients can watch anytime.

The best part? You get to decide how much you want to charge for your time and expertise. So if you think you have a lot to offer, you can set your rates as high as you want. Plus, there are no sign-up fees, so you can start earning money right away.

And if you’re looking for a way to share your knowledge in a more structured way, Fibler is perfect for that too. Sure, you can get paid to be someone’s friend, but you can also create online training courses and share prerecorded content with your clients.

You should know, though, that the payment options for withdrawal are limited, so you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable with that before you get started.

18. Social media

Did you know that you can get paid to be an online friend just by using social media? It’s true! You can leverage your social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to make some extra cash.

One way to do this is to offer personalized shoutouts to your followers. People love feeling special and appreciated, so why not offer to give them a shoutout on your page for a fee? 

You could also offer to send them a personal message or even have a video chat session with them.

Another way to make money as an online friend on social media is by becoming an affiliate marketer. This means you promote products and services to your followers and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link.

You could also offer coaching services or create exclusive content for your followers on platforms like Patreon. People are often willing to pay for exclusive access to their favorite creators, so why not offer this to your followers too?

So, if you’re looking to become an online companion and make some extra cash, don’t underestimate the power of social media!

Related: 35 Best Ways to Make $100k a Year From Home (or More!)

19. Your own website

Have you ever thought of launching your own website to make money as a virtual friend? Well, it’s totally possible!

First things first, you’ll need to decide what kind of virtual friend you want to be. Do you want to provide emotional support, offer advice, or just be someone to chat with? Once you have a clear idea of what you want to offer, you can start building your website.

And you don’t need to be a tech wizard to get started!

Now that your website is up and running, it’s time to start marketing yourself! Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to promote your services and drive traffic to your website.

As for pricing, you can set your own rates depending on the services you’re offering. It’s important to do some research to make sure you’re charging a fair price for your time and expertise.

Remember, launching your own website as a virtual friend takes time and effort, but with a little bit of dedication, you can start making money doing something you enjoy. Good luck!

20. Family Romance

Looking for a unique way for how to become a virtual companion? Look no further than Family Romance, a Japan-based company that specializes in matching people with like-minded friends and families. 

While the company is focused on expanding globally, right now it’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to get paid for being someone’s friend and even travel to Japan for free!

The best part? Family Romance offers a flat rate of $200 for a 4-hour package as a virtual friend, and you can even receive gifts and tips on top of that. 

Many people have reported earning more than $50 per hour, making it an excellent way to earn some extra cash. Plus, you get to keep all of the gifts and tips, as the company doesn’t take any commission.

21. The Chat Shop

The Chat Shop may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of getting paid to be an online friend, but it’s definitely a platform worth considering.

This company primarily provides customer care services to small and mid-range businesses, but they also offer a unique opportunity to chat with people around the world who just need someone to talk to or even get paid to chat to lonely people.

While working as an online friend on The Chat Shop, you can earn an average of $15 per hour, which isn’t too shabby. However, keep in mind that the application process is rigorous, and you’ll need to go through a background check and prove that you can type at least 65 words per minute.

The good news is that you only need to text for money online, so no phone or webcam conversations are required!

22. Phrendly

Phrendly is a platform where you can become a virtual companion and have adult conversations too, if you’re into that. Just a heads up, though, it’s only available in the US and Canada.

But if you’re 18 or older and want to chat with people through text, audio or video, this might be perfect for you! You’ll get tipped for your time, and can expect to make around $50 per hour on average.

Of course, it’s important to note that you’ll be giving a cut of your earnings to the platform – around 30%, excluding any tips you get.

But if you’re interested, it’s worth checking out. They also take your privacy seriously and will make sure your personal info is secure.

23. Seeking Arrangement

Seeking Arrangement is another platform where you can get paid to be an online friend. But wait, it’s not just a regular friend app – it’s more like an app where women chat with men.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. You can offer services as simple as talking on the phone or over webcam. What’s great is that you have complete control over what services you want to provide.

Sure, you’ll have to go through a background check, but it’s worth it because all the members are background verified and are mostly wealthy. 

Plus, you can make an average of $30 an hour. And if you make arrangements directly with your client, you can make even more.

But, it’s important to note that you have to be comfortable with providing services specifically to men. So, if you’re okay with that, go ahead and give it a shot!

24. Chat Recruit

If getting paid to be an online friend as a woman to a man is something you’re comfortable with, you should definitely check out Chat Recruit.

