Is the Upside app (formerly the GetUpside app) legitimate? If you’re here I assume you’ve heard about the Upside app and you’re probably wondering if it is legit. The short answer is YES but continue reading to find out how it works and how to get more cashback by using an Upside promo code.
UPDATE: GetUpside has changed its name to just Upside so you may see me use both terms interchangeably in this post.
What is Upside?
GetUpside (now just Upside) is a free app that gives you up to 25¢ per gallon every time you get gas. GetUpside also helps you save up to 35% at restaurants and 15% at grocery stores near you. This will all be in the form of cashback to your account so you won’t see the savings instantly.
I haven’t tried the restaurant or grocery offers but I was able to get 38¢ off my first gas station fill-up by using an Upside referral code, you can use promo code EJC984 or click here to get a 15¢ bonus for yourself.
For me, this was over $6 in cashback on one fill-up and I drive a sedan. So if you have a bigger vehicle and pump gas often your savings will add up fast.
The Upside app works with thousands of gas stations so you are sure to find many in your area that are participating. They work with gas stations like Sunoco, Shell, BP, Mobil, and many more.
How GetUpside Works
It’s easy to join and start saving with GetUpside, just follow these easy steps to get started.
1. Download the App
Go to the App Store, search for “Upside”, and enter promo code: EJC984 to get bonus cashback. OR click here to have the promo code automatically applied.
2. Open the App and Search in Your Area
When you open the app you’ll see a map of the area you are located in. You can also search other areas as well to find a specific gas station if you want.
3. Claim the Offer You Want to Use
Once you find an offer you like, just click on the claim button to claim it. You’ll usually have four hours to use that offer after hitting the claim button but read the offer to make sure.
4. Follow the instructions in the App
Each offer may be slightly different so make sure you follow the instructions listed. Usually after claiming you’ll have to “check-in” that you’re at the gas station and use the debit or credit card that’s linked in your wallet on the app or you’ll have to upload your receipt (read the instructions for which one).
Keep in mind, that you do need to add a partial credit/debit card number into the “wallet” of your app so they can verify purchases. The good thing is you only need the first six and last four digits of your card number and no other information, no CVV, no expiration date, etc.
HOW TO ENTER GetUpside Codes
Like I mentioned above if you use a promo code or link when you sign up you’ll get a bonus. If you haven’t already downloaded the app you can click here to have that code automatically applied when you download the app.
Or follow the below instructions on how to enter a promo code into the Upside app manually:
- Open the Upside App, Click on the Menu Button (or the three lines on the top left of the app)
- Go Down to Profile
- Click Edit Next to Promo Code and Enter EJC984
Getting Paid from Upside
Once you have cashback in your Upside account you can cash it out to your bank account, PayPal, or to a gift card.
To cash out click on your balance amount in the upper right-hand corner and choose “cash-out”. From there you can choose your preferred option.
I prefer to cash out using either PayPal or a gift card to avoid having to hook up a bank account. The PayPal option is mixed in with the gift cards and usually towards the bottom (circled below).
Keep in mind that there is a $1 fee for cashing out small dollar amounts (keep reading to learn how to get rid of that fee). Fee’s are as follows:
- Bank: $1 for cash-outs that are less than $10.
- Paypal: There is a $1 fee for a cash-out under $15.
- Gift card: $0 (note certain cards may have certain minimum thresholds).
TIP! If you refer one person to the app and they are currently actively using the app, there is no fee for PayPal or bank cashouts. So I suggest referring your significant other or best friend so you can cash out quickly and for free.
Unfortunately, they no longer offer a physical check as a cashout option but the options they do offer are quicker.
How Long Does it Take to Get Cash Back on Your Purchases? It only took a day for my purchase to be verified and get my cashback credited into my GetUpside account but according to their website, it can take up to 10 days to process. You will be notified via email when your offer and receipt are processed and you have the option to be notified via mobile notification, too.
Is Upside Legitimate? MY UPSIDE APP REVIEW……..
The Upside app is legitimate, I’m using it myself and can attest that it has worked out well for me. You can also find over 957 other reviews on the Better Business Bureau website with a customer satisfaction rating of 4.78 out of 5.
But it may not be for everyone so let’s go over some pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.
Upside Pros
- Easy to get started and use
- Only need to add a partial credit or debit card number to the app for purchase verification, no expiration date or CVV required.
- You can save on gas, restaurants, and groceries all in one app.
Upside Cons
- $1 fee for cashing out smaller amounts
- Some credit/debit card info is required for purchase verification (first 6 and last 4 digits)
- Your favorite gas station may not be in the app
HOW TO SAVE EVEN MORE ON GAS
I like to think a bit out of the box and try and save as much as possible in all areas. One way to do this is to stack savings.
You can use a reward credit card to purchase gas or if you prefer you can use a Gasbuddy card (more on that next) which connects to your checking account to stack savings and earn even more cashback. Keep in mind that if you use a credit card you need to pay it off immediately before any interest accrues or it will defeat the purpose.
You can also check out Simple Ways to Save Money on Gas where I go into more detail on simple things you can do to reduce how much gas you use and how much you spend for that gas.
UPSIDE VERSUS GASBUDDY: CAN I USE UPSIDE WITH GASBUDDY?
If you prefer to use a debit card or bank account to pay you can possibly combine GetUpside with GasBuddy.
GasBuddy is another gas saving app that helps you find the lowest prices in your area. If you download Gasbuddy and start using their Gasbuddy card (their card connects to your checking account and gives you cashback just for using the card) you can add the card to your Upside Wallet and use that at the pump to double dip on savings! **This will depend on the gas station as I recently had an issue with one receipt/transaction not showing the last digits of my Gasbuddy card so Upside couldn’t confirm my purchase was made with my registered card so for now, I will stick to using one or the other.
The Gasbuddy card is free to get. They do offer a premium version if you are someone who pumps a ton of gas but for most of us, the free card and plan are good enough especially when stacking with GetUpside.
I’ll be writing a tutorial on GasBuddy and giving my review soon so stay tuned for that! But for now, if you want to sign up for GasBuddy, go ahead and grab it here and use my code: EELNJ23 for a special bonus for both of us :).
TIP! Want to get rewarded for the miles you drive? Check out the Miles App and use code: H8Z6M1 to get 1500 bonus points as a gift! Download it here.