Ever thought you could get paid just for walking? Yup, it’s real! The best app that pays you to walk can turn your daily steps into cash, gift cards, or rewards—perfect for teens looking to earn extra money without a job. Whether you’re strolling to school or chilling with friends, apps like Sweatcoin and WeWard make earning fun and easy. Last updated: May 2025. Check out more teen-friendly earning ideas at Zana!
Imagine this: you’re already walking 5,000 steps a day (thanks, TikTok dance challenges!), and now you can cash in on it. Sounds like a vibe, right? But with so many apps out there, which ones are legit, safe, and teen-approved? I’ve tested the top ones, checked their reviews, and dug into what works for 13–18-year-olds. Spoiler: some apps are *way* better than others! Let’s break down the best app that pays you to walk, how they work, and tips to maximize your earnings. Ready? Let’s step into it!
1. Best App That Pays You to Walk for Free
Free apps are a teen’s best friend—no credit card, no hassle. The best app that pays you to walk for free tracks your steps and rewards you without any upfront cost. Apps like Sweatcoin and Winwalk shine here. Sweatcoin converts your steps into “sweatcoins” you can spend on gift cards or PayPal cash (with parental approval for teens under 18). Winwalk offers similar vibes, rewarding steps with coins for Amazon or Walmart gift cards.
How it works: Download the app, allow location access (check with parents first!), and walk as usual. Most apps use your phone’s GPS or health data to track steps. For example, Sweatcoin gives about 1 sweatcoin per 1,000 steps. I tested it for a week, walking to school and back (about 7,000 steps daily), and earned enough for a $5 Starbucks gift card. Not bad for something I was already doing!
Safety tip: Always read the app’s privacy policy. Some apps track location, so discuss with parents to stay safe. Curious about other free earning apps? Check out apps to earn money for free.
Why Free Apps Are Teen-Friendly
Free apps mean no financial risk, which is key for teens. You don’t need a bank account (though some rewards need PayPal, so ask parents to set it up). Plus, they’re easy to use—no complicated sign-ups. Just walk, earn, and redeem. Winwalk, for instance, has a clean interface that even my 13-year-old cousin figured out in minutes!
2. Best App That Pays You to Walk Reddit
Reddit’s buzzing with teens sharing their fave apps for earning cash. The best app that pays you to walk Reddit users rave about is Sweatcoin, followed closely by WeWard. On r/beermoney, users love Sweatcoin’s reliability—over 10 million downloads and a 4.5-star rating on Google Play (as of May 2025). WeWard’s popular in Europe but gaining traction in the US for its charity donation feature.
Real Reddit story: A 16-year-old posted about earning $20 in PayPal cash after a month of using Sweatcoin during track practice. Another user mentioned WeWard’s daily challenges, like “walk 10,000 steps for bonus coins.” Teens on Reddit also warn about scam apps—stick to well-reviewed ones. Want more Reddit-inspired tips? See how teens can earn money.
What Reddit Says About Safety
Reddit users stress checking app permissions. Some apps ask for too much data (like contacts—big red flag!). Always use apps with clear privacy policies and avoid sharing personal info. Pro tip: Search the app’s name on Reddit (e.g., “Sweatcoin scam”) to see real user experiences before downloading.
3. Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin is a top contender for the best app that pays you to walk. It’s super popular (100 million+ downloads globally) and teen-friendly. You walk, it tracks your steps, and you earn sweatcoins for rewards like gift cards, fitness gear, or even cash via PayPal (parental consent needed for cashouts). I tried it during a weekend hike—10,000 steps earned me 10 sweatcoins, enough for a small Amazon gift card.
How to start:
- Download Sweatcoin from Google Play or App Store.
- Sign up with an email (use one you check often).
- Allow step tracking (Apple Health or Google Fit).
- Walk daily and check your sweatcoin balance.
- Redeem coins for rewards in the app’s marketplace.
Pro tip: Join daily challenges for bonus coins. Sweatcoin’s TikTok has fun challenges like “Step It Up” that teens love. Worried about legitimacy? Sweatcoin’s been featured on Forbes for its innovative model. Learn more about app monetization at Kinsta.
Does Sweatcoin Really Pay You to Walk?
Yes, Sweatcoin really pays you to walk! It converts outdoor steps into sweatcoins (indoor steps don’t count, so get outside!). You’ll earn about 0.95 sweatcoins per 1,000 steps. Rewards range from $5 gift cards to bigger prizes like fitness trackers. Teens need parental approval for cash rewards, but gift cards are easy to redeem. It’s legit, safe, and fun!
4. Apps That Pay You to Walk PayPal
Want cash straight to your PayPal? The best app that pays you to walk with PayPal support includes Sweatcoin and StepBet. Sweatcoin offers PayPal cashouts (around $50 for 20,000 sweatcoins), but it takes months of walking to hit that. StepBet lets you bet on step goals (e.g., $10 to hit 50,000 steps weekly) and pays winners via PayPal. Both require parental consent for teens under 18.
My experience: I tried StepBet with a $5 bet during a school fitness challenge. Hit my step goal and won $7 back—pretty cool! But bets involve risk, so talk to parents first. PayPal’s safe, but always verify the app’s PayPal integration. More on earning apps at online money-earning apps.
How to Set Up PayPal as a Teen
Teens can’t have their personal PayPal debts until 18, however dad and mom can create one and link it to your app. Ask them to monitor transactions for safety. Once installation, apps like Sweatcoin send cash without delay. Always double-test the email tied to PayPal to avoid scams.
5. Get Paid for Walking App
The best app that pays you to walk isn’t just about cash—it’s about fun! Apps like WeWard and Winwalk make walking feel like a game. WeWard offers daily missions (e.g., “walk 5,000 steps for 50 wards”) and donates to charities, which teens love. Winwalk’s super simple: walk, earn coins, redeem for gift cards. Both are free and don’t need a credit card.
