The Best Places to Get Paid to Donate Plasma Near Me in 2021

You can get money for donating plasma. 

According to ABC News, 94% of paid plasma used worldwide is from the United States. 

Below, we will help you find the best paying plasma donation center nearby.  For frugal consumers, we will provide some hacks on getting paid the highest price, no matter what area you live in.

Selling plasma is a great side hustle on how to make extra money fast.  Of course, that’s assuming you don’t have trypanophobia, aka, an extreme fear of needles.  Many people will get over their fears if paid up to $400 per month by finding their local highest paying plasma donation center.

There are very few jobs or side hustles that pay about $50 per hour sitting in a reclining chair.  While in the chair you can watch tv, read, study, or listen to your favorite music.  But, giving plasma has risks, and we will talk about the pros and cons below.

How long does it take to give plasma?

The first-time visit lasts about two hours due to the onboarding process.  All the subsequent repeat visits you give plasma takes an average of 45-90 minutes.  It’s a good side hustle since most places allow walk-ins on follow-up visits, and it only takes about an hour.

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How does donating plasma work?

Watch this video on how donating works:

How much can I get paid to donate plasma?

You can get paid up to $50 to donate plasma per session.  The price paid has several factors:

• First-time plasma donating or subsequent visits
• Donation centers in your area pricing policy
• Weight determines how much you can give.  The more you weigh, the more you are likely to get paid.

First-time plasma donating gets paid more because it takes about two hours due to the onboarding process and paperwork. 

Some of the highest paying plasma donation centers offer more money for the following reasons:

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• You have high-demand protein
• Monthly promotions and coupons for plasma donation
• Frequent visitor bonus specials
• Referral bonus – recommend friends and get paid after their second visit

How much do you have to weigh to donate plasma?

You have to weigh at least 110 pounds to donate plasma.  The guidelines and ranges set by the FDA are 110-149 pounds, 150-174, and 175-400.  You can make more money donating blood the more you weigh.  Heavier people can give more blood per the guidelines.

What is plasma?

Plasma is a yellowish liquid portion of the blood that carries white blood cells, red blood, and platelets.  It’s about 93% water and about 7% protein reserve in the human body that helps fight infections and keeps electrolyte balance.  A patient will receive a transfusion, in the same manner, it was collected from a donor.  The collection process is called plasmapheresis. 

What’s plasma used for?

Other than anti-clotting agents, the plasma is not altered and is used for treating bleeding, trauma patients, patients with immune diseases, transplants, liver failure, autoimmune disorders, pulmonology, hematology, neurology, and burn patients. 

According to Klipsun Magazine, it takes 1,000 successful donations to adequately provide a year’s supply to a single patient requiring plasma.  Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association says over 22 million liters of plasma are used worldwide to produce life-saving medicines.

How to sell plasma near me for money?

Places that donate plasma for money tend to be near college towns and more impoverished neighborhoods.  ABC News reported that almost 80 percent of plasma donation centers in the United States are located in poorer areas.  In many college towns, students use plasma as side jobs for teens, but luckily there are minimum requirements for safety. 

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What are the requirements for donating plasma?

• Prove citizenship with a legal government form of ID or social security card
• Weigh a minimum of 110 pounds
• Age must be between 18-69 years old (Alabama requires at least 19 years old)
• Sufficient blood levels and hemoglobin count and no signs of certain infectious diseases

What requirements to donate plasma vary from state-to-state?

Being piercing free

Unfortunately, some states would ban you outright from donating plasma if you have a piercing. However, most states have certain rules when it comes to piercings and donating plasma that require you to wait for a certain amount of time before you donate. The usual time is around 3 months. 

This is because when you get a piercing, there’s a chance that there could be a lingering infection in your body. After three months, your wound is completely healed, and your body would no longer contain infectious elements, making your donation safer. 

No tattoos

Like piercings, the presence of tattoos on your body will expose you to strict rules regarding plasma donation. Tattoos are basically a type of wound in your body, as the tattoo needle pierces your body multiple times to inject ink. The presence of ink, metal, or similar foreign materials can expose you to infections and might also affect your immune system. 