This platform specializes in phone and webcam chat jobs and allows you to set your own rates. According to them, they’ve already paid out over $30 million to their members!

It’s a great option if you’re looking for a flexible side hustle where you can earn some serious cash. Just keep in mind that it’s not for everyone and make sure you’re comfortable with the type of work they offer.

25. Lip Service

If you’re a woman, then Lip Service might be a great option for you. It’s not exactly a platform for getting paid to be friends, but it’s a professional call center service that requires you to speak to people on behalf of small businesses. 

You only need to be 21 years old to join, and if you have a great personality and look, you can earn up to $80 an hour on average! 

The only downside is that it’s only open to citizens of the USA and Canada, so keep that in mind. But the hours are flexible, so you can work whenever you want.

26. MyGirlFund

MyGirlFund is a platform that is specifically for women who want to get paid to be online friends.

The best thing about this site is that it keeps your identity private. So, you don’t have to worry about anyone finding out who you are.

You can chat with people through text or video, which is a great way to connect with others. And you can make around $50 per hour on average.

Plus, some chat hostesses have even reported making over $30k per year on the platform.

So, if you’re interested in making money as a virtual friend, this might be worth checking out. Just keep in mind that it’s only for female members.

27. FlirtBucks

FlirtBucks is a pretty unconventional dating site designed to help you make some extra bucks by being a virtual online friend.

Anyone above the age of 18 can become a member of this platform. You can choose to either chat through text or video, and you have complete control over your conversations.

The company pays around $0.1 per minute for text chats and $0.4 per minute for video chats. Although the pay is relatively low, the rates gradually increase with experience.

But the schedule is flexible, so you can work at your own pace and on your own time. All you need is excellent communication skills, and you can earn money by just texting if you’re not comfortable with video calls.

However, you need to verify your profile to unlock all the features of the platform. So, why not give it a try and earn some extra cash while chatting with like-minded people?

28. Chat Recruit

Chat Recruit is an interactive platform where you can talk to strangers through text, audio, and even video messages. All you have to do is create an account, and you’re good to go! 

(Just make sure you’re at least 18 years old to become eligible.)

According to the company, you can expect to earn around $2 per minute in text chats. However, the rate can go up substantially if you opt for video chats through your HD webcam.

This platform is perfect for those who don’t mind texting men to earn some cash. You can set your own working hours, which is a huge plus.

Just keep in mind that to make a substantial amount of money, you’ll need to provide video chat services, and you’ll need an HD webcam to qualify for these chat services. If you’re not comfortable with that – which is perfectly fine – maybe consider one of the other options on this list.

29. Text121Chat

If you’re into more adult ways for how to become a virtual companion, then Text121Chat could be a great option for you! 

This platform is completely virtual, so you’ll never have to meet anyone in person. Plus, you can hide your real identity and credentials like your phone number and address. 

And get this – right now, you can make around $0.07/message, which can increase if you gain more experience. 

So, if you’re down to send at least 2,000 messages a month, you should totally check this out!

30. AdultChatJobs

Adult Chat Jobs is a UK-based company that pays you to text on their platform as an admin. It is a great opportunity for those who want to make money by communicating with strangers without revealing their real identity. You can create any persona you like.

The payment is on a weekly basis via direct deposit, and you can expect to make around $300 a week on average. However, keep in mind that this opportunity is only available in the UK, and you must be over 23 years old. 

Additionally, you’re required to answer at least 75 messages over a period of three weeks to stay active on the platform. If you can comply with these requirements and restrictions, Adult Chat Jobs can be a lucrative option to earn some extra cash on the side.

Related: 15 Best Odd Job Apps to Make Extra Cash

31. TexKings

TexKings is a platform where women can get paid to chat with men as phone or text chat operators. Ok, so it’s another adult chat job opportunity, but it can be a pretty sweet gig. 

After all, you can make around $500 a week on average and they pay you every week via direct deposit. 

Of course, there are some cons, like you need to be able to type at 25 WPM and work 12 to 20 hours a week. But if you’re a fast typer and looking for some extra cash, it could be worth checking out.

How much can I make if I get paid to be an online companion for someone?

The amount you earn when you get paid to be an online companion is completely up to you!

With most of these sites, you set your own hourly rate.

The range of fees can vary, but most people set something in the range of $15 to $50 per hour, with a common amount appearing to be around $20.

And from there, it’s up to you how many clients you accept.

One of the sites below states that they have some people who only accept clients on weekends and still make in the region of $300 to $500.

