Macadam App Review – Is It Legit?

There are plenty of fitness apps that promise quick cash in exchange for your daily steps, but not all of them live up to the hype.

Macadam caught my attention with its bold claim that users can earn hundreds of dollars a year just by walking. That sounded worth investigating.

After spending a few weeks testing the app, I put together this review to break down how Macadam works, what rewards are attainable, and whether it’s worth the effort.

I’ll also share insights from other users to give a well-rounded view of what you’re getting into.

Before we dive in..

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Key Takeaways(If you’re in a hurry!)

• Macadam is a free “move-to-earn” app that syncs with Google Fit or Apple Health (and compatible smartwatches) to convert your steps into in-app coins.
• You earn 25 coins per 2,500 steps (up to 200 coins/day) but must manually “Convert My Steps” before midnight or lose that day’s progress.
• Beyond walking, you can boost your balance by watching ads, completing surveys, playing featured games, tapping map-based coin “spots,” and referring friends.
• Earning potential is low: serious walkers who max out daily steps and do every bonus task might pull in $5–$10 per month, while casual users see only a few dollars.
• Macadam is a legit app that does reward you for steps, ads, games, and referrals.
• VERDICT: If you want a fun, low-risk way to gamify your steps and earn small rewards for staying active, Macadam is worth trying—but don’t expect it to replace any substantial side income.

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What Is the Macadam App?

Macadam is a free fitness app that pays you to walk. Yes, literally—for every step you take, the app tracks your movement and rewards you with digital coins that can eventually be redeemed for various prizes. 

It positions itself as a legit walk-and-earn app and is available in several countries, especially across Europe, North America, and Australia. The idea is simple and appealing: stay active, and earn a bit on the side while you’re at it.

But while the premise sounds great, there are a few things to understand about how it actually works.

When you first download the app, you’ll need to sign up using your email and then connect it to your phone’s health data—either through Google Fit, Apple Health, or another compatible fitness tracker. This allows Macadam to accurately measure your daily step count. The app also requires access to your location data to function properly.

Once you’re set up, Macadam will automatically start tracking your steps each day. As you walk, you earn coins—Macadam’s in-app currency.

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How does Macadam App work?

Getting started with Macadam is almost effortless. After downloading the app and registering with your email—no bank details needed until you’re ready to cash out—you’ll be prompted to connect Macadam to your phone’s built-in health tracker (Google Fit on Android or Apple Health on iOS). 

You’ll also grant permission for motion data so the app can read your step count, and optional permissions for notifications and location. Enabling location unlocks a nifty “map” feature that drops hidden coin spots around your neighbourhood; don’t worry, Macadam only pings GPS intermittently when you open the map, so battery life and privacy aren’t sacrificed.

Once everything’s set up, Macadam quietly counts your steps in the background, up to a daily maximum of 20,000. Every 2,500 steps you log earns you 25 coins, but here’s the catch: you must open the app and tap the “Convert My Steps” button before midnight to secure your earnings.

Tapping convert brings up a short 15–30-second video ad, and the moment it finishes, your coins are safely deposited into your Macadam wallet. Forget to convert before the clock strikes twelve, and all unclaimed steps reset to zero, so that nightly reminder can be a lifesaver.

With location switched on, you can also swing open the in-app map any time you’re out and about. Each coin icon you spot represents a bonus reward waiting to be tapped when you’re within range. These “spots” add an element of treasure hunting to your walk, and they refresh every day in new locations, giving you a reason to explore different routes.

All of your coins accumulate in a single wallet, where you can see when you’ve hit the cash-out threshold—typically 30,000 coins, which translates to about $15. Payout options vary by region but often include PayPal transfers, popular gift cards, or even eco-friendly tree-planting initiatives. 

Your first withdrawal may require a quick ID verification, after which funds usually arrive within a week. By blending background step tracking, daily conversions, map-based bonuses, and extra in-app tasks, Macadam turns every part of your day into an opportunity to earn—and keeps you coming back for more.

Beyond Walking – Other Ways to Earn

Walking is the primary way to earn with Macadam, but it’s not the only option.

1. Playing Mobile Games

The app also features a section where you can earn coins by downloading and playing certain mobile games. To qualify for rewards, you need to launch the games directly through the Macadam app, which tracks how long you’ve been playing. The longer you play, the more coins you earn—though the catch here is that the reward rate decreases over time. 

