11 Apps That Pay You to Work Out in 2026 (+ One That Pays $1,000/Year)

The best apps that pay you to work out: Sweatcoin (best for outdoor walkers), Evidation (best passive earner), CashWalk (best for beginners), WinWalk (best Android-only stacker), StepBet (best step challenge), and HealthyWage (best for serious weight loss goals). But keep reading because one option most people completely overlook pays 10 to 50 times more than any of these apps combined.

Most of these apps are overhyped.

But a handful are worth using, and one strategy most people never even think to check can pay 10 to 50 times more than any app on this list.

Here’s what actually works in 2026.

How Apps That Pay You to Work Out Actually Work

“Get paid to work out” covers three completely different types of apps.

And they work nothing alike.

• Step-counting apps (Sweatcoin, CashWalk, WinWalk) track your steps and convert them into coins you redeem for gift cards or PayPal cash. Completely passive. The tradeoff: earnings are small and payouts take weeks or months.
• Challenge and betting apps (StepBet, HealthyWage, DietBet) require you to put up real money, commit to a fitness goal, and either win from the pot or lose your buy-in. Higher earning potential, but real financial risk.
• Wearable and survey apps (Evidation) connect to Apple Health or Fitbit and pay points for logged workouts and health surveys. No buy-ins, no step minimums. Just passive points that convert to cash over time.

What “rewards” actually means

Not all “pay” is equal.

A lot of apps advertise “cash rewards” when what they really mean is “gift cards from a limited catalog.”

Here’s how payouts actually break down:

• Cash via PayPal or bank transfer: the most valuable
• Gift cards: nearly as good if it’s a store you actually use
• Points or tokens: only valuable if the redemption rate is decent
• Crypto: volatile and usually low-value for casual users
• Charitable donations: meaningful, but that’s not earning money

Why these apps reduce rewards over time

Fitness reward apps make money by selling aggregated health data to insurers and researchers, running brand partnerships, or taking a cut from challenge buy-in pools.

When that revenue drops, your coins-per-step go down.

It’s happened to several apps on this list.

I’ll flag it where it matters.

Comparing the Top Apps That Pay You to Work Out in 2026

Here’s everything side by side so you can find the right fit before reading my full breakdown of all the apps that pay you to exercise, walk, run etc.

App	Payout Type	Est. Monthly Earnings*	Upfront Cost	Best For
Sweatcoin	Gift cards, PayPal	$4 to $8	Free	Outdoor walkers
Evidation	PayPal cash	$2 to $4	Free	Wearable users
CashWalk	Gift cards	$5 to $15	Free	Beginners
WinWalk	Gift cards	$1 to $5	Free	Android stackers
WeWard	Gift cards	$10 to $20	Free	International users
Macadam	Gift cards	$5 to $10	Free	Stack users
StepBet	PayPal	$8 to $20 per game	$40 per game	Disciplined walkers
HealthyWage	PayPal, check	Varies widely	$20 to $150/month	Weight loss goals
DietBet	PayPal	$10 to $40 per game	$30 to $50 per game	Weight loss + social
Runtopia	PayPal, gift cards	$5 to $25	Free	Runners
Paceline	Partner discounts	Varies	Free	Apple Watch users
Charity Miles	Charity donation only	No personal payout	Free	Charitable giving

*Earnings estimates based on 50+ r/beermoney threads and App Store payout reviews from the last 6 months. Individual results vary based on activity level, device, and location.

Legit Apps That Pay You to Walk in 2026 (Real User Earnings)

Start with these app. There is no buy-ins & no financial risk.

Download, connect your phone or wearable, and start earning.

Totally Free Apps

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1. Sweatcoin

• Best for: Outdoor walkers
• Works with: iPhone and Android. GPS-based, so primarily outdoor steps.
• Rated 4.5 on iOS, 4.2 on Android

Sweatcoin is the most downloaded fitness reward app in the world, and for good reason.

It’s simple, it’s free, and it actually works.

You earn “Sweatcoins” (their in-app currency) for outdoor steps tracked via GPS.

Those coins can be redeemed for products, gift cards, or PayPal cash.

The free plan caps your daily earning at 5 Sweatcoins, and you need around 1,000 Sweatcoins for anything meaningful.

How much can you earn? From 50+ r/beermoney threads and App Store payout reviews from 2026, people walking 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily on the free plan report earning roughly $4 to $8 per month. That’s not a side hustle. But it’s real money for something you were already doing.

