Get paid to move

What if going for a walk could help top up your bank balance, not just improve your step count? Thanks to a growing number of fitness reward apps, you can now earn money, gift cards or discounts simply by moving more.

Whether you’re walking to work, running errands or getting your steps in at the gym, these apps can turn everyday movement into real-life rewards. Here’s a roundup of some of the best apps that pay you to exercise.

Sweatcoin – earn coins for steps

iOS and Android | Free

Sweatcoin is one of the most popular fitness reward apps out there. It converts your steps into a digital currency called ‘sweatcoins’ (gross), which you can spend on products, services and discounts in the app’s marketplace.

You won’t get rich from it, but offers can include money off fitness gear and gadgets, free trials and charity donations.

Best for: People who walk a lot during the day and want an app that quietly clocks your steps in the background.

BetterPoints – points for walking, running and cycling

iOS and Android | Free

BetterPoints works with local councils and charities to encourage healthy, eco-friendly travel. You earn points for walking, running and cycling. These can be exchanged for vouchers (including Tesco, Asda and Love2Shop) or donated to charity.

Some areas in the UK run special programmes with extra incentives, so it’s worth checking if your town is covered.

Best for: Those living in supported areas who want vouchers or to give back to local causes.

Vitality – rewards for healthy habits

iOS and Android | Free for those with Vitality insurance

If you have Vitality health or life insurance, you can earn points for hitting weekly fitness goals, such as step counts or gym visits. Rewards include free coffee, cinema tickets, Amazon Prime subscriptions and even cashback on flights.

Best for: People with Vitality insurance who want to make the most of their plan.

WinWalk – step-counting and gift card rewards

iOS and Android| Free

WinWalk tracks your steps (up to 10,000 per day) and rewards you with coins you can use to enter prize draws or redeem for gift cards. You’ll need to be patient as rewards build slowly, but it’s a no-fuss way to get something back for your daily movement. Just remember to bank your steps each day!

Best for: People who walk up to 10,000 steps each day and don’t mind a slow-and-steady earning pace.

Biscuit – earn rewards for going walkies

iOS and Android| Free and paid versions

Earn ‘biscuits’ for walking your dog. When you’ve saved up enough, these can be redeemed as gift vouchers for brands including Tesco, Amazon and various pet-care companies. It can take a couple of months to build up enough biscuits for a voucher but if you’re out walking your pooch anyway, you may as well cash in. Just be aware, you’ll be asked to give some details about your four-legged friend when you sign up, then you’ll receive tailored health and exercise recommendations for your pet.

Best for: People who want to cash in on their daily dog walks.

Top tip: Sync with your fitness tracker

Most of these apps sync with fitness trackers or your phone’s built-in pedometer. If you’re already logging your activity, you might as well get rewarded for it too.

A win-win

Apps that reward you for walking won’t make you rich, but they can be a fun and motivating way to earn a little extra or cut costs. Whether it’s a free coffee, a gift card or a free trial, it’s a win-win for your wallet and wellbeing.

Looking for more ways to boost your income?

Check out our money-maximising tips for practical ideas that really add up. From side hustles to unclaimed benefits, we’ll help you make your money go further.