Walking to work could earn you more than just health benefits: a growing number of apps now reward your steps with freebies like coffee or Amazon discounts. The NHS recommends just 10 minutes of brisk walking daily, and the government is reviewing a pilot scheme in Wolverhampton that offered financial incentives for walking and improved diet.
We tested two popular apps: Paace and Sweatcoin. Paace offers immediate rewards at independent cafes and restaurants, mostly in London. After walking an average of 14,000 steps daily for a week, one tester earned enough points for an iced latte at a discount. The app sets a daily target of 8,000 steps and has over 200 partner vendors. Users must be at least 13 and share personal information, including location data, though this can be turned off.
Sweatcoin rewards steps with its own digital currency, which can be spent on promotional offers like free trials or discounted items. Its daily target is 12,000 steps, and users can earn extra coins by watching adverts. Rewards are less immediate and often require paying postage or signing up for trials. The app also has a crypto element, but this is optional.
Overall, Paace is more straightforward for tangible, local rewards, while Sweatcoin offers a wider range of deals but with more catches. Both apps require sharing personal data, so users should consider privacy implications.
