What if I told you every step you take could be worth actual money?
Yep. Getting paid to walk.
No scams. No gimmicks. Just legit apps and services that turn your daily movement into side cash.
Here’s the deal: companies pay because your movement creates value — engagement, location and health signals, shopping opportunities. Advertisers, researchers, and retailers all benefit when people move and interact, so they share a slice of that value with you.
I thought it sounded like a late-night infomercial too. Then I laced up my sneakers, signed up for 17 different apps and gigs, and tracked every step.
Let’s be real — you’re already walking every day. Might as well let those steps pick up some spare change while you’re at it. By the end of this post you’ll know which apps are worth your time — and which ones to skip.
How Does It Work?
Before you start downloading every walking app under the sun, here’s the quick breakdown of how they actually put money in your pocket:
You walk → your steps get tracked (via phone, smartwatch, or fitness tracker) → that data converts into rewards. Depending on the app, those rewards might be cash, PayPal payouts, gift cards, or even charity donations. Simple.
There are four main ways it plays out:
- Step-tracking apps (like Sweatcoin, PK Rewards) → Track your steps and reward you just for moving. Steps become points you redeem for perks.
- Fitness challenge apps (like StepBet, HealthyWage) → Let you bet on yourself. Hit your goals and win cash. Miss them, and your money funds the winners.
- Delivery & errand apps (like Instacart, DoorDash) → Pay you while you walk, shop, and deliver.
- Dog-walking apps (like Rover, Wag) → Pay you to walk pups while hitting your daily step goal.
Why it matters: you’re stacking two wins at once — better health and bonus rewards. That’s the hook that makes these stick.
Sweatcoin
The app that put “get paid to walk” on the map. It tracks your outdoor steps via GPS and converts them into a digital currency called Sweatcoins.
What works: Setup is quick, and every step counts — errands, park strolls, daily walks. Rewards include gift cards, fitness gear, and even PayPal cash if you save enough.
Watch out for: Payouts are modest and take time. You’ll need to walk consistently (and mostly outdoors) to build a real balance.
Bottom line: Fun, low-effort, and motivating. Think perks on the side — not a paycheck.
Evidation
A health-first app that rewards you for more than just walking. It tracks steps, sleep, heart rate, nutrition, and other wellness habits by syncing with Fitbit, Apple Health, Google Fit, and more.
What works: Earn daily points for healthy actions, plus bonus points from surveys, logging vitals, or reading health content. Rewards are flexible — cash, gift cards, or donations. With permission, your data can even contribute to real health studies.
Watch out for: Points rack up slowly, and you’ll miss rewards if you don’t log in or keep syncing devices. Inactivity can also cause points to expire.
Bottom line: Great for steady wellness motivation and small cash boosts. Best if you’re already tracking health habits, not if you’re chasing fast payouts.
PK Rewards
A fitness rewards app that pays you based on effort, not just steps. The harder you work (walks, runs, workouts), the more “coins” you earn.
What works: Syncs with fitness trackers and heart rate monitors, so pushing harder pays more. Challenges, milestones, and streaks keep things motivating. Rewards include gift cards from Amazon, Nike, Lululemon, and more.
Watch out for: Coins build slowly, and redemption thresholds can feel steep. Some users report delays or limits on cashing out, and options vary by country.
Bottom line: Best for people already active. Don’t expect quick cash, but it’s a solid bonus for consistent walkers and workout fans.
Winwalk
A simple step-counting app that uses your phone’s pedometer and rewards you with coins. You earn 1 coin for every 100 steps, up to 100 coins per day.
What works: Easy to set up, battery-friendly (no GPS), and comes with a daily 10,000-step goal for motivation. Coins can be redeemed for gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, Google Play, and more.
Watch out for: The daily cap slows progress if you rely only on steps. To earn faster, you’ll need to complete extras like surveys or ads. Some gift cards may go out of stock, and step counts can be finicky unless you tweak settings.
Bottom line: Beginner-friendly and low effort. A steady way to trade everyday steps for small gift cards — not fast money, but consistent.
FitPotato
A walking app with a twist: instead of passively counting steps, you join weekly prize challenges. Pay a small entry fee, commit to a set number of walk/run/dog-walk sessions, and split the prize pool if you complete them.
What works: Built-in accountability. The app syncs with Apple Health and uses GPS to verify sessions, so you always know where you stand. Stay consistent, and you’ll earn small cash prizes while building routine.
Watch out for: Miss your sessions and you lose your entry fee. GPS tracking can also drain your battery. Availability is mostly iOS — Android users may be left out.