In other words, the app gives you diminishing returns if you stick to the same game too long. It’s designed to encourage you to try different games, which benefits Macadam through advertising partnerships. While this is a fun way to boost your earnings, the payouts are relatively low compared to similar platforms.

2. Referral Program

Macadam also includes a referral program, although it’s not explained in much detail within the app itself. From my experience with similar apps, this usually means you share a referral link or code with a friend, and if they download the app and meet certain conditions, like reaching a specific number of steps or coins, you receive a bonus. With Macadam, that bonus appears to be 500 coins per successful referral. It’s a decent incentive, but unless you’re confident in the app’s reliability and rewards, you might hesitate to recommend it to others.

In summary, Macadam offers a few different ways to earn, mainly walking, gaming, and referrals, but each comes with its own quirks. The daily step conversion requirement adds a layer of pressure to stay consistent, and the reliance on ad-watching for every reward means your earnings come at the cost of time and attention. Still, for those who are already active and don’t mind daily check-ins, it could be a way to earn a small bonus while keeping fit.

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How Much Money Can You Make with Macadam?

When it comes to making money with the Macadam app, the potential earnings are… modest, at best. While the app markets itself as a way to turn your daily steps into passive income, the reality is a bit more complicated—and honestly, a little underwhelming if walking is your only strategy.

Let’s start with the basics. Macadam pays you in digital coins for every step you take, and you can begin redeeming coins once you hit certain daily milestones. 

For example, walking 2,500 steps in a day earns you 15 to 25 coins, and as your step count increases—up to around 20,000 steps—you can earn upwards of 200 coins per day. There’s also a streak bonus system, which adds extra coins if you walk consistently over several days. But even with all that, the math doesn’t quite add up if you’re hoping for fast payouts.

Here’s why: to cash out $15 US, you need around 45,000 coins. Now, let’s say you average 10,000 steps per day, which earns you about 75 coins daily. At that rate, it would take roughly 600 days—yes, almost two years—just to earn that $20 payout if you’re only walking and not using any of the other earning features. And that’s assuming you remember to validate your steps before midnight every single day, which, let’s be honest, is easy to forget.

To make things a bit more manageable, Macadam does allow users to level up from Bronze to Silver and Gold tiers by completing more in-app offers, like playing games, answering surveys, or trying sponsored tasks. 

As you move up, the coin-to-cash conversion rate improves slightly, and you also unlock access to more redemption options. But again, to level up, you’ll need to actively engage with more time-consuming offers, not just rely on walking.

Cashing Out

Macadam offers a few different cash-out methods depending on your region. Users in the U.S. can redeem coins through PayPal, while those in Europe may need a European bank account. In most cases, the minimum threshold to withdraw is around $15, and gift cards or discounts to partner websites are also available.

But even once you reach that payout level, redemptions aren’t instant—bank transfers and gift cards can take up to 15 days to process.

Is Macadam Legit?

The short answer is yes—Macadam is a genuine app that does reward you for steps, ads, games, and referrals. It holds solid ratings across major platforms: on Trustpilot, Macadam averages 4.1 stars from over 1,400 reviews; on the App Store, it boasts 4.8 stars; and Google Play users rate it 4.6 from more than 120,000 downloads. Those numbers tell you people are downloading, using, and cashing out without discovering any hidden gotchas.

That said, “legit” doesn’t always mean “perfect.” Plenty of users praise Macadam’s clean interface, straightforward step-to-coin system, and the variety of rewards on offer. Others have grown impatient waiting to hit the payout threshold, or frustrated when step counts don’t match their watch or another fitness app. 

A handful report occasional delays in payment or hiccups during the ID-verification process. These glitches don’t scream scam—they smack more of growing pains in a relatively new fitness-rewards space.

I tested Macadam myself and have successfully converted my coins into PayPal transfers and gift cards. The process was smooth, and the payoff—however modest—provided a surprising extra nudge to stay active. That said, some walkers report occasional glitches with step syncing or payment delays, so your experience may vary depending on your device and region. 

In my view, Macadam is a gentle motivator for anyone looking to walk more and snag a few dollars in the process. If you’re already logging heavy mileage on your feet, the coins can add up to a modest but meaningful side income. But if you’re chasing hundreds a year with minimal effort, this isn’t your fastest lane—better-paying apps exist. For anyone who values the blend of fitness and small financial incentives, Macadam is a legit companion on your next jaunt.

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Pros and Cons of Macadam App?

Like most apps in the “get paid to walk” space, Macadam has its strengths—and a fair share of frustrations, too. 

