After exploring Trima (トリマ) and Receipt Challenge (レシチャレ), the third independent walking app we’re featuring in the Points and Miles Japan series is Powl (ポール). Unlike apps that focus solely on walking or receipt uploads, Powl blends everyday movement with surveys and promotional campaigns, making it one of the most versatile “ポイ活” (point activity) apps in Japan. Millions of users have downloaded it, and for good reason—it offers multiple ways to earn points that can later be exchanged through Dot Money for shopping credits, gift cards, or airline miles.

The app rewards you in several ways. Walking is the most straightforward: your daily steps are tracked, and you can earn modest amounts of points, usually capped at around 100–200 per day. Surveys are another major feature, ranging from quick questionnaires worth 50 points to longer, more detailed ones that can yield up to 500 points. Then there are promotional offers, which are where Powl really stands out. Signing up for campaigns—such as free streaming trials or credit card applications—can deliver thousands of points in one go, far surpassing what you’d earn from walking alone. Occasionally, mini-games or small in-app tasks add extra points, though these tend to be smaller bonuses.

Of course, ads are part of the experience. To claim rewards, you’ll often need to watch short ads lasting about 15–30 seconds. These appear when confirming walking rewards or survey completions. Compared to Trima, which requires an ad for nearly every walking segment, Powl’s ad frequency feels lighter, though it’s still noticeable if you’re using the app daily.

The biggest advantage of Powl over other third-party walking apps is its variety. You’re not limited to just walking or uploading receipts. You can earn through surveys, campaigns, and special offers. This makes it easier to accumulate points quickly, especially if you take advantage of high-value promotions. Redemption is also flexible: points can be exchanged for cash, shopping credits, gift codes, or airline miles via Dot Money. The interface is relatively user-friendly, which helps if you’re new to Japanese point apps.

On the downside, walking rewards are modest compared to Trima, and surveys can sometimes feel repetitive or time-consuming. Ads, while less frequent, are still required to claim rewards, which may frustrate users who prefer a smoother experience. And like most of these apps, Powl defaults to Japanese, which can be a hurdle for non-fluent users, though some menus adjust to your phone’s OS language.

With steady use—walking daily, answering surveys, and occasionally joining campaigns—most users can accumulate enough points for a Dot Money exchange within two to three weeks. Heavy users who actively participate in promotional offers may reach thresholds even faster.

Setting up Powl is straightforward. You start by downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play. Registration can be done with your email or social media account. Once inside, you’ll need to enable permissions for step tracking and notifications. To maximize your rewards, it’s highly recommended to create a free Dot Money account, which consolidates your points and allows you to link them to shopping platforms or airline mileage programs. Once connected, every step, survey, and campaign participation starts feeding into your balance.

So, is Powl worth it? If you’re looking for an app that goes beyond walking and offers multiple ways to earn, it’s one of the most effective tools out there. With a mix of surveys, campaigns, and everyday movement, Powl makes it possible to turn spare time and daily activity into travel rewards.