My girlfriend and I love going for walks around my neighborhood. It gives us time to get some fresh air, talk about each other's days, and it just makes us feel good.
But, it wasn't always this way…
Honestly, we rarely used to go for walks around the neighborhood.
Things changed when I found out there were apps that pay you to walk. I never even thought it was possible to earn money walking because it's just a necessary part of life for me. Getting paid for it would be like getting paid to sleep.
Anyway, I instantly told my girlfriend about these apps and we both signed up and have been using them ever since. We now try to go for a walk every day and we earn a bit of free money while we're at it.
So, if you need some motivation to get moving, or you just want to make walking more fun, I definitely recommend trying some of these apps that pay you to walk. You're not going to earn a fortune but you'll make a bit of money, be healthier, and you'll feel good!
For even more motivation, just check out this post that talks about the benefits of walking every day.
Best Apps That Pay You to Walk
This list started out a long time ago with just five apps, and now there are a TON of different apps coming out that promise cash for steps. A lot of them aren't good, some of them are great.
I tried to find the best ones, but there's a chance I missed some, so feel free to let me know. Also, these apps are being updated all the time, so things may be different when you're reading this. I'll try to keep this article as updated as possible.
1. Sweatcoin
- Who can join: Anyone 13 years or older internationally.
- Platforms: iOS, Android.
- Ways to earn: Walking, referrals.
- Payout options: PayPal, gift cards, physical products, digital products, product discounts, charity donations, vacations.
- Sign up: Here.
- Learn more: Sweatcoin Reviews and Overview.
Sweatcoin was one of the first free paid-to-walk apps on the market and it's still probably the most popular.
The app used to only count and pay for outdoor steps, but now it counts all kinds of steps whether it's on a treadmill, mountain, or just around the house.
1,000 steps = 0.95 SWEAT or Sweatcoin.
SWEAT is a cryptocurrency that can be invested or sold on crypto exchanges. Sweatcoins are in-platform points that can be used on the Sweatcoin marketplace for vouchers, digital products, physical products, and sometimes gift cards and cash rewards. They can also be traded/sold to other members.
2. Optimity (Previously Carrot Rewards)
Optimity is the revived Carrot Rewards app, which was a Canadian paid-to-walk app that launched in British Columbia in 2015, expanded to other provinces, only to shut down in 2019 due to lack of funds…
Right now Optimity is still pretty new, so the rewards section is lacking a bit. All they currently offer are raffles, More Rewards points, and Petro-Points. Hopefully they add some more variety soon.
Luckily, the earning opportunities on Optimity have stayed pretty similar to what they were on Carrot. You can get paid to:
- Take steps (obviously) – You'll have to hit your daily goal to earn gems, with steak bonuses if you hit multiple days in a row.
- Read and quiz yourself – Just like in Carrot Rewards, Optimity has a “Learn & Earn” section with easy rewards opportunities and interesting facts.
- Step together – You can challenge a friend to hit your step goals together.
- Refer friends
For each of these tasks you'll earn gems, which can be exchanged for the rewards I mentioned above. Right now 1,000 Petro-Points ($1 off) costs 9000 gems, so 90 gems = 1 cent. That's pretty rough.
If they can start offering higher payouts and better rewards, Optimity would be awesome. For now, I'll be hoarding my gems.
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3. Runtopia
Runtopia focuses heavily on helping you improve your fitness while giving you rewards as a bonus. They allow you to set exercise goals for running, walking and cycling, and you can even have an audio coach play during your workouts.
They also have training programs built into the app to help you get warmed up, stretch, lose weight, and more. Some of the features require a premium membership but most are completely free.
As you exercise with Runtopia, complete daily tasks within the app, and participate in the community, you’ll earn Sports Coins. Sports Coins can be redeemed for products, free memberships, coupons, and even PayPal cash!
One important thing to note is that Sports Coins expire every year on March 1st. Make sure to use them up before then!
There's a lot more to do in Runtopia that I haven't mentioned, so go here to learn more and sign up!
4. Evidation (Previously Achievement)
Evidation will pay you to track your health data and exercise sessions (whether you're walking, running, swimming, or something else). It also has paid surveys, paid health articles, and other research opportunities.
Once you earn 10,000 points you can redeem them for $10.