Payout details: No minimum payout threshold. Payout speed ranges from 2 to 30 days depending on the reward type. No ID verification required to start, though some high-value rewards may require it.

Payout type: Gift cards, PayPal cash, products, and donation options.

Pros:

• Completely passive once set up
• No minimum payout threshold to reach before redeeming
• 120 million+ users worldwide with years of verified payment history

Biggest complaints from users:

• GPS inaccuracies mean not all steps register, often far fewer than your phone’s health app counts
• High-value PayPal redemptions and gift cards frequently show as sold out or require months of accumulation
• Aggressive premium subscription upsell at $5.99/month that rarely makes financial sense for most users

Worth it? Yes, if you’re already walking outside regularly. Don’t expect more than pocket money.

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2. Evidation (Formerly Achievement)

• Best for: Passive earners who already use a fitness tracker
• Works with: Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit, Garmin, Runkeeper, MyFitnessPal, and more.
• Rated 4.6 on iOS, 4.4 on Android

Evidation doesn’t just track steps.

It pays you for connecting health apps, logging workouts, completing health surveys, and maintaining consistent activity over time.

Connect Apple Health, Fitbit, Garmin, Runkeeper, or MyFitnessPal and it automatically logs your activity in the background.

You earn points that convert to PayPal cash once you hit $10 (10,000 points).

How much can you earn? From the research I’ve done, consistent users with a wearable report earning around $10 every 3 to 4 months. That’s roughly $2 to $4 per month, or $30 to $40 per year, for doing almost nothing extra. Stack it with other apps and it becomes a solid passive layer.

Payout details: Minimum payout $10 (10,000 points). Payment processed through Tremendous, typically arriving within 1 to 7 business days after requesting. No ID verification required.

Payout type: PayPal cash, gift cards, or donation to charity.

Pros:

• Completely passive once wearable is connected
• Pays actual PayPal cash, not just gift cards
• Works with more fitness trackers than almost any other app on this list

Biggest complaints from users:

• Earning rates have been significantly reduced in recent updates, with some users reporting it now takes 250+ days to reach the $10 minimum
• Frequent syncing issues where wearables disconnect and stop earning points without warning
• Surveys are not always available, limiting how quickly you can supplement step earnings

Worth it? Yes, especially as part of a stack. Set it up and forget it. Just know that recent reward rate reductions mean it takes longer than it used to.

Note: This app was rebranded from “Achievement” to “Evidation.” Older articles listing Achievement are referring to the same app.

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3. CashWalk

• Best for: Beginners and treadmill walkers
• Works with: iPhone and Android. No wearable needed.
• Rated 4.6 on iOS, 4.2 on Android

CashWalk counts indoor steps too, works with your phone’s built-in pedometer, and doesn’t require GPS.

That makes it far more accessible for people who walk on treadmills, in malls, or indoors.

How much can you earn? Users hitting 7,000 to 10,000 steps daily report earning roughly $5 to $15 per month. Slightly better than Sweatcoin for most people, and it stacks easily on top of other apps since it uses different tracking mechanics.

Payout details: Minimum payout $5. Most users report reaching this within 20 to 40 days of active walking. Gift cards typically delivered within a few days of redemption. No ID verification required.

Payout type: Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and more).

Pros:

• Counts indoor steps, unlike most competitors
• Low $5 minimum payout means you’re not waiting months to cash out
• Wide gift card selection including Amazon and Walmart

Biggest complaints from users:

• Ad-heavy experience, with frequent video ads required to collect daily rewards
• Slow or non-existent customer support reported by multiple users
• Daily coin cap limits total monthly earnings regardless of how many steps you take

Worth it? Yes. One of the best starter apps and a reliable stack addition, as long as you’re okay with occasional ads.

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4. WinWalk

• Best for: Android users who want a low-friction stacker with no GPS drain
• Works with: Android only (also now on iOS via Apple Health sync). No wearable needed.
• Rated 4.3 on Google Play (1M+ downloads)

WinWalk is one of the most popular fitness reward apps you’ve probably never heard of.

It uses your phone’s built-in pedometer instead of GPS, which means no battery drain and no location tracking required.

You earn 1 coin per 100 steps, up to 100 coins per day (capped at 10,000 steps).

Coins redeem for gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and others.

You need 10,000 coins to cash out at the $10 level.

