Earn While Staying Active: The Best Apps that Pay You to Walk
Let me start with a confession: I used to be terrible at getting my steps in. Like, really bad. The kind of bad where you see 1,500 steps on your fitness tracker by noon, and you just know you’re going to end up on the couch after dinner, Netflix on repeat, without much improvement.
But then I discovered something that completely changed my mindset: apps that pay you to walk. Yes, you read that right! I started earning cash, gift cards, and even discounts just by moving my feet. And honestly, it's not even that difficult.
So, if you're like me and looking for ways to earn a little extra without quitting your day job, or you're just looking for motivation to be more active, you're in the right place.
The Benefits of Getting Paid to Walk
Walking has always been one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise. It's low-impact, easy on your joints, and requires no fancy equipment. You can do it anywhere and at any time. But let’s face it—sometimes, it can be hard to stay motivated to get those steps in, especially when life gets busy.
Did you know that a simple 15-minute walk might help you say no to chocolate? A study from the University of Exeter found that a quick stroll can ease cravings and keep you from turning to chocolate during stressful moments.
That's where these apps come in. When you're being rewarded for your daily steps, even a short walk can feel like a mini victory. Whether it's a $5 gift card or a PayPal payout, the idea of turning your steps into something tangible can give you the extra push you need to stay active.
For me, the added benefit is that these apps work in the background. You don't have to change your routine or make time for a new activity. You just go about your day, and the app tracks your steps for you.
Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of passive income? Walking to earn a little extra money feels like you're getting paid for doing something you’d be doing anyway.
The Best Apps That Pay You to Walk
Let’s get into the juicy part: Which apps are actually worth your time? Below are the standout apps that I’ve found most effective, both in terms of earning potential and overall ease of use.
1. Sweatcoin
If there’s one app that’s often at the top of the list, it’s Sweatcoin, I remember downloading it out of curiosity and thinking, “Okay, sure, let’s see how this works.” To my surprise, it was super simple!
Sweatcoin works by converting your steps into a digital currency called "Sweatcoins." The more you walk, the more you earn. You can then redeem those coins for a variety of rewards—think PayPal cash, fitness gear, gadgets, and even charitable donations (which is a nice option if you want to give back).
What I love about Sweatcoin:
- It’s easy to use and works in the background.
- There’s a fun leaderboard feature where you can challenge friends.
- Rewards include not just cash but also cool products and discounts.
I personally love the fact that they partner with many eco-friendly and health-conscious brands, so you’re often rewarded with products or services that align with your wellness goals.
2. StepBet
Okay, if you’re someone who thrives on competition and deadlines, then StepBet is for you. This app is a bit different from others because it combines walking with a little bit of betting.
Basically, you place a bet on yourself to hit your step goals for a set period (usually six weeks). If you meet your goal, you split the pot with other winners. If not, you lose your initial bet.
Highlights of StepBet:
- You’re betting on yourself, so the motivation is super real.
- Potential to win more money than other walking apps.
- The step goals are personalized based on your past activity, so you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Now, I know the idea of betting on your steps might sound risky, but the beauty of StepBet is that it pushes you to be consistent. You don't have to be a marathon runner; you just need to hit realistic step goals based on your past activity.
3. Evidation
Evidation (formerly Achievement) is one of the more straightforward apps, and it rewards you for all kinds of healthy activities, including walking. You earn points for steps, logging food, or even tracking your sleep, which you can later redeem for cash through PayPal or direct deposit.
Evidation syncs with a lot of popular fitness trackers like Fitbit, Apple Health, and MyFitnessPal, so it’s a seamless addition to your routine if you’re already using one of those apps. Plus, it rewards more than just walking, so you can rack up points for healthy living overall.
Why I love Evidation:
- You earn points for a variety of activities, not just walking.
- Payouts go directly to PayPal or your bank.
- It’s easy to integrate with apps you may already be using.
It might not offer the highest payouts compared to other apps, but Evidation is one of the most versatile. I love that it doesn’t just reward you for steps but for living a healthy lifestyle in general.
4. Charity Miles
If you're someone who feels extra motivated when you're making a positive impact, then Charity Miles will definitely appeal to you. This app doesn’t reward you directly with cash, but instead, it donates to charity based on the number of miles you walk, run, or bike. It’s a win-win situation where you get healthier, and a charity of your choice benefits financially.
The app partners with big-name charities, including American Cancer Society, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Habitat for Humanity, and more. You can choose where you want your walking efforts to make an impact, and every mile truly counts.
What’s cool about Charity Miles:
- You contribute to a good cause while getting healthier.
- Works for running, biking, and other fitness activities too.
- The app is completely free to use.
