Have you ever thought, “I walk so much every day—could I actually get paid for it?” Well, you absolutely can.

If you’re like me, you probably walk more than you realize—whether it’s pacing around your room, strolling to the store, or just enjoying a quiet evening walk.

But here’s the exciting part: those everyday steps can now earn you real rewards—from gift cards and cash to even funding a personal goal or supporting your favorite charity.

In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to walk you (pun intended!) through 15 innovative and practical ways to get paid for walking. Some are completely passive—just download an app and let it track your steps.

Others let you turn your walking habit into a flexible side hustle—such as delivering groceries, walking dogs, or even cleaning yards (yes, really!).

So if you’re ready to make every step count—not just for your health, but also for your wallet—let’s jump in and explore how you can start earning one step at a time.

Part 1: Passive Walking Apps (No Extra Work Needed)

📍 Perfect for: People who want to earn while walking naturally, without time commitments.

1. CashWalk – Simple Step Tracker with Rewards

What it is:

A user-friendly app that converts your daily steps into store gift cards.

How it works:

Earn one coin per 100 steps (max 100 coins/day). Coins can be exchanged for gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Sephora, etc.). Plus, you can earn bonus coins through offers, scratch cards, surveys, and referrals.

Requirements:

• An Android or an iOS phone
• Step-count permission (no GPS needed)
• Email or social login

Earnings:

• 100 coins/day ≈ 2,000 coins for a $5 gift card (~$30–$40/year in passive rewards)
• Gift cards are delivered via email within 24 hours.

Real Insider Tip:

Expect to cash out every 20–40 days if you’re consistent. Some users mention that the app limits performance after reaching the cap and displays ads.

Why it’s great:

• No GPS = excellent battery life
• Low cash-out threshold
• Extra ways to boost earnings

⛔ Downside:

• No direct PayPal or crypto payouts.
• Gift cards only
• Ads and bonus games may feel pushy

2. StepBet – Bet on Your Steps & Get Paid

What it is:

A gamified app that motivates you by making you bet on your own fitness success.

How it works:

Join a 6-week challenge, sync your tracker (Fitbit, Apple Health, Garmin), and bet $10–$100. If you meet your goals weekly, you share the prize pool; if not, you lose the bet.

Requirements:

• Fitness tracker and synced app
• Challenge entry fee

Earnings:

• Typical returns: $5–$20 in profit per challenge
• Cash paid via PayPal

Real Insider Tip:

Enable daily sync reminders and monitor your app for missed step recordings.

Why it’s great:

• High motivation through financial investment
• Personalized targets
• Operates like a friendly competition

⛔ Downside:

• High risk—miss a week, lose the entire wager

3. Evidation – Health Data That Pays

What it is:

A wellness-focused app that rewards you for walking, sleeping, eating well, and more.

How it works:

Connect Evidation to any trackable health app (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Health). Earn points through daily activity and occasional surveys—then redeem $10 per 10,000 points with PayPal or donate.

Requirements:

• Smartphone
• Compatible health tracking app

Earnings:

• About 80 points/day
• Real rewards: $20–$40/year on average

Community Insight:

“Evidation doesn’t have ads… I get paid about 3–4 times a year ($10 each). It’s pretty passive.” Reddit

Why it’s great:

• Passive income
• Privacy-first design
• Supports wellness & health research

⛔ Downside:

• Slow reward accumulation—requires patience

4. PaidToGo – Walk Green, Earn Clean

What it is:

An eco-rewards app that pays when you walk, bike, or commute sustainably.

How it works:

Earn one coin every mile (≈2,000 steps), plus bonuses for daily goals and referrals. Free users accumulate coins for gift rewards; Pro subscribers (approx. $5/ 5/month) can cash out via PayPal.

Requirements:

• iOS or Android phone
• Free or Pro account

Earnings:

• 1 coin = $0.025
• Users earn $10–$75 monthly, depending on engagement

Why it’s great:

• Supports sustainability
• Compatible with treadmills
• Thoughtful referral program

⛔ Downside:

• Cash-out feature locked behind Pro subscription

5. Winwalk – A Clean Coin-for-Steps App

What it is:

Winwalk tracks your steps without using GPS or collecting personal data, converting movement into gift cards.