One important thing to know: you have to open the app once per day and watch a short ad to bank your coins. If you forget before midnight, those coins are gone. That’s the biggest friction point.

How much can you earn? Walking 10,000 steps daily earns about $0.05 per day from steps alone, or roughly $1.50 per month. Users who stack missions, surveys, and game offers can push that to $3 to $5 per month. It’s not a primary earner. But it runs in the background without GPS, which makes it a clean addition to your stack.

Payout details: Minimum payout approximately $10 (10,000 coins in the US). Gift cards delivered instantly in-app. No ID verification required. Available in US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and select other countries.

Payout type: Gift cards only. No PayPal or cash option.

Pros:

• No GPS tracking, so your battery isn’t drained by constant location logging
• No account required until you want to cash out
• Counts indoor steps (treadmill, mall walking) not just outdoor movement

Biggest complaints from users:

• Daily check-in required to bank coins or they expire at midnight
• No PayPal or cash payout option, gift cards only
• Takes 200 days of walking to reach the $10 threshold from steps alone if you skip extra missions

Worth it? Yes, as a stack addition for Android users. Not worth using alone. Pair it with CashWalk and Evidation and you’re running three apps simultaneously with almost zero extra effort.

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5. WeWard

• Best for: International users and people looking for a Sweatcoin alternative
• Works with: iPhone and Android
• Rated 4.9 on iOS, 3.8 on Android

WeWard converts steps into “Wards” redeemable for gift cards or charitable donations.

It works similarly to Sweatcoin but doesn’t require GPS for every step and has broader international availability.

How much can you earn? Active users report earning around $10 to $20 per month with consistent daily walking at 8,000+ steps. That’s a bit better than Sweatcoin on the free tier.

Payout details: Minimum payout varies by reward. No ID verification required.

Payout type: Gift cards and charitable donations.

Pros:

• Works internationally where Sweatcoin has limited GPS coverage
• Doesn’t require GPS for every step, making it more reliable indoors
• Reported earnings slightly better than Sweatcoin for most users

Biggest complaints from users:

• Reward catalog can be limited depending on your region
• Some users report step counts not always syncing correctly
• Gift card redemption options not as broad as CashWalk

Worth it? Yes, especially outside the US where Sweatcoin’s GPS coverage is limited, or as a second passive app running alongside CashWalk.

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6. Macadam

• Best for: Casual walkers who want to maximize their stack
• Works with: iPhone and Android
• Rated 4.8 on iOS, 4.7 on Android

Macadam converts walking into points redeemable for gift cards. It’s been gaining traction in Reddit’s r/beermoney community as a solid stacker app because it doesn’t conflict with most other step-tracking apps running at the same time.

How much can you earn? Users report roughly $5 to $10 per month depending on activity. Not the highest earner, but it adds up when layered on top of CashWalk and Evidation.

Payout details: Minimum payout varies by reward. Check the current app for specifics before signing up.

Payout type: Gift cards.

Pros:

• Stacks well with other apps without conflicts
• Simple and beginner-friendly interface
• Growing user base with positive recent reports from active earners

Biggest complaints from users:

• Smaller rewards catalog compared to CashWalk
• Less established than the major apps, so long-term reliability is harder to verify
• Limited customer support options

Worth it? Yes, as a stack addition. Not a primary app.

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6. Charity Miles

• Best for: Runners and cyclists who want their miles to mean something more
• Works with: iPhone and Android.
• Rated 4.8 on iOS, 2.4 on Android

Charity Miles is different from every other app on this list.

You’re not earning money for yourself.

Corporate sponsors pay a donation to your chosen charity based on your miles walked, run, or cycled.

It doesn’t put cash in your pocket. But a lot of people find it far more motivating than earning a few cents per mile for themselves.

How much does it donate? Around $0.25 per mile for cycling and $0.10 to $0.15 per mile for walking and running, depending on sponsor commitments.

Payout details: No personal payout. Donations go directly to your chosen charity.

Payout type: Donations to charity only. No personal earnings.

Pros:

• Free, no strings attached
• Meaningful alternative motivation for people less driven by personal financial rewards
• Works for walking, running, and cycling

Biggest complaints from users:

• No personal income whatsoever
• Donation amounts are small and depend on sponsor availability
• Fewer features than earning-focused competitors

Worth it? Yes, if charitable giving is your goal. Skip it if you’re here for personal income.

