Top 10 Apps That Pay You to Walk

Imagine earning money just by walking—something you already do every day. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, due to innovative fitness and rewards-based apps, this is now a reality. Whether you’re walking to work, taking a morning stroll, or simply pacing around your home, you can monetize your steps with the help of specially designed apps.

This concept is part of a growing trend where technology meets health and finance. Companies have recognized the value of encouraging people to stay active, and in return, they offer incentives like cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards, and even charitable donations. While you won’t become a millionaire overnight, these apps provide an excellent way to earn passive income while improving your health.

The Rise of Fitness and Rewards-Based Apps

The popularity of fitness tracking apps has skyrocketed over the past decade. With the widespread use of smartphones, wearable devices like Fitbit and Apple Watch, and the growing focus on personal wellness, the demand for apps that track physical activity has never been higher.

This has led to the emergence of rewards-based fitness apps—platforms that track your steps and reward you for staying active. These apps partner with brands, advertisers, and sponsors to generate revenue, which is then shared with users as incentives. Some even use cryptocurrency-based reward systems, making them appealing to those interested in digital finance.

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Best Apps That Pay You to Walk in 2025

Below is a detailed breakdown of the best walking apps in 2025, how they work, and what you can expect from them.

1. Sweatcoin

Sweatcoin is one of the most popular fitness reward apps that pays users for walking. It tracks your steps and converts them into a digital currency called Sweatcoins, which can be redeemed for various rewards. The app promotes an active lifestyle by incentivizing movement, making it perfect for people looking for a fun way to stay motivated.

How It Works

1. Download the Sweatcoin app and allow it to track your steps.
2. For every 1,000 verified outdoor steps, you earn 0.95 Sweatcoins.
3. Accumulate Sweatcoins and use them to redeem rewards such as gift cards, fitness gear, discounts, or even PayPal cash (in select offers).

Earning Potential

• Free users can earn up to 5 Sweatcoins per day (150 per month).
• With the premium membership, you can double your earnings and access more rewards.
• Special offers and bonus challenges can help you earn extra.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Free to use with no upfront investment.
• Encourages an active lifestyle.
• Wide variety of rewards, including gadgets and cash offers.
• Simple and user-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Steps must be taken outdoors to count.
• Direct cash payouts are limited.
• Earnings can take time to accumulate for high-value rewards.

Payment & Redemption Options

• Redeem Sweatcoins for gift cards, products, fitness gear, or PayPal cash (when available).
• Some users exchange Sweatcoins for cryptocurrency through select partnerships.

Best For

• Casual walkers and fitness enthusiasts who want extra motivation.
• People interested in earning rewards without much effort.
• Those who prefer product discounts and freebies over direct cash payouts.

2. StepBet

StepBet is a unique fitness app that lets you bet on yourself to achieve step goals. If you meet your goals, you win a share of the prize pool. It’s a great way to stay motivated while earning real money for staying active. Unlike many other walking apps, StepBet offers guaranteed payouts if you succeed, making it appealing to those who need a financial incentive to move more.

How It Works

1. Download the StepBet app and sync it with your fitness tracker (Apple Health, Fitbit, Samsung Health, or Google Fit).
2. Join a game by placing a bet (usually $40 per game).
3. The app sets personalized step goals based on your activity history.
4. Walk and meet your goals for the entire duration (typically 6 weeks).
5. If you succeed, you split the prize pool with other winners and get back your bet plus extra winnings.

Earning Potential

• Winnings vary based on the number of players and those who fail to meet their goals.
• On average, users earn $5–$30 per game, depending on participation.
• The more challenges you join, the more you can earn.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Guaranteed payouts if you complete the challenge.
• Keeps you accountable with real money at stake.
• Personalized step goals make it achievable for different fitness levels.
• Works with multiple fitness trackers.

Cons:

• Requires an initial investment (you must place a bet).
• If you don’t meet your goals, you lose your money.
• Not ideal for casual walkers who don’t want to commit.

Payment & Redemption Options

• Earnings are deposited into your StepBet account.
• You can withdraw via PayPal once you’ve accumulated your winnings.

