If you’re looking for an app to earn cash back on everyday purchases, GetUpside may have caught your eye.
With promises of saving on gas, groceries, and restaurant visits, the app claims to put money back in your pocket on purchases you’re already making.
In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into GetUpside, examining how it works, its earning potential, tips for maximizing cash back, how to cash out, and whether it’s genuinely worth installing.
What Is GetUpside?
GetUpside is a cash-back app available for iOS and Android, designed to reward users with cash back on purchases they make at select gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Launched in 2016, GetUpside’s primary appeal is in gas savings, but they’ve expanded to groceries and dining, making it a versatile option for regular cash-back earnings.
One standout feature of GetUpside is that it doesn’t require a loyalty card; instead, it uses location-based offers that users can “claim” to receive cash back on eligible purchases.
The app partners with businesses in specific regions, so availability may vary depending on where you live.
How Does GetUpside Work?
Using GetUpside is fairly straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to start earning cash back:
1. Download the App:
Sign up and create a free account.
2. Find Nearby Offers:
Open the app to see available offers in your area, categorized by gas, groceries, and dining.
3. Claim an Offer:
Once you find an offer, tap “Claim” to secure it before making your purchase. Each offer has a time limit—usually around 4 hours for gas or 24 hours for dining and groceries.
4. Make Your Purchase:
Go to the location, make your purchase, and either upload your receipt or use a linked credit or debit card to confirm the transaction.
5. Earn Cash Back:
Within a few days, you’ll see the cash back credited to your GetUpside account.
This claim-and-earn process gives users control over where and how they earn rewards. The cash back typically depends on location and retailer, so offers vary but are often comparable to other cash-back apps.
How Much Cashback Can You Earn?
One of the biggest questions around GetUpside is how much you can realistically earn. Here’s a general idea based on each spending category:
- Gas: You can typically earn between 10 and 25 cents per gallon. In some cases, GetUpside may run promotional offers that bump this rate higher, especially for new users.
- Groceries: Cash-back rates for groceries usually range between 5% and 15%, depending on the retailer and promotion.
- Dining: Similar to grocery cash back, dining offers often provide between 5% and 15%.
Since these percentages depend on local deals and merchants, users in larger urban areas may see higher earning potential due to a larger number of participating locations.
However, for most users, gas is where GetUpside really shines, especially for those who drive often and want to save at the pump.
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5 Tips to Maximize Cashback
Here are a few strategies to get the most cash back from GetUpside:
- Stack Rewards: GetUpside lets you use other rewards or loyalty programs, so use them in combination with GetUpside to maximize savings.
- Claim Offers Near You: Since offers are location-based, check the app when you’re close to eligible stations or stores to see if better deals are available.
- Invite Friends: The app has a referral program where you can earn a small percentage of your friends’ cash-back earnings when they sign up with your code.
- Use Linked Cards: Linking a card for automatic recognition on gas purchases streamlines the process, allowing you to claim offers without scanning receipts.
- Check Daily for New Offers: Offers can vary daily, so if there’s nothing appealing today, check back frequently to catch any new or promotional rates.
By combining these strategies, you can maximize your cashback and make the app more rewarding over time.
Cash Out Options and Minimum Payments
GetUpside offers flexible cash-out options, allowing you to redeem earnings in different ways. Here’s a look at your options:
- PayPal: This is often the most convenient way to cash out, especially since it’s fast and accessible for most users. PayPal redemptions have a minimum of $15 for the first payout and then $10 for subsequent ones.
- Gift Cards: GetUpside also lets users redeem cash back as digital gift cards to popular retailers, with minimums usually starting at $10.
- Check: If you prefer a mailed check, GetUpside also offers this option. However, it typically takes longer to receive and has a $15 minimum requirement.
Overall, most users opt for PayPal due to its quick processing time, often within 24-48 hours. However, your preferred cash-out option will depend on how you intend to use your rewards.
Does GetUpside Pay Users?
Yes, GetUpside is generally reliable in terms of paying users. Most users report successful cash-outs, especially through PayPal.
Processing times vary slightly, but PayPal payments are typically the fastest. Gift cards also tend to be processed quickly, while checks may take up to two weeks to arrive.
That said, keep in mind that certain transactions may occasionally require additional verification, especially if there’s a discrepancy with the uploaded receipt or transaction method.
If any issues arise, GetUpside’s support team usually addresses them through in-app messaging or email.
Pros
- No Upfront Cost: The app is free, so there’s no risk in trying it out.
- Multiple Cash-Back Categories: It covers gas, groceries, and dining, so users can benefit across spending areas.
- Flexible Cash-Out Options: PayPal, gift cards, and checks give users flexibility in how they redeem earnings.
- Stackable with Other Rewards: Works well in combination with other cash-back apps and loyalty programs.
- Decent Gas Savings: Cash back per gallon can add up, especially for frequent drivers.
Cons
- Limited Availability: Participating merchants are not everywhere, especially in rural areas.
- Receipt Uploads Can Be Tedious: For groceries and dining, scanning receipts is necessary, which can be inconvenient.
- Variable Rates: Cash-back rates vary widely by location and merchant, making it hard to predict exact savings.
- Minimum Payouts for Cash: With a $10 or $15 minimum, it may take a while to cash out if you’re not a frequent user.
Is GetUpside Worth Using?
For people who frequently buy gas, dine out, or shop at grocery stores, GetUpside can be a solid addition to their cash-back routine.
It’s easy to use, the cash back is generally reliable, and it can be stacked with other rewards, which helps amplify savings. Plus, its focus on gas savings makes it appealing to anyone looking to save at the pump regularly.
However, GetUpside might be less ideal for those in rural areas with limited merchant options or users who don’t drive often.
The app’s true value comes when you’re able to access multiple categories of cash back (like gas and groceries), so if you only use it occasionally, the earnings may not justify the effort.
Conclusion
Overall, GetUpside is worth trying for anyone looking to save on everyday purchases, particularly on gas. Its cash-back rates and ease of use make it appealing, especially if you frequently travel by car or live near a decent number of participating locations.
While there are some limitations, GetUpside provides a genuine way to save and earn cash back without changing your spending habits drastically.