Upside App Review: Is the Cash Back App Worth It?
Upside allows you to earn cash back on what you’re likely already spending money on, like gas, groceries or restaurant meals. Although the earnings per transaction might not seem like a lot, it adds up — people who use it regularly can earn hundreds per year.
If you have a cash back credit card, you know how sweet it is to get a little extra money in your pocket on your purchases. Our Upside app review will tell you what you need to know about the app, how the offers work and how you can use it as a savings tool.
Quick Answer: How the Upside App Works
The Upside app works by connecting consumers with cash back offers at partner gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants. You claim an offer in the app, make your purchase as usual and get cash back once the app verifies the transaction.
This is the typical process:
- Open the Upside app
- Claim a nearby offer
- Pay at the business
- Receive cash back via bank transfer, PayPal or gift cards
The process is quick and simple — but it’s important that users follow the proper steps. If you go to the wrong store location or don’t make a qualifying transaction, you may not get your cash.
What Is the Upside App?
Upside is a cash back app that helps you earn money back on gas, groceries and dining. You download the Upside app, set up a free account and check the map to find participating stores near you. When you’re ready, claim an offer, tap “Check In” before you pay with your linked card. And, you can cash out your earnings through your bank account, PayPal or with gift cards.
The app currently offers rewards in three main categories:
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
Gas offers are the most common, which is why many people think of Upside primarily as a gas cash back app.
However, there’s more than 100,000 locations nationwide where you can get in on these cash back offers. For gas, it includes BP, Circle K, Shell and more. Dining and grocery partners include favorites like Taco Bell, Domino’s, Giant Eagle and Price Chopper.
Getting money back on everyday purchases sounds great, but is Upside legit? The app is free to download and there’s no membership fee. So what’s the catch? Businesses partner with cash back apps as a way to get more traffic to their stores, so that’s how they make money. The main downside is that the app doesn’t work absolutely everywhere.
How Does the Upside App Work?
To earn cash back with Upside, you look for offers near you to claim. Once you claim an offer, you buy gas or food as usual. The app will verify you made a qualifying purchase, then credit your account with cash back.
Step 1: Download the App
First, download the app and create a free account.
Users can sign up with an email address or connect a Google or Apple account. After registering, the app shows nearby cash back offers on a map.
Step 2: Claim a Nearby Offer
Next, you’ll claim a cash back offer from a nearby gas station, grocery store or restaurant.
Offers typically show:
- Cents per gallon for gas
- Percentage cash back for groceries or dining
It’s crucial that you claim the offer before you make the purchase and that you go to the correct location.
Step 3: Pay Normally at the Store
Once you claim an offer, make your purchase as you normally would. You’ll have the option to get directions to the store to make sure you go to the right place.
You pay for your stuff with a credit or debit card that’s linked to the app. The app will process the offer from there, but make sure to keep your receipt in case something goes wrong. You may need to upload it as proof of purchase.
Step 4: Receive Cash Back
Cash back goes into your Upside account balance once the transaction gets the stamp of approval. You can cash out through a bank transfer, PayPal or gift cards. That process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on where you purchased from. You will also pay $1 if you cash out before accumulating $15.
How Much Money Can You Earn With Upside?
The average cash back rate for groceries and dining is 8% with Upside. For gas, you can earn an average of 11 cents per gallon. However, the app shows you participating local gas stations where you can beat the pump price by as much as 25 cents per gallon.
It’s not a lot per purchase, but it adds up, and consistency is key. People who use the app regularly earn an average of $254 every year. That cash is deposited straight into your PayPal or bank account. Or, you can redeem it for a gift card from brands like Amazon and Starbucks.
So how much you can earn really depends on how often you use it and where you’re located. But people find it generally easy to use, so working it into your day-to-day life shouldn’t be too much of a struggle.
Example Savings Scenario
Example:
- Fill-up amount: 15 gallons
- Cash back offer: 12¢ per gallon
Savings for one visit:
15 × $0.12 = $1.80 cash back
If you get gas once per week at a similar cost:
- Weekly savings: $1.80
- Annual savings: about $93
Example for Frequent Drivers
If you’re at the pump even more than the average driver, your earning potential also goes up.
Example:
- 15 gallons × $0.15 cash back = $2.25 per fill-up
- Two fill-ups per week = $4.50
- Estimated yearly savings about $234
How much you earn will depend on how often you fill up and available offers near you.
Is the Upside App Legit?
Yes, Upside is the real deal and it’s safe. You can get real cash back from it, and there are no fees to join. Reviews also are generally positive, however there are complaints about minimal offers in some areas, difficulty contacting customer service and cash back claims getting rejected. Your best bet is to make sure you follow Upside’s directions exactly. Offers can expire or not work if you go to the wrong location.
It’s also a good idea to keep your expectations realistic. This isn’t an app that gets you huge payouts immediately.
