What is Amazon MTurk?
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a crowdsourcing platform created by Amazon. It connects companies with online workers from all over the world to perform small digital tasks. These tasks are called HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks).
These HITs are simple for humans but difficult for computers. Examples include:
-
Writing short sentences
-
Identifying objects in pictures
-
Categorizing products
-
Verifying business data
-
Transcribing short audio files
-
Taking surveys
-
Copy-pasting info
When you complete HITs, you get paid a small amount (in USD), and if you do it consistently, it adds up over time.
Can Nigerians Work on Amazon MTurk in 2026?
Yes—but with a big note: Nigerians are not directly accepted for MTurk Worker accounts. Amazon only approves MTurk workers from selected countries, and Nigeria is not officially one of them. However, many Nigerians still work on MTurk using smart methods.
That means:
Yes, it’s possible
But you need the right setup (more on this below)
How Amazon MTurk Works (For Beginners)
Let’s explain it in the simplest way:
-
Request a Worker Account on mturk.com
-
Get Approved (Amazon reviews applications)
-
Log in to the MTurk dashboard
-
Pick HITs (small online jobs)
-
Submit the task
-
Get paid once approved
-
Withdraw money to a U.S. bank account (and convert to Naira)
Why MTurk Blocks Nigerians (And the Workaround)
Amazon does not allow direct registration from Nigeria due to payment restrictions and compliance laws. MTurk uses Amazon Payments, which is limited to U.S. and a few countries.
But don’t worry. You can still work on MTurk by using a verified U.S. identity and bank account, or by working through a trusted third-party who shares profits with you.
What You Need to Work on MTurk from Nigeria
To successfully use MTurk in Nigeria, you’ll need the following:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| US-based Amazon account | You must apply using U.S. credentials |
| US address + phone number | Can be a virtual address (e.g. via Shipito, US Global Mail) |
| U.S. IP address or VPN | So MTurk thinks you’re in the U.S. |
| U.S. bank account | To receive MTurk earnings (can use Payoneer + US bank routing) |
| Valid ID (SSN/ITIN) | Optional but needed if using Amazon Payments |
| Consistent login behavior | Don’t switch IP addresses randomly |
Many Nigerians use Payoneer to create a U.S. bank account, which they link to their MTurk account to withdraw earnings.
How to Register and Start Earning on MTurk from Nigeria (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a full guide on how to register, get accepted, and start working—even if you live in Nigeria.
Step 1: Create a U.S.-Based Amazon Account
-
Go to mturk.com
-
Click “Sign up as a Worker”
-
Use a U.S. address (get one from virtual address services like Shipito)
-
Use a U.S. phone number (buy from platforms like TextNow, Google Voice, or Talkatone)
-
Use a U.S. IP address (via VPN)
-
Fill your profile and wait for approval (can take 3–7 days)
Tip: Your application must look natural. Don’t rush it.
Step 2: Set Up U.S. Payment Information
You need a U.S. bank account to receive payments.
-
Open a Payoneer account
-
From Payoneer, get a U.S. bank routing and account number
-
Link this to your Amazon account
-
This will allow you to transfer earnings from MTurk to Payoneer, then to your Naira bank
Bonus: Payoneer also gives you a USD MasterCard for spending online.
Step 3: Access Your MTurk Dashboard
Once your MTurk account is approved, log in and:
-
Click “HITs Available”
-
Choose tasks based on category, pay rate, and time
-
Read instructions carefully
-
Complete and submit HITs
After review, you’ll see the money in your dashboard.
Step 4: Withdraw Earnings to Naira
-
Go to your MTurk dashboard
-
Transfer balance to linked U.S. bank (Payoneer)
-
From Payoneer, withdraw to your Naira bank account
-
Done!