6. StepBet
StepBet is a lot different than the other apps on this list because it involves a small amount of risk. Instead of simply getting paid to walk, you have to bet on yourself to hit your step goals and then compete against other players.
Here's how it works:
When you sign up to StepBet and connect your fitness tracker, StepBet will calculate your step goals. These goals will challenge you to walk more than you usually do. After you get your goals you can join a game and make a bet (most bets are $40).
To win, you need to hit your step goal 6 times a week for each week of the game. Do that and you'll get to split the prize pot with the other winners! Miss even a day though, and say goodbye to your bet.
If you want to learn more check out the StepBet Rules or FAQ.
7. Charity Miles
Ok, so Charity Miles doesn't quite fall under apps that pay YOU to walk, instead, you'll be earning money for your favorite charities. It's a really nice idea so I had to include it on this list.
Charity Miles members have already earned over 2.5 million dollars for various charities just by walking, running, biking, and more!
To get started, just sign up, select 1 of 42 charities you would like to earn money for, and start walking! Charity Miles will measure your distance and donate money based on how far you go. It's that simple.
Where does the money come from? Charity Miles currently has 8 sponsors who are repurposing their advertising budget for good! This means instead of using the money for ads, they're putting it towards the charities you're walking for.
Check out the Charity Miles FAQ for more info.
8. PK Rewards
Previously known as PK Coin, PK Rewards will pay you not only to walk but also just to workout and exercise in general. Basically, if you’re moving, you can earn with PK Rewards.
How this works is before every workout (e.g. run, walk, hike, bike, etc.) you’ll have to open the PK Rewards app on your phone or Apple Watch (they also support these Bluetooth trackers) and then hit “Start Earning”. It's a bit of a hassle but it ensures accuracy.
Once you’re finished your workout, end it on the app by hitting the button again and they’ll calculate your time and effort into an “Effort Score” to reward you coins. The harder you work, the better your reward.
Once you save up enough, you can redeem your coins for rewards from various brands like Nike, Amazon, and more.
Learn more about PK Rewards and sign up here.
10. myWalgreens Health Goals (Previously Walgreens Balance Rewards)
If you’re a frequent Walgreens shopper you may already be a part of the Walgreens Balance Rewards program. What you may or may not know is that one of the ways to earn more Balance Rewards Points is by walking!
myWalgreens (previously Walgreens Balance Rewards), is a health program that you can join to earn up to $6/month in Walgreens cash. That's not a ton, but any money saved on groceries is a win!
So how do you earn? By simply competing in health challenges — which include things like walking, working out, making healthy lifestyle choices, and more.
Learn more about myWalgreens here.
11. Fit For Bucks
Fit For Bucks is another paid to walk app that keeps it really simple. Whether you’re walking, running, hiking, or doing something else that gets you moving, you’ll be earning.
As you rack up more steps, you can redeem them for various rewards. Here are some examples of rewards you might see:
- Free 30-min massage (cost: 30,000 steps)
- Free 16oz. Smoothie (50,000 steps)
- Free cup of coffee (35,000 steps)
The rewards above are from L.A. merchants but Fit For Bucks also has online rewards that ship across the US. Learn more about Fit For Bucks here.
12. CashWalk
CashWalk is a simple app that converts your daily steps into coins, which can be redeemed for gift cards. 100 steps = 1 coin, and you can earn a max of 100 coins per day. Coins are worth around $0.0028, so you'll need around 1750 to cash out.
Steps can be tracked via your phone or a wearable like a watch.
13. winwalk
Available on Android only, winwalk is another paid to walk app that gives you 1 coin for every 100 steps you take. Similar to CashWalk, it has a limit of 100 coins per day. Coins can be redeemed for gift cards and game codes.
14. Paidtogo
Currently available on iOS only, Paidtogo claims to pay users up to $75 per month for walking, or $0.10 per mile. Earnings are paid in coins, with 1 coin = $0.05. You can earn up to 50 coins per day.
Coins can be redeemed for PayPal or Bitcoin.
15. Miles
Miles is a bit different from the other apps that pay you to walk on this list. It pays you for any type of transportation you do, whether that's walking, running, driving, flying, or otherwise. You'll need to share your GPS location data to earn.
16. Paceline
Paceline is another app (iOS only) that's quite different from the others on this list. With this app, your goal is to elevate your heart rate, either by walking, running, working out, or similar. If your blood is pumping, you'll be earning!