Best For

• People who need extra motivation to stay active.
• Those confident in meeting their step goals.
• Fitness enthusiasts who enjoy a challenge and don’t mind placing bets.

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3. CashWalk

CashWalk is a free pedometer app that rewards you with coins for every step you take. Unlike some other walking apps, it doesn’t require an upfront investment or betting, making it a risk-free way to earn rewards. The app is designed for casual walkers who want to passively earn gift cards just by staying active.

How It Works

1. Download the CashWalk app and allow it to track your steps.
2. Earn 1 coin for every 100 steps you take, up to a daily limit.
3. Accumulate coins and redeem them for gift cards to popular retailers.

Earning Potential

• The daily cap for earnings is 100 coins, which equals 10,000 steps.
• Realistically, users can earn a few dollars per month, depending on their activity level.
• Frequent walkers can accumulate rewards faster over time.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Completely free to use—no upfront costs or investments.
• Simple and easy to earn rewards passively.
• Encourages daily movement without added pressure.
• Works well for casual walkers.

Cons:

• Limited earning potential compared to other apps.
• Rewards are mostly in the form of gift cards, not cash.
• Step tracking is limited to phone sensors (no fitness tracker integration).

Payment & Redemption Options

• Coins can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
• No direct PayPal or bank transfer options available.

Best For

• Casual walkers looking for an effortless way to earn rewards.
• Those who prefer gift card payouts over direct cash.
• People who don’t want to risk money on step-based challenges.

4. Evidation (formerly Achievement)

Evidation is a wellness-focused app that rewards users for engaging in healthy activities like walking, exercising, sleeping well, and even answering health surveys. Unlike many step-based reward apps, Evidation integrates with various fitness trackers and offers a more holistic approach to health tracking, making it a great option for those looking to earn rewards while improving their overall well-being.

How It Works

1. Download the Evidation app and connect your fitness tracker (Fitbit, Apple Health, Samsung Health, Google Fit, etc.).
2. Earn points for walking, running, cycling, sleeping, and participating in health-related surveys or research studies.
3. Accumulate 10,000 points to redeem for a $10 reward.
4. Cash out via PayPal or donate your earnings to charity.

Earning Potential

• Users can earn up to 80 points per day from physical activities.
• Additional points can be earned by participating in surveys and research programs.
• On average, active users earn $10 every 3–6 months, depending on engagement.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Rewards a variety of health-related activities, not just walking.
• Works with many fitness trackers for seamless data syncing.
• Free to use with no upfront investment.
• Offers direct cash payouts via PayPal.

Cons:

• Slow earnings compared to other reward apps.
• Surveys and research studies aren’t always available for all users.
• No option to increase earnings with paid membership.

Payment & Redemption Options

• Redeem 10,000 points for $10 via PayPal or charitable donations.
• No gift card or cryptocurrency payout options.

Best For

• Users who want a holistic approach to earning rewards for healthy habits.
• Those who already track their fitness activities with a wearable device.
• People who don’t mind slow but steady earnings over time.

5. Lympo

Lympo is a blockchain-based fitness rewards app that pays users in LYM tokens for completing walking and exercise challenges. Unlike other apps that offer gift cards or PayPal cash, Lympo focuses on cryptocurrency rewards, making it a great option for those interested in earning digital assets while staying active.

How It Works

1. Download the Lympo app and create an account.
2. Complete daily and weekly walking or running challenges.
3. Earn LYM tokens for completing challenges and staying consistent.
4. Use LYM tokens to redeem fitness gear, apparel, or trade for other cryptocurrencies.

Earning Potential

• Earnings vary depending on challenge difficulty and participation.
• LYM tokens can increase in value over time, depending on market trends.
• Users can earn anywhere from a few cents to several dollars per challenge, depending on their activity level.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Earn cryptocurrency instead of traditional rewards.
• Encourages a fitness-focused lifestyle with real incentives.
• Challenges keep users motivated and engaged.
• Crypto earnings could grow in value over time.

Cons:

• Earnings depend on the crypto market, meaning values fluctuate.
• Limited redemption options—not as flexible as cash or gift cards.
• Not ideal for users who prefer guaranteed, fixed payouts.

