The short answer: Yes, the Upside app is 100% legit — and if you drive regularly and buy gas, it’s one of the easiest ways to earn real cash back with almost no extra effort. I’ve been using it since 2021 and have earned hundreds of dollars in cash back. Here’s everything you need to know.
I started using the Upside app in 2021, mostly out of curiosity after hearing about it. I use it weekly — almost always for gas — and it has quietly added up to hundreds of dollars in cash back since I started. My best single offer was over $5 back on one fill-up, which felt like a genuine win for something that took about 10 seconds to set up.
I’ll be honest: I still miss offers occasionally because I forget to claim before I pull up to the pump. I’ve made peace with that. I don’t stress about it — when I remember, great; when I don’t, no big deal. The money I do earn I treat as savings, transferring it to my bank account once I hit around $50. It’s become a small but consistent line item in my favor.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| App Name | Upside (formerly GetUpside) |
| Founded | 2016 by Alex Kinnier, Wayne Lin & co-founders |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Available | iOS & Android (U.S.) |
| Cost | Free — no subscription required |
| Categories | Gas, Groceries, Restaurants |
| Cash Out Options | Bank transfer, PayPal, Gift cards |
| Typical Gas Cash Back | $0.10–$0.25+ per gallon |
| Total Paid Out to Users | Over $1 billion (milestone reached Sept. 2025) |
| Users Reached | 35 million+ consumers |
| Avg. Annual Earnings | ~$290/year for active users |
| App Store Rating | 4.8 (iOS) / 4.6 (Android) |
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What Is the Upside App?
The Upside app is a free cash-back rewards app that lets you earn money back on everyday purchases — primarily at gas stations, but also at grocery stores and restaurants. Originally launched as GetUpside, the company rebranded to simply “Upside” in 2022 as it expanded beyond gas into food and groceries.
Unlike discount apps or coupon clippers, Upside works by partnering directly with merchants — gas stations, grocery chains, and restaurants — who offer cash back in exchange for Upside driving more customers to their locations. You spend money you were going to spend anyway, and you get a percentage back. Simple.
With over 35 million users, a network of more than 100,000 retail partners, and more than $1 billion paid out to consumers, it’s one of the most widely used cash-back apps in the United States. For context, active users earn an average of about $290 a year — and I’ve earned well over that since I started in 2021.
How Does the Upside App Work? (Step-by-Step)
Using Upside for gas, groceries, or dining is straightforward. Here’s exactly how it works:
| 1 | Download and sign up. The Upside app is free on both iOS and Android. Create an account with your email or sign in with Google or Apple. |
| 2 | Enable location. Allow location access so the app can show you participating gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants near you, along with the current cash-back offer for each. |
| 3 | Claim your offer before you purchase. This step is critical — you must tap “Claim Offer” in the app before you make your purchase. Don’t pump gas or check out first and then try to claim. Most offers have a four-hour window, so you can claim it on your way. |
| 4 | Pay with your linked card (or upload a receipt). Most locations verify automatically when you pay with a linked credit or debit card. Some locations ask you to upload a photo of your receipt. |
| 5 | Earn your cash back. Once the transaction is verified — usually within 24–72 hours — the cash back posts to your Upside balance. |
| 6 | Cash out. Transfer your earnings to your bank account, PayPal, or redeem them as gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, and more). |
My tip: Link a credit or debit card for automatic transaction verification — it’s faster and eliminates the need to upload receipts for most purchases. I’ve never had a verification issue using a linked card in four-plus years of use.
How to Use the Upside App for Gas
Gas cash back is where Upside shines — and it’s what I use it for almost exclusively. Here’s how to use it at a gas station:
- Open the app and find a participating gas station near you on the map.
- Tap the station and hit “Claim Offer” — do this before you start pumping.
- Pay at the pump or inside using your linked payment card.
- The cash back (e.g., $0.25/gallon) is added to your account automatically once verified.
