Is Upside Authentic? Receive $290 Cash Back on Fuel and Grocery Purchases.
Side Hustle Nation focuses on boosting your personal profitability. To achieve this, we frequently collaborate with companies that have a similar goal. If you register or make a purchase via any of our partner links, we may earn compensation—without any added cost to you. Find out more. Upside (previously known as GetUpside) is a complimentary money-making application that enables users to earn cash back on gas, groceries, and dining.
As stated on the Upside website, users can earn up to:
- 25¢ per gallon on gas
- 45% cash back at restaurants
- 30% cash back at participating grocery stores
But is the app reliable, or is it too good to be true? As an Upside user myself, I can attest to its legitimacy. Although you might not earn a significant amount, it’s still free money, so there’s nothing to lose.
**Upside Review**
Upside has gained popularity as a cash back app for gas, groceries, and dining. Regular users typically earn around $290 annually in free cash. Use the promo code "sidehustle" to receive a $5 bonus on your first $10 purchase.
**Pros:**
- User-friendly
- Strong cash back deals
- Variety of payout options
**Cons:**
- You must remember to "activate" your offers
- Limited participating locations
- Short time limits to claim offers (generally 4 hours)
In this candid review, I will cover:
- How Upside functions
- The realistic earning potential
- Strategies to maximize your earnings
- A few advantages and disadvantages
- Alternative options to consider
**What is Upside?**
Upside, established in 2015 by two former Google employees and based in Washington D.C., aims to "enhance the economic power of individuals in the real world." Users simply utilize the Upside app to claim offers from over 100,000 gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, earning a percentage back on their spending. Each participating merchant determines its own cash back rates and terms.
According to their website, Upside users earn on average:
- 8% back at restaurants
- 5% back at grocery stores
- 12% at convenience stores
- 10¢ per gallon on gas
These earnings accumulate rapidly, with regular users earning an average of $290 annually just by incorporating Upside into their daily activities.
To date, Upside has distributed over $1 billion in cash back to consumers.
**How Does Upside Work?**
Using Upside is straightforward. After signing up for the app and linking your credit or debit card, you can explore available offers nearby:
1. Find an offer that interests you and click “Claim.”
2. Offers must be claimed before making a purchase; they cannot be added afterwards.
3. You can claim an offer several hours before purchasing, but be mindful of the limited time frame.
Most offers are valid for four hours. Check the offer details to confirm this.
4. After arriving at your destination, simply make your purchase, pay with one of your linked cards, and upload your receipt. Some offers provide automatic cash back, while others require a receipt upload; instructions will be in the offer details.
5. You can cash out your earnings anytime to your bank account or PayPal. Additionally, you may redeem your earnings for digital gift cards with popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and Walmart.
Note that Upside might charge a $1 fee for cashing out below the minimum threshold (currently $15), which will be deducted from your cash back balance at redemption.
**Other Ways to Earn with Upside**
Everyday purchases aren't the only way to gain cash back through the Upside app. The platform has a referral program that allows you to earn a one-time bonus for sharing Upside with friends and family, plus residual commissions from their future purchases. Share your referral code with a new Upside user, and both of you will earn a $0.15 per gallon bonus when they complete their first offer. Each time they use Upside for gas, you'll gain an additional $0.01 per gallon.
If you manage to refer several people who frequently use the app, this can significantly enhance your earnings.
**How Much Can You Make on Upside?**
The earnings you can generate from Upside depend on:
- The frequency of app usage
- Your spending at participating retailers
- The types of incentives offered by those retailers
- Any limitations on offers
Each retailer sets its own cashback rates and conditions. For example, a nearby pizza shop might offer 18% cash back, but only for direct orders (not through delivery apps) and with a cap of $10 cash back.
The app features various options, including:
- Well-known gas stations like Sunoco, Mobil, and BP
- Local restaurants
- Chain franchises like Burger King and Five Guys
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Is Upside Authentic? Receive $290 Cash Back on Fuel and Grocery Purchases.
Is it truly possible to make money with the Upside app? Read this candid review to discover the answer.