Payment & Redemption Options

• Earned LYM tokens can be used to buy fitness products or exchanged for other cryptocurrencies.
• No direct PayPal or bank withdrawal options.

Best For

• Users interested in cryptocurrency and blockchain rewards.
• Fitness enthusiasts who enjoy daily walking and exercise challenges.
• Those looking for long-term potential rather than immediate cash rewards.

6. PK Rewards

PK Rewards is a versatile fitness rewards app that goes beyond just tracking steps—it rewards users for any type of physical activity, including walking, running, cycling, and gym workouts. Instead of counting steps, the app measures effort using a unique algorithm, making it a great choice for those who engage in various types of exercise.

How It Works

1. Download the PK Rewards app and sync it with your fitness tracker or smartphone.
2. Start any physical activity, including walking, running, cycling, or even strength training.
3. The app assigns an Effort Score based on workout intensity.
4. Earn coins based on your Effort Score and redeem them for gift cards and discounts.

Earning Potential

• The more intense the workout, the more coins you earn.
• Regular users can earn rewards within a few weeks, depending on activity levels.
• High performers can accumulate rewards faster than casual walkers.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Rewards all types of physical activity, not just walking.
• Effort-based scoring makes it fair for all fitness levels.
• Offers gift cards and fitness-related rewards.
• Works with various fitness trackers.

Cons:

• No direct cash payouts (only gift cards and discounts).
• Rewards may take some time to accumulate.
• Doesn’t track steps specifically—it focuses on effort.

Payment & Redemption Options

• Coins can be redeemed for gift cards, discounts, and fitness-related products.
• No PayPal or direct cash withdrawals available.

Best For

• Users who do more than just walking, including running, cycling, or gym workouts.
• Those who want a more flexible fitness rewards system.
• People looking for fitness gear and discounts rather than cash.

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7. Runtopia

Runtopia is a fitness app that rewards users for walking, jogging, or running by offering sports coins, which can be redeemed for fitness gear, premium memberships, and other rewards. Unlike traditional pedometer apps, Runtopia also provides personalized coaching, audio-guided workouts, and training plans, making it ideal for those looking to improve their fitness while earning rewards.

How It Works

1. Download the Runtopia app and track your walking, jogging, or running sessions.
2. Earn sports coins based on the distance and duration of your activity.
3. Complete daily tasks and challenges for bonus coins.
4. Redeem sports coins for discounts on fitness gear, premium features, and PayPal cash (for select users).

Earning Potential

• Users can earn a few dollars per month if they are consistent.
• Sports coins have an expiration date, meaning users need to redeem them regularly.
• Premium members have higher earning potential.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Offers audio-guided workouts and fitness coaching.
• Rewards more than just steps—it factors in distance and time.
• Sports coins can be used for PayPal cash (select offers).
• Great for runners and joggers looking for extra motivation.

Cons:

• Limited cash-out options—most rewards are for fitness gear or app subscriptions.
• Sports coins expire if not used in time.
• Some features require a paid premium membership.

Payment & Redemption Options

• Sports coins can be redeemed for fitness gear, premium features, and select PayPal cash rewards.
• No direct bank transfer options available.

Best For

• Joggers and runners looking for training guidance and rewards.
• Those who prefer fitness-related rewards over pure cash.
• Users who enjoy structured fitness challenges.

8. FitPotato

FitPotato is a weekly fitness challenge app where users compete to win a cash prize by completing step goals. Similar to StepBet, this app adds a gamified approach to walking, but instead of long-term challenges, FitPotato runs on a weekly cycle, making it ideal for those who prefer shorter commitments.

How It Works

1. Download the FitPotato app and join a weekly challenge by contributing to the prize pool.
2. Walk or run to complete three step sessions of at least 6,000 steps each within a week.
3. If you meet the goal, you split the prize money with other winners.
4. Earn real cash while competing against others for motivation.

Earning Potential

• The more participants, the larger the prize pool.
• Typical winnings range from a few dollars to $50 per week, depending on participation.
• Unlike StepBet, FitPotato focuses on shorter challenges, allowing for faster earnings.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fast weekly payouts instead of long-term challenges.
• Real cash earnings via PayPal.
• Encourages friendly competition and accountability.
• No need to commit to long challenges—great for short-term motivation.

