7 Highest Paying Plasma Donation Centers in 2024
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Are you looking for ways to make extra money but finding it hard to find a high-paying opportunity? The problem of low-paying side hustles can be a real pain point, making it hard to make ends meet or save money.
Plasma donation centers offer the opportunity to make a significant amount of money while helping others in need. In this article, we’ll explore the highest paying plasma donation centers in the country and how you can become a donor.
Donating plasma for the first time can be full of uncertainties, and it’s normal to have questions. Here, we’ll look at why people donate plasma, the requirements for donating it, and how much you stand to make.
What Is Plasma and What Is It Used For?
Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that makes up about 55% of the total blood content in the body. It’s the largest component of blood and is the fluid in which other blood components are suspended. Plasma carries your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets throughout your body.
Plasma plays a vital role in your body, which is why it’s in high demand among patients. It carries the components of blood that clot blood, fights diseases and infections, transport oxygen, and perform other critical functions.
It’s among the most critical components in many lifesaving medicines. For this reason, it is used to manufacture and provide life-enhancing medication for people who need these treatments.
Patients who’ve suffered burns, injuries, trauma, and clotting factor deficiencies can benefit from donated plasma. Those who suffer liver failure and other severe infections also get plasma transfusions.
As such, when you donate plasma, you’re contributing to protecting the health and well-being of other people worldwide.
Requirements for Donating Plasma for Money
Before visiting any of the highest paying plasma donation centers, you have to consider whether you’re eligible to donate in the first place. While the requirements may vary based on the center or location, there are standard requirements that cut across the board.
These requirements include:
- Weigh at least 110 pounds to donate plasma
- In some areas, you must be between 16 and 69 years to donate plasma. Other centers require you to be 18 years and above but not older than 65
- Complete a medical history screening
- Be in good health to manage everyday activities after the donation
As a policy, some centers don’t take donations from donors who have had tattoos or body piercings within the past 12 months.
7 Highest Paying Plasma Donation Centers
Typically, a plasma donation visit can earn you anything from $20 to $100. The amount you stand to make depends on several factors. For starters, the donation center and your area pricing policy determine the rates.
If you’re a first-time donor, you’ll earn more than subsequent donors because the process is relatively longer. Additionally, in some centers, the more you weigh, the higher the amount you earn for your donation.
Here are the seven highest paying plasma donation centers in 2023.
1. BPL Plasma
BPL Plasma, part of Bio Products Laboratories, is a UK-based biotech company with several plasma donation centers across the United States. It’s one of the oldest and most recognized companies in the plasma industry.
BPL Plasma also has a referral program, where you get paid to refer friends and relatives to donate plasma. The person gets full compensation for the donation, while you also earn a few extra bucks as a referral bonus.
Requirements: To donate plasma at one of their centers, you must provide your social security number, proof of address, and a state-issued ID. You must also be between 18 and 65 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be healthy.
How much it pays: You’ll earn $75 every time you donate, but the company pays up to $300 monthly for active donors.
BPL Plasma often has monthly promotions for active plasma donors. You can visit their website to learn more about the bonuses and promotions you may be eligible for. Their website makes it incredibly easy to access all the information you need about donating blood at one of their centers.
2. CSL Plasma
CSL Plasma is among the largest and highest paying plasma donation networks worldwide. It has over 300 plasma collection centers across Europe, China, and the U.S.
Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, CSL Plasma has invested in high-quality facilities to enhance the safety of donors and ensure the process goes without a hitch. Their laboratories receive millions of plasma samples yearly for testing, ensuring safety.
CSL Plasma has a policy whereby your first donation is only used after your second donation. As such, it’s advisable to donate at least two times at the center. Your second visit will last shorter than the first.
Requirements: To donate plasma at one of their centers, you must have a valid government-issued ID, be in good health, at least 18 years, weigh at least 110 pounds, and haven’t tattooed or had piercings in the last four months. If you have coupons from their website, you can also take them with you.
How much it pays: At CSL Plasma, you’ll earn $20 for your first donation and $45 for your second donation of the week. However, this amount varies depending on your location, weight, and other factors. CSL Plasma says new donors can earn up to $500 in their first month.
They also have an iGive Rewards program and several special coupons you can redeem for cash back. These also vary based on the location, so you should contact your preferred donation center for more information.
3. KedPlasma
KedPlasma, a highly trusted company founded back in 2004, is one of the highest paying plasma donation centers. With more than 25 plasma centers in the U.S. and over 900 employees, KedPlasma specializes in collecting high-quality plasma.
KedPlasma has a reward program where you earn points for every donation. You can redeem your points for express passes and gift cards.
Requirements: KedPlasma has a rather strict qualification process. Before you can donate your plasma, you must complete a pre-screening physical exam, after which you’ll also answer screening questions with staff members at the center.
Once your verification is complete, you undergo a physical and medical exam by the medical staff at KedPlasma. After passing both exams, you can donate your plasma.
Besides the exams, there are other conditions and requirements before donating at KedPlasma. You must be 18 years old (19 in Alabama), weigh at least 110 pounds, and provide your social security card, proof of address, and government-issued ID.
How much it pays: KedPlasma compensation rates vary based on the location. Get in touch with your preferred center to determine how much they pay plasma donors.
