With cybersecurity threats on the rise, companies like Perplexity AI and OpenAI are investing heavily in ethical hacking programs. The Perplexity bug bounty is quickly gaining attention — but how does it compare to OpenAI’s more established offering? This detailed comparison will break down payouts, scope, difficulty, and opportunities to help you decide which platform is worth your time in 2025.
Why Bug Bounty Programs Matter in 2025
Bug bounty programs serve as a critical line of defense for AI companies. Platforms like the Perplexity bug bounty and OpenAI’s bounty initiative invite researchers to uncover vulnerabilities in exchange for real rewards. These programs not only enhance system security but also create financial incentives for ethical hackers worldwide. With AI models becoming more accessible and powerful, securing them is no longer optional — it's a necessity.
Did You Know? OpenAI paid a $20,000 bounty in 2024 for a prompt injection vulnerability affecting ChatGPT Plugins.
Perplexity AI launched its bug bounty program shortly after gaining popularity for its AI chat and search tools.
Perplexity Bug Bounty: Structure and Scope
The Perplexity bug bounty program targets a variety of systems, including their web-based AI chat platform, APIs, and third-party integrations. It's open to researchers who can identify vulnerabilities in user authentication, model integrity, data exposure, and more. The platform operates through HackerOne, which ensures proper disclosure and payment mechanisms.
Minimum Payout: $150 for low-severity issues
Maximum Payout: Up to $7,500 for critical vulnerabilities
Accepted Areas: Web apps, AI APIs, account authentication, data protection
Key Strengths of Perplexity's Program
? Fast Response Time
Most vulnerability submissions receive triage within 48 hours.
? Transparent Payment Tiers
Clear breakdown of payouts based on CVSS severity ratings.
OpenAI Bug Bounty: Scope and Highlights
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, Codex, and DALL·E, operates a widely known bug bounty program via Bugcrowd. While the model outputs themselves are generally out of scope, anything related to account security, prompt injection, plugin sandboxing, and user data is fair game.
Minimum Payout: $200 for low-severity bugs
Maximum Payout: Up to $20,000 for critical issues
Scope Limitations: AI model hallucinations and jailbreaks are excluded
Note: Despite higher payouts, OpenAI’s exclusions can limit your opportunities unless you're targeting complex infrastructure issues.
Perplexity Bug Bounty vs OpenAI: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Criteria | Perplexity Bug Bounty | OpenAI Bug Bounty |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Range | $150 – $7,500 | $200 – $20,000 |
| AI Output Testing | Some accepted | Generally excluded |
| Onboarding Platform | HackerOne | Bugcrowd |
| Time to Reward | Typically faster (within 2 weeks) | May take longer (2–4 weeks) |
Which Pays Better for Ethical Hackers?
While OpenAI offers the higher ceiling with top-tier rewards, the Perplexity bug bounty wins when it comes to accessibility, transparency, and response time. Many ethical hackers find Perplexity easier to approach — especially for those new to AI security. Additionally, the company has shown flexibility in what types of vulnerabilities are considered “in-scope,” making it a practical option for consistent payouts.
Hacker Feedback Snapshot
"OpenAI pays big, but only for the rarest bugs. Perplexity offers smaller rewards but more opportunities to win them."
– @CyberMiner on HackerOne forum
How to Join and Get Started
Whether you're eyeing the Perplexity bug bounty or exploring OpenAI’s program, the process typically begins with signing up on HackerOne or Bugcrowd. Once you're registered, read the scope documents carefully, set up a safe testing environment, and start submitting vulnerabilities.
?? Read the program policy in full
?? Focus on reproducibility in your reports
?? Don’t test on real user data without permission
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Pick?
If you're after high payouts and have the technical expertise to uncover deep system flaws, OpenAI is the better-paying option. However, if you're looking for a more welcoming, active, and transparent program with faster feedback loops, the Perplexity bug bounty may offer a more rewarding experience overall.
Key Takeaways
? OpenAI pays up to $20K but has stricter scope limitations
? Perplexity bug bounty is faster and more beginner-friendly
? Both use trusted platforms (HackerOne and Bugcrowd)
? Choose based on your skills, risk tolerance, and goals
Learn more about Perplexity AI