How it works:

Earn up to 100 coins daily (10,000 steps). Redeem coins for gift cards (Google Play, Amazon, Starbucks). Get bonus coins with quizzes.

Requirements:

• An Android smartphone only
• Sync with Google Fit

Earnings:

• ~100 coins/day = gift cards worth $5–$10 monthly

Real Tip:

Open the app daily to claim bonuses and ensure your steps are recorded.

Why it’s great:

• Lightweight and privacy-safe
• No account required
• Hassle-free background tracking

⛔ Downside:

• iOS users can’t use it
• No cash payouts—gift cards only

Part 2: Walking with a Purpose – Charity or Fitness Goals

📍 Perfect for: Users focused on social good, health, or habit-building.

6. Charity Miles – Turn Steps into Donations, Not Dollars

What it is:

Charity Miles is a feel-good fitness app that lets you donate money to real charities just by walking, running, or biking—sponsored by companies.

How it works:

You choose from over 40 well-known charities (like the World Wildlife Fund or Feeding America). Then, each time you walk or move, a sponsor donates on your behalf based on the miles you log.

Requirements:

• Free app for iOS or Android
• Basic sign-up
• GPS location enabled (to track miles)

Earnings:

• You don’t earn personal cash
• Each mile raises around $0.25 (walking/running), $0.10 (biking) for your selected charity
• Over $3 million donated to date through sponsors like Humana and Johnson & Johnson

Real User Feedback:

“I may not have much money to donate, but I walk my dog daily. Knowing my miles support a cause makes it more meaningful.” – App Store review

Why it’s great:

• ✅ Makes walking a philanthropic habit
• ✅ Free, simple, and impact-driven
• ✅ Personal pledge pages to invite friends or fundraise more

⛔ Downside:

• You don’t earn money yourself—ideal for charitable users, not side hustlers.

7. HealthyWage – Bet on Your Weight Loss and Win Big

What it is:

HealthyWage lets you place a monetary bet on your own weight loss goals and rewards you with real cash if you succeed.

How it works:

You use their calculator to set your weight loss goal, deadline, and wager (e.g., $25–$100/month)—the more weight you lose and the longer you stick to your plan, the bigger the potential prize. You complete weigh-ins and track progress. Win = payout. Lose = no refund.

Requirements:

• Age 18+
• Verified weigh-in via video or app
• Wager commitment over a fixed time
• U.S. & select international availability

Earnings:

• Prizes range from $100–$10,000+
• Average users earn between $300–$1,500 for successful challenges
• Paid via PayPal or check

Real User Insight:

“I made over $1,000 in 6 months. Honestly, the money kept me from cheating on my diet.” – YouTube testimonial

Why it’s great:

• ✅ Huge reward potential
• ✅ Helps with serious long-term goals
• ✅ Motivates through real money

⛔ Downside:

• Lose the challenge = lose your money. Not suitable for casual dieters

8. DietBet – Group Fitness Bets with Real Rewards

What it is:

DietBet is a social fitness challenge app that allows you to participate in short-term weight loss contests with a shared pot of money.

How it works:

You join a 28-day challenge and aim to lose 4% of your body weight. You pay an entry fee ($35–$100). Verified weigh-ins ensure fairness. All winners split the remaining prize pool after the platform takes its fee (~20%).

Requirements:

• Age 18+
• Verified weigh-in (photo/video)
• Entry fee

Earnings:

• Typical winners earn back their fee plus $25–$75
• Longer “Transformer” games (6 months) offer bigger wins
• Payouts via PayPal

Real User Insight:

“DietBet helped me lose 10 lbs twice last year. Knowing money was on the line worked like magic.” – Reddit review

Why it’s great:

• ✅ Friendly competition
• ✅ Community support and energy
• ✅ Fast-paced 28-day motivation cycle

⛔ Downside:

• Small profit margins; winners split the pot, so the payoff depends on the group size

Part 3: Gigs That Get You Paid to Move

📍 Perfect for: People ready to earn real income via part-time or full-time walking-based work.