Apps That Pay You to Lose Weight (High-Risk, High-Reward)

Read this before signing up for any of these.

Challenge apps are completely different from the step apps above.

You deposit real money as a buy-in, commit to a fitness goal, and either win from the pot or lose your deposit if you don’t hit your target.

The upside: the earning potential is much higher.

The downside: you can lose money.

These apps are not for everyone.

I’ll be straight about who they’re right for and who should stay away.

Challenge-Based Apps (These Require Your Own Money)

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7. HealthyWage

• Best for: Serious weight loss goals with big payout potential
• Works with: No wearable required. Weigh-ins are video-verified via smartphone.
• Rated 4.8 on iOS, 4.5 on Android

HealthyWage is the highest-earning app on this entire list. But it works completely differently from everything above.

Here’s how it works…

You bet on yourself to lose a specific amount of weight in a set timeframe (typically 6 to 18 months).

You choose your monthly bet amount ($20 to $150 per month) and your target weight loss. HealthyWage then calculates your potential prize.

Hit your goal, verified by a video weigh-in, and you collect. Miss it, and you lose your buy-in entirely.

How much can you earn? According to HealthyWage’s own results page, the average prize payout is $1,175. Prizes range from $200 to over $10,000 depending on how much you bet, how much weight you aim to lose, and how long your challenge runs. The minimum total bet to join any challenge is $200.

For a full breakdown on how this works, check out my guide on apps that pay you to lose weight.

Payout details: No minimum payout threshold once you complete your challenge. PayPal payments typically arrive within 2 to 5 business days. Check payments take longer. No ID verification beyond the video weigh-in process required.

Payout type: PayPal or check.

Pros:

• Highest earning potential of any app on this list, with average winners netting over $1,000
• Financial stake significantly increases accountability compared to free apps
• 77% of participants report losing weight, according to HealthyWage’s own data

Biggest complaints from users:

• $200 minimum total bet is a meaningful financial commitment with real risk of total loss
• Prize calculator uses a proprietary algorithm that can produce surprisingly low prize amounts for modest goals
• No education on healthy weight loss methods, which can push some users toward unsustainable approaches

Who should avoid it: Anyone with a history of disordered eating, anyone who’d face real financial hardship losing the buy-in, or anyone setting a goal primarily to win money rather than improve their health.

Worth it? Yes, for the right person. It’s the only app on this list with significant payout potential. But treat the buy-in as money you’re prepared to lose.

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8. StepBet

• Best for: Disciplined walkers who want accountability and a financial incentive
• Works with: Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, Google Fit. A wearable is required.
• Rated 4.8 on iOS, 4.5 on Android

StepBet runs games where you bet $40 (typical buy-in) that you’ll hit your personalized step goals every week for 6 weeks.

Your goals are calculated from your recent activity history, so they’re realistic but not easy.

Everyone who completes the challenge splits the pot.

People who fail contribute their buy-in to the winners.

The non-member version takes 15% of the gross pot as a platform fee.

Important update for 2026: The membership model. StepBet now offers an optional annual membership (around $50/year). Members get up to three simultaneous bets, no platform fee taken from the pot, and extra game types. If you’re a consistent winner, the membership can pay for itself. But it’s easy to forget to cancel after a trial, and there are multiple BBB complaints about unexpected membership charges. Read the fine print before adding a membership.

How much can you earn? Non-member players net around $8 to $20 profit per game after the platform fee. Winners receive points cashable to PayPal within 48 hours. A disciplined player running 3 to 4 games per year could see $50 to $80 in annual profit without a membership.

Payout details: No minimum payout. PayPal cashout within 48 hours of winning. Check cashout costs a $5 fee. No ID verification required.

Payout type: PayPal (or check for a $5 fee).

Pros:

• Financial stake creates real accountability that free apps can’t match
• Goals are personalized to your current fitness level, not arbitrary targets
• Strong community element with in-app support from other players

Biggest complaints from users:

• You can lose your entire $40 buy-in if illness, travel, or a busy week gets in the way
• Requires a wearable device, so not accessible to everyone
• Annual membership charges can catch users off guard; cancel before trial ends if you’re just testing

Who should avoid it: Anyone with an unpredictable schedule, a physically demanding job, or health issues that could interrupt activity. Missing your goals means losing $40.