After testing the app myself and digging through feedback from other users, it’s clear that while Macadam offers a creative approach to passive earning, it doesn’t always deliver the smoothest experience or the best rewards.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main pros and cons.

The Good

Here’s what works well with Macadam:

• Completely free to use with no upfront fees, subscriptions, or need for sensitive financial information
• Available in multiple countries on both Android and iOS, with seamless connections to Google Fit or Apple Health
• Encourages daily movement by turning steps into coins and offers multiple earning methods (surveys, mobile games, videos, referrals)
• Provides a wide selection of rewards, from discounts and gift cards to fitness-related freebies

The Not-So-Good

That said, there are several drawbacks you should know about before jumping in.

• Very low earning potential if you’re only walking; at 10,000 steps per day, it can take months or even over a year to earn enough coins for a small payout
• Forgetting to convert your steps before midnight erases that day’s progress
• Frequent glitches and crashes are reported, especially on Android devices
• Cash-out options vary by region and may be limited to PayPal or certain European bank accounts
• Customer support is often unresponsive when you encounter problems

So, should you join Macadam?

If you’re already walking a lot, don’t mind a few ads, and enjoy trying out apps that offer small passive rewards, it might be worth testing for fun. Just go in with realistic expectations—this isn’t going to be a reliable side hustle, and you’ll likely earn more through the surveys and offers than walking alone.

However, if your main goal is to make consistent or meaningful cash from your daily steps, there are better alternatives out there that offer higher payouts, clearer reward systems, and fewer frustrations.

In short, Macadam can be a nice bonus app, but it’s not a game-changer, and probably not worth your time if you’re not already using similar apps or if you’re hoping for real income.

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Macadam App Alternatives

If Macadam’s low payout or occasional glitches have you hunting for something more reliable—or simply keen to compare—you’re in luck. The “walk-to-earn” space has matured, and several apps offer similar features with different twists.

Sweatcoin

One of the oldest players is Sweatcoin, which converts your outdoor steps into a currency called “sweatcoins.” Instead of a strict daily conversion window, Sweatcoin tracks your steps passively and tops up your balance in real time. You can redeem for gadgets, fitness gear, or even transfer small amounts to PayPal once you hit a high enough threshold. Its interface is slick, battery impact is low, and you aren’t forced to watch an ad each time you cash in, although the per-step rate is comparable to Macadam’s modest returns.

WeWard

For Europe-based walkers, especially, WeWard delivers a friendlier earning curve. You earn “wards” for roughly every 10–20 steps and can boost your haul by visiting special locations, completing in-app challenges, or playing mini-games. WeWard’s rewards catalogue leans heavily on gift cards and local experiences (think café vouchers or movie tickets), and the app’s community features—leaderboards, team walks—keep motivation high.

Cashwalk

On the faster end of the spectrum, Cashwalk lets you stack your earnings across multiple pedometer apps. Cashwalk slips into your lock screen as you walk and offers daily gift-card payouts once you hit 10,000–20,000 steps, usually within two weeks.

Is the Macadam App Worth It?

Whether Macadam is worth your time depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re expecting to earn serious money just by walking, the short answer is no, it probably isn’t worth it. But if you’re curious about trying a low-effort app that rewards you for something you already do every day, it may have some value as a light, passive earning tool.

On the positive side, Macadam is free to use, and it does offer legit rewards. Some users report earning a few dollars a month, and if you’re already someone who walks a lot or enjoys playing mobile games and answering surveys, you could potentially boost your earnings to $5–$10 per month. The app also has a good range of reward options, including gift cards, discount codes, and, in some regions, direct cashouts via PayPal or bank transfer.

But let’s be honest—the earnings are minimal, and they come with strings attached. You have to validate your steps every single day before midnight, or you lose them. The app can also be buggy, and it doesn’t work smoothly on all devices. Some users, myself included, have had issues with the app crashing or failing to track steps accurately. And even if it does work, cashing out isn’t guaranteed; certain regions don’t support PayPal or bank withdrawals, and the app doesn’t make this fully clear from the start.

There’s also the issue of privacy. Macadam needs constant access to your location and health data, and while that’s fairly standard for fitness apps, it might not sit well with everyone.

Final Verdict

If you’re just looking for a fun, low-commitment app to help motivate your daily walks and maybe earn a little something along the way, Macadam can be a decent addition to your phone, as long as your expectations are realistic. But if you’re after reliable cash payouts, better support, and a smoother user experience, there are other apps out there that do it better.

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