Top perks of Upside
Cash back rates are regularly high
For a free cash back app, the rewards rates in Upside are impressively high. It’s not hard to find 6% cash back at restaurants and grocery stores. Sometimes, you’ll even see cash back offers in the double digits. For frequent drivers, the per-gallon savings on gas could add up to a few hundred dollars each year.
A straightforward process makes it easy to integrate the app with your regular shopping
Once you claim an offer, it’s easy to get credited for it. Many offers synchronize with a credit card that you’ve linked to your account. After you make a purchase with that credit card, the appropriate cash back is deposited into your account. If the offer doesn’t sync with credit cards, Upside will usually ask you to upload a receipt manually or “check in” at the location.
Cash back offers can be used with your favorite credit card
The rewards you get through Upside won’t interfere with your cash back credit cards. This gives you the chance to earn rewards twice in one purchase, both through the Upside app and through your favorite credit card.
Transferring cash back into your bank account makes it feel like you’re making money
Some cash back apps only let you redeem rewards for gift cards. Upside gives you the unique option of depositing your cash back into a linked bank account. This can make it feel like you’re actually saving money versus picking gift cards from a limited pool of retailers.
Delivery drivers can save tremendously on gas
Upside has partnered with several ride hauling and delivery apps, like Uber, Lyft, Instacart, DoorDash, and Shipt among others. This lets you access cash back offers exclusive to your platform.
Every referral helps you save on gas
Upside gives you extra fuel savings when you successfully refer friends and family. First, you’ll get $0.15 off per gallon on your next fuel purchase (likewise, the person you referred also gets $0.15 off). Then, you’ll get an extra $0.01 for every gallon of gas they purchase in the future. You’ll also get $0.005 every time one of their referrals gets gas.
To get this bonus, the person you referred has to use your unique six-digit invite code when they sign up (you can find this code in your profile on the app). Their first purchase then needs to be $10 or more before tax and tips.
What could be improved
The app doesn’t work with cash
Upside won’t work with cash or EBT payments. You need a credit or debit card to earn cash back through the app.
Offers expire quickly after they’re claimed
Most offers give you four hours from the moment you claim it before it expires. This could be inconvenient or frustrating if you claim an offer, then something gets in the way of you making it to the location.
Users report some problems with getting cash back credited
Users on social media have reported some problems with getting the appropriate amount of cash back credited to their account. In some cases, users had an offer for a specific discount (such as $0.15 off per gallon), but got credited for a lower amount (say, $0.05 per gallon). Others said they weren’t credited because an offer expired while it was “processing,” even after the user fulfilled all the requirements to get it.