Worth it? Yes, if you’re already active and disciplined. Think of it as a motivational tool that pays you to do what you were going to do anyway. Skip the membership until you’re sure you’ll use it consistently.

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9. DietBet

• Best for: Gamified weight loss with a social accountability element
• Works with: Video weigh-ins via your phone. No special wearable required.
• Rated 4.8 on iOS, 4.7 on Android

DietBet works like StepBet but for weight loss instead of steps.

You bet $30 to $50 that you’ll lose 4% of your body weight in 4 weeks (the “Kickstarter” format) or 10% over 6 months (the “Transformer” format).

Everyone who hits the goal splits the pot.

DietBet has a no-lose guarantee on their Kickstarter games. If every player hits the goal, they all get their buy-in back plus any administrative fees covered.

You won’t earn profit in that case, but you won’t lose money either.

How much can you earn? The average DietBet winner reports earning $50 to $60, or roughly 1.5 to 3 times their initial bet. Individual games vary widely depending on pot size and how many players hit their goal.

Payout details: No minimum payout. Quick payouts reported by most users within days of the game ending. No ID verification required, though weigh-ins are photo-verified.

Payout type: PayPal.

Pros:

• Lower buy-ins than HealthyWage make it more accessible for first-timers
• No-lose guarantee on Kickstarter games means you won’t lose money if everyone hits their goal
• Social group structure adds accountability and motivation

Biggest complaints from users:

• You lose money if you don’t hit your weight loss goal, no exceptions
• Focuses on weight only rather than overall health markers
• Financial pressure can drive unhealthy short-term dieting behaviors in some users

Who should avoid it: Anyone with a history of disordered eating or extreme dieting behaviors. Financial stakes can turn healthy habits into unhealthy pressure fast.

Worth it? Yes, for the right person. The same caveats as HealthyWage apply. Only bet what you can afford to lose.

Apps That Pay You to Run (Runners and Cyclists)

The apps above reward steps and weight loss.

These two reward actual workouts based on distance, pace, and heart rate zones.

Worth knowing about if you’re already a runner, cyclist, or cardio regular.

GPS and Heart Rate Apps

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10. Runtopia

• Best for: Dedicated runners who want cash for their mileage
• Works with: iPhone and Android. GPS tracking required.
• Rated 4.7 on iOS, 3.8 on Android

Runtopia tracks runs via GPS and pays you in “Sports Coins” redeemable for PayPal cash, sports gear, and gift cards.

It’s one of the few apps that rewards running mileage directly rather than just total steps.

How much can you earn? Based on user reports, light runners can expect around $5 to $10 per month. More serious runners logging 20+ miles per week report pushing that to $15 to $25 per month.

Payout details: Minimum payout varies by reward type. PayPal cash and gift card options available. Check current app for exact thresholds.

Payout type: PayPal cash, gift cards, and sports gear.

Pros:

• One of the few apps that rewards running mileage specifically, not just step count
• Multiple redemption options including PayPal cash
• Free to use with no buy-in required

Biggest complaints from users:

• GPS must be active for every run, which drains battery faster than step-only apps
• Earnings are low for casual runners who don’t log significant weekly mileage
• Reward catalog and availability varies by region

Worth it? Yes, if you’re already a runner. Don’t take up running just for the earnings.

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11. Paceline

• Best for: Apple Watch users who hit cardio goals consistently
• Works with: Apple Watch only.
• Rated 4.8 on iOS

Paceline rewards you for hitting active heart rate zones tracked through Apple Watch.

Reach 150 minutes of elevated heart rate per week and unlock discounts and rewards from partner brands.

Paceline has significantly reduced the value of its rewards over time. Early users reported much better cash-back rates than what’s currently available.

The rewards are now primarily partner discounts rather than straightforward cash.

How much can you earn? It depends entirely on whether the partner brands are ones you’d buy from anyway. Some users report $10 to $30 per month in real savings. For others it’s close to zero.

Payout details: No cash payout. Rewards are partner discounts and cash-back credits. Apple Watch required to use the app at all.

Payout type: Partner discounts and cash-back rewards.

Pros:

• Rewards cardio intensity, not just step count
• Free to use with no upfront cost
• Some partner brands offer meaningful savings if they match your spending habits

Biggest complaints from users:

• Rewards have been significantly reduced from the app’s early versions
• Apple Watch exclusivity locks out the majority of potential users
• Partner discount value is close to zero if their brands don’t match your lifestyle

Worth it? Maybe. Only if you hit cardio goals consistently and the partner brands match your spending habits.