Since the purpose of plasma is to provide protein, help other blood components circulate properly, and control excessive bleeding, hospitals need to make sure that the plasma you donate isn’t tainted by foreign materials. You might have to wait three months before getting a new tattoo to be able to donate plasma. 

Even older than 18 years old

When you donate blood, you might be donating Plasma, Platelets, or whole blood. All these options come with different factors regarding how old you should be, and some states won’t let you donate plasma even if you’re 18 years old. 

No states will allow people younger than 17 years of age to donate blood or plasma. This is because these people are legally considered minors, and they cannot personally give consent to donate. There’s also an upper age limit of 68 years set on plasma donations, as this can come with several health risks.

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How many times a month you can donate plasma

When you donate plasma, you’re basically removing materials from yourself that your body needs. While your body can function without these for a while, you need to give it time to replenish itself properly before you can be healthy enough to donate again. 

Most states ask you to wait for 56 days before you can donate plasma again. This is a health precaution taken to ensure that there are no adverse side effects of the donation. 

Pros and Cons of Donating Plasma

There are several reasons to donate plasma and sometimes with caution.  Review our list of pros and cons.

Pros of Donating Plasma

• Helps Save Lives and People with Medical Needs – It’s often used for those who’ve undergone surgery, have burns, leukemia, or other infectious disorders. 
• Health Benefits – Regular donation of blood and plasma has benefits to the actual donor.  The strict screening process informs the donor of any early signs of disease and allows them to know their current health standing. 
• Incentivized Healthy Lifestyle Before Donating Plasma – Many of the donor requirements incentivize you to lead a healthier lifestyle such as drinking a lot of water, avoid fatty foods, no alcohol the night before, and no tobacco with the hour. 
• Relatively Safe Procedure – The FDA guidelines put in place a strict plasma center screening process for acceptable donors.  Centers are looking for healthy donors with healthy lifestyles.  Capable personnel handles the donor screening and extraction of the blood.
• Make Fast Cash in One Day – You can get paid around $50 per donation based on various factors, as described above.  In some cases, the donors use the money for necessities like rent, food, and medicine.  It usually only takes about an hour, unless it’s your first visit, which takes about two hours.  
• How to Make an Extra 100 a week – The FDA allows up to two plasma donations within a 7-day period.  You must wait at least 24-48 hours between visits.  Blood donation centers that pay $50 per visit twice a week would make an extra $100 a week for you.  It’s a side job for teens in many college towns. 
• Flexible Schedule – In most cases, places to give plasma do not require an appointment.  One of the exceptions is first-time plasma donating is recommended to make an appointment ahead of time due to the paperwork and on-boarding process.
• Make Money Chatting – While lying on a cot at the center, you can read a book, stream movies, chat online, or you can even listen to music for money during the process. 

Downside of Donating Plasma

• Side Effects After Donating Plasma – Some of the side effects include fainting, dehydration, and vein damage and bruising. The donor can often feel sleepy, tired, or nauseous for several hours. Some need to be hospitalized for proper recovery from a trained medical facility. This is usually an extreme case and should not discourage you from donating. However, there’s an anticoagulant called citrate used while donating, which means that most people can feel some tingling. The reduction in plasma levels will increase your risk of infection. Be 100% honest when completing the onboarding process and questionnaire to help facilitate your safety. The answers will determine if you are a proper candidate for the procedure. Lying on your questionnaire will likely result in permanent deferral, and you will not be
• Donating Plasma Can Hurt – The gauge needle for plasma donation is typically a 16 or 17-gauge and can hurt. Do not even think about donating if you are afraid of needles. It doesn’t always hurt. You are compensated for your time and not the pain.
• Work With a Regulated Center – You do not want to work with a center that does not follow the FDA guidelines. Before you decide to donate, look up the center and put in your research. Working with unregulated centers might pay in the short run but could be detrimental to your health in the long term.
• Depletes Calcium Levels – Plasma banks use sodium citrate and derivatives to make extraction easier and faster. The anticoagulants ultimately deplete the calcium in your body. The depletion can result in tingling sensations, fainting, seizures, difficulty breathing, brittle bones, chronic kidney conditions, osteoporosis, and more.
• Feel Cold – The saline solution tends to make you feel cold. Dress warm and consider bringing a blanket, sweater, or jacket during the procedure.
• Rest – You cannot stay out late and party. You need to be well-rested before the procedure as it can be draining.

