Easy Ways To Get Paid To Donate Blood [& How They Work]

Wouldn’t it be nice to make an extra $400 a month in exchange for saving lives?

If you want to get paid to donate blood but you don’t know where to start, this guide is for you.

In this information-rich post, we’ll explain how you can get paid to donate blood, the places you can go to do so, the expectations to have, as well as the pros and cons of it.  

Can You Get Paid to Donate Blood?

Not exactly. It’s not blood that you get paid to donate, as it’s considered immoral or unethical.

However, the compensation often comes from donating blood plasma. Plasma is the largest component of your blood (around 55%), and it acts as the medium that carries all the blood components.

However, there’s no such thing as “plasma donation,” according to the FDA, as they still label it under the category of blood donation. So, on paper, you’re donating blood, but in theory, you’re paid for your plasma, not for blood.

How Much Can You Make by Donating Blood?

The amount you make per session will depend on the establishment you’re donating to, the amount you’re donating, your weight, and the city/country you currently reside in.

In the United States, the average you can make is $30-$60 per session. Other sources say that you make $50-$70 per session.

Unlike donating blood which, for safety, should be at least two months apart, you can donate plasma up to two times a week. The length per visit is anywhere between 60-90 minutes (the higher your weight, the more plasma you can donate, and the longer the session is).

In other words, you can make an average of $90-$100 per week, which is $360-$400 per month. That’s nowhere near a main source of income, but it’s still a good side hustle you can do with minimum effort. It’s even comparable to making money while watching videos.

If you pair that with another easy side gig like getting paid to text or getting paid to shop, you might actually make a decent income.

What You’ll Need to Get Paid to Donate Blood

To get paid to donate blood (you now know that we mean plasma, but we’ll refer to it as blood from now on), you’ll need to meet certain requirements.

• Have good health: Unless your body is in good shape, you shouldn’t donate blood. For example, if you’ve been struggling to eat and sleep lately, then donating blood will make you a lot more exhausted than you like. It’s still safe but not recommended.
• Be above the minimum weight: Your body needs to weigh at least 110 lbs or 50 kg to donate blood. That ensures your body won’t have hypovolemic anemia after donation. If your body is too weak, you’ll have to work out to improve your health.
• Be above the minimum age: Donating blood isn’t recommended if you’re under 18 years old, and most donation centers will refuse your application. The main concern is your safety, as your body is currently in the maturation process and needs its blood more than ever.
• Test negative for bloodborne viruses: You don’t want to do something out of good heart only to harm someone else by accident. That’s why you should be free of bloodborne viruses like Hepatitis and HIV.
• Pass a medical screening: Besides the bloodborne disease testing, you should pass a medical screening to ensure that you don’t have an existing condition that won’t get worse on losing some blood.

Aside from these physical requirements, you’ll also need to provide a valid ID, social security number, proof of residency, and, if you’re not a citizen, a border crossing card.

Where to Get Paid to Donate Blood

Here are the best locations in the United States where you can get paid for donating blood to save lives:

1. BPL Plasma

BLP Plasma has been in the business of blood donation for nearly 30 years, so you can expect a great deal of professionalism and infection control. All you have to do is log into their website, then find the nearest location and book an appointment.

According to their official website, you may make up to $75 per session. However, the average is anywhere between $30-50 per visit.

What makes BPL Plasma a great option is its cutting-edge safety measures, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. From a company that’s been around for as long as they are, that is to be expected.  

• Typical Fees/Commission: You don’t pay any fees for donations. (You may pay some fees in first-time screening depending on the tests you take).
• Typical Payment Methods: You typically get paid with a reloadable Visa card.

2. CSL Plasma

CSL Plasma sets itself aside from other plasma donation centers by offering new donators a handsome first-month bonus. According to the official website, newcomers may earn up to $1,000 in the first month.

Depending on your weight, you can make anywhere between $40-$60 per visit. As mentioned earlier, the heavier you are, the more you can make.

What makes CSL Plasma a great option is that you can join a point program known as the iGive Community®. Basically, every time you donate, you earn some points, which you can redeem for fast cash or a good deal on their available merchandise. Everybody wins!

• Typical Fees/Commission: You don’t pay any fees for donations.
• Typical Payment Methods: Your payment gets loaded into a reloadable card, which is ready to use as soon as you receive it. You can also redeem your compensation as gift cards and prizes.

3. Interstate Blood Bank

If you live within the eastern zone of the United States, there’s a good chance that the Interstate Blood Bank has a location near you.

The IBB can pay you up to $50 per session, and you get compensated immediately after your visit. Once you’re finished, you get instructions on when it’s safe for you to donate again.

What makes the IBB a good option is that, even if you donate blood as a whole and not just plasma, you still get compensated. However, if you donate blood, you won’t be able to safely donate again before at least eight weeks.

• Typical Fees/Commission: There are no fees.
• Typical Payment Methods: The payment method varies per location, so it’s best to reach out to your nearest location to find out.