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Which App Works With Your Device?

Check this chart to see which app works with your specific device.

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How Much Can You Actually Make?

SO how much can you actually make with these “paid to move” apps?

Typical earnings per app

Based on user reports, most free step and passive apps pay somewhere between $5 and $20 per month for someone walking 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day. That’s the realistic range.

You’ll see articles claiming you can make $100 per month from Sweatcoin alone.

You can’t on the free plan.

Not even close.

Challenge apps like StepBet and DietBet can pay more per game, but they require upfront money and carry real risk of loss.

The stacking strategy that actually works

The smartest move isn’t picking one app.

It’s running several at once, because they track independently and don’t conflict with each other.

Here’s a practical three-tier approach:

Starter Stack (free, zero risk): CashWalk + Evidation + WinWalk (Android) or WeWard (iPhone). All three run in the background simultaneously. Based on what users report, you could realistically earn $15 to $30 per month without changing anything you do.

Active Stack (free, with effort): CashWalk + Evidation + Sweatcoin + Runtopia if you run. Users running this combination report earning $20 to $45 per month depending on activity level.

Full Stack (includes challenge apps): Active Stack plus one StepBet game per month. In good months users report $30 to $65. In bad months, subtract your $40 buy-in if you miss your step goals. Net over a full year for a disciplined, active person: some users report $200 to $400.

Is it actually worth your time?

If you’re already walking 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day, setting up CashWalk and Evidation takes about 10 minutes.

After that you do nothing differently.

Annualized, that’s potentially $180 to $360 for 10 minutes of setup.

That’s a solid return on a one-time investment of effort.

If you’re not already active and you’re hoping the money will motivate you to start, I’ll be honest: it probably won’t.

The earnings are too small to change behavior on their own.

But if you’re already moving, you’re leaving money on the table by not running at least a basic stack.

For more ways to get paid for healthy habits, there are other programs worth stacking alongside these apps.

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The Highest-Paying Option: Insurance and Employer Wellness Programs

Here’s something most people have no idea exists.

The highest-paying “get paid to work out” opportunity for many Americans isn’t an app at all.

It’s your health insurance plan or your employer’s wellness program.

If you qualify, it can pay 10 to 50 times more than anything Sweatcoin will ever give you.

Health Insurance Programs That Pay You to Exercise

Several major insurers run fitness reward programs that pay real cash or premium reductions for verified activity.

Here are the biggest ones worth checking:

UnitedHealthcare Motion

Available on select UnitedHealthcare plans. Members can earn up to $1,000+ per year in fitness rewards for hitting daily step, frequency, and intensity goals tracked through a wearable. According to UnitedHealthcare’s rewards page, rewards are deposited directly to a health account you can spend on eligible expenses.

This is the single biggest earning opportunity on this page for people who qualify.

Humana Go365

A wellness platform tied to Humana insurance plans. Members earn points for exercise, preventive care, and health screenings that convert to gift cards and other rewards. Point values vary by plan, so check your specific coverage.

Cigna Healthy Rewards

Offers discounts and rewards for gym memberships, fitness gear, and healthy behaviors depending on your specific Cigna plan.

Aetna Wellness Incentives

Varies significantly by employer plan. Some Aetna members have access to meaningful cash rewards for completing biometric screenings and fitness challenges.

The catch: these programs are tied to specific plan types and employer arrangements. You can’t sign up independently. Log into your insurance member portal and search for “wellness rewards” or “fitness incentives” to see what’s available on your plan.

Employer Wellness Stipends and LSAs

Many employers now offer Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) or wellness stipends that reimburse fitness expenses. Based on data from benefits research firm Mercer, common employer wellness budgets run from $300 to over $700 per employee per year, though some companies go much higher.

Depending on your employer, this might cover gym memberships, fitness equipment, workout classes, running shoes, and fitness apps or wearables.

Check with your HR department or employee benefits portal. This is one of the most commonly unclaimed benefits out there.

Medicare Fitness Benefits (SilverSneakers and Silver&Fit)

If you’re 65 or older and on Medicare, this one is specifically for you.

SilverSneakers and Silver&Fit are free gym membership programs available through many Medicare Advantage plans. They give you access to thousands of gym locations nationwide at no additional cost. That’s potentially hundreds of dollars per year in gym memberships you’re no longer paying for out of pocket.

