Upside App Review 2024: Is It Legit and Safe?
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I bet you wouldn’t turn down a chance to save money in this harsh economy. What if I told you you could earn cashback on your next commute to work, restaurant trip, or grocery shopping?
The Upside app claims you can earn cashback every time you dine out, go grocery shopping, or at the pump.
I’m always looking for new ways to save or make quick cash, so I decided to try the app and see if it fulfilled its promises. In this Upside app review, I’ll share my experience in this Upside app review to uncover how it works and its income potential.
Whether you’re a rideshare driver seeking to save on gas or a stay-at-home mom looking to reduce your grocery spending, you’ll find this post helpful.
What Is the Upside App?
Upside is a cashback app that allows you to save money when shopping for groceries, dining out, or at the pump. The app was developed in 2016 by Upside Services Inc.
Upside works with over 50,000 companies worldwide to get more customers for a commission. They then share this commission with you in the form of cashback.
Some of Upside’s partnering companies include:
Any US resident who’s at least 16 can use Upside. The mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
It has over 10 million downloads on Google Play and is ranked 12th in the Travel category on the App Store.
The site’s functionality is similar to popular rebate apps like Fetch Rewards and Dosh. Simply sign up and link your cards or scan receipts and barcodes for free money.
Once you accumulate the withdrawal minimum, you can cash out your rewards via PayPal, check, or gift cards.
You can maximize Upside rewards by referring your friends to the platform or joining their affiliate program.
Is the Upside App Legit?
Yes, Upside is a legit rebate app that lets you save money on everyday purchases at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. The app has a solid 4.7 rating on Google Play and 4.8 on the App Store. According to its website, the company has paid 550 million in cashback to consumers.
I’ve used the app to earn cashback on gas, so rest assured the platform is legit. Since earning is almost effortless, using Upside to snag a few gift cards is a great idea.
I reviewed user feedback on Google Play and the App Store to see what others think of the app.
Overall, most reviews on both platforms are positive, showing that users are quite happy with their experience.
Among the upsides is the mobile app’s ease of use. Even if this is your first rebate app, you’ll find it easy to navigate. Plus, it has the most convenient partners we shop from daily.
The earnings aren’t much, but you can accumulate a significant sum if you remain consistent.
Frequent users earn about $340 annually, but I came across a user who claimed to have made $700 within a year!
I also noticed customer support is very helpful and prompt in resolving concerns raised by Upside users.
Another notable advantage of the Upside app is its low withdrawal minimum of $10. The earnings add up quickly if you use the app often, so you’ll be ready to cash out in a few weeks.
While the app is an excellent way to earn quick money, it has some disadvantages.
Many users complain that the cashback app doesn’t work in the stores, gas stations, and restaurants near them. The app is ideal for large cities where there are many partners.
People are also concerned about how the app freezes and loses their money. This case has only been reported by a handful of users and may be caused by using an outdated app version.
There’s also the missing proof of purchase, where you upload a receipt, but the app fails to pay your cashback.
User reviews are one way to determine if the app is worth your time. If you’re still having doubts, here’s a sneak peek into what other people think about Upside:
- RT says: “Great app and simple to use. I use it for gas and at the grocery store and have gotten back over 300 dollars. Had an issue with Uploading receipts at one time, talked to customer support and they had me clear the app cache and that fixed it.”
- Aimee says: “This actually works! I’ve gotten like 25¢/gal back on my gas in some places. It’s legit! Update: Been using for some months, and still enjoying it.”
- Becky Clark says: “Now I am having problems with getting my cash back!!! Nearly half of my transactions are not being credited to my account saying “no proof of purchase”!”
Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives, so Upside is worth a try. However, don’t expect to earn thousands quickly; it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme.
How Does It Work?
I tried the app for this Upside review, and overall, I love its user-friendly interface and generous cashback deals.
Here’s a detailed description of how Upside works to help you decide if you’re still unsure about the platform.
1. Download the Upside App
Signing up is the first step to accessing favorable discounts and saving money. You can sign up on the platform if you’re at least 18 and reside in the US. Users 16 and 17 can use the app with a guardian’s approval.
The Upside app is free to download on the App Store and Google Play. You’ll need iOS v14.0 or newer if you have an iPhone and Android 11 or later if you’re an Android user.
After downloading the app, sign up using your email address or Facebook account. From there, link your debit or credit cards for seamless payments.
The site automatically issues cashback for purchases made through a linked card. This way, you save yourself the trouble of scanning receipts.
2. Claim Gas Offers
Once you’ve linked your cards and completed the signup process, you can claim offers to make extra cash. The first way to make money is by refueling your car.
The app has a map that shows available offers near you. Upside partners with over 10,000 gas stations within the US, including:
- Shell
- Exxon
- Valero
- Mobil
- Circle K
- Suncoco
Offers vary by location. On average, expect about 25 cents per gallon, though some gas stations may offer more than a dollar per gallon.
Upside clearly shows how much you’ll earn at a particular gas station, making choosing gas stations with the highest cashback rates easy.
You must claim gas offers before refueling to be eligible for rewards. Some offers allow you to upload a receipt as proof of purchase, while others let you earn rewards by checking into the app at the gas station.
Check-in offers must be claimed within 20 minutes of purchasing. On the other hand, receipt offers require you to upload your receipt within 24 hours after purchasing.
You can only earn cashback on a maximum of 50 gallons per offer for both offers.
With gas prices skyrocketing, Upside presents an excellent opportunity to save money, especially if you spend significant time behind the wheel.
3. Earn Cashback at Restaurants
In addition to gas stations, Upside partners with numerous restaurants nationwide to offer reduced meal prices.