4. Biotest Plasma
Biotest Plasma is another highest paying plasma donation centers to consider. Biotest is a global biotech company known for its biotherapeutic drugs and plasma protein products. It’s also popular because of its plasma donation rates, which are relatively high.
Biotest has a schedule you must follow as a donor. According to their policy, you must donate ten times a month to remain eligible.
Requirements: To donate plasma at a Biotest Plasma center, you must fulfill all the typical requirements for age, identification, weight, and social security information.
How much it pays: As a first-time donor, you will earn up to $50 for each of the first five donations, then the 10-day plan takes effect. This promotion is limited to Biotest Plasma, and most plasma centers don’t typically offer these promotions.
Biotest Plasma’s official website contains all the information regarding the different offers and promotions they run at different times. There are also $10 to $20 coupons that donors can use once. These offers and coupons often change, which provides more diversity.
5. Grifols Plasma
Next on our list of highest paying plasma donation centers is Grifols Plasma, another trusted company in the plasma industry. Grifols has several plasma centers across the country, with licensed facilities that operate under FDA guidelines.
Grifols is in the process of uniting multiple plasma donation centers under their network. Centers like PlasmaCare, IBBI, Talecris, and Biomat USA now operate under the management of Grifols
Requirements: If you want to donate plasma at Grifols center, you must be between 18 and 69, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. You must also provide your social security number, a valid photo ID, and proof of current address.
How much it pays: At the moment, Grifols rates range between $50 to $90 per donation. You’ll receive your compensation on Grifols prepaid Visa debit card.
6. Octapharma Plasma
Established in 1983, Octapharma Plasma is among the most well-known companies in the plasma industry. With more than 180 donation centers and offices in 31 countries, you can easily find a plasma donation center near you.
It runs different special promotions and referral programs that could increase your earnings. It’s advisable to call your preferred Octapharma plasma center before your visit because the payments and promotions differ based on location.
Requirements: To donate plasma at an Octapharma Plasma center, you must be 18 years, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in overall good health (medical examination is a must during your first visit). You also need to carry a valid photo ID, your social security card, and proof of address.
How much it pays: You can expect to earn anything between $50 and $65, depending on the specific center. As a new donor, you can earn up to $800 during the first 35 days. Payment is credited to your Octapharma prepaid credit card within 24 hours after donating.
Octapharma also has a reward program where you earn points to qualify for express passes, e-gift cards, and sweepstakes prizes.
7. BioLife Plasma
BioLife Plasma is perhaps the most recognizable highest paying plasma donation centers. The company operates various state-of-the-art plasma collection facilities across the U.S. and Europe.
Requirements: BioLife Plasma accepts donors who are at least 18 years, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in good overall health. You must also provide one identifying document, such as social security card, driver’s license, or a government-issued ID.
How much it pays: As a new donor, you can make up to $900 per month. Besides, BioLife centers typically have multiple promotions where you could win a decent amount of money for completing a specific number of donations within a stipulated timeframe.
These rates differ based on the location, so you should contact your preferred center ahead of time to find out their compensation policy.
Pros and Cons of Donating Plasma
Donating plasma is a great way to make extra cash on the side, but it is not without disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of donating plasma.
Pros
- You help those in need
- Improves your overall health
- Make money
- Relatively safe medical procedure
Cons
- Lowers your body’s calcium levels
- There are immediate side effects on your body, like lightheadedness
- Ethical issues surrounding donating plasma for money
How Can I Maximize My Plasma Donation?
If you want to make the donation and recovery process as smooth as possible, do the following:
- Drink a lot of water
- Rest well before the donation
- Eat a healthy meal
- Avoid fatty foods
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol and caffeine
Final Thoughts on Plasma Donation
If you’re looking for ways to make extra money, donating plasma is a perfect side hustle. You’ll not only make money but also help save people’s lives. However, before you donate, talk to your doctor so they can advise you on whether you’re in a position to do so.
To make the most of your time, look up the highest paying plasma donation centers. The rates differ based on the center and the location, so doing your research first will go a long way in helping you make the most out of your donation.
Happy plasma donation!
Plasma Donation FAQs
Is Donating Plasma for Money Worth It?
Donating plasma for money is a great way to make a little extra cash and help save lives. It’s one of the easiest side hustles because it takes a short time, and you don’t have to do much. If you want to make a lot donating plasma, consider the highest paying plasma donation centers with promotions and coupons.
How Often Can You Donate Plasma?
Most plasma centers follow the FDA guidelines, which state that only one donation should be made within two days, and donations shouldn’t exceed two times a week. On the other hand, American Red Cross recommends waiting 28 days before donating plasma again. This gives your body enough time to replenish.
How Long Does It Take To Donate Plasma?
The time you take to donate plasma depends on the center and whether it’s a first or subsequent visit. For a first-time visit, you may have to spend up to two hours on all the paperwork and medical examinations. Subsequent visits take a lot shorter. You can be in and out in an hour.
Is Plasma Money Taxable?
The money you make donating plasma falls under self-employment tax and is subject to taxation. Ensure you visit the IRS website to learn more about self-employment tax to avoid a big tax bill.