Check your Medicare Advantage plan details or visit the SilverSneakers website to see if your plan qualifies.

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Apps That Used to Pay You to Work Out (But Aren’t Worth It Anymore)

This section could save you a lot of wasted time.

You may still see articles recommend apps that have shut down, stopped paying, or reduced their rewards so dramatically they’re no longer worth the effort.

Apps That No Longer Work

Pact / GymPact

One of the original “get paid to work out” apps. You committed to weekly workouts, paid a penalty if you failed, and earned from users who didn’t follow through.

It’s gone. Pact shut down and is no longer accepting new users.

Walgreens Balance Rewards Fitness Incentives

Walgreens used to award Balance Rewards points for logged steps and health actions through their app. That program has ended. MyWalgreens still exists, but the fitness-to-rewards connection that made it interesting is no longer there.

Apps That Changed for the Worse

Achievement (now Evidation)

Not gone, just rebranded. Achievement became Evidation. The core functionality is similar but long-time users note the earning rates have shifted significantly over the years. Still worth using as covered above, but worth knowing the history before you sign up with high expectations.

Paceline’s Original Cash-Back Model

Early Paceline users had access to direct cash-back rates that made it a strong earner. The current model is primarily partner discounts, which are far less valuable for most people.

How to Spot Apps That Won’t Last

Before downloading any fitness reward app not on this list, run a quick check:

• Search the app name plus “Reddit” to find real user reviews and recent payout complaints
• Read recent App Store reviews specifically mentioning payouts, not just the overall star rating
• Check Reddit’s r/beermoney community for threads about the specific app in the last 6 months
• If the earnings look unusually high compared to every other app in the space, they probably won’t stay that way for long

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Privacy and Data: What These Apps Are Actually Collecting

Most people skip this part.

It’s worth 2 minutes of your time.

When you download a fitness reward app, you’re not just earning points.

You’re sharing health and location data.

Steps, GPS location, heart rate, sleep patterns, weight, workout history.

That data is often a core part of how these apps generate the revenue that funds your rewards.

Most sell aggregated (and supposedly anonymized) datasets to insurers, researchers, and health companies.

That’s the trade you’re making.

What to Check Before You Connect Any App

• Check the app’s privacy policy for language about selling or licensing data to third parties
• Be cautious with apps that request access to data they don’t need
• Stick to established apps with verifiable track records. Newer apps with no payment history and aggressive data permissions are a red flag

Which Apps Are More Transparent

Of the apps on this list, Evidation and Charity Miles tend to be more upfront about their data practices. Evidation in particular publishes the research it conducts using its user data, which at least makes the trade visible.

WinWalk is notably privacy-friendly by design: no GPS, no account required to start, and no personal information needed until you cash out.

There’s no need to avoid these apps entirely over privacy concerns. But knowing what you’re trading is part of making an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Apps Are Worth Your Time?

Here’s what I suggest you do based on your satiation:

If you do nothing else, set up CashWalk and Evidation right now. Free, takes 10 minutes, runs passively in the background. Based on what users report, you could earn $15 to $30 per month without changing a single thing about your day.

If you’re on Android, add WinWalk to that stack. No GPS, no account required to start, runs silently in the background. It’s the most privacy-friendly option on this list and a clean addition to any stack.

If you walk outside regularly, add Sweatcoin and WeWard on top of that. All five running together and you could be looking at $25 to $50 per month for close to zero extra effort.

If you’re a runner, add Runtopia. It’s the only app on this list that specifically rewards running mileage in a meaningful way.

If you have a serious weight loss goal, HealthyWage is worth a serious look. The financial stake can increase accountability in a way that free apps simply can’t. Just treat the buy-in as money you’re prepared to lose and set a realistic goal.

If you’re competitive and disciplined about your steps, one StepBet game per month adds meaningful earning potential and keeps you accountable. Skip the annual membership until you know you’ll stick with it.

Before any of the above, check your health insurance member portal and ask HR about wellness stipends. Most people overlook this completely. It can pay far more than every app on this list combined.

None of these apps are going to replace your income.

But the right stack for your lifestyle can cover a streaming service, a pair of running shoes, or a gym membership every month, for doing what you were already doing anyway.

That’s the real opportunity here.

Which of these apps are you already using? Drop a comment below and let me know what you’re actually earning.