Bottom line: Great if you thrive on accountability and already walk regularly. Think fitness with stakes, not passive pocket money.
CashWalk
A straightforward pedometer app that tracks your daily steps and turns them into points you can redeem for rewards.
What works: No fancy setup — just your phone and some walking. Daily challenges and small bonuses keep it fun. Rewards include gift cards and discounts.
Watch out for: Points add up slowly, so patience is key. Rewards are modest, and unless you’re logging a lot of steps daily, the payoff stays small.
Bottom line: A no-stress way to squeeze a little extra out of steps you’d take anyway. Best for casual walkers who want simple, low-effort perks.
LifeCoin
A walking app that only counts outdoor, GPS-verified steps — walking, hiking, or running — and rewards you with LifeCoins. About 1,000 steps = 1 LifeCoin.
What works: Simple to use, with rewards like gift cards, gadgets, and sporting goods. Outdoor activity means fresh air plus movement. Referrals can also boost your balance.
Watch out for: Indoor steps don’t count, so progress is slow if most of your walking is inside. Popular rewards sometimes go out of stock, and big prizes require a lot of coins.
Bottom line: Best for outdoor walkers and hikers. Not a fast earner, but a solid motivator to get outside more often.
StepBet
A challenge app where you bet on yourself to hit personalized step goals. Pay an entry fee to join a “game,” and as long as you meet your targets, you stay in. At the end, winners split the prize pot.
What works: Step goals are tailored to your current activity level — achievable but still push you. Cash payouts are real (usually via PayPal), and the accountability factor keeps you moving.
Watch out for: Miss too many goals and you lose your entry fee. Games run several weeks, so consistency and commitment are non-negotiable.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want accountability with real-money incentives. Not passive earnings, but motivating and rewarding if you stick with it.
HealthyWage (Walk-i-Task)
A step challenge platform where you pay an entry fee, commit to a personalized step goal, and win cash if you hit it. Goals are based on improving your current average, not chasing arbitrary numbers.
What works: Goals adjust to your baseline, so beginners aren’t set up to fail. It syncs with popular devices like Fitbit, Apple Health, and Garmin. Payouts are in real cash — not points.
Watch out for: You pay to play, so slacking off means losing your fee. The prize pot is shared among winners, so payouts vary depending on participation. Consistent syncing is essential to get credit for steps.
Bottom line: A strong pick if you want accountability with real stakes. Best for people serious about building consistency and earning actual cash.
Charity Miles
A free app that lets you walk, run, or bike for a cause. Instead of paying you, sponsors donate money to a charity of your choice for every mile you move.
What works: Dead simple — pick a charity, start moving, and your miles turn into donations. No fees, no complicated setup. Great for adding purpose to daily activity.
Watch out for: Donations are modest (usually just a few cents per mile), and none of it goes into your pocket. If you’re looking for personal cash, this isn’t the app.
Bottom line: Best if you want your steps to mean more than rewards. A feel-good way to combine fitness with giving back
BetterPoints
A rewards app that encourages sustainable movement — walking, cycling, even public transit — and gives you “BetterPoints” you can redeem for vouchers, gift cards, or services.
What works: Makes everyday choices feel rewarding, like walking instead of driving. Includes challenges and progress tracking to keep you motivated.
Watch out for: Earnings depend on being in a sponsored area. If your city isn’t covered, you’ll mostly just get tracking features. GPS tracking also drains your battery.
Bottom line: A strong option if you live in a supported location. Great for habit-building and greener living, but rewards are inconsistent outside those areas.
myWalgreens Health Goals
A wellness program from Walgreens that rewards you with store credit (“Walgreens Cash”) for completing 4-week activity and health challenges, including walking goals.
What works: Super easy if you already shop at Walgreens. Rewards go toward groceries, toiletries, or medicine you’d buy anyway. Consistency pays off with small but steady bonuses.
Watch out for: Payouts are tiny (about $1 per month for walking goals). Rewards aren’t cash, just Walgreens credit. Challenge availability can vary by location.
Bottom line: Worth it if Walgreens is already part of your routine. Think of it as a small bonus for consistency — not a side hustle.
Macadam
A newer walking app that turns your daily steps into “coins,” redeemable for PayPal cash, gift cards, or other rewards. It syncs with Apple Health or Google Fit to track movement.
What works: Clean, easy-to-use interface with daily step goals and extras like “Macadam Adventures,” which gamify walking. You can boost earnings with surveys, ads, or mini-games.
Watch out for: Step-to-coin conversion is slow, and there’s a daily limit. Unconverted steps expire at day’s end. Cashing out takes time, and payout methods vary by region.