Cons:

• Upfront investment required (not free to use).
• Miss one challenge, and you lose your money.
• Earnings vary depending on the number of participants.

Payment & Redemption Options

• Winners cash out via PayPal.
• No gift card or cryptocurrency payout options.

Best For

• Competitive users who enjoy short-term challenges.
• Those who prefer weekly cash earnings instead of long-term bets.
• People looking for quick motivation boosts to stay active.

How Do Apps That Pay You to Walk Work?

Let’s break down how these apps work and what makes them a legitimate way to earn rewards.

1. Understanding Reward-Based Fitness Apps

These apps are designed to encourage physical activity by offering financial incentives. The goal is to promote healthier lifestyles while providing users with small but meaningful rewards.

Some apps reward users directly for their steps, while others incorporate challenges, games, or competitions. Some apps focus on charitable giving, allowing users to donate their earned rewards to various causes.

Even though the idea of earning money while walking is exciting, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Most of these apps offer modest earnings, but when used consistently, they can add up over time.

2. Types of Rewards: What Can You Earn?

Different apps provide different types of incentives. Here are some common rewards users can expect:

• Cash Payouts – Some apps allow users to convert their step-based earnings into real money, typically through PayPal or bank transfers.
• Cryptocurrency & Digital Tokens – Certain apps reward users with digital tokens, which can sometimes be exchanged for real money or used within the app.
• Gift Cards & Discounts – Many apps offer gift cards for popular stores or discounts on fitness-related products.
• Donations to Charity – Some apps partner with charitable organizations, enabling users to donate their earnings to a cause of their choice.
• In-App Rewards & Products – Some apps have their own rewards system where users can redeem points for fitness gear, gadgets, or subscriptions.

3. How Do These Apps Track Your Steps?

To ensure accuracy, walking apps use various tracking technologies. The most common methods include:

• GPS Tracking – Many apps rely on GPS to track outdoor walks and measure distance. This method is effective but can drain phone battery life quickly.
• Pedometer & Accelerometer Sensors – These sensors, built into most smartphones, detect movement and count steps without requiring GPS.
• Wearable Device Integration – Some apps sync with smartwatches and fitness trackers, such as Fitbit or Apple Watch, to provide more precise tracking.
• Anti-Cheating Mechanisms – To prevent users from manipulating their step counts, many apps have built-in security measures. These include AI-powered fraud detection, random location verification, and limits on daily earnings.

4. Who Pays for These Rewards? (The Business Model Explained)

If these apps are paying users to walk, where does the money come from? The answer lies in their business model, which typically includes a combination of partnerships, advertising, and premium subscriptions.

• Brand Partnerships & Sponsorships – Many walking apps partner with health and fitness brands, insurance companies, and retailers that want to promote an active lifestyle. These companies fund rewards in exchange for exposure.
• Advertising Revenue – Some apps display ads or sponsored content and generate money each time users interact with them.
• Data Monetization – Apps collect anonymous data about users’ walking habits and fitness trends, which can be sold to research firms or used for marketing insights.
• Premium Subscriptions – Some apps offer a free version with basic rewards and a paid version that provides higher earning potential and additional features.

Final Thoughts

Walking apps are a great way to stay motivated, improve fitness, and earn passive rewards. Whether you prefer low-risk apps like Sweatcoin or high-stakes bets like HealthyWage, there’s an option for everyone.

However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Most apps will only provide small earnings unless you participate in bet-based challenges. That said, using multiple apps, referring friends, and joining competitions can maximize your rewards over time.

Beyond the financial incentives, these apps promote a healthier lifestyle. Regular walking improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and increases energy levels—making it a win-win situation. Even if the payouts are small, the motivation to stay active is invaluable.

If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to track your steps, give these apps a try. Whether you’re walking for fitness, charity, or extra income, every step you take brings you closer to your goals!

FAQs

Not ideal for: People who don’t walk often or expect to get rich from these apps.