9. Instacart – Walk While Shopping and Earn

What it is:

Instacart is a grocery delivery app that pays you to walk through stores, fulfill orders, and deliver items to local customers.

How it works:

You become a “Shopper” and get access to orders in your area. Walk the aisles, scan and bag items, and optionally deliver them on foot or by bike. You see batch pay, tip, distance, and item count before accepting.

Requirements:

• Age 18+
• Background check
• Smartphone
• Some areas allow on-foot or bike-only delivery

Earnings:

• Average: $15–$25/hr
• 100% of tips go to you
• Same-day pay available through Instant Cashout

Real Shopper Tip:

“I earn more walking in-store than delivering. It’s steady, low-stress, and great cardio.” – Shopper, Instacart Reddit group

Why it’s great:

• ✅ In-store work = natural step count
• ✅ You choose when and how much you work
• ✅ Great in metro areas with high grocery demand

⛔ Downside:

• Heavy or large orders can be physically demanding

10. DoorDash – Deliver Meals on Foot and Get Paid Fast

What it is:

DoorDash is a leading food delivery platform. In dense cities, you can deliver orders on foot—earning money per trip, plus tips and bonuses.

How it works:

After approval, you accept local delivery orders. You walk to restaurants, pick up food, and deliver within walking distance. The app shows route, pay, time, and distance. You can use Instant Pay to cash out daily.

Requirements:

• 18+
• Background check
• Smartphone
• Walking-only delivery available in major metros (e.g., NYC, Chicago)

Earnings:

• Average: $10–$25/hour
• Base pay + promotions + tips
• Paid weekly or instantly (with $1.99 fee)

Real Walker Tip:

“Walking deliveries in NYC make more sense than cars. I average $22/hr without gas expenses.” – Dasher via Reddit

Why it’s great:

• ✅ Low startup (no car needed in urban zones)
• ✅ Good earnings per hour
• ✅ Reliable support and instant payout

⛔ Downside:

• Not walkable in all locations—city delivery only

11. Shipt – Walk Through Aisles, Deliver Groceries, Get Paid

What it is:

Shipt is a personal grocery shopping and delivery app that pays you to shop and deliver items to customers.

How it works:

You sign up as a Shipt Shopper, accept available orders through the app, walk through the store picking items, and deliver them to customers nearby. You’ll see estimated pay, distance, and items before accepting any order.

Requirements:

• Age 18+
• U.S. resident
• Smartphone with the Shipt app
• Ability to lift 40 lbs
• Background check (free)

Earnings:

• Average: $16–$22/hour
• 100% of customer tips
• Paid weekly (direct deposit)

Real Shopper Insight:

“I’ve done over 300 shops with Shipt. I walk 5,000–8,000 steps each shift and average $20+/hour with tips.” – Shopper on Reddit

Why it’s great:

• ✅ Flexible scheduling
• ✅ See payout estimates before accepting
• ✅ Pairs great with a fitness tracker

⛔ Downside:

• Availability varies by city. Can involve heavy items or difficult orders

12. TaskRabbit – Get Paid to Run Walking Errands

What it is:

TaskRabbit is a local gig platform where you earn money by completing small tasks, many of which involve walking—such as local deliveries, standing in line, shopping, or posting mail.

How it works:

You sign up as a “Tasker,” select categories of interest (delivery, shopping, errands), set your own hourly rate, and get hired for tasks nearby. You negotiate directly with clients.

Requirements:

• Age 18+
• One-time $25 registration fee
• Identity + background check
• Bank account for payments

Earnings:

• Typical: $20–$50/hour
• You keep 100% of your rate
• Tips are allowed

Real Tip:

Stick to lightweight, walkable errands in dense cities. Combine with public transport if needed.

Why it’s great:

• ✅ You set the price
• ✅ You choose the job
• ✅ Good for introverts or solo earners

⛔ Downside:

• Initial sign-up takes a few days. You need strong reviews to get more jobs.

Part 4: Pet & Yard-Based Walking Jobs

📍 Perfect for: Animal lovers and people who don’t mind outdoor or hands-on work.

13. Rover – Earn Money Walking Dogs

What it is:

Rover is a pet-care platform that connects pet owners with dog walkers, pet sitters, and drop-in visitors. It’s a great way to turn your Love of animals into a daily walking income.

