In a world where saving money on everyday purchases is as important as ever, many consumers turn to apps that offer cash back or rewards. One such app that has gained significant attention is the Upside app. Designed to put money back in your wallet when you fill up your gas tank, grab a bite to eat, or shop for groceries, Upside promises real savings in real time. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?
TL;DR: The Upside app is a free mobile application that allows users to earn cash back on gas, groceries, and dining purchases. Users simply check for offers near them, claim one, make a purchase, and then submit a receipt or use a linked card to earn rewards. The cash back earned can be deposited directly to your bank, PayPal account, or redeemed as a gift card. It’s easy to use and helps you save effortlessly on everyday spending.
What Is the Upside App?
Upside, originally launched as GetUpside, is a mobile rewards platform that partners with businesses across the United States to offer customers cash back on various categories such as:
- Gas stations
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
The app is free to download and use, and it provides users with personalized offers based on their location. Not only is it built with the consumer in mind, but it also supports participating businesses by driving traffic to their locations without traditional advertising costs.
The company was founded in 2016 and has since gained millions of active users who collectively save millions of dollars each year.
How Does Upside Work?
Using Upside is surprisingly simple and requires only a few steps:
- Download the app: Available on both Android and iOS, the first step is to install the app from your respective app store.
- Create an account: You’ll need to register using an email address or social login. This allows the app to track your rewards accurately.
- Browse local offers: Once logged in, you can view nearby offers tailored to your location. These may include gas stations offering up to 25 cents per gallon cash back, or restaurants offering 10% cash back on your total bill.
- Claim an offer: Select an offer and claim it before making a purchase. Offers are typically valid for a few hours, so timing is important.
- Make your purchase: Visit the business and pay as you normally would using a credit or debit card.
- Upload a receipt or use a linked card: To verify your purchase, either upload a clear photo of your receipt through the app, or link a card for automatic verification at select locations.
- Get cash back: After verification, your cash back will appear in your Upside account. You can cash out once your balance reaches a minimum of $10 (or less for some redemption methods).
Where Can You Use the Upside App?
One of Upside’s biggest strengths is its broad network of participating businesses. The app works with partners in nearly every U.S. state, making it convenient for travelers and locals alike. You’ll find deals in:
- Major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and New York
- Suburban regions that have high commuter activity
- Smaller towns and rural areas near highways or regional centers
The gas cash back function is its most widely available feature, but you’ll also find a growing list of partner restaurants and grocery stores depending on the region you’re in.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Cash back amounts vary based on the business and time, as dynamic pricing encourages users to act quickly. Sample savings include:
- Gas: 10-25 cents per gallon (sometimes more during promotions)
- Groceries: 5-15% back per trip
- Restaurants: 10-15% cash back on the total bill
While individual transactions may not seem huge, regular use can add up. For example, if you drive 50 miles a day and fill up once a week, you could save $4 to $8 per tank. Multiply that by four weeks, and you’re looking at $20 to $30 monthly savings on gas alone.
How Do You Redeem the Cash Back?
Once you’ve accumulated sufficient cash back, redeeming it is fairly straightforward. Upside offers several payout options:
- Bank transfer – Direct deposit to your checking or savings account
- PayPal – Quick payout to your PayPal balance
- Gift cards – Redeem for popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and more
Bank transfers and PayPal may take 1–3 business days, while gift card redemptions are often instant. Some withdrawal methods, such as bank transfers, may require identity verification for added security.
Is Upside Legit and Safe to Use?
Yes, Upside is a legitimate and secure app. It has millions of downloads and thousands of positive reviews across app stores. Furthermore, the app uses standard encryption protocols and data privacy measures to protect your personal and financial information.
User reviews generally cite ease of use, consistent rewards, and responsive customer service as major positives. However, there are occasional complaints about rejected receipts, expired offers, or troubleshooting linked cards. In most cases, these issues are resolved quickly by support.
Benefits of Using Upside
There are multiple reasons why the Upside app is worth trying, including:
- Free to use: No fees, no subscriptions, and no hidden costs
- Immediate savings: Users often start earning cash back within hours
- Supports local businesses: Encourages users to visit specific partners
- Stackable savings: Can be used along with loyalty programs and coupons
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its benefits, there are also some limitations to consider:
- Receipt uploads can be tedious for higher-frequency users
- Not all areas have a dense network of participating businesses
- Some banks may charge microtransaction fees for deposits (though rare)
- Card linking is not available at all businesses; manual receipt uploads may still be required
Tips for Maximizing Savings
To make the most out of the Upside experience, consider the following strategies:
- Plan your fuel stops: Look up offers ahead of time during your regular commute
- Use a reward credit card: Stack extra mileage or cash back by paying with a rewards card
- Refer friends: Upside offers referral bonuses when your friends join and make purchases
- Submit receipts promptly: Offers expire, usually within a few hours
Who Should Use Upside?
The Upside app is an ideal choice for:
- Commuters and daily drivers
- Budget-conscious families and students
- Frequent diners or takeout lovers
- Anyone who wants to earn passive cash back without changing spending habits
Conclusion
In summary, Upside makes saving money on daily essentials both simple and effective. Through partnerships with local merchants and a user-friendly platform, it offers real-time opportunities to reduce expenses on fuel, food, and groceries. Whether you’re trying to cut back amid rising costs or just enjoy the idea of getting rewarded for everyday purchases, the Upside app offers consistent value with minimal effort.
With careful use, wise redemption habits, and a little planning, Upside can earn back a meaningful portion of your monthly budget—without you even noticing.