While you won't be lining your own pockets, knowing that your daily steps are contributing to a greater cause can be incredibly fulfilling. It’s the perfect app for those who want to combine fitness with philanthropy.
5. PK Rewards
Ever feel like you should get a reward just for staying active? PK Rewards is a unique app that does just that, and it’s all about rewarding your effort. The harder you work, the more points you earn. You can then cash in those points for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, or Target.
The app is designed to track not only steps but your overall exertion. Whether you're walking, running, or even doing yoga, the app tracks your activity and rewards you based on how much effort you put in. I love that it's not just about walking—you get rewarded for being active in various ways.
Highlights of PK Rewards:
- Earn points for various types of exercise, not just walking.
- Cash out points for gift cards to popular retailers.
- Tracks your "effort" so you’re rewarded for pushing yourself.
It’s perfect for people who like to mix up their workouts but still want to earn rewards for their efforts. PK Rewards makes it feel like you're part of a fitness challenge but with tangible prizes at the end.
6. Winwalk
Winwalk is a pedometer app that rewards you with gift cards just for walking. It’s simple and fun, and you can redeem points for gift cards to places like Starbucks, Google Play, and Amazon. One of the great things about Winwalk is that it doesn’t require any extra fitness trackers—it uses your phone’s built-in pedometer to track your steps.
Although the rewards can take a little time to accumulate, Winwalk is a nice, low-effort app to keep running in the background as you go about your day.
Key features of Winwalk:
- Easy to use with your phone’s pedometer.
- Rewards you with gift cards from popular retailers.
- No extra equipment or apps are needed.
If you’re looking for a straightforward way to get rewarded for walking without syncing extra devices or apps, Winwalk is a solid choice.
7. Higi
Higi takes a slightly different approach from other walking apps by focusing on overall health metrics. You can earn points for tracking your activity, steps, and even blood pressure. You can use Higi stations at various grocery stores and pharmacies to monitor your health, and the app encourages you to participate in challenges to keep you motivated.
While you won’t get cash payouts with Higi, you can earn rewards like health and fitness products or discounts.
Why Higi stands out:
- Focuses on overall health, not just walking.
- Offers challenges to keep you engaged.
- Great for tracking various health metrics, like blood pressure.
It’s a great tool if you’re looking for an all-in-one health tracker that keeps you accountable for more than just your steps.
8. BetterPoints
BetterPoints is a versatile app that rewards you for walking and encourages you to engage in a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you walk, bike, or use public transportation, you can earn points that are redeemable for vouchers or charitable donations. The app offers a variety of challenges and community-based initiatives that make staying active fun and engaging.
What makes BetterPoints special:
- Rewards multiple forms of eco-friendly activities.
- Points can be redeemed for vouchers or donated to charity.
- Encourages community involvement through challenges.
BetterPoints is ideal for anyone who enjoys being part of a community and participating in local challenges. It’s a great motivator, and I loved the option to give back by donating my points to charity.
How Do These Apps Actually Pay You?
I know what you’re thinking: "How can a simple app afford to pay me for walking?" The secret is that many of these apps partner with brands, advertisers, and fitness-related companies.
For most apps, your steps are tracked via your phone's built-in pedometer or your fitness device (like a Fitbit or Apple Watch). The steps you take are then converted into points, coins, or virtual currency that you can later exchange for cash, gift cards, or charitable donations.
Maximizing Your Earnings with Walking Apps
So, how do you get the most out of them? Because yes, you can just set it and forget it, but if you really want to maximize your earnings, there are a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Sync with Multiple Apps
Most walking apps don’t mind if you use more than one, so take advantage! You can sync your steps across multiple platforms, meaning you could be earning with Sweatcoin, Achievement, and others at the same time. Just make sure you’re keeping track of where your rewards are coming from to avoid confusion.
Take the Long Route
Another tip? Start adding more walking into your daily life. Instead of driving to the nearby store, walk there. If you're on a phone call, pace around your home. You’d be surprised how quickly those extra steps add up. The more steps you take, the more you earn—it’s as simple as that.
Share with Friends
A lot of these apps offer referral programs, so why not get your friends in on it, too? Not only can you motivate each other to stay active, but you’ll also earn extra coins or points for getting them to join.
Walking to Wealth (Well, Sort Of)
If you're already into walking or looking for extra motivation to stay active, these apps are a great way to turn your steps into something tangible. You’re not going to retire off of the money you earn, but you can definitely make some extra cash for little effort. And hey, if it gets you off the couch and into the fresh air, that’s a win in my book.
The key here is consistency. Like with any side hustle, the more you put in, the more you get out. So start small, experiment with a few different apps, and see how they fit into your lifestyle. Before you know it, you might just be walking your way to some extra pocket change!