Bottom line: Good for casual walkers who enjoy gamified apps. Don’t expect fast payouts, but it’s a fun way to stay motivated while earning a little extra.
Instacart Shopper
A gig app where you shop for groceries and either deliver them to customers or prep in-store orders. Not a fitness app, but the job involves plenty of walking in stores and between deliveries.
What works: Flexible schedule — you choose when to work. Earnings can be solid, especially with tips, and some areas offer instant cash-out. No special skills required beyond shopping and delivering.
Watch out for: Costs like gas, car wear, and supplies eat into profits. Pay varies widely by city, order volume, and customer tips. The walking is real, but most money comes from the gig itself, not the steps.
Bottom line: A legit side hustle with much higher earning potential than step apps. Demanding, yes — but the payouts are worth it.
Rover
A marketplace where pet owners hire dog walkers, sitters, and boarders. As a Rover walker, you set your own rates, schedule, and services — and get paid to walk dogs while racking up steps.
What works: Flexible and scalable. Do one walk during school pickup or build a steady side hustle. Typical rates run $17–$25 per 30-minute walk, and you keep 100% of tips. Payments are reliable and usually arrive within a couple of days.
Watch out for: Rover takes about a 20% service fee, so price accordingly. Earnings depend on your location and competition. You’ll also need to put effort into your profile (photos, bio, background checks) to attract clients.
Bottom line: A top pick for dog lovers. Higher earning potential than any step app, plus built-in exercise and fresh air.
TaskRabbit
A gig platform where people hire you for odd jobs like errands, moving, cleaning, or assembling furniture. Many tasks involve walking, lifting, or running around — so you stay active while getting paid.
What works: Flexible schedule and a wide variety of jobs. Experienced Taskers in busy cities often earn $20–$50+ per hour. You set your rates, and tips + reviews can boost earnings fast.
Watch out for: There’s a $25 registration fee to start. Some tasks require tools or supplies, and travel between jobs can eat into time. Demand and pay vary by city.
Bottom line: A serious side hustle if you don’t mind mixing walking with hands-on work. Pays far more than step apps, but requires real effort.
WeWard
A walking app that tracks your steps and rewards you with “Wards,” redeemable for gift cards, cash, or charity donations.
What works: Keeps things fun with daily challenges, missions, and leaderboards. Offers both practical rewards and charitable options — great if you like gamified progress.
Watch out for: Step syncing can be glitchy, and payouts may take time (up to 15 business days for verification). Earnings are modest — think small perks, not real income.
Bottom line: A playful, gamified app for casual walkers who want little bonuses. Great for motivation, but not for fast cash.
Shopkick
A shopping rewards app that pays you “kicks” for everyday activities like walking into partner stores, scanning items, or submitting receipts. Kicks can be redeemed for gift cards.
What works: Low effort — you can earn just by entering stores like Target or Walmart. Lots of reward options (Amazon, Starbucks, and more), plus bonus missions keep it interesting.
Watch out for: Rewards are small and add up slowly. If your local stores aren’t Shopkick partners, opportunities are limited. It’s more about errands + scanning than steps alone.
Bottom line: Great if you’re already out shopping and want to squeeze extra value from errands. Easy wins, but not meaningful income.
Gig Apps: The Real Money Makers
Step apps are fun and motivating, but let’s be real — the payouts are tiny. If you’re serious about making money while moving, gig apps like Instacart, Rover, and TaskRabbit blow them out of the water.
These aren’t passive “walk and earn” setups. They’re side hustles where you trade time and effort for higher pay — with walking baked into the job. Think of them as the next level up: you’ll earn way more than with any step tracker, but you’ll also put in more work.
Bottom line: If you just want a little bonus for steps you’d take anyway, stick with step apps. If you want real side income (and don’t mind hustle), start with a gig app.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to crush 10,000 steps a day or run marathons to turn movement into money. The real win? You’re stacking habits. You’re already walking — at the grocery store, chasing kids, running errands — so why not let those steps pay you back?
After testing 17 apps, here’s my verdict:
- Sweatcoin for fun and effortless perks.
- StepBet for accountability and real cash payouts.
- Rover for the best earning potential (plus fresh air and adorable dogs).
The rest? Worth a try once, but not keepers.
👉 Your action step: pick one app from the step list and one from the gig list. Try them for 30 days. Track your earnings. See what fits your life. That’s how you turn a blog post into a real side hustle strategy.
So lace up those sneakers, grab your phone, and start cashing in. Those steps you’re already taking? They’re worth money. Your wallet (and maybe a few dogs) will thank you