LifeCoin (Not Worth it Anymore)
Warning: LifeCoin seems to be inactive now.
With LifeCoin, you can only earn for outdoor steps (which is how Sweatcoin used to be) and as a free user, you can only earn up to 5 Lifecoins a day.
If you want to upgrade and be able to earn up to 10 LifeCoins a day, you have to pay $4.33/month. As part of the subscription, you’ll also gain access to Azumio premium which means you’ll have premium access to all of their other top apps as well.
As for the rewards, LifeCoin lets you choose from an assortment of gift cards, or you can redeem your LifeCoins for physical products like Airpods, a quadcopter, or Beats headphones. Rewards change constantly though and they're first come first serve so don't expect the same things to be available all the time.
Learn more about LifeCoin and sign up here.
Other Ways to Make Money Walking
HealthyWage
HealthyWage doesn't pay you to walk, but instead, it allows you to bet on yourself to hit a weight loss goal. If you successfully hit your goal you could win up to $10,000! What better motivator could there be to lose weight?
If you want to learn more and see how much money you could potentially win, check out the HealthyWage Calculator. Or, if you would prefer to work with a team to lose weight together, check out the HealthyWage Team Challenges.
Rover
If you love dogs and working outside, becoming a dog walker on Rover is a great way to make money walking. Plus, you can stack your earnings from Rover with the apps above.
Being a dog walker on Rover has some pretty nice perks as well:
- Set your own schedule and prices
- Decide which type of dogs you’d like to work with (small/large, old/young, etc.)
- Services protected up to $1,000,000
- 24/7 support, including vet assistance
You can also offer other services like dog sitting through Rover, but if you're focused on just getting paid to walk, that may not interest you.
Learn more about becoming a Rover dog walker here.
Litter Pick-Up Business
Yes, this is a legitimate business idea. The idea is to go around to businesses (e.g. shopping centers) with large parking lots and such and offer to clean the area each week or so for a flat fee.
Brian Wench calls this the simplest business in America, and he earns over $100,000/year walking around and picking up litter. He even has an eBook that teaches others how to get started.
Delivery Gigs
If you live in an area where everything is pretty accessible by foot, try working as an on-foot delivery person. Here are two popular services that allow on-foot delivery:
You could also deliver by bike if you want to be able to make deliveries more quickly. A lot of the apps above work with bikes too so you could still stack earnings quite nicely.
Instacart
Being an Instacart shopper involves a lot of walking around grocery stores as you'll be gathering all sorts of products for customers.
They have two different positions as well: one that involves working in-store, and the other that involves grabbing groceries and delivering them with a vehicle.
Tapestri
Tapestri pays you for your location data, and as you move, you may also receive location-specific tasks. If you drive or walk around a lot, it can provide a nice bit of passive income!
How to Make More Money Walking
Sign up for as many of these apps that pay you to walk as you can. That way you'll be multiplying your earnings, and earning more with each step you take.
Of course, you're never going to earn a fortune simply walking around. Be sure to check out these other ways to make money if you really want to level up your income:
- 20 Superb Ways to Make Extra Money on the Side
- 15 Legitimate Work From Home Jobs That Pay Good Money
- How to Get Free Money Online
- Apps That Pay You to Work Out
- All of the Best Ways for Teens to Make Money
- How to Start Working From Home in 2021 (Definitive Guide)
Conclusion: Apps That Pay You to Walk
I hope you found this list of the best apps that pay you to walk helpful! This is a really easy way to make money doing something you already do.
Now sure, you won't get rich, but for me, the best part about these apps is that they give you goals to accomplish, they get you outside and moving, and they make you feel good. The extra money is just an added incentive to get started.
So, what are you waiting for? Download some of these apps, go tie your shoes, and get walking! While you're out there, don't forget to enjoy yourself and take in your surroundings. And, if you can, invite someone to join you on your walk.
Know of any other apps that pay you to walk? Let me know about them and I'll add them to the list!
look good
Thanks for this list, it could help my community to make money since walking is required as we have no road here… but, we also have no cell phone signal. Is a cell phone signal required or just GPS?
That’s a great question. Most should work without a cell signal, but you’ll need wifi at some point to sync your steps.
pk rewards and fit potato are also Apple only apps.
Thanks Katie, going to update this article soon!