How it works:

After setting up your profile and passing a background check, pet owners in your area can book you for walks of 20, 30, or 60 minutes in duration. You control your schedule, pricing, and service areas.

Requirements:

• Age 18+
• $49 background/profile review fee
• Reliable phone and schedule

Earnings:

• $15–$25 per walk
• You keep 80% of the total
• Paid weekly via direct deposit

Real Walker Feedback:

“I average $350/month walking dogs before work. Great exercise, and the pets are adorable.” – Rover user, Trustpilot

Why it’s great:

• ✅ Set your own rates
• ✅ Flexible daily schedule
• ✅ Build a recurring customer base

⛔ Downside:

• Takes 1–2 weeks to get approved. Building trust and reviews takes time.

14. Wag! – Find Dog Walking Gigs on Demand

What it is:

Wag! offers an extensive network of dog owners who hire local walkers. You apply, and once approved, you get walk requests in your area.

How it works:

After your profile is approved and your background check is cleared, you receive requests based on your location. Walks range from 20 to 60 minutes in length. You can also offer pet sitting or drop-in services.

Requirements:

• $25 one-time background check fee
• Smartphone
• Available in 5,000+ U.S. cities

Earnings:

• ~$20/hour average (plus tips)
• Bonuses for emergency or repeat clients
• Paid via Stripe (weekly)

User Tip:

Enable “Priority Walks” for last-minute jobs that pay more and offer tips.

Why it’s great:

• ✅ Flexible schedule
• ✅ Great for pet lovers
• ✅ Fast payouts and consistent job stream

⛔ Downside:

• You compete with other walkers—reliability and fast responses matter

15. Pet Waste Removal – Yes, You Can Get Paid for This

What it is:

This unusual but real gig involves walking through clients’ yards and cleaning up after their pets. Companies—or solo entrepreneurs—offer this as a paid service.

How it works:

You either work for a local pet waste removal company or start your own service. You walk to client homes, clean their yards (once or twice per week), and dispose of the waste.

Requirements:

• Comfortable with the task
• No degree or tech skills needed
• Access to bags, gloves, and a bin (some employers provide)

Earnings:

• $16–$20/hour or per yard
• Up to $500/month part-time
• Paid weekly or biweekly

Real Worker Story:

“I started with three clients, now I serve 12 homes a week. It’s quiet work, and I walk 2–3 miles doing it.” – Solo pet waste cleaner

Why it’s great:

• ✅ Low competition
• ✅ Simple, physical work
• ✅ Builds routine + regular clients

⛔ Downside:

• Obviously, it’s dirty work—not for everyone

Read also: 40 Online Data Entry Jobs You Can Do From Home

Final Word: Turn Your Daily Steps Into Real Impact

Whether you’re walking indoors, outdoors, alone, or with a dog—your daily steps can now earn you real income. Some opportunities are passive (like apps), while others are active (like deliveries or dog walking); however, all of them share one thing in common: they reward motion. From passive rewards on your phone to full-blown side hustles, these 15 proven walking opportunities offer something for everyone:

• 📲 Just want rewards? Try CashWalk, Evidation, or Winwalk
• 💰 Need real cash? StepBet, PaidToGo (Pro), DoorDash, Rover, TaskRabbit
• 🐾 Love animals? Wag!, Rover
• 🎯 Want fitness with accountability? HealthyWage or DietBet
• 🌱 Love giving back? Use Charity Miles
• 💼 Prefer steady gigs? Try Shipt, Instacart, or Pet Waste Removal

🏃‍♀️ Your Action Plan:

1. ✅ Pick 1–2 apps and install them today
2. 💼 Sign up for a part-time gig (like Rover or Shipt)
3. 🎯 Join a StepBet or DietBet challenge
4. 🔁 Stay consistent for 30 days
5. 💵 Track your steps—and your money!

Stay healthy, stay active, and earn with purpose.

(Disclaimer: App features, reward rates, fees, and terms are subject to frequent changes. I always recommend you double-check the latest details directly inside the apps or on their official websites before diving in.)