Last Updated on September 7, 2025 by Full-Time Job From Home
If you’ve ever pulled into a gas station and wished you had a way to get cash back on your fuel, you’ve probably heard about the Upside app. I started using Upside after seeing a few friends post about their gas savings on social media. The idea of getting some extra money back for something I do all the time—fill up my car—sounded pretty handy, so I decided to test it out myself.
I want to share everything about my experience, what you can really expect to earn, how Upside works, if you’ll actually get paid, and things worth considering before using it. Below you’ll find my take on all the important questions people usually have about the app, plus a breakdown of the good and not-so-good parts.
Summary: Upside is a legitimate cashback app that helps users save money on gas, groceries, and restaurants by offering rewards when purchases are made through its partnered locations. Payments are dependable and can be cashed out via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards, making it a simple way to earn back a little extra on everyday spending. While it won’t replace a full income, Upside is a trustworthy, low-effort option to stretch your budget.
In this Upside App Review, we will cover:
- Upside App Review
- How Upside Works
- How Does Upside Pay
- Upside Payment Proof
- Is Upside Legitimate
- How Much Can You Earn
- Upside Pros and Cons
- Upside FAQs
- Should you try Upside
Upside App Review
App: Upside
Type: Cashback on Gas, Groceries, and Restaurants
Verdict: Legitimate with Limitations
Upside is a legit way to earn some cash back on everyday purchases, mainly gas. It also offers deals at certain grocery stores and restaurants. I use it mostly for gas, and I’ve gotten paid out several times. The app is super easy to use, and if you drive regularly or like saving a bit on errands, it’s worth checking out.
From my experience, this is a tool for casual side money, not something that’s going to make a huge impact on your budget. Some weeks I make a few bucks just by scanning receipts after a fill-up. The amount you earn depends on your location, what you buy, and if you remember to claim your offers.
How Does the Upside App Work?
The process is straightforward. Download the Upside app from your app store or visit Upside.com, sign up, and then browse nearby offers. Here’s how it works for gas purchases, which is how I use it most:
1) Find Offers Nearby
Open the app and you’ll see a map with partner gas stations, grocery stores, and occasionally restaurants. Each place shows how much cash back you can get per gallon (for gas) or as a percentage (for groceries and food).
2) Claim the Offer
When you’re headed to the pump, hit the “claim” button for your chosen location. Most offers require you to purchase within a set window, often 4 hours.
3) Make Your Purchase
Pay as you normally would with your preferred debit, credit, or gift card. For gas, I always use my regular pay at the pump method.
4) Snap a Photo of Your Receipt
Most stations still require you to take a clear picture of your printed receipt and upload it to the app. A few stations allow for what’s called “check in,” where you link your card in the app for automatic processing. I’ve only used this twice; it worked, but I still like uploading receipts for peace of mind.
5) Get Cash Back Added to Your Account
Within a few days (usually about 24 to 48 hours in my experience), your cash back shows up on your Upside balance. Once you hit the minimum threshold of $10, you can cash out via bank transfer, PayPal, or opt for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks.
How Does Upside Pay Out?
Once your account hits the minimum cash-out amount (usually $10), you can choose how you want to be paid:
- Bank Transfer: It goes directly into my checking account. It takes about 1 to 3 business days for me.
- PayPal: Receive payment directly to PayPal within a few hours to a day.
- Gift Cards: There are lots of options if you prefer to redeem at Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, and others. I tried this once and received my card code within minutes.
Upside sends an email confirmation each time you request a payout. If you’ve signed up with your phone number, you might get a text alert as well.
Upside Payment Proof
I’ve been using Upside since it came out in 2018, I’ve received many payments over the years from all forms of cash outs that they offer.
Here is proof of one of my latest PayPal payments:
This payment was in my PayPal account the same day as my cashout.
Is Upside Legitimate?
Yes, from my own use and plenty of user reviews online, Upside is legitimate. I’ve cashed out to both PayPal, bank transfer, and gift cards, with payments arriving as promised. Upside has also partnered with some recognizable names in the fuel and food industry, which gave me more confidence.
Like most reward apps, your experience might differ a bit based on your region and how often you make purchases at participating businesses, but overall, if you use the app and follow the guidelines of each offer, you should make some extra money each month.
How Much Can You Earn With Upside?