Knowing the risks allows you to make an informed decision before you put your body at risk and sell your plasma for money.

How Does The Plasma Center Pay You?

Most centers pay a donor with a prepaid debit card.  Some of the donation banks pay in rewards, which can be converted into cash or merchandise.

The prepaid debit card provider terms will vary depending on each donation center.  Know the terms, conditions, and expiration dates before you leave, so your funds don’t expire ahead of using them.  Most prepaid debit cards are reloadable, which should extend the expiration date.  Some expire within 30 days and can last at least 180 days.

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Which Plasma Donation Center Pays The Most

There are hundreds of places that pay for plasma throughout the United States. 

Plasma centers that pay the most are privately owned.  A public donation center, like the American Red Cross, does not offer cash or any compensation.  The Red Cross only lets you donate every 28 days, unlike many of the private plasma centers, which tend to allow up to twice a week. 

Some people get paid more money than others because of the donor’s weight, location of the facility, and whether it’s a first-time donor vs. a second or repeat customer.

Here is the list of 11 of the largest plasma donation centers that pay the most in alphabetical order. 

1. B Positive Plasma

B Positive is a blood plasma collection company that financially compensates people for lifesaving medical situations. 

B Positive Center Donor Requirements

• Adult aged between 18-65 years old
• Weigh between 110-400 pounds
• Feeling well
• Pass the center’s medical test
• Bring proper documentation – proof of SSN, proof of current address, unexpired photo identification
• Live within 35-50 miles of a B Positive location

B Positive Plasma center near me

• Get Paid to Donate: Qualified donors can get paid an average of $50 per week per visit for plasma donations.  The payment will be received in the form of a reloadable Visa prepaid debit card. 
• Times a month can you donate: 2 times over seven days with a minimum of one-day between donations.  
• Donation centers in my area: NJ only
• Hours: 7 days a week

Does B Positive offer referral bonuses and repeat donation compensation?

Yes, B Positive runs promotions for repeat customers and for referring friends.  See the current B Positive rewards here. 

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How does B Positive Compensate Donors?

They issue a reloadable prepaid Visa debit card after your first-time donation.  All compensation will be loaded on the card, including promotions and referral bonuses.  The Visa debit card can be used everywhere Visa is accepted, including ATMs.  Check the B Positive FAQ section on how to check your debit card balance. 

Does B Positive Require an Appointment?

First-time donations are accepted based on availability.  It’s advised to make an appointment vs. walking-in.  After your first time, you can walk-in anytime during regular business hours.  

B Positive Plasma locations

B Positive has locations in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Glassboro, New Jersey.

2. BioLife Plasma Services

BioLife, owned by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, has over 80 centers in over 30 states in the US.  They collect around 5 million liters of plasma per year through their state-of-the-art facilities.  According to Klipsun Magazine, over 60 percent of the donor base is college students. 

Given they are a Shire subsidiary, BioLife follows strict guidelines to ensure safety and reliability.

BioLife Plasma Services near me

• Pay per donation: Typically $20 for your first-time plasma donation, then between $30-$50 for your second visit within a week.  Each center compensation varies based on promotions and frequency.  Find current promotions on their website.
• Times a month can you donate: Typically up to twice per week with a minimum of 24 hours before donating again.
• Donation centers in my area: AL, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY
• Hours: Most locations are open seven days a week minus holidays.  Contact your nearby BioLife center to confirm hours. 

How does BioLife Plasma Easy Scheduler login work?

The BioLife easy scheduler is designed for donors to register for the first-time, schedule and fix appointments, set appointment reminders, and view current pricing and promotions. 

