BioLife pays more than CSL Plasma in 2026. BioLife offers $70-$100 per visit with a $900-$1,200 new donor bonus. CSL Plasma pays $50-$100 per visit with a $900-$1,100 new donor bonus. BioLife wins on new donor bonuses and second-visit pay, while CSL has more locations (300+ vs 150+) and often shorter wait times.
2026 Winner
Higher bonuses, but CSL has more locations
Quick Comparison: BioLife vs CSL Plasma
Both are top-tier plasma centers, but they have key differences:
| Factor | BioLife | CSL Plasma |
|---|---|---|
| New Donor Bonus | $1,000-$1,200 | $900-$1,000 |
| Regular Pay | $50-$110/visit | $50-$105/visit |
| Locations | ~150 centers | ~300 centers |
| Wait Times | Moderate | Often shorter |
| App Experience | Excellent | Good |
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- Memory Foam Travel Pillow - Comfort during 45-90 min sessions
- Portable Phone Charger - Keep phone charged during sessions
Pay Rate Comparison 2026
BioLife Pay Structure
| Visit | Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st visit/week | $50-$60 | Base rate |
| 2nd visit/week | $85-$110 | Higher 2nd donation bonus |
| Monthly max | $880-$950 | 8 donations/month |
CSL Plasma Pay Structure
| Visit | Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st visit/week | $50-$60 | Base rate |
| 2nd visit/week | $80-$105 | 2nd donation bonus |
| Monthly max | $850-$900 | 8 donations/month |
New Donor Bonus Comparison
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Get the Pro Toolkit — $19BioLife New Donor Bonus
- Amount: $1,000-$1,200 (varies by location)
- Timeline: First 8 donations (about 1 month)
- Promotions: Frequent promo codes available
- Referral bonus: $100-$200 for referring friends
CSL Plasma New Donor Bonus
- Amount: $900-$1,000 (varies by location)
- Timeline: First 8 donations
- Promotions: Seasonal promotions
- Referral bonus: $50-$100 for referrals
Donor Experience
BioLife Experience
- App: Excellent mobile app with scheduling
- Scheduling: Easy online appointment booking
- Cleanliness: Generally very clean facilities
- Staff: Well-trained, professional
- Wait times: Moderate (30-60 min average)
- Wi-Fi: Yes, in most locations
CSL Plasma Experience
- App: Functional app with scheduling
- Scheduling: Online and walk-in options
- Cleanliness: Clean facilities
- Staff: Generally good, varies by location
- Wait times: Often shorter than competitors
- Wi-Fi: Available at most locations
Location Comparison
BioLife Locations
- Total centers: ~150 across US
- Strong regions: Midwest, Southwest
- Expansion: Growing, opening new locations
- Parent company: Takeda (Japanese pharmaceutical)
CSL Plasma Locations
- Total centers: ~300 across US
- Strong regions: Nationwide coverage
- Expansion: Largest plasma network
- Parent company: CSL Behring (Australian)
Pros and Cons
BioLife Pros
- Higher new donor bonuses
- Excellent mobile app
- Modern, clean facilities
- Strong promo code culture
BioLife Cons
- Fewer locations overall
- Can be busier/longer waits
- Less consistent hours
CSL Plasma Pros
- Most locations nationwide
- Often shorter wait times
- More flexible scheduling
- Consistent experience
CSL Plasma Cons
- Lower new donor bonuses
- App not as polished
- Smaller referral bonuses
Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
Choose BioLife If:
- You want the highest new donor bonus
- App experience matters to you
- There's a BioLife location convenient to you
- You want to maximize referral bonuses
Choose CSL Plasma If:
- There's no BioLife near you
- You prefer shorter wait times
- You want more flexible scheduling
- Consistent nationwide experience matters
Pro Tip: Do Both!
Many smart donors start with BioLife for the higher new donor bonus, then switch to CSL (or vice versa) for ANOTHER new donor bonus. This is completely allowed as long as you wait the required period between centers.
Pay rates vary by location and change frequently. Always verify current rates with your specific center.
This is just one piece of the puzzle. For everything you need to know about plasma donation in 2026—earnings, centers, eligibility, and pro tips—check out our comprehensive resource: