Last Updated: May 2025
Imagine getting paid just for walking—yep, you heard that right! An app that gives you money for walking can turn your daily steps into cash, gift cards, or cool rewards. For teens aged 13–18, this is a game-changer: no skills needed, no investment, just your phone and some steps! Whether you’re strolling to school or vibing to your favorite TikTok sound on a walk, these apps make earning easy and fun. I was skeptical at first (who wouldn’t be?), but after trying a few, I’m hooked! In this guide, we’ll dive into the best apps that pay you to walk, how they work, safety tips for teens, and real stories from users like you. Ready to step up your money game? Let’s go!
Before we start, check out Zana.website for more ways teens can earn money safely!
Why Use an App That Gives You Money for Walking?
Walking is something you already do—why not get paid for it? These apps track your steps using your phone’s GPS or sensors and reward you with points, cash, or gift cards. They’re perfect for teens because they’re low-effort, don’t require a bank account (most offer PayPal or gift cards), and fit around school schedules. Plus, with trends like the TikTok #StepChallenge going viral, walking for cash feels like joining a global movement! But here’s the deal: not all apps are legit, so we’ll focus on safe, teen-friendly options.
How Do These Apps Work?
Most apps use a simple formula: track steps → earn points → redeem rewards. Some, like Sweatcoin, convert steps into digital currency for their marketplace. Others, like WeWard, offer cash via PayPal. You’ll need to enable GPS, but don’t worry—reputable apps protect your data. Always check the app’s privacy policy and get parental consent if you’re under 18, as required by platforms like Wise.
Best App That Gives You Money for Walking
The best app that gives you money for walking depends on what you want: cash, gift cards, or charity donations. After analyzing top apps (and testing a few myself), here’s the cream of the crop for teens in 2025. These are safe, easy to use, and actually pay out—no sketchy vibes here!
Sweatcoin: The OG Walking App
Sweatcoin is the rockstar of walking apps, with over 100 million downloads (Forbes, 2024). It tracks your outdoor steps and converts them into “sweatcoins” you can spend on gift cards, fitness gear, or even donate to charity. I tried it for a week and earned enough for a $5 Amazon card just by walking to school—pretty dope! Teens love it because it’s free, and the marketplace is packed with cool stuff like Starbucks vouchers. Pro tip: Walk during TikTok’s #WalkItOut challenge to rack up steps and flex your earnings!
- How to start: Download from iOS/Android, sign up (13+ with parental consent), enable GPS.
- Earnings: About 1 sweatcoin per 1,000 steps; $5 gift card ≈ 5,000–10,000 steps.
- Safety: No personal bank info needed; uses secure GPS tracking.
WeWard: Cash for Steps
WeWard is newer but gaining hype fast, especially in Europe. It pays real cash via PayPal for your steps, which is rare! A friend of mine cashed out $10 after two weeks of walking to soccer practice. It’s super teen-friendly, with a clean interface and no shady ads. Caveat: You need a PayPal account, so check with your parents first.
- How to start: Download, verify age (13+), link PayPal with parental approval.
- Earnings: ~$1–$2 per 10,000 steps, depending on challenges.
- Safety: Encrypted payments; no data sharing without consent.
Charity Miles: Walk for a Cause
Want to make a difference? Charity Miles donates money to charities for every mile you walk. You pick a cause (like environmental or health charities), and sponsors fund the donations. It’s not direct cash, but it feels awesome knowing your steps help others. Perfect for teens who vibe with social impact (think #ClimateAction trends on TikTok).
- How to start: Free download, choose a charity, start walking.
- Earnings: ~$0.25 per mile donated to your chosen cause.
- Safety: No financial info required; ideal for younger teens.
Free App That Gives You Money for Walking
A free app that gives you money for walking is the holy grail for teens—no upfront costs, just pure rewards. Sweatcoin and WeWard are 100% free to download and use, with no hidden fees. Charity Miles is another solid pick if you’re into donating rather than cashing out. Avoid apps that ask for payment or subscriptions—those are red flags!
Tips to Maximize Earnings
To get the most from these apps, try these teen-tested tricks:
- Join Challenges: Apps like WeWard offer bonus points for hitting step goals (e.g., 20,000 steps in a week).
- Walk with Friends: Team up for group challenges to stay motivated—think TikTok’s #StepSquad vibes!
- Check Daily: Log in daily for bonus points or special offers.
App That Gives You Money for Walking Reddit
Reddit’s humming with teenagers sharing their fave on foot apps. On r/beermoney, customers rave approximately Sweatcoin for gift playing cards and WeWard for PayPal coins. One person posted, “I made $15 in a month with WeWard simply strolling to elegance!” (Reddit, 2025). But watch out: a few Redditors warn approximately rip-off apps that don’t pay out. Stick to our vetted list to keep away from complications.
How to Spot Scams
Not every app is legit. Some promise big bucks but never pay. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Check reviews on Pawns.app or the App Store.
- Avoid apps asking for bank details upfront.
- Get parental consent for any app requiring personal info.
Apps That Pay You to Walk PayPal
Looking for apps that pay you to walk PayPal? WeWard is your best bet for direct cash. You’ll need a PayPal account (set one up with your parents if you’re under 18). Sweatcoin also offers PayPal payouts for premium users, but the free version sticks to gift cards. Always double-check the app’s payout terms to avoid surprises.
Setting Up PayPal Safely
PayPal is teenager-pleasant however calls for parental acclaim for below-18s. Ask your dad and mom to help set up an account connected to their e-mail for additonal security. I did this and felt way safer cashing out my WeWard earnings!
Sweatcoin Walking Step Counter
The Sweatcoin walking step counter is a fan favorite for its accuracy and fun vibe. It tracks outdoor steps (indoor steps need a premium plan) and rewards you with sweatcoins. Teens on TikTok love sharing their Sweatcoin hauls—think #SweatcoinChallenge videos showing off Amazon gift cards! It’s free, safe, and perfect for beginners.
Why Sweatcoin Stands Out
Sweatcoin’s marketplace is a teen magnet: gift cards, fitness gear, even concert tickets! Plus, it’s got a 4.5-star rating on the App Store (2025 data). Fun fact: I saw a TikTok where a teen traded sweatcoins for AirPods—how cool is that?
Safety Tips for Teens Using Walking Apps
Earning money is awesome, but safety comes first. Here’s how to stay secure:
- Get Parental Consent: Most apps require it for users under 18.
- Protect Your Data: Only use apps with clear privacy policies (check Userpilot for tips).
- Avoid Scams: Skip apps with bad reviews or unrealistic promises.
- Walk Safely: Don’t walk in unsafe areas just to hit step goals!
Parental Involvement
Parents can help verify apps, set up PayPal, or monitor earnings. My mom checked WeWard’s terms before I started, and it gave me peace of mind. Talk to your parents—it’s a win-win!
Comparing Walking Apps: Which Is Best for You?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right app:
| App | Reward Type | Earnings per 10,000 Steps | Teen-Friendly? | Parental Consent Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweatcoin | Gift cards, gear | ~$5 gift card | Yes (13+) | Yes |
| WeWard | Cash (PayPal) | $1–$2 | Yes (13+) | Yes |
| Charity Miles | Charity donations | ~$0.25/mile | Yes (13+) | No |
How to Get Started Today
Ready to cash in on your steps? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Pick an App: Start with Sweatcoin or WeWard for quick rewards.
- Download Safely: Use official App Store/Google Play links.
- Set Up: Create an account with parental consent if needed.
- Walk & Earn: Track steps daily and join challenges.
- Cash Out: Redeem rewards via PayPal or gift cards.
Pro tip: Link to apps to earn money for free for more teen-friendly ideas!
Conclusion
An app that gives you money for walking is a legit way for teens to earn extra cash or rewards without breaking a sweat (well, maybe a little!). From Sweatcoin’s gift cards to WeWard’s PayPal payouts, these apps are safe, fun, and perfect for your busy schedule. Stay safe, get parental consent, and start stepping! Want more earning ideas? Share your fave app in the comments or post your #StepChallenge on TikTok. Visit how teens can earn money for more tips, and check back for updates on new apps in 2025!
FAQ
1. Which app gives real money for walking?
WeWard is the top choice for real cash via PayPal, paying ~$1–$2 per 10,000 steps. It’s teen-friendly (13+ with parental consent) and secure. Sweatcoin offers gift cards, not direct cash, but they’re redeemable at places like Amazon. Always verify payout terms before starting.
2. What is the app that donates money for walking?
Charity Miles donates to your chosen charity for every mile walked (~$0.25/mile). It’s perfect for teens who want to make a difference. No financial info is needed, making it super safe for younger users.
3. What is the walking app that gives you rewards?
Sweatcoin is the go-to for rewards like gift cards and fitness gear. You earn ~1 sweatcoin per 1,000 steps, redeemable in their marketplace. It’s free, fun, and teen-approved with a 4.5-star rating!
4. Does Sweatcoin pay real money?
Sweatcoin doesn’t pay direct cash in its free version; it offers sweatcoins for gift cards or gear. Premium users can access PayPal payouts, but teens should stick to the free version for safety and simplicity.
5. What is the best free app that pays you to walk?
Sweatcoin and WeWard are the best free apps. Sweatcoin offers gift cards for steps, while WeWard pays cash via PayPal. Both are 100% free, safe for teens (13+), and easy to use with parental consent.