BioLife Plasma Card Compensation

Donors are paid with a BioLife Mastercard prepaid debit card.  The funds are directly loaded in the account each time the donor visits the center.  Mastercard debit cards are accepted at over 14.5 million worldwide locations, including ATMs. 

BioLife coupons

Follow the BioLife Facebook page to stay current with the BioLife coupons, promotions, and bonuses. 

BioLife is open weekdays and has many sites that are open on Sunday’s too.  

3. Biotest Plasma Center

Biotest, a Grifols Company, has over 27 plasma donation centers over 11 states in the US.  All the places are licensed by the FDA with strict guidelines when screening and collecting. 

Biotest Plasma center near me

• Pay per donation:  Ranges from $25-$50 per donation.  It’s varies based on location, first-time bonuses, referrals, frequency, and more.  Check your nearby Biotest for current payouts as they can range from $200-$400 per month. 
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 24 hours between visits
• Donation centers in my area: AR, FL, GA, NE, NC, OH, PA, SC, SD, and TX
• Hours: Most locations are open seven days a week, with a few exceptions.  Contact your nearby center to confirm hours. 

Biotest plasma center coupon

Go to the Biotest promotions section to see current coupons.  While doing this review, Biotest was offering an extra $10 bonus coupon toward first-time donations.  You can also earn an additional $20 by recommending a friend who donates twice within 14 days.

Biotest plasma center make an appointment

The best way to make an appointment at Biotest is through the online scheduler, but walk-ins are always welcome.  The online scheduler is an intuitive and visual calendar for all 10 of their donation banks.  

Biotest payment

Biotest payment is made in the form of a Biotest Prepaid Mastercard.  You can get cash for the prepaid card at an ATM or use it for online transactions, or at a retailer. 

Biotest promotions

Go to the Biotest promotions section then click “Rewards By Center” to see current promotions for each location.  Follow the Biotest Facebook page to stay current with the Biotest promotions, coupons, and bonuses. 

CSL Bonus and Promotions

Follow the CSL Facebook page to stay current with the CSL Plasma promotions, bonuses, and coupons. 

4. BPL Plasma Donation Center

BPL has been collecting plasma for over 25 years, and FDA regulated.  BPL has locations in over 12 states with over 50 places to donate plasma for money throughout the United States.  

BPL Plasma Donation Center near me

• Pay per donation:  Per their website, active donors can earn up to $300 per month, including all monthly promotions, actual fees paid per visit, and monthly promotions.    
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 24 hours between donations
• Donation centers in my area: AZ, AR, CO, FL, IL, KY, ME, MS, NM, NC, OH, OK, and TX
• Hours: Most locations are open seven days a week, with a few exceptions.  Contact your nearby BPL center to confirm hours. 

BPL Plasma donation process

A first-time donor will follow the following process:

• Lab will verify documentation
• Complete questionnaire covering your medical history and health status
• Complete a physical examination by a qualified medical professional
• Your photo will be taken for your file
• Small sample of blood will be checked for protein and iron levels
• Your donation will begin once you pass the screening process

BPL Plasma coupons

Click here to printout BPL coupons for the “Buddy Up and Donate” program.  After your second donation, you and your friend will both receive a bonus payout.  Follow current BPL promotions by visiting the BPL Facebook page. 

First-time donor pay

BPL Plasma pays $250 for five visits, but they also run promotions that could improve your compensation.  

5. CSL Plasma

CSL Plasma is one of the world’s largest collection networks with more than 230 worldwide locations and over 170 collection banks in over 40 states in the United States.  At $400, it makes it one of the best paying plasma centers for new donors. 

CSL Plasma donation center near me

• Pay per donation:  Per their website, qualified new donors can earn up to $400 per month with fees varying per location.  It’s one of the plasma centers that pay the most compared to other private places. 
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 24 hours between donations
• Donation centers in my area: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA,    KY, ME, MA, MI, MS, MN, NC, NE, NM, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and WV
• Hours: Most locations are open seven days a week, including Sunday, with a few exceptions.  Contact your nearby CSL Plasma center to confirm hours. 