4. BioLife Plasma

BioLife Plasma is one of the largest donation centers in the United States, with locations in over 35 states. There are many locations per state as well. For example, there are 10 locations in Missouri alone!

So, the furthest you’ll mostly have to travel is one state away. Much like CSL Plasma, you also get a “sign-in bonus” in the first month you start donating.

You should expect compensation between $30-40 per visit.

The reason why BioLife Plasma is a great option is primarily its accessibility. There are tens of centers all over the states. Also, you pay no fees when you redeem your compensations through Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs.

• Typical Fees/Commission: None
• Typical Payment Methods: You get your compensation through reloadable BioLife cards that you can use to purchase from vendors or through various ATMs.

5. KED Plasma

KED Plasma is another well-established donation center that you’re likely to find in your area. At the time of writing this, there are over 30 KED Plasma centers in the United States. However, the majority of those locations are in the south Eastern region of the country.

You should expect around $30-$40 per visit when you donate plasma. Like most donation centers, you get paid using a special card that you can use for purchases and money withdrawals.

KED Plasma is a good option because of its reward program. Similar to CSL Plasma’s iGive Community®, KED has a point reward system called KD Rewards that gives you more prizes the more you donate.

• Typical Fees/Commission: No donation fees
• Typical Payment Methods: The primary method is the prepaid card, but different centers have been known to have different compensation methods. It’s best to reach out to your nearest center to be sure.

6. Grifols

Grifols has been in the plasma donation business longer than most other centers on this list. Established in 1939, Grifols ensures the quickest, easiest, and potentially the highest earning potential. It also has locations in almost every state in the country, so getting there will be a breeze.

You can make up to $100 per donation. However, not every donator will have the physical requirements to receive that number per session. As such, it’s best to check out their eligibility page and reach out to know what you should expect.

Grifols is a fantastic option because of its high earning potential and the abundance of its centers throughout the United States. It still can’t be a primary source of income, but donating plasma in Grifols can be a great side hustle.

• Typical Fees/Commission: None
• Typical Payment Methods: Methods can vary according to the center. Gift cards, prepaid credit cards, and cash compensations have all been used.

7. Immunotek

Much like Grifols, Immunotek is another veteran in the plasma donation industry with over 150 years of experience. They do provide easy procedures and superior infection control, but their centers are not as abundant throughout the states as you’d expect from a center that’s been around this long.

At the time of writing this, there are around 30 locations which, despite being great, are mostly located in the eastern part of the state. If you’re living in the western states, you may be out of luck.

You’re expected to make anywhere between $50-$70 per session. However, the numbers and the way of compensation differ depending on how your weight and the location you visit.

What makes Immunotek a great option is the learning process. When you donate there for the first time, you’re given so much information about the process itself and how to recover after doing it. You can also access such information online through their website.

• Typical Fees/Commission: None
• Typical Payment Methods: Methods vary depending on the location, but the primary method is through prepaid Visas.

8. Vitalant

Vitalant is another donation center that’s been around for over 150 years. It has locations all over the United States, with most of the centers in the western zone. Currently, there are over 125 locations spread over 30+ states. You may check their locations page to see which one is closer to you.

Vitalant accepts both plasma and blood donations. The compensations mostly come as points that you can use up in their rewards system.

Vitalant is a unique option because of its constant promotions. These promotions are often-luck based. For example, at the time of writing this, three donators in May will receive a $5000 prepaid gift card.

• Typical Fees/Commission: None
• Typical Payment Methods: Points toward the gift store of the company

9. Octapharma Plasma

Octapharma Plasma is one of the most abundant donation centers in the United States, with over 150 locations throughout the nation. It’s safe to say that there’s always a donation center somewhere near you.

You can make up to $50 per donation. Plus, once you donate, you become eligible to join the OctaRewards program. All you have to do is to download the application on your phone, and then you’ll start racking points every time you donate.

Octapharma Plasma is great because it’s the jack of all trades. The average per session is decent, the locations are everywhere, and you get to benefit from a fruitful rewards program.

• Typical Fees/Commission: None
• Typical Payment Methods: Payments come in the form of prepaid cards, gift cards, and reward points

Why You Should Consider Donating Blood as a Side Hustle

Donating blood as a side hustle can yield many benefits, and here are some of them:

• You’re saving lives: The most important deed you’re doing is that you’re giving someone else a second chance in life. You may do it for the money, but the truth remains that the blood you donate may be the difference between life and death to someone.
• You’re making some extra income: It may not be much, but you’re making an acceptable income by giving up 3-4 hours of your time every week. If you think about it, we spend a lot more time on the phone.
• Your health will improve: Regular blood donation can refresh your circulation and provide you with various health benefits.
• You get to check your body’s condition: Before donating blood, you’re screened and checked for any infectious diseases. This check-up is usually free or may cost a small fee. Either way, think of it as a quick minor check-up without paying a bundle.