The money you make with Upside really depends on where you live and how often you purchase gas or visit participating locations. Most gas offers in my area pay about 10 to 25 cents per gallon, though during special promotions I’ve seen up to 35 cents off per gallon. Sometimes, if a lot of users have already claimed an offer, the cash back rate may drop or disappear for a day or two.
During the weeks I fill up two or three times, I’ve earned $2 to $5. Over the course of a month, I’ve taken home anywhere from $8 to $20, just depending on my driving habits. People who commute a lot or have bigger vehicles might see higher amounts. For groceries or restaurants, I’ve seen between 3% and 8% cash back when offers popped up, though store participation can be spotty depending on the city.
This isn’t a way to get rich, but being paid back for something you were buying anyway isn’t bad. It’s more of a nice surprise each time you fill up or buy groceries somewhere that happens to have an offer.
Is There a Downside to Upside?
There are a few things to keep in mind before depending on Upside for your extra cash:
- Not All Locations Participate: Some gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants just aren’t listed, so you may have to drive out of your way to earn.
- Receipt Required at Most Places: It’s a simple process, but sometimes forgetting to grab the receipt or losing it means you can’t claim your offer. If you’re someone who always forgets, this could be frustrating.
- Lower Offers After Repeat Visits: I noticed that if you use Upside at the same spot a few times, the cash back rate can go down for a while. Upside rotates deals to encourage you to try new places.
- Account Holds for Fraud Checks: Occasionally, if you submit blurry receipts or too many claims in a short period, Upside might review your account before releasing funds. I had a pending payout for about a week once, but customer support eventually approved it.
- Limited In-Store Offers: In some areas, restaurant and grocery offers are rare or inconsistent, so most people end up using Upside just for gas.
For me, these are more annoyances than deal breakers. If you plan ahead and know which stations participate, it’s generally low effort.
Upside App Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Super easy to use with a straightforward interface.
- Real cash back (not just points or sweepstakes entries).
- Wide range of gas stations, so offers are available in most busy towns or cities.
- Bonus offers for referring friends.
- No monthly membership fee or upfront payment required.
- Payments are reliable and supported by both the company and user testimonials.
Cons:
- Receipt submission is still required at most stations.
- Cash back varies and may drop if you use the same location repeatedly.
- Offers can run out in busy areas or during high-traffic travel seasons.
- Payouts may be delayed during account reviews.
Upside App FAQs
After reviewing different forums and searches about the Upside App, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Upside.
Does Upside Pay Real Money? – Yes, every payout I’ve gotten from Upside has been real cash. Whether I cashed out via bank transfer, PayPal, or got a digital gift card, I received payment just like I would from any rewards site. I like that it isn’t points based; your savings show up as real dollars and cents.
Does Upside App Charge a Fee? – No, Upside doesn’t charge you to join or use the app, so there’s no monthly fee or upfront cost. Of course, it’s an app that pays you cashback, which means you have to spend money to earn. Only use this app if you routinely make purchases that they pay you for.
My Final Thoughts: Should You Try Upside?
If you already buy gas, groceries, or eat out sometimes, using Upside is a nice way to make your money stretch a bit further. The app is free, and I’ve gotten paid out multiple times, so it’s legit. You won’t be making hundreds per month just from gas cash back, but every little bit helps, especially with how prices can jump around. Just make sure you keep your receipts, check nearby offers before filling up, and don’t forget to cash out when you hit the minimum. If you’re curious, it’s worth a shot and might even become a regular habit like it did for me.
Visit Upside.com to sign up for a free account and start earning today.
If extra pocket money interests you, you might also want to check out other apps and reward sites that pay users for things like shopping or sharing receipts. A few of my favorites are Ibotta and Rakuten.
Cashback isn’t for everyone. Make sure to check out these other helpful links:
Work From Home Jobs Hiring Now
Start Your Own Online Business
Do you think Upside is a scam? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this review in the comments below!
I’ve earned $572 in 11 months using GetUpside. Use code K5BC6 on sign up and get us both $0.15/gallon on the next fill up. Refer your friends and get bonuses of your own going forward.
I love this app for saving on gas. I’ve gotten $114 so far. My code MDCX5 gets us both a 20¢/gal bonus: https://upside.app.link/MDCX5
I really wanted to like GetUpside, but it appears to be a waste of time for me. The first use was great because you get the bonus money added. Ever since then, I have only seen 2-3 cents off per gallon and always at gas stations that are charging more so I rarely bother any more. When I do use it, there is a 50/50 chance the app won’t take the receipt. Now, all of a sudden you have to submit before purchasing or it will reject. Too much time and energy. In 4 months I have a balance of $3.01 – just not worth it.