Donation requirements

Bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of social security number, and proof of local residency such as a utility bill or lease.  Though it isn’t a requirement, you should bring something to do so you aren’t bored during the process.  You cannot sleep while donating plasma. 

Reloadable card balance

Donors are compensated with a reloadable Visa prepaid card.  Recipients can check their balance by going online, the kiosk at the local center, opting to receive text alerts, or calling the toll-free number on the back of the Visa prepaid card. 

CSL Plasma donation coupon

Visit the CSL website and view your local center’s webpage to see any current coupons.  The promotions may vary depending on what place you select. 

CSL Bonus and Promotions

Follow the CSL Facebook page to stay current with the CSL Plasma promotions, bonuses, and coupons. 

CSL Plasma referral bonus

CSL offers a $25 referral bonus for every donor you refer.  Your friends will earn $5, and you will receive $25.  Complete the online “Digital Buddy Referral Program” form here. 

6. Grifols

Grifols has over 175 plasma donor centers in all 50 states plus Washington D.C.  They operate under several different donation bank brands, including:

• Grifols
• Biomat USA, Inc
• Plasmacare, Inc
• Talecris Plasma Resources, Inc

Per their documentation, the Grifols plasma banks are all licensed by the FDA and subject to local health department regulations. 

Click to see the Grifols plasma near me here 

Grifols Plasma donation center near me

• Pay per donation: Up to $25 per visit but earn extra by referring friends.  Get paid $200 per month puts it on the lower end of some competitors but offer over 175 convenient locations.
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 48 hours between donations.  The minimum wait time is longer by 24 hours vs. some of its peers.
• Donation centers in my area: AL, AK,  AR, AZ, CA, CT, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, KY, ME, MA, MI, MS, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NM, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY
• Hours: Most locations are open seven days a week with banks closed random days, including Monday’s.  Contact your nearby Grifols center to confirm hours. 

First-Time Donor Checklist

The rules vary slightly between the Grifols branded stores.  For example, you must be between 18-69 years old at Biomat USA and PlasmaCare locations vs. 18-64 years old at the Talecris locations.  See the Grifols checklist here. 

Grifols Plasma Appointment

Find Grifols places to donate plasma for money nearby using their location finder.  Once you select a center from the 175 choices, register and make an appointment online.  You can also call and make an appointment over the phone. 

Grifols Plasma coupon

Follow the Grifols Facebook page to stay current with the Grifols coupon offers, promotions, and bonuses. 

Check Grifols card balance

Grifols donors can check their Visa Prepaid Card balance by either visiting www.prepaid.citi.com/Grifols or calling 1-800-639-5100.

Review their documentation on how to check your Grifols card balance here.

7. ImmunoTek Bio Centers

ImmunoTek Bio has over 32 centers in 12 states across the east and the southeastern United States. 

The ImmunoTek plasma centers are licensed by the FDA and subject to local health department regulations. 

ImmunoTek Plasma donation center near me

• Pay per donation:  Varies by location
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 48 hours between donations. 
• Donation centers in my area:  FL, GA, IN, LA, MS, NC, OH, PA, TN, OK, SC, TX
• Hours: Many locations are open seven days a week.  The other locations tend to be closed wither Sunday or Monday.  Contact your nearby Immunotek center to confirm hours. 

ImmunoTek Plasma coupon

Follow the ImmunoTek Facebook page to stay current with the ImmunoTek coupon offers, first-time promotions, and bonuses. 

ImmunoTek Referral Bonus

ImmunoTek runs a $20 “Buddy Bonus” donor referral program for all members.  You receive an extra $20 by having your friends complete the coupon form the first-time they visit.  

8. Interstate Companies

Interstate Blood Bank has 26 plasmapheresis places to donate plasma for money in 11 states.  The plasma centers are branded under Plasma Biological Services, Bio-Blood Components, and Interstate Blood Bank. 

Interstate Blood Bank donation center near me

• Pay per donation:  Up to $50 for the first-time five donations
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 48 hours between donations.  The minimum wait time is longer by 24 hours vs. some of its peers.  
• Donation centers in my area: IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, NC, OH, PA, TN, WI
• Hours: Most locations are open six days a week and closed Sundays.  Contact your nearby Interstate Blood Bank center to confirm hours. 

