Is the Upside app legit?

Learn how the Upside app safely earns you cash back on gas, groceries, dining, and more.

The Upside Team

The Upside Team

August 1, 2024
Is the Upside app legit?
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Is the Upside app legit?

Upside at a glance 

The free Upside app gets you cash back on daily essentials at over 100,000 gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. And yes — it’s real cash back. No confusing rewards, points, or credits. Just actual money you can transfer straight to your bank account or PayPal.

Upside works closely with each business on the cash back offers they provide. This allows Upside to earn you 3x more cash back than any other product. And when you earn, so do those businesses. Each Upside offer is profitable for them, too.  

While most cash back credit cards only earn users 2-4% back, Upside users earn an average of:

  • 8% back at restaurants
  • 5% back at grocery stores
  • 12% at convenience stores
  • 10¢/gal on gas.
These earnings add up quickly — frequent users earn an average of $270 per year just for adding Upside to their normal routine. 

How does the Upside app work?

Designed to earn you cash back in just three taps, the Upside app is incredibly easy to use. After adding your credit or debit card to your Upside Wallet, simply follow these steps to start earning real cash back on every purchase.

Claim an offer

Open the free Upside app and claim a cash back offer at a location near you.

Shop as usual

Make your purchase and pay with a credit or debit card.

Earn cash back

Cash out your earnings directly to your bank account, PayPal, or a gift card.

The app’s simplicity is how Upside has earned our users over $700 million in real cash back. 

You can cash out your earnings directly to your bank account or PayPal at any time. You can also cash out your earnings as an e-gift card to retailers you love, like Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, and so many more. 

Buying essentials isn’t the only way to earn serious cash back: Upside’s unique referral program allows you to get paid for sharing Upside with your friends and family.  Every time they earn, so will you — forever. 

If you don’t believe us, take it from our users:

“This is the best app I have ever downloaded. I have personally cashed out over $325 in FREE MONEY. Can't say it any clearer but to download it and try it for yourself. There's absolutely no risk and you literally get paid to shop!”

- Jason S.


“I have earned over $1,500 to date! I use Upside every time I fuel up and often when I go out for lunch. Well done Upside! Thanks for a great app!”

- Ginger G.

“I have received almost $300 for doing what we all have to do anyway... GET GAS! If you have not signed up you are missing out. Whatever the amount back is, it adds up faster than you realize.”

- Max E.

How does Upside help businesses?

Upside’s 100,000 retail partners want to win your business with great offers you won't get anywhere else — making Upside a win-win for you and them. These cash back offers drive profits by bringing in new customers increasing loyalty amongst existing customers. The bottom line? Upside helps businesses see new faces and bigger baskets from day one.  

What’s in it for Upside? When we bring businesses a customer or a purchase they weren’t expecting (and prove it!), then together we share in the profit earned on that purchase. Users get cash back for choosing that business, and businesses get more profit. It’s a win for all parties, and Upside doesn’t get paid until both the consumer and the business make money first. 

How does Upside protect my data?

Protecting your privacy is our priority. Unlike many cash back platforms, Upside never sells your data. Upside only collects information that is required for the program to work. In fact, Upside doesn’t even require your full credit card information — we only need the first six and last four digits of your debit or credit card in order to verify your purchases with participating retailers. 

Is the Upside app a scam?

Millions of Americans rely on the Upside app to earn them cash back every time they spend. As the price of goods continues to rise, Upside’s need has never been greater. 

The stats speak for themselves: 

💰 $700+ million in total cash back to users

💵 Frequent users earn an average of $270 every year

⭐️ 500K+ 5-star ratings in the App and Google Play stores 

So no, Upside is not a scam. We really do help consumers and businesses earn more. 

Upside gives consumers more purchasing power and drive proven profit to participating businesses — something no other product has been able to replicate. We generate the largest possible cash back offers for consumers while driving new, proven profit to the retailers in our communities. 

Every purchase on Upside also makes a positive impact on the world. Since 2016, we have offset 3.8 million metric tons of CO2 from gallons sold through the platform. And in 2021, we expanded our sustainability commitment beyond fuel-related initiatives, rescuing 2.5 million pounds of food. This is just the beginning of what's to come. 

Our commitment to driving value extends through Upside's business model. Upside doesn't make money until our users and retailer partners do first. And if we can't prove that we helped, then we don't get paid. Period. 

Thanks to the growing number of consumers and businesses joining the Upside platform daily, we're charting new areas for growth into new categories. Join Upside and see for yourself!

Is the Upside app legit?

The Upside Team

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The Upside team is made up of data scientists and industry experts who are passionate about delivering empowering content to our readers. With a focus on providing practical insights and meaningful perspectives, we create engaging materials across a wide range of topics. From exploring industry trends and offering expert analysis to sharing useful tips and inspiring ideas, our team works diligently to provide you with the information you need to thrive.

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