On a 15-gallon fill-up at $0.25/gallon, that’s $3.75 back for about 10 seconds of effort. My best single fill-up has earned me over $5. Do that weekly and it adds up faster than you’d expect — I’m proof of that with hundreds of dollars earned since 2021.
Upside works at thousands of gas station brands across the U.S., including BP, Shell, Exxon, Mobil, Circle K, Sunoco, Marathon, and many more. The in-app map shows you exactly what’s nearby and what the current offer is.
How Do Upside Rewards Work?
Once your purchase is verified, the cash-back amount is credited to your Upside account. You can cash out any time via:
- Bank transfer (ACH) — my preferred method; free for balances over $15, with a small fee below that threshold
- PayPal — fast and convenient
- Gift cards — Amazon, Walmart, and other popular retailers, sometimes with bonus value
I personally wait until my balance hits $50, then transfer it straight to my bank account and treat it as savings. It’s a small but satisfying deposit that requires zero lifestyle changes to earn. Over four years, those $50 transfers have quietly added up to hundreds of dollars.
Upside also has a referral program: share your unique link, and when someone signs up and makes purchases, you earn a small percentage of their eligible cash back. It’s a passive way to boost your earnings over time.
Is the Upside App Legit?
Yes — the Upside app is 100% legitimate. It’s a real, well-funded company with 35 million+ users and over $1 billion paid out in cash back. I’ve personally earned hundreds of dollars since 2021. It is not a scam.
Here’s why you can trust it:
- Real company: Founded in 2016 by Alex Kinnier, Wayne Lin, and four other co-founders, Upside is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has raised significant venture capital from well-known investors including General Catalyst, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Aramco Ventures.
- Proven track record: Over $1 billion in cash back paid to users — a milestone the company officially hit in September 2025.
- Transparent business model: Upside earns a commission from merchants — not from charging users fees.
- Strong app ratings: 4.8 stars on the Apple App Store and 4.6 stars on Google Play, based on tens of thousands of verified reviews.
- Covered by major outlets: Featured on NerdWallet, Bankrate, The Motley Fool, and other trusted financial publications.
- Personal proof: I’ve been using it since 2021 and have earned hundreds of dollars with zero issues.
Is the Upside App Safe?
The Upside app is safe to use and safe to link your payment card to. Here’s what you should know:
- Upside uses standard encryption and security protocols to protect your payment information.
- Like most apps, Upside collects usage and location data, which may be shared with business partners in anonymized form for marketing analytics.
- Upside does not sell your personal identifiable information to third parties.
- You can review Upside’s privacy policy in-app or on their website for full details on data practices.
I’ve had my card linked since 2021 with no issues. If data sharing is a concern, you can still use Upside by uploading receipts instead — though the linked-card method is faster and more convenient.
What’s the Catch with the Upside App?
It’s a fair question — and there are a few real limitations worth knowing about before you download it:
✅ Pros✔ Completely free to use |
❌ Cons / Limitations✘ Must claim offer before purchase |
From personal experience, the biggest “catch” is simply remembering to claim the offer before you start pumping. I still miss it sometimes — I’ve just accepted that as part of the deal. The money I do catch is still well worth the minimal effort.
Does Upside stack with credit card rewards? Yes — you can pay with a cash-back credit card and still earn Upside cash back on top. That’s genuinely one of the best things about it.
Does the Upside App Work at Costco?
No — Upside does not currently work at Costco gas stations. Costco is not a participating merchant. If you primarily fill up at Costco, you’ll need to use Upside at other nearby participating stations when it makes sense.
How Does the Upside App Make Money?
This is one of the things that makes Upside’s model smart — and it’s why users get cash back for free:
- Merchant commissions: Gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants pay Upside a fee each time an Upside user makes a qualifying purchase. They’re paying for guaranteed, measurable customer traffic — something traditional advertising can’t always deliver.
- Anonymized data insights: Upside provides merchants with aggregated consumer behavior analytics — purchase frequency, time of visit, basket size — that help them improve marketing and operations. Merchants pay for this layer of insight.