Lifecoins doesn’t exist. Runtopia is not for Androids. Achievement is now called Evidation.
Hm yeah that’s odd, looks like Lifecoin got removed from the Google Play store. Thanks Katie
I loved this post, Dylan.
For sure, I’ll be walking from now on :)
Thanks, Dylan!
Glad you liked it! Walking is great for the mind as well :)
Wow such a great ideas and good great help to build great financial life but please Dylan please can you place in your Twitter link so to follow you for more lecture on different aspects of making money, thanks….
Thanks Pelumi. You can find me on Twitter @swiftsalaryblog
Did Achievement change to “Evidation”?
Looks like they did Debbie, thanks for the heads up. Going to update this article soon.
hope i can make money because i really need it for my brothers medicine
Unfortunately paid walking apps most likely won’t make you enough money to cover your brothers medical bills. However, there are plenty of other opportunities to check out on the site that you might like. I’d recommend looking more into freelancing or micro jobs.
It is an achievement
But only usa
Yeah, I wish Achievement was available in other countries…can’t use it myself in Canada.
Is achievement available in india
I think it’s only in the US.
Sweatcoin now tracks indoor steps as well as outdoor steps. The algorithm is not perfect, but it catches most of my steps walking around home and stores on my LG Android phone.
You’re right, I’ve found the indoor step counting to be pretty good as well.
Can u send me the link of Sweatcoin, I didn’t found it in Play store
Yup you should be able to find it here.
does it really pay
It does! Not very much though
Hey Dylan,
One of the coolest new apps out that pays you is PUML Better Health. PUML Coin can be redeemed on real rewards of exchanged for crypto currency as well.
Please check it out and add it to the list.
Cheers,
Selina
Looks like an interesting one. I’m not seeing any value for PUML yet though (https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/puml-better-health/). The app looks quite new too.
I’ll be sure to check it out when I get a chance.
I’m looking for a good app that links to my Very fit pro watch so it counts my steps and might earn me stuff. I’m asking cuz I put my phone down a lot I’m not glued to it and have a habit of loosing it but I wear my watch daily. So it counts alot of my steps. I also work near a hot oven so I put it in a safe box so I only use my watch for steps.
Hi Georgette, I’m going to try to add “supported wearables” info for each app soon. For now you’ll have to look through each one to see if they support the Very Fit watch. Many of them should. Sorry about the inconvenience!
Why these apps are not in zambia
Sorry about that, most of these apps are still quite new so it may take some time for them to expand around the world.
Hi Dylan,
Thanks for the reviews, the number of get paid to walk apps out there is getting a little out of hand IMO and it’s hard to tell
what’s legit or not. I found this while looking for a FitForBucks review/referral code. I haven’t used it yet as I’m just signing up but if you get a chance to check it out that would be excellent as well.
I’ll leave another comment after I’ve used it a bit. Thanks again!
Hi Nora, I agree. It is getting a bit out of hand. I’m unable to try out Fit For Bucks for now as it’s not available on the Canadian app store, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on it after you’ve used it for a bit. Looking forward to it!
Thanks for the comment.
I am looking for a bit cion walking app. I’m new to the bit cion thing and I enough walking. Do you know any paired bit wallet/walking app that’s paired and work?
Hey Tallos, I’m not aware of any apps that actually pay Bitcoin directly for walking.
I came here to check some app that was recently launched. please give reviews about it. The app name is MWALKY.
Hey Nazmal, thanks for the suggestion. I’ll check that one out when I get a chance. If you’ve used it yourself, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
It is a good app. They host online walking challenges and rewards are processed quick. The only thing is people walk more to win this challenge. I myself had to take 43,000 steps to get a second place in the app. Vigorous walker but worth the try.
Dang! 43,000 steps in a day or was that over a week? How much money did you get for second place?
Not available to USA folks
A great article to read and of course, great apps to get that extra from just walking, running, or cycling. Whatever extra we would get, is definitely a bonus. But, I had some issues with SweatCoins, especially in the step-counting feature. With GPS on or off, it would still show up some incorrect counting, when I compared it with other walking apps. Anyway, I got to know about other apps too. So, I’m going to try them too!
Thanks for the comment Abhijit! Yeah, I’ve had my fair share of weird Sweatcoin glitches as well. Most of the time it works fine, but their algorithm is definitely a work in progress.