Interstate Blood and Plasma compensation

They advise calling your nearby plasma bank and inquire about the compensation structure. 

See the Interstate Blood Bank FAQs for common questions.

9. GCAM Plasma

GCAM operates multiple places that pay for plasma at 13 centers in 6 states.  As of this writing, GCAM has 5 locations that are “coming soon.”  Each location is licensed and regulated by the FDA and routinely inspected by State and Federal agencies. 

GCAM Plasma donation centers near me

• Pay per donation:  $25-$30 per visit or up to $240 per month.  Contact your nearby center for up-to-date rates of compensation.
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 48 hours between donations.  The minimum wait time is longer by 24 hours vs. some of its peers.  
• Donation centers in my area: AZ, CA, ID, IN, TX, WA
• Hours: Most locations are open six days a week and closed Sundays.  Some are also closed on Mondays too.  Contact your nearby GCAM center to confirm hours. 

GCAM Plasma pay

GCAM pays between $25-$30 per visit.  Each donor can visit twice per week, with a minimum of 48 hours between sessions.  A donor can make between $220-$240 per month in extra money.

GCAM Plasma Center locations

10. KEDPLasma

KEDPLASMA has over 25 plasma donation centers that pay a reasonable amount of money for regular visitors. 

KEDPLASMA donation centers near me

• Donation pay: First-time donations will receive $50 compensation, $75 for the second, and $50 for the following three donations in a month.  KEDPLASMA will pay $25 for the first donation of each week and $45 for the second.  Contact your nearby KEDPLASMA center for current rates of compensation.
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 48 hours between donations. 
• Donation centers in my area: AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NE, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX
• Hours: Most locations are open six days a week, and all are closed Sundays.  There are a couple of locations that are only open Monday thru Thursday.  Contact your nearby KEDPLASMA center to confirm hours. 

KEDPLASMA near me

They operate in 12 different states and 26 various sites.  See our locations above to find a center nearby.  Visit their locations page because the hours can vary tremendously based on location. 

KEDPLASMA rewards

The rewards by KEDPLASMA, known as The Buddy Bonus Program, is an easy program to manage and earn.  Here’s how it works:

• Inquire and scan the KEDPLASMA QR code
• Share the referral program on your social media pages
• Earn rewards by referral bonuses

Current KEDPLASMA clients will receive a referral bonus for any new donor after their second donation. 

KEDPLASMA card

KEDPLASMA will make donations pay on their KEDPLASMA Wirecard.  It’s a prepaid card under the Mastercard program.  Check your card balance at login.wirecard.com/kedplasma

KEDPLASMA coupons

Follow the KEDPLASMA Facebook page to stay current with the KEDPLASMA coupons, rewards, promotions, and bonuses. 

11. Octapharma

Octapharma operates over 80 plasma donation centers that pay in 32 different states.  It’s one of the best paying plasma centers for new donors. 

You need to be between 18 and 66 years old to qualify and be in good health.  You cannot have gotten body piercings, ears pierced, tattoos, or permanent makeup within the past 12 months to be considered.     

Octapharma Plasma donation centers near me

• Pay per donation:  Up to $50 for your first five visits.  Fees can vary month-to-month, current promotions, and by each location.  First-time plasma donors can earn up to $400 in a month with frequency promotions. 
• Times a month can you donate:  Up to twice per week with a minimum of 48 hours between donations.  The minimum wait time is longer by 24 hours vs. some of its peers.  
• Donation centers in my area: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, MN MS, MO, NE, NJ, NV, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI
• Hours: Most locations are open seven days a week, but some are closed on Sundays or Mondays.  Contact your nearby Octapharma center to confirm hours. 

Octapharma Rewards

With rewards, first-time donors can earn up to $400 in a month.  Repeat customers can get paid the extra money and win prizes while donating during one of several promotions during the year.  Click here to see the current Octapharma donor promotions. 

Octapharma coupons

Follow the Octapharma Facebook page to stay current with the Octapharma coupons, promotions, and bonuses. 