Problems With Donating Blood For Money

Here’s why donating blood may not be suitable for everyone:

• People can lie: Despite the sophisticated infection control measures, bloodborne diseases still find their way around. That often happens because some people lie and forge papers to donate blood even though they have some infectious bloodborne diseases.
• Repeated injections: If you want the maximum amount of money you can get, then you’ll be getting a lot of injections. Repeated skin injury may lead to inflammation and irritation. If ignored, it may progress to lipohypertrophy, a condition where there’s a lump of fatty tissue under your skin.
• Not suitable for some professions: Whenever you donate blood, you’ll be asked not to do any sort of muscle-reliant activity for the day. This may not be suitable for those whose professions rely heavily on their physical strength, like construction workers.
• There might be some moral issues: Donors who are motivated by monetary gain may not be honest regarding their medical history or may not follow the appropriate post-donation guidelines.

How to Get Paid to Donate Blood: Step-By-Step Instructions

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide if you decide to donate blood for money:

1. Find a Suitable Donation Center

Find the donation center that you prefer. It should be close so as to not waste too much time getting there, safe so as to rest assured there’s good infection control, and profitable so as to not go below a certain amount of compensation (you get to decide your bottom limit).

2. Get Screened for Bloodborne Diseases

If this is your first time donating, you must undergo some blood tests to ensure that your blood is safe to be donated. If you’ve recently undertaken these tests, you’ll be asked to provide documents that prove so.

Keep in mind that the validity of these documents will either have an expiry date or a maximum duration before the center asks you to redo the test for safety purposes.

3. Make an Appointment and Show Up on Time

Once you’re deemed eligible for donation, you may make an appointment according to your preference.

4. Replenish Your Lost Fluids With Some Juice and Water

A typical blood donation visit will take around 470 ml of blood from your system. Your body will be able to replenish that within 2-3 days. However, before leaving the establishment, it’s better to drink enough fluids to restore the electrolyte balance in your body.

If you’re driving a long distance, it’s better to have someone accompany you to the visit so they can drive you home.

5. Enroll in a Rewards Program if Applicable

Most of these programs are optional, but they do offer some nice perks and bonuses. It won’t be hard to join one if they’re available in the center you donate to.

6. Get Paid

Once you’re done with your session, go ahead and receive your payment as agreed on by the center’s policy (cash money, prepaid cards, reward points, gift cards, etc.).

7. Schedule Your Next Appointment

The physician in the center will tell you when it’s safe for you to come again and how frequently you can come based on your physical condition. It’ll be up to you then to decide how frequently you want to come back.

Things to Consider When Donating Blood for Money

Here’s what to keep in mind before donating blood for money:

1. It’s Not a Primary Source of Income

The highest-paying center (Grifols) can pay up to $100 per visit. Assuming you visit twice a week, that’s $800 per month. It’s decent, but you won’t thrive on it.

2. Be Honest So You Can Be Safe

Money can be tight, and times can be desperate, but that doesn’t give anyone the right to hide any blood-related conditions from their doctors. For one, they’ll almost always catch you. If they don’t, you’ll either end up harming yourself or harming someone else, both of which are bad scenarios.

3. Don’t Overdo It

Never visit two or more centers at the same time, thinking that you can increase your earning. You may get some extra cash, but your body will pay for it because of the blood loss. Stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Donate Blood Regardless of My Blood Type/Group?

As long as you have no bloodborne diseases, you may donate blood regardless of your blood grouping. However, some groups like O- and AB- negative are hard to come by and, thus more in demand.

How Much Money Do You Get From Donating Blood?

Some centers may pay you around $20 per session to donate blood. However, you can make an average of $40-$50 to donate plasma.

Similar Ways to Get Paid

If, after reading everything, you decided that donating blood for money isn’t your thing, here are some other side gigs you can try:

• Get paid to watch movies: Some companies need to collect data on people’s watching habits by paying volunteers to watch movies for a certain time. Why not give it a try?
• Get paid to type: Do you have a laptop and some fast hands? Why not make some money out of it? Check this article to see how you can make money from clicking on your keyboard.
• Get paid to be a foster parent: Are you good with children and enjoy their company? Why not do what you like and get paid for it?
• Get paid to play video games: Do you have good neuromuscular coordination with games? Why not get some extra income while doing something you love?
• Get paid to read: If you’re a bookworm, you’d be delighted to know that you can use your hobby to make some extra income.
• Get paid to go to school: Are you still going to school? Wouldn’t it be great to make some pocket money while doing it?

Wrapping Up

Donating blood is a noble deed, but there’s no harm in making some extra cash out of it, especially if you decide to donate plasma.

Just make sure that you’re eligible to donate so that you can keep yourself and others safe.

Every piece of information you read above resulted from hours of research, so take this knowledge with confidence, and pass it on to others too who may benefit from it.