I like the app a lot, have been using it a few months and just cashed out $40.00. If anyone wants to use my code its 5WNZ2. We will both get extra money back when you use the code, so I appreciate anyone who uses it!
I’ve used it for awhile, it is legit, however it seems pretty limited meaning only Bp and Shell stations mostly all I’ve seen in Va and NC. The most you ever get back is your first purchase. If you look around other stations you can usually get gas for the same price with that discount. With gas prices rising the amount per gal has gone to 1-3 cent which really isn’t worth the trouble. Just my 2, wanted to share it’s not the windfall they depict.
Legit for sure. Successfully cashed out many times via PayPal. I don’t recommend gift card redeems as there is no incentive. Same value whether cashing out via PayPal or buying gift cards. Why limit your $$$?
Use promo code ZWVWP4 for a sweet 20¢/gal bonus on first purchase
GetUpside is legit – definitely not a scam. I’ve saved $35 on gas in the last few months. Use promo code Jason3393 for an extra 20 cents of your first fill-up
https://upside.app.link/JASON3393
I did alright on my first fill up, but today the discount is only $.01. While watching the stations one went from $.12 a gallon down to $.05. For a penny or two I wouldn’t bother using this apt. These “PROMO” codes listed in these messages are individuals trying to get you to use their codes to make more money. Use your own!
Wondering if this is a SCAM! Made over $60.00 in 2 months. Went to cash out with a gift card. Never got it. They said they sent it by e-mail. Now they say it is complicated and need to wait another 5 days. Seems real fishy to me!
Hey Joe.
I’ve never cashed out a gift card, so I can’t comment on how long it takes to get gift card payments. I’d say it’s a really good sign that they responded to your support message and that they will get it resolved.
I’ve had no problems with PayPal payments and you can see proof of them paying me each month on my Extra Income Reports.
It’s not a scam, so hopefully they get the issue resolved quickly.
Thanks for reading and sharing your experience,
Brok
Tampa fl area ‘KANE ‘ IS CODE but my time is too valuable forvall this clerical work; obviously they makeva fortune tracking yout information
Used for the first time. Said I was going to get gas for 2.19. Cash price was 2.49 and Credit price was 2.69. We have to use a credit card so we paid an extra .20 per gallon. Luckily this was my first purchase and I did not have to find another station otherwise we would have lost money. We paid 2.39 with our bonus, if we did not have the bonus it would have been 2.59 and we could get it across the street for 2.55. Right now I’m not a fan. BEWARE: watch for the cost between cash and credit!!!!!
I can vouch for the Getupside App as I have now made $123 and change by referring people and filling up at places that have good deals through the app. I’ve used it now for 2 months so it isn’t a get rich quick kind of deal but that’s $123 I wouldn’t have had otherwise. If you know a lot of people that drive a lot for work as I do, referrals are easy to get. If you’re interested in trying it out, get started using K5BC6 and get us both an additional $0.15/gal back on our next fill up.
Thanks for sharing your experience with GetUpSide Billy.
I agree it’s legitimate and it’s easy money, nothing that’s going to make you rich though.
As you said should be easy to get referrals because pretty much everyone is buying gas.
I have to say the referral program is very good too. Was paid $48 per gallon last time I filled up!
Brok
I did not have good luck with this app. I was so excited to cash my first 15.00 to PayPal and this was 3 weeks ago. I left my paypal Info and waited (app stated it can take up to 48 hours to appear in paypal). About a week later, no money. I sent a message to support and received a response stating they had my email address as correct except for the .com part they had .con. I advised of this error and a week went by…no money. I have since contacted support twice with zero response! I’m disappointed to say the least, especially since I have recommended the app to numerous friends. I can say until I do receive a response, I won’t be using the app or recommending to any other friends.
Hey Jessica,
Thanks for sharing and the error in the email address would for sure keep the payment from going through.
Please keep us informed on this. How long has it been since you contact support?
Brok
Save an extra 15 cents on your first fill up with code VTFX3
I used code VTFX3 and received an extra .15 cent bonus on my first fill up!!! Try It out.
I love this app! I’ve made $54 so far not including the money I have saved on gas I purchased. Use promo code 9CCMF to save an additional 20 cents per gallon on your first purchase! So far it’s operational in DC, DE, FL, MD, VA, NC, NY, SC and they just opened in Houston.