Some restaurants that partner with Upside include:
- Taco Bell
- Dairy Queen
- Domino’s
- MacDonald’s
- KFC
Not all restaurants in your area will offer cashback through Upside. Luckily, the company partners with many restaurants, offering many dining options.
I like this option because you can earn up to 45% cashback, which is relatively high if you dine out often.
4. Save Money at Grocery Stores
Are you always looking for ways to cut back on your grocery shopping? If that’s the case, Upside is your go-to rebate app.
They offer up to 30% cash back at participating stores, including:
- Schnucks
- Fresh Foods IGA
- Price Chopper
- Cardenas
- Gelson’s
Some items like alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medication are ineligible for cashback. Review terms and conditions to avoid losing your money or legal implications.
5. Earn Bonuses
While cashback is the primary way to make money on Upside, you can earn additional bonuses through their referral and affiliate programs.
The referral program rewards you for inviting your friends to the platform. You’ll earn a one-time bonus of $5 and one cent per gallon your referral purchases.
Your friend earns $5 after their first purchase, making this a win-win situation. Upside forbids you from posting your referral link on blogs and websites.
You can post it on social media, provided you have less than 2500 followers. The affiliate program lets you promote Upside to a larger audience and earn better rewards.
It’s worth noting that you can’t participate in the affiliate and referral programs simultaneously.
6. Cash Out
Upside lets you cash out through PayPal, bank transfers, and gift cards to companies like:
- Amazon
- AMC Theatres
- CVS Pharmacy
- Starbucks
The withdrawal minimum varies between $10 and $20 based on your location and payment method.
Upside processes payments within 10 business days. The only downside here is you must pay a $1 redemption fee for PayPal and bank payments.
You must keep your account active to earn significant cashback on Upside. Cashback rewards will expire if your account is inactive for six consecutive months.
How Much Can You Make With the Upside App?
Potential earnings depend on factors like your location and how often you use the app. In my case, most gas offers pay $1 to $2.
You can easily make $10 to $20 a month if you refuel severally. On average, consistent users earn about $340 annually.
This may not be much, but you can earn additional cashback on restaurants, grocery stores, and referrals.
Gas cashback is more beneficial if you’re a delivery driver and refuel your car daily. You could easily cash out within a week or two.
Go for the highest-paying offers and stack several offers to maximize your earnings.
Tips for Earning More With the Upside App
Upside can help you save more money on everyday purchases, especially with these tips:
- Stack offers: Stacking different offers is the best way to maximize your cashback rewards on Upside. Refuel your tank as you head to the grocery store for double rewards.
- Use several cashback apps: You can use different rebate apps simultaneously to earn more cashback on regular purchases.
- Be realistic: Cashback apps don’t pay much. You may only earn a few cents per offer. Having realistic expectations helps you avoid frustration.
Pros and Cons of Upside
Here are some upsides and downsides of the Upside app:
Pros:
- The app is compatible with both Android and iOS
- You can sign up for free
- Offers PayPal money
- Upside partners with over 50k businesses
- It provides several ways to earn cashback
Cons:
- Only available in the US and Canada
- You must pay redemption fees for PayPal and bank transfers
- Few local business partners
- Can’t use cash for purchases
The Best Apps Like Upside
Stacking Upside with similar apps is one way to maximize your earnings. Also, it may be wise to consider other apps if the Upside doesn’t have partners in your area.
Here are the best cashback apps you can use instead or alongside Upside:
- Drop: This is among the leading rebate apps out there. Simply link your cards to earn automatic cashback.
- Fetch Rewards: This cashback app rewards you for uploading your receipts.
- Receipt Hog: Whether you prefer online or in-person shopping, upload your receipts to Receipt Hog to earn extra cash.
- ReceiptPal: This Upside alternative lets you win cash prizes in sweepstakes in addition to shopping for cashback.
- GasBuddy: Sign up on GasBuddy to save up to $10 on your next refueling trip.
- Dosh: Another way of earning cashback automatically at outlets like Costco, Adidas, and Shake Shack.
- Checkout51: Like Upside, Checkout 51 offers cashback on gas at over 5,000 participating gas stations.
- CoinOut: Consider CoinOut if you’re still looking for apps like Upside.
ExtraReading – Apps That Pay You To Shop
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Upside App a Scam?
No, Upside isn’t a scam. The platform is legit and many users confirm they have received cashback rewards.
The 10 million downloads and 4.7 rating on the Google Play Store show that the platform is legit and worth your time.
What Is the Catch With Upside?
While Upside is a fantastic way to earn extra money, it does have a few catches. For instance, you can only earn cashback for up to 50 gallons of fuel.
Secondly, you can’t participate in both the affiliate and referral programs at the same time.
Is Upside Safe?
Upside is safe as they never share your personal information with third parties. Plus, they only use the last four digits of your debit or credit card number, not the full details.
How Does Upside App Make Money?
Upside makes money from commissions from partnering businesses. When you purchase from their partners, the company makes a commission. They then pay you a fraction of this commission as cashback.
Is the Upside App Worth It?
Yes! The Upside app is worth your time if you drive, shop, or dine out often. Your earnings depend on how much you purchase through the app. The more, the better.
Also, upside mostly partners with national and well-recognized companies, making it more rewarding if you reside in an urban area than a rural one.
Final Thoughts
I hope my Upside app review has helped you familiarize yourself with the app and decide whether to go for it.
While the earrings may not be much, a little cashback is better than nothing. Always start with the highest-paying offers to maximize your income.
Also, stacking several rebate apps is a good idea. Overall, I recommend using the app to reduce your household expenses.
Try out the Upside App and share your experience.
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