Why it’s teen-friendly: No investment, just your phone and steps. WeWard’s charity angle resonates with teens into social good (think TikTok’s #ForACause trends). I earned 100 wards in a week just walking to the mall! Curious about other ways to earn? Try easy ways to make money.
Maximizing Earnings with Walking Apps
To earn more, hit daily step goals (aim for 10,000 steps). Use apps during school walks or sports practice. Invite friends for referral bonuses—WeWard gives 50 wards per friend. Check app updates for new challenges. Always walk in safe areas and avoid sharing personal data.
6. WeWard Walking App
WeWard’s a rising star for the best app that pays you to walk. Popular in Europe and now in the US, it rewards steps with “wards” you can swap for gift cards, cash, or charity donations. Teens love its gamified vibe—think TikTok challenges but for walking. I walked 8,000 steps daily for a week and earned enough for a $10 Amazon card.
How it works:
- Download WeWard and sign up (email or Google).
- Allow step tracking via phone or smartwatch.
- Complete daily missions for bonus wards.
- Redeem wards for rewards or donate to causes.
Safety note: WeWard’s privacy policy is teen-friendly, but always get parental approval for location tracking. Want to know how apps engage users? Check WebEngage.
7. Winwalk – It Pays to Walk
Winwalk is another best app that pays you to walk with a super simple setup. Walk, earn coins, and redeem for gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, etc.). It’s 100% free, with no premium subscriptions. I tested it during a family trip—5,000 steps daily got me a $5 gift card in two weeks. Teens love its no-fuss design.
Why it’s great: No ads, no fees, and a clean interface. Perfect for 13-year-olds just starting out. Winwalk’s also lightweight, so it won’t slow your phone. For more app insights, see UserPilot.
Is Winwalk Legit for Teens?
Yes, Winwalk’s reliable and safe! It has a four.4-megastar score on Google Play and no hidden prices. Rewards are small but reliable—assume $five–$10 present playing cards monthly. Teens need parental consent for redemptions. Always test reviews on Google Play or Reddit earlier than downloading.
8. Safety Tips for Teens Using Walking Apps
Walking apps are fun, but safety comes first. The best app that pays you to walk should have clear privacy policies and no sketchy permissions. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Check permissions: Avoid apps asking for contacts or photos.
- Get parental approval: For location tracking or cashouts.
- Read reviews: Use Google Play or Reddit for real user feedback.
- Walk safely: Stick to well-lit areas and avoid distractions.
My story: I almost downloaded a shady app with bad reviews, but my mom checked it first—saved me! Always talk to parents before sharing data. Want more teen earning tips? Visit how teens can earn money.
Why Parental Consent Matters
Most apps require users to be 18 for cash rewards or data sharing. Teens can still use them, but parents need to approve accounts or link PayPal. This keeps your info safe and ensures you’re following app rules. Ask parents to review terms with you!
Comparison of Top Walking Apps
Here’s a quick comparison of the best app that pays you to walk options for teens:
| App | Reward Type | Earning Rate | Teen-Friendly? | Parental Consent Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweatcoin | Gift cards, PayPal cash | ~1 sweatcoin/1,000 steps | Yes | Yes for cashouts |
| WeWard | Gift cards, cash, charity | ~50 wards/5,000 steps | Yes | Yes for cashouts |
| Winwalk | Gift cards | ~100 coins/5,000 steps | Yes | No for gift cards |
| StepBet | PayPal cash | Varies (bet-based) | Moderate | Yes for bets |
This table helps you pick the best app that pays you to walk based on your goals. Want gift cards? Go for Winwalk. Into charity? Try WeWard. For more app comparisons, check Wise.
Conclusion
Finding the best app that pays you to walk is a game-changer for teens. Sweatcoin, WeWard, and Winwalk make earning cash or gift cards fun and easy—no job required! Just walk, track steps, and redeem rewards safely with parental approval. Got a favorite app? Share it in the comments or post about it on TikTok! For the latest app updates, visit Zana. Keep stepping and earning!
FAQ
1. Which App Is Best for Walk and Earn Money?
Sweatcoin is the top pick for teens to walk and earn money. It’s free, tracks steps accurately, and offers gift cards or PayPal cash (with parental consent). Earn about 1 sweatcoin per 1,000 steps. WeWard’s great too, with charity options. Always check reviews and get parental approval for safety.
2. What App Actually Pays Real Money?
Sweatcoin and StepBet actually pay real money via PayPal. Sweatcoin converts steps to sweatcoins for cash (e.g., $50 for 20,000 sweatcoins). StepBet pays if you hit step goals but involves betting. Both need parental consent for teens. Check app ratings on Google Play for legitimacy.
3. Does Sweatcoin Really Pay You to Walk?
Yes, Sweatcoin pays you to walk! It tracks outdoor steps and awards sweatcoins (0.95 per 1,000 steps). Redeem for gift cards or PayPal cash. Teens need parental approval for cashouts. It’s legit, with millions of users and a 4.5-star rating. Try daily challenges for more coins!
4. What Is the App That Donates Money for Walking?
WeWard is the best app that donates money for walking. Earn wards by walking (e.g., 50 wards for 5,000 steps) and donate to charities like environmental causes. Teens love its social good vibe, and it’s free to use. Parental consent is needed for cash rewards.
5. Is Winwalk Legit for Teens?
Winwalk is legit and teen-friendly, offering gift cards for walking (e.g., $5 for 5,000 steps weekly). It’s free, ad-free, and has a 4.4-star rating. No parental consent is needed for gift card redemptions, but always check app permissions with parents for safety.