Glad you’re enjoying the app George. I’ve been using it for a while now and it works great!
Brok
I heard about GetUpside on my way home. It is now in some parts of North Carolina. The radio station is out of Charlotte.
Thank you for doing the research on GetUpside. It was very helpful!
Janice,
Thank you for letting me know! Just checked the app and you’re correct looks like it’s expanded to North and South Carolina. Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed!
Brok
Here’s my experience. The first couple of times was great. That referral code is great for your first fill up and somewhere along the way I used the Upside7 and sorry3 bonus codes. I was excited that my usual gas station just down the street which was 95% of the time cheaper than most other stations in the area already was participating. Unfortunately, now that station: 1) only gives you a 1 cent rebate; and 2) more importantly, has increased it’s regular price about 10-15 cents per gallon higher than all the other gas stations around here now so that 1 cent cashback still obviously is way more than offset by the rebate. On top of that, the cheapest price (including rebate) on the app is still more expensive than the cheapest gas station in the area. Once you’ve exhausted the codes, the rebates aren’t worth the effort (unless you spam your referral code to the world I suppose). It’s easier to go to the cheaper gas station and not deal with scanning your receipt and then having to cash out. Also, sad that my local station is now one of the more expensive stations in the area now. I’m back to using GasBuddy to find the best local price and I’m considering joining their program where you can get lower prices at virtually any station without scanning a receipt or spamming everyone I know with a referral code. BTW, I’m in South Florida.
Thank you for sharing Kayte.
I know at first they seemed to target corners with a few gas stations on it and the one that partnered with GetUpSide usually ended up being the same price as the others and you could get the cashback.
Unfortunate to hear that’s not always the case anymore.
Thanks again for sharing.
Brok
The problem with the ap is that from what I see, it’s the gas stations that want your business because they charge too much.
Example. Premium gas at 3.94, I get back 6 cents. Where 2 blocks away, I get premium for 3.49. So I’m losing money.
In my area, pay with cash is 3.15 for premium.
It’s a no brainer not to use it.
7H2RD is a promo code !
I used the app for the first time this past weekend. I found a gas station with the discounted price of $1.45 per gallon. I claimed the deal and filled my tank. When I finally saw how much Upside reimbursed me, they only reimbursed me 0.10 for each gallon…. when the offer said 0.25 per gallon…. I would’ve been better off going to Wawa for gas at $1.56 per gallon (not a participating gas station since they are already low). I was so enthusiastic about this app and now I am not sure. I even had a promo code from a local radio station to get a better deal. Disappointed.
Angela,
I would contact support about it immediately.
Brok
It’s a scam. I didn’t get credit for anyone that I referred even though they used my link.
Kevin,
Did they purchase gas? You don’t earn anything until they redeem their first rebate. At that time you’ll earn the $.02 per gallon and a $.20 per gallon multiplier.
I’ve earned over $300 referring friends so I know the refer a friend program works. If they did purchase gas I’d contact their support team.
Brok
I’ve used the app for quite some time now with NO problems at all. To the person that found fraudulent activities on their card, I don’t think its the app itself, it could be the gas station. I don’t know what area you’re in but skimmers are found in many stations. Be sure to use the pumps closest to the station attendants, not the back side of the pump
Thanks for sharing Shayne and I agree that it really didn’t have to do with the app and that it can happen anywhere.
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the app though!
Brok
It may not be a scam as you do get some type of rebate. That being said be real sure you notice how the stated price per gallon listed in the app is usually far higher than at the station though I believe you get the full rebate, it may be cheaper if you get less of a rebate when the price is cheaper to begin with. That and the negligible rebate when using grocery store fuel perks are my only qualms thus far. Their reasoning is BS. Either they don’t understand how fuel perks work or they assume nobody else does. But since most of us have to get gas anyway, during peak times the rebate is usually only 2-4 cents so plan accordingly as you have a 4 hour window you can claim it much earlier to lock in the better rate. For the stations I frequent, it’s usually 9:30-11:30am and 2-4pm.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Jeff.
Brok
This is the first time I am using the app. I am trying to upload the receipt and it just keeps spinning.
Ruth,
If you’re struggling to get it to work you may need to either wait until you’re connected to wifi or turn wifi and allow the app to use data.
Should work fine as long as you have a good connection.
