There are a few purchases you can’t really avoid.
Gas. Groceries. The occasional takeout night when you just don’t feel like cooking.
Prices go up, budgets get tighter… and most people just accept it as part of life.
But recently, more people are starting to look at those same everyday expenses a little differently.
Not as something to cut – but as something they can earn a little back on.
That’s where a growing number of Americans are turning to an app called Upside.
Transparency note: New Financial Cents has an affiliate relationship with Upside. If you sign up through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our full explanation of how we make money is linked at the bottom of this article.
What Is Upside?
Upside is a free cash back app that helps you earn extra cash back on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and dining at participating locations.
Instead of changing where or how you spend, the idea is simple:
More than 5 million people are already using Upside, and users have earned over $1 billion in cash back so far.
*Available at participating locations. Offers and amounts vary.
How It Works (It’s Simpler Than You Think)
One of the reasons Upside has been catching on is how straightforward it is.
Here’s the basic flow:
- Open the Upside app and claim an offer at a participating location
- Pay like you normally would with your credit or debit card
- Follow the steps in the app to verify your purchase
- Earn cash back in the app after your purchase
You’re not dealing with points, conversions, or confusing rewards systems.
It’s just cash back – the amount you see is the amount you get.
*Cash back is earned after purchase, not applied at checkout. Terms apply.
Where You Can Earn
Upside works across three of the most common spending categories:
- Gas: Major fuel brands and local stations
- Groceries: Regional and national grocery stores
- Dining: Restaurants and takeout spots (dine-in and takeout only)
There are over 100,000 participating locations across the U.S., making it easy to find offers near you.
*Participation varies by location. Check the app for available offers near you.
What the Earnings Can Look Like
Upside isn’t about one massive payout – it’s about small amounts that build over time.
- Gas: earn an average of around 11¢ per gallon, with some offers reaching up to 25¢/gal
- Groceries & dining: earn around 8% cash back on average, with some offers up to $10 per trip
Frequent users earn an average of about $254 per year using the app.
That might not sound life-changing – but considering it’s coming from purchases you were already making, it adds up.
*Earnings vary based on usage, location, and available offers.
It Can Stack With What You Already Use
Here’s where things get interesting.
Upside doesn’t replace your credit card rewards or loyalty programs – it can often work alongside them.
That means you may be able to:
- Earn your normal credit card rewards
- Use existing store or brand loyalty programs
- And still earn cash back through Upside
For many users, this is where the value really starts to compound.
*Stacking depends on the specific card, program, and participating location.
No Points. No Guesswork. No Minimums
One of the biggest frustrations with rewards programs is how complicated they can be.
Points that convert at different rates. Minimum redemption thresholds. Expiring balances.
Upside takes a simpler approach.
- No points to convert
- No confusing redemption rules
- No minimum to cash out
You can withdraw your earnings directly to your bank account or redeem them for gift cards.
Is It Worth Using?
For most people, the real question is simple:
Is it worth the effort?
In this case, the effort is minimal.
You’re opening an app, claiming an offer, and paying the same way you normally would.
That’s why Upside tends to appeal to people who like the idea of optimizing their money without overcomplicating things.
If you’re already spending on gas, groceries, or dining, earning something back is a pretty straightforward value add.
Why More People Are Using It
Upside is not revolutionary; rather, it simply fits into real, everyday life.
You’re already at the pump.
You’re already in the grocery store.
You’re already picking up dinner.
Upside just adds a small layer on top of those moments – one that turns everyday spending into something that gives a little back.
Final Thoughts
Most people focus on cutting expenses to get ahead.
And while that matters, there’s another side to the equation:
Getting more out of the money you’re already spending.
Upside is one of those tools that does exactly that – without requiring you to change your habits.
It’s simple, it’s free, and for many users, it’s become part of their normal routine.
How We Make Money at New Financial Cents
New Financial Cents may earn a commission if you sign up with Upside through links on this page. This compensation does not influence our analysis or editorial standards. Our goal is to help readers understand their options with accuracy, dignity, and clarity.
You can read our full policy here:
How We Make Money at New Financial Cents
Upside is a free cash back app. Cash back is earned after qualifying purchases at participating locations and may vary based on offers available in the app. Terms apply.