Octapharma debit card

All compensation will be placed on an Octapharma prepaid debit card after you give plasma.  Check the Mastercard prepaid card balance at 866-326-8689 or visit Wirecard online. 

Octapharma OPI rewards

The OPI Rewards+ is an annual donor loyalty program the rewards valued customers.  You earn points through plasma donations, referring first-time donors, special promotions, and surveys. 

Octapharma locations near me

Octapharma locations are mostly open seven days per week, with some exceptions.  Click here to find your nearby location and call to confirm hours. 

Donate Plasma for Points

Some centers offer points instead of cash to compensate donors. 

12. Vitalant

Vitalant is one of the nation’s largest and oldest nonprofit transfusion medicine organizations.  They have approximately 125 donation centers nationwide in 19 states. 

Not all 125 locations are places to donate plasma for money.  Some centers are strictly blood donation centers only.  Click here for Vitalant locations near you and check the platelet donation hours. 

You don’t get paid money for donating plasma at Vitalant, but instead, receive Donor Rewards as compensation.  The points are redeemable for a variety of items like hat and shirts to gift cards and gift certificates from Fandango, Chipotle, Domino’s pizza, Cold Stone, Amazon, Target, and more.  The reward programs will vary depending on your blood center and geography.  Click here to find your local rewards. 

Independent Places to Donate Plasma for Money Near Me

Above, we listed the largest companies with centers in multiple states and even multiple countries in some cases.  In some cases, depending on where you live, you may be better off finding an independent donation bank. 

Use your favorite search engine and search for alternatives by typing, “highest paying plasma donation center near me.”  Since I live in the Chicago area, Google gave me six pages of results. 

Plasma Donation Questions

How much water should I drink before donating plasma?

You lose fluids while donating plasma.  Drink 6-8 cups of water or juice the day before and day of your donation.  This fluid is in addition to the 9-13 cups recommended daily.  The American Red Cross recommends drinking an additional 2 cups of water or nonalcoholic drink just before donating blood.  Each cup is equivalent to 8 ounces. 

Foods to eat before donating plasma

You should not donate on an empty stomach.  You need to eat a well-balanced meal with sufficient iron-rich foods.  Iron helps the body make hemoglobin.  Iron-rich foods include:

• Fish – shrimp, tuna, clams, mackerel
• Organs – liver
• Meats – beef, ham, lamb, veal, pork
• Eggs

Foods not to eat before donating plasma

Avoid foods that are high in cholesterol and fat 24 to 48 hours before donating.  Types of foods not to eat before donating plasma:

• Fats – oils, donuts, bacon, chips, fried foods, nuts
• Dairy products – whole milk, butter, ice cream
• Greasy and heavy foods – steak, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, gravy

Best thing not to eat or drink before donating plasma

Some beverages and foods can reduce your body’s ability to absorb iron.  Here is a sample of things that inhibit your body from absorbing iron:

• Milk, yogurt, and cheese with high- calcium
• Chocolate
• Red wine
• Coffee
• Tea

What to eat after donating plasma?

Continue eating iron and protein-rich foods.  Also, continue drinking plenty of water to rehydrate.  Do not drink acholic beverages for at least 4 hours.  Consider taking some folic acid to help produce new red blood cells. 

Can I have gum before donating plasma?

No, do not chew gum immediately before the on-site staff takes your temperature.  Chewing gum can cause an incorrect reading, delay the process, or possibly disqualify you, aka a temporary deferral.    

Can you donate plasma while pregnant?

According to FDA regulations, women are not allowed to donate plasma while pregnant.  With medical clearance, you can donate again six months after birth.

Donating blood while breastfeeding

Donating blood while breastfeeding is advised and not to participate for at least six months after delivery, miscarriage, or C-section.  You are not eligible until at least two weeks from the date you stop breastfeeding.

Can people with type 1 diabetes donate plasma?

No, because diabetic blood has too much sugar, which doesn’t store well.