Types of Tasks You Can Do on MTurk
Let’s explore what kinds of work are available on MTurk:
1. Surveys
-
Answer research questions
-
Usually 5 to 20 minutes
-
Pays $0.50 to $5
2. Data Entry
-
Copy-paste info, clean Excel sheets
-
Simple, low-skill tasks
-
Pays $0.10 to $1 per task
3. Image Tagging
-
Tag objects in images
-
Often used for AI training
-
Pays $0.05 to $0.50 per image
4. Audio Transcription
-
Listen to audio and type what you hear
-
Requires good English
-
Pays $1 to $10 depending on length
5. Categorization
-
Classify products, reviews, or content
-
Often 1–2 minute jobs
-
Pays $0.10 to $0.50
Pro Tips to Earn More on MTurk from Nigeria
To maximize your earnings:
1. Be Active Daily
-
New tasks appear every few hours
-
Early users get better tasks
2. Improve Your Approval Rate
-
Do accurate work so you don’t get rejected
-
High approval = more trusted = more jobs
3. Use Tools Like MTurk Suite (Browser Extension)
-
Helps you find high-paying tasks quickly
-
Filter tasks by reward and time
4. Join MTurk Communities
-
Reddit (r/mturk), Discord groups
-
Learn tips from experts
-
Get HIT recommendations
5. Level Up for Better HITs
-
Some tasks require qualifications
-
Keep working to unlock better ones
Pros and Cons of Working on MTurk from Nigeria
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pay in USD | Not open directly to Nigeria |
| Many daily tasks | Tasks pay low (need volume) |
| Legit and owned by Amazon | Requires VPN, US info |
| No degree or skills needed | Some HITs are boring or repetitive |
| Withdraw to Payoneer | High competition for good HITs |
Real-Life Example: Chika (Student in Enugu)
Chika is a 22-year-old student who heard about MTurk on YouTube. She followed these steps:
-
Used Payoneer to get a U.S. bank account
-
Registered a MTurk Worker profile using U.S. details
-
Logged in daily, completing surveys, image tagging, and transcriptions
-
Earned $3 to $7 daily, working 1–2 hours
-
After 3 weeks, she withdrew $90 (~₦120,000) to her Nigerian account
Now she uses MTurk to support her data bills, food, and personal needs.
Comparison Table: MTurk vs Other Online Earning Options for Nigerians
| Platform | Country Restrictions | Payment | Skills Needed | Earning Potential | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon MTurk | Yes (needs U.S. setup) | USD (via Payoneer) | Low | Moderate | Medium |
| Fiverr | No | USD (PayPal, Payoneer) | Medium to High | High | Harder |
| Upwork | No | USD | High | High | Difficult |
| Remotasks | No | USD | Low | Low to Medium | Easy |
| Toloka | No | USD | Low | Medium | Easy |
Summary Table: Key Points
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Can Nigerians use MTurk? | Yes, with U.S. setup (VPN, Payoneer, etc.) |
| What is MTurk? | Online platform for small tasks |
| How to earn? | Complete HITs like surveys, tagging, transcription |
| Payment method | USD via Payoneer to Nigerian bank |
| Daily income? | $2 to $10/day depending on time and tasks |
| Safe? | Yes, fully legit under Amazon |
| Skills needed? | Basic English and attention to detail |
| Extra tools? | MTurk Suite, VPN, Reddit forums |
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is MTurk legal to use from Nigeria?
Technically, MTurk is not open to Nigerians directly. But using a U.S.-based account and VPN, many Nigerians work there. It’s not illegal, but it breaks Amazon’s terms.
2. How much can I earn per month on MTurk?
Beginners can earn around $60–$150/month. Experienced users can make $300+ if working daily.
3. What is the best VPN to use for MTurk in Nigeria?
Use reliable VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN with stable U.S. IPs.
4. Can I use my Nigerian bank for payment?
No. MTurk requires a U.S. bank. But you can use Payoneer as a middleman to receive USD and withdraw to your Nigerian bank.
5. Is Payoneer accepted by MTurk?
Yes, you can link your Payoneer U.S. account details to Amazon Payments for cash-out.
6. Do I need a U.S. ID or SSN?
Not always, but Amazon might ask later. Some use ITIN or workarounds.
7. Is MTurk better than Remotasks or Toloka?
MTurk pays better and has more stable tasks, but it’s harder to access. Toloka is easier to join.
8. How long does it take to get approved?
It can take 3 to 7 business days or longer. Some people wait up to 2 weeks.
9. Can MTurk ban my account?
Yes. If Amazon detects you’re using false info, VPN wrongly, or cheating, they can block your account.
10. What tasks pay the most?
Surveys, transcription, and academic research tasks usually pay more than data entry.
Conclusion
Earning in dollars using Amazon MTurk from Nigeria is 100% possible if you follow the right steps. While Nigeria is not directly supported, smart Nigerians are already using Payoneer, VPNs, and U.S.-based details to work legally and get paid in USD.
If you’re a student or worker looking to make side income online, MTurk is one of the most trusted ways to start. Be consistent, improve your HIT approval rate, and you can turn small tasks into real income.