Brok
I THOUGHT GETUPSIDE WAS GOING TO BE A GREAT TOOL ONCE I SEEN IT ACTUALLY WORKED… UNTIL AFTER MY 3RD TIME USING IT, I NOW HAD TO REPLACE MY DEBIT CARD DUE TO FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY. PEOPLE HACKED MY INFORMATION THROUGH WIFI BECAUSE WE CANNOT PREPAY FOR GAS, WE HAVE TO USE THE PUMPS DESIGNATED ‘CREDIT CARD AREA’ RATHER THAN THE WIRED AND SAFE CONNECTION THAT’S OFFERED IN STORE. THIS NOW SEEMS WAY TOO SKETCHY FOR ME TO USE THE APP ANYMORE, I OBVIOUSLY DON’T WANT MY INFORMATION STOLEN AGAIN AND MY BANK HIGHLY RECOMMENDED/ADVISED ME TO ALWAYS PAY INSIDE FOR GAS, AS THIS HAPPENS A LOT MORE OFTEN THAN PEOPLE REALIZE. SORRY GET UPSIDE, BUT UNTIL YOU CAN FIX THIS HUGE FAULT IN YOUR SYSTEM, YOU HAVE LOST MY BUSINESS. I’LL TAKE MY $8.00 I’VE EARNED FROM YOU AND WALK AWAY KNOWING I WONT HAVE ANYONE STEALING FROM ME AGAIN. BUMMER.
Dyanna,
Sorry to hear your card information was stolen but I don’t think that has anything to do with using this app, more of a problem at that gas station. With that being said, GetUpSide is legitimate and your credit card info can get stolen at any time with any transaction. If you’re not comfortable using the app I completely understand it’s just extra cash so just skip it if it’s a concern.
Thanks for sharing!
Brok
Sorry that happened to you. But you can go inside to pay! This app’s only requirement is you get a copy of the receipt, which you can get from paying inside!
It is easy. Find a gas station. Claim it before you pump, and upload receipt. Use code SMM3V to save an extra 20¢ off per gallon.
Thanks for sharing Jennifer!
Brok
Here is my experience with upside. Sometimes when I’m searching for a gas station on the app it will show a gas staion on the map but when u get there all of a sudden the claim option is gone. Now I’m. Either stuck with having. TO use that gas or find another. At first I thought I was nuts but after it happen 3 other times then I knew it wasn’t me. Also twice they have found reasons not to pay on approved gas stations that I had been payed for in the past. Another thing is that the gas stations are small little rundown gas stations in questionable neighborhoods. These have burned me in the past a few times.. Love the idea but the risk are too high for me.
Dman,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the app. Do you mind sharing what area of the US you live in?
Brok
If you want to make some money check this out: Gas prices are always going to fluctuate. I just use my gas app called Getupside and save up to 20 plus cent per gal. You can find the app at the App Store or Google Play depending on your phone. Here are some promo codes you can use to get up to 30 cents per gal. (Put this one in first) Promo Code: SAM423 good for 20 cents per gal. Upside7 good for 7 cents and Sorry3 good for 3 cents that’s 30 cents total on top of what the gas station offering you usually between 10 -20 cents so you can get up to 50 cents per gal on your first fill up. This is a good way to save money and ease that pain at the pump.
https://www.getupside.com/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/getupside-gas-food-deals/id1099997174?mt=8
My question is, if your savinfs each time are below $15, and you cash out, then the APP takes $1. Do u have to cash out after each purchase ? Or can you compile savings to get over the $15, then redeem your savings.
My point is…if I save $2 by using the app, but have to cash out after each purchase …and I’m giving $1 to the app ….I’m now only saying $1. Every time …. what’s the point ? Other than giving the app a dollar every time I use it …
Tim,
Everytime you earn cashback it gets put into your account which is a running balance so you can have as many transactions as needed to reach the $15.
Meaning you only pay the $1 fee if you cash out with less than $15, again you can avoid the fee forever if you refer one friend.
Brok
I want to join and work .l can not understand how should start.
Please help
Go to my getting started page. There you can figure out what you’re looking for and where to go to see my recommendations.
Unfortunately, I don’t live in the areas where this service is currently active, though it sounds interesting.
Do you have to actually live there or can you take advantage of the service while visiting there?
If you visit there frequently, it could be worth it, what do you think? Please advise. Thanks for your post!
Hey Karyn,
As long as you’re in the area you can use the app, residency in the area is not required.
If you visit the area frequently I’d 100% take advantage of the app!
Brok