What disqualifies you from donating plasma

Here are guidelines that can disqualify you from donating plasma:

• Sick – cold, flu, allergy symptoms
• Anemia – a blood test will determine if you qualify
• Arthritis – depending on its severity
• Asthma – type of medication may determine
• Cancer – depending on the type and last treatment.  A doctor’s documentation may be required.
• Cholesterol with medication – likely eligible depending on the medication
• Diabetic – disqualified
• Epilepsy – depending on the severity
• Heart disease – depending on severity and type
• HIV – you cannot donate plasma if you have HIV
• Kidney disease – depending on severity and condition
• Medications – you may be ineligible for drugs related to blood-thinning or clotting
• Menstruation – you can donate plasma while on your period
• Piercing and tattoos – likely disqualified within 12 months of the procedure
• Pregnancy – disqualified
• Whole blood donations – typically wait at least eight weeks

What blood types can donate plasma?

All blood types are accepted.  Knowing your blood type is not required to donate to your local bank. 

How long does it take for your body to recover from donating plasma?

A healthy adult should replace plasma quickly after it’s been removed.  It will take the body a couple of days for plasma levels to return to normal.  Recovery will start immediately following with some water, juice, and a snack.  Most people take about 10-15 minutes to recover immediately following donation.

Can you drive after donating plasma?

When you donate plasma, it can make you tired, light-headed, dizzy, and sore.  You should wait a comfortable amount of time until any symptoms have passed before driving following the donation.  You do not want a fainting incident afterward due to weakness.  If you still don’t feel comfortable and safe, then call a family member, friend, Lyft, Curb taxi, or Uber for a ride home. 

Can you lose weight by donating plasma?

The process of donating plasma requires your body to work extra hard and replace your blood and plasma.  It will burn additional calories but not enough to cause noticeable weight loss.  It definitely won’t cause you to gain weight. 

How to get bigger veins for plasma donation?

Making your veins bigger will increase the pace and reduce the time to donate.  Here are some tips:

• Stay hydrated – good hydration will dilate the veins
• Gravity – increase the velocity of the blood flow by lowering it and letting gravity help
• Warm Up – a warm body increases blood flow
• Avoid caffeine – caffeinated products cause your veins to constrict
• Avoid smoking – nicotine products cause your veins to constrict
• Work Out – working out and doing some push-ups causes your veins to expand

How to Make Plasma Donate Faster? 

You need to make your veins bigger and increase the flow of blood.  Follow our tips, which include working out, no smoking and caffeine, increase body heat, and stay hydrated.

Temporary deferral plasma donors

A potential donor is unable to donate for a limited time for the following reasons:

• Transfusion – deferred for 12 months
• Birth – 6 months afterward
• Breastfeeding – two weeks following
• Travel – malaria-endemic areas
• Piercings and tattoos – 12 months after the procedure
• Vitals – blood pressure or pulse
• Iron count is low – retry in a couple of days after a proper diet

Can I donate plasma at two different places?

Yes, but most plasma banks only allow donors to switch centers permanently.  You cannot bounce back and forth between a couple of locations.  

To switch places, you need to notify them, and you will be considered a first-time plasma donor.  Plasma centers should be communicating regularly with each other to prevent a donor from visiting multiple locations for their safety.  A donor may try numerous places to make more money at the risk of their health.

How many times a month can you donate plasma?

Most plasma centers allow you to donate twice a week.  Most months have four weeks so that you can donate eight times a month on average.  

Is donating plasma taxable income?

Donating plasma is taxable income and must be reported even if you don’t receive a 1099-misc.  It’s still considered taxable if the money paid is on a debit card. 

Highest Paying Plasma Donation Center Near Me Summary

While finding the highest plasma donation center nearby won’t make you rich, it’s a great side hustle and a way to supplement your income.  It’s rare to do something that makes a profit while also helping and saving lives.  Plus, you get to layback and chill while the machine does all the work.  You cannot sleep during the process, but you can listen to music, read, or watch a movie. 

If you’re going to do it, find the closest and best paying plasma center to maximize your earnings. Again, make sure that the center is regulated and follows FDA regulations before you make your donation.

Please share your experience with us and any additional suggestions.