- Margin sharing: A portion of the merchant commission is passed back to you as cash back. Upside keeps the rest. The merchant gets a customer; you get cash back; Upside earns a fee. Everyone benefits.
It’s a genuine three-way value exchange. The model is similar to how credit card rewards work — merchants effectively fund the rewards through the fees they pay to be on the platform.
Who Is the Upside App Best For?
In my experience, Upside delivers the most value for anyone who drives regularly. If you’re filling up once a week or more, the cash back on gas alone adds up meaningfully over time — mine is almost entirely from weekly fill-ups.
That said, it’s worth having even if you don’t drive much. The grocery and restaurant cash back has expanded significantly, and the app is free with no downside to keeping it installed. The less you have to think about it, the better — which is exactly how I use it.
Upside App: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Upside app free to download and use?
Yes. Upside is completely free to download and use — no subscription, no membership fee. The only potential cost is a small processing fee if you withdraw less than $15 via bank transfer. PayPal and gift card options have their own minimums, so check the app’s Cash Out screen for current details.
What gas stations use the Upside app?
Upside partners with thousands of gas station brands across the U.S., including BP, Shell, Exxon, Mobil, Circle K, Sunoco, Marathon, and many independent stations. Open the app and check the map to see what’s participating near you — availability varies by location.
How long does it take for cash back to post?
For most linked-card transactions, cash back posts within 24–72 hours. Receipt uploads can take a bit longer — usually 3–5 business days. I’ve been using the app since 2021 and have never had a cash back posting issue using a linked card.
Does Upside work for diesel?
Yes, Upside works at many stations that sell diesel. Offers and availability vary by location, so check the map in the app to see if your preferred station has a current diesel offer.
Do Upside earnings expire?
Upside earnings can expire if your account is inactive for an extended period. Check Upside’s current terms of service in the app for their specific inactivity policy. If you’re using the app weekly like I do, expiration is not something you need to worry about.
What grocery stores use the Upside app?
Upside has expanded its grocery partnerships significantly, though availability varies by region. Open the app and switch to the Grocery tab to see which stores near you are currently participating.
Is there a promo code for the Upside app?
Yes — new users can often use a referral or promo code at sign-up to get a bonus on their first fill-up. Check the current offer via the download link on this page, as bonus amounts and codes change regularly.
What is the minimum cash-out amount on Upside?
The minimum payout threshold varies by method. Bank transfers under $15 may include a small processing fee. I personally wait until I hit $50 before cashing out to my bank — it makes the transfer feel more worthwhile and keeps fees from eating into small balances.
Is Upside available in Canada?
As of now, Upside is primarily a U.S.-based app and is not widely available in Canada. Check the App Store or Google Play listing for the most current availability information.
Who owns the Upside app?
Upside was co-founded in 2016 by Alex Kinnier (CEO), Wayne Lin, and four other co-founders: Jan Rubio, Joanna Kochaniak, Rick McPhee, and Thomas Vaughan. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and is privately held, backed by investors including General Catalyst, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Aramco Ventures. It was formerly known as GetUpside before rebranding in 2022.
What happened to groceries on the Upside app?
Grocery cash back is still available on Upside — it hasn’t gone away. Availability and participating stores vary by region. If you’re not seeing grocery offers, it may mean there are fewer participating stores in your area. Check the Grocery tab in the app for what’s available near you.
Bottom Line: Is the Upside App Worth It?
Yes — especially if you drive regularly. I’ve been using it since 2021 and have earned hundreds of dollars in cash back, almost entirely from weekly gas fill-ups. I didn’t change where I shop, how I drive, or how I live. I just open an app before I pump gas.
The only real “catch” is remembering to claim your offer before you purchase. I still forget sometimes — and I’ve accepted that. The offers I do catch more than make up for the ones I miss. Once you hit $50, transfer it to your bank and move on. It’s genuinely that simple.
If you’re already buying gas every week, there’s no good reason not to have this app on your phone.
Download the Free Upside App & Start Earning →
Free on iOS and Android. No subscription required. Use my link to get a bonus on your first fill-up.