Related: Make $200 a Day Online: 17 Ways That Are Proven To Work

So it all depends on how much time you have available – and, of course, how many people reach out to you to “rent” you.

It should also be noted that some sites will take a cut from you as their commission. The fees for you to get paid for companionship vary, so make sure to read the fine print before you sign up anywhere.

How can I get paid to be a virtual friend?

1. Create a profile

The first step will be to sign up to one of the websites that offer this. We’ve listed a bunch of them below.

You’ll have to set up a profile that involves giving a summary of yourself, including giving an idea of your personality.

Don’t think that you necessarily have to be an extrovert to consider this, although clearly it suits people who are able to lead – or at least initiate – a conversation. But an introvert “client” on the other end may love to talk to you even if you’re also a bit introverted. 

That said, just make sure to make your profile as honest and thorough as possible. That way, you’re more likely to be paired with someone that suits you.

Not only is this better from a personality perspective but, purely as a money-making opportunity, you’re likely to earn more if it’s a good experience for both sides.

2. Include anything that helps you stand apart from the rest

It’s also a good idea to note down if you speak any other languages or if you have expertise in a certain area.

As you’ll see, a few of the options that let you get paid to be a virtual friend are linked to some sort of professional or academic field that you might be in, so it’s also worth stating these up front.

And even if you choose to use a site that’s more of a generic way to get paid to be an online friend, people are sure to be interested if you can bring some sort of specialty to the table.

Just think about when you’re meeting new people at a party. If someone says they’re an astronaut, you’re definitely going to want to spend a good chunk of time talking to them about it.

But it’s the same if someone says that they, say, recently opened their own yoga studio. Sure, they may not be going to the moon. But damn, what an achievement, tell me more!

3. Add your financial details

These sites generally pay you via either PayPal or will wire your earnings to you electronically. This means it’s basically the equivalent of being paid cash in hand.

So if you don’t have a PayPal account, spend two minutes to create it, add in the information to your profile – and you’re good to go.

4. Pass the test (sometimes)

In some cases – but not all – the site will ask you to pass a test before you’re able to accept clients and get paid for companionship.

Don’t worry, you won’t be tested on your knowledge of capital cities of the world or anything like that. 

Instead, it essentially involves them having a conversation with you to see what kind of person you are, as well as to get a general idea of whether you’d suit the sort of online companionship work that this involves.

Related: 13 Sites Where You Can Test Websites for Money

5. Wait for clients to approach you

Once you’ve completed your profile and had it approved, you’re ready to get going.

Potential clients will be able to search based on a range of factors – age, gender, location, special skills or attributes and so on.

If they think they’d like to talk to you, they’ll send you a message. It’s then up to you whether or not you wish to accept.

Once you do, there are a bunch of ways that you can do this, depending on the services on offer on the specific site:

• Get paid to text people by phone
• Have a phone call at an agreed date and time
• Video chat at an agreed date and time, like through Skype
• Talk in a chat room

Related: 25 Websites Where You Can Get Paid to Type

Points to know when you become a virtual companion

Only platonic

A huge thing to keep in mind is that these services are strictly platonic.

If anyone approaches you for anything more, block and report them – these aren’t those kinds of sites.

Safety first

Also, as with any interaction with people you don’t know, keep your wits about you. 

When you get paid to be a companion for someone online, you’re obviously not expected to have any sort of in-person meet up.

But even so, use common sense regarding how much of yourself you reveal. Things that could be used to track you down, like your home or work address, or any sort of information that someone could use to commit fraud, like revealing your social security number or even your full date of birth in some cases, should be kept to yourself.

As you’ve seen, you’re fully in control regarding who you accept as a client. But even if you accept someone, if at any time you find you’re getting uncomfortable with the direction that a discussion is going, feel free to end it.

In summary: safety first.

Secure payments only

The sites on this article all offer only secure payment processes, so you’ll definitely get your money and won’t get ripped off in the process.

So if you choose to use another site for this side hustle, make sure that all payments made to you through there are also secure.

Look for the various symbols that appear when a site is secure and also do some research online to see what others say about the site, just to be sure that others have had a positive experience when using it.

Final thoughts on how to get paid to be a virtual friend online

As you’ve seen, there are a ton of options for anyone looking to earn money through getting paid to be a virtual friend.

Sure, being an online friend is far from your standard side hustle.

But if you can get paid for companionship, it’s one of the best slow paced jobs out there to earn a few extra hundred dollars (or more!) on the side – and the fact you’re able to get paid for being a friend has the added bonus of really helping to make someone’s day.