Good luck with the other apps – let me know how they work out for you!
Hey! There’s a new app out called Outrun. Maybe check them out/add to list :)
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/outrun-win-money-with-steps/id1492764874
Hey Elliot thanks for the suggestion. Have you used the app yourself? Earned anything significant with it?
Cash walking is another good one.
Very different than what you have up there, can get $1 per day, paypal or amazon.
Cash Walking never paid me, look at the reviews :(
Tried to click on Vingo link but the site is not there.
Thanks for the heads up Katie I’ve updated the link.
Paidtogo (only for IOS currently) pays you cash via Paypal if you earn enough points for walking and running. You compete against other users for funds available. It pays out 50% of what it brings in each month back to users.
Great list showcase, will use your referral links.
Here is another one to add to the list:
Actifit – Rewarding Your Everyday Activity
https://actifit.io/
Thank you
Thanks Ali!
You listed some I had not heard of yet like FitPotato and Vingo – going to look into these. I have profited quite a bit from StepBet, Walgreens BR and Acheivement. I don’t personally find the crypto apps to be worth it like Lympo, SweatCoin, etc – I’ve tried but they take so incredibly long to earn anything, it kills my motivation!
Hi Emily, that’s great you’ve seen success with those apps. I still have yet to enter a StepBet game myself because I’m nervous I’ll lose, lol. I should get on that soon.
You’re totally right about the crypto apps being slow too – that’s definitely one of the big downsides. Hopefully as the apps grow the rewards get better and cheaper.
There’s an app called Vingo. I think it’s just launched two months ago.
The concept is so fun. Your step count = your winning ticket like a lottery. Every night at 10pm, if your step matches the lucky number, you win the cash prize. Free to use.
Hey Ron, thanks for the suggestion! I’ve added it to the list.
Try FeetApart app. We too pay for walking in the form of products, vouchers, and gifts. Right now only for Indian users. It’s an easy way of getting freebies just by walking. So just walk to earn.
feetapart.com/download
Thanks, Shipra!
You guys never let anyone claim the higher rewards its alwats stuck on coming soon fake app
Sadly carrot is no longer. I guess they lost their funding.
Ah, I’ve just noticed that as well trying to access the app, that’s too bad. Carrot was a great app while it lasted. Thanks for the heads up, Tina.
I got an app similar to the above known as walk & earn,on my first day of using after making over 1500 steps,my points reduced to 300, this discouraged me since I didn’t understand.Could this be hack on my account?
Hey James, that sounds pretty weird. I’ve never heard of Walk & Earn, maybe contact support to see what happened?
Walk & Earn is bogus. Doesn’t count steps. All the extra coins were fun but they never paid when I cashed out to PayPal.
For sure! We’re getting great feedback on our early release and looking to expand to additional markets in addition to the US soon. CA will be one of the first. Stay tuned!
Great stuff Dylan. Save the best for last! Check out PK Coin. Currently available on iPhones in the US. Just released in November, coming to Android and other markets this Spring.
I’ll definitely check it out when I get a chance! Any plans to expand into Canada so I can really test it out?
I’m a professional mover is there an app for that kind of walking up and down stairs all day and back and forth to truck and house
Hey Steve, all of the apps on this list will count your indoor steps except for Sweatcoin! Sweatcoin requires outdoor steps so the staircase steps and any steps indoors wouldn’t count.
These apps are good but not available in Zimbabwe.how can l make it to achieve these apps
Hey Victor, that’s unfortunate that these aren’t available in your country. Not sure what you could do other than to wait and see if they expand. Sorry!
These sounds awesome but they are not available in my country (sigh).
Sorry to hear that Ophelia :/
Hopefully, some of these apps expand to more countries soon.
Which of these are available in South Africa?
Hey Malcolm. Unfortunately, I don’t think any of them are available in South Africa at the moment.
excellent post
Thank you, Faizan!
I love this! Thank you for sharing. What a great way to motivate fitness! I especially like the charity app, what a great program. One question though, do you use a fitness tracker like fitbit etc or can you use that apps on your phone?
Thanks so much,
Tiffany
Hey Tiffany, I just use my phone and it works great. The Charity Miles app uses your phones GPS to track your distance, so it’s actually not even compatible with a fitness tracker!
Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for this list of apps that pays for working out, but i think the best on the list is lympo
Thanks for the input!
Ok