Plus, earnings depend on factors such as:
- What offers are available near you
- How often you buy gas or food
- Which businesses in your region partner with Upside
The average annual earnings of $254 translates to less than $1 a day. But, it gets you cash back on stuff you were going to buy anyway, and the business partner enjoys the sale it might not have made if there wasn’t that cash back offer to draw you there. It’s intended to be a win for everyone.
How the Upside App Makes Money
Upside makes money by partnering with businesses that want to attract customers. These gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants become part of the marketplace so they can advertise offers and draw in customers who may not have purchased something there without the offer. When a user like you claims an offer and buys something from that business, Upside makes money as well. This is also why the app is free to use.
Where the Upside App Works
You can use Upside to earn cash back at more than 100,000 restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations across much of the United States. What offers you see depends on the locations that participate near you. That means just because you earned cash back on a gas station by your house, doesn’t necessarily mean another gas station across town with the same company will also have cash back offers.
You’ll mostly find offers in:
- Major metropolitan areas
- Suburban areas that have a lot of gas station competition
Fewer businesses in rural areas may participate, which means fewer offers.
Pros and Cons of the Upside App
| Pros | Cons |
| Free to download | Offers not available everywhere |
| Cash back on everyday purchases | Cash back processing can take time |
| Gas savings available in many cities | Some purchases require receipt uploads |
| Relatively low effort | Not all locations participate |
How to Maximize Your Upside Savings
Getting the most out of Upside will depend on a few factors. Here are a few things you can do to up your payout potential.
- Make sure you claim offers before making purchases — the offers expire within a certain timeframe.
- Link your preferred payment method and use it consistently.
- Enable push notifications or check the app regularly for new offers.
- Hang on to your receipts until you get the cash back. Sometimes an uploading error is all it takes to put a snag in getting your money.
- Take advantage of the referral program.
- Combine offers with other rewards programs if available
- Check the app regularly for offers
You can cash out any time, and you’ll get your money within two days of initiating a transfer. Download the Upside app and use code TPH25 to get an extra 25 cents per gallon off your first purchase.There are even more ways to save on gas outside of cash back apps. Read our list of tips.
How to Cash Out Your Upside Earnings
You can cash out with Upside at any time, but if you’ve earned less than $15, you’ll be charged $1. Follow these steps to cash out:
- Go to the home screen in your account and tap your balance in the right-hand corner
- Choose how you want to withdraw (bank account, PayPal or gift card)
- Check the email you have with Upside
- Confirm the account information to verify
- Most requests take a couple days, but bank transfers could take 5-7 business days
Upside vs Other Gas Rewards Apps
Other cash back apps like Upside work in similar ways but have some differences. For example, Rakuten offers cash back on retail, dining and travel but not gas. And the cash back you can get changes and varies widely. It can be as low as 1% or even as high as 20%. Fetch is a rewards app. You rack up points by shopping and playing games then get free gift cards in return.
Here’s how it compares to other apps:
Upside vs GasBuddy
GasBuddy is primarily for finding the cheapest gas near you. It can compare prices at nearby gas stations so you know where the most affordable gas is before you leave to fill up.
Upside vs Ibotta
Ibotta’s model is similar to Upside’s. You download the app and register, then browse through offers at partner businesses. How much you get back depends on the retailer and the offer.
Upside vs Fuel Rewards Programs
Fuel rewards programs will get you discounts at specific gas stations, while Upside provides cash back at multiple participating locations.
For more options that lower fuel costs, check out our list of fuel rewards programs.
Is the Upside App Worth It?
The Upside app could be worth it if you are a frequent driver or spend a lot on food, and you want a simple way to earn cash back. The savings per purchase are usually small, so it’s especially worth it for people who are filling up frequently, buying a lot of groceries or dining out regularly.
It’s important to remember that offers depend on where you live and what businesses near you participate. That means the amount you can earn will vary. Being consistent and checking the app frequently can help you earn as much as possible.
If saving on dining out is a top priority for you, we have a list of other ways you can save.
FAQs About the Upside App
Yes, the Upside app is free to download and use. Users don’t pay subscription fees, and cash back comes from partnerships with participating businesses.
Upside says frequent users can earn an average of $254 a year, but most users earn a few dollars to several dollars per month, depending on how often they claim offers. Earnings vary widely based on location, spending habits and available offers.
Yes, Upside can reduce fuel costs by offering cash back per gallon at participating gas stations. The savings per fill-up are usually small, but they can add up over time for frequent drivers.
Users can cash out their Upside earnings through PayPal, bank transfer or gift cards once they reach the app’s minimum withdrawal balance of $15.
It depends where the cash back is from and how you cash out, but it typically takes a few hours to a few days. Bank transfers take longer.
Final Verdict
Using the Upside app can get you cash back on gas, groceries and restaurant purchases, and you don’t have to change how you spend to get it.
It’s important to remember that earnings per transaction are usually modest and offers vary based on where you’re located. Even though results differ among users, the app can provide some level of cash back on purchases you were likely making anyway. That makes it a valuable tool in a broader savings strategy rather than a way to save a bundle.
