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Upside- Cash Back for Gas (1 Viewer)

Chadstroma

Footballguy
I had been hearing commercials on the radio a while for this app called Upside. The gist of it is that you use this app to buy gas and then you get cash back. Being a bit on the skeptical side, I was thinking that it would likely be some scam or hard to use or you really didn't get much from it or you would end up having to go to random, out of the way gas stations, etc.

For whatever reason, a couple of weeks ago, I decided to really look into it. I signed up and have used it to buy two full tanks for our cars since and I currently have a balance of $10.59. I have an intro thing where I am getting an extra 5 cents a gallon which would amount to an extra $2 than 'normal' but pretty close to $5 back for each full tank fill up. I use my Speedway rewards and then my Costco 4% cash back card to purchase so I am getting the cash back on my card and then points on my rewards on top of the extra money back.

It is super user friendly. The way it works is that you go into the app and it will have your location and show the nearby gas stations. From what I can tell, all the gas stations in my area are part of this so you don't have to skip where you normally go for some other place. Each gas station will have a different offer... typically something like 30 centers per gallon back or 15 cents per gallon back and 15% inside the store or whatever else. You select the offer you want, tell it which credit card/debit card you are using and then you go pump your gas just like you normally would. It processes it and then something like the next day will show your additional funds.

I also noticed that there are offers for restaurants and groceries as well. Though these are populated a lot less, for example, the grocery option is a bit of a drive so not a place that I would ever normally go (but might give it a try as I think their deli section is supposed to be really good).

I figured some of you guys would be like me and not have tried it yet being skeptical or haven't heard about it so I would spread the good news so you guys can get value out of it too.
 
I've gotten about $125 back in a couple years. Should be more but my kids and wife don't understand how affiliate signups work and signed up normal.
Yea, trying to get my wife to sign up now... I think I am going to have to do it myself and then walk her through it.
 
Use it, love it.

There's some pretty outrageous restaurant deals, 6-16% cash back.

If you eat regularly at restaurants just above that fast food level---local pizza joints, affordable family restaurants etc. it's pretty major.
 
The only bummer for me is that Kwik Trip doesn't participate. And Kwik Trip is the happiest place on earth.
Some do.

It really is a snap to use. And kind of freeing because now I don't revolve my re-fueling habit around Costco.

This was going to be my question - would I make more than getting my gas at Costco using the cash back card.
I would say no. The discount at Costco is bigger. But I can't always go to Costco for gas. So I'll use upside plus my Costco card anywhere else.
 
The only bummer for me is that Kwik Trip doesn't participate. And Kwik Trip is the happiest place on earth.
Some do.

It really is a snap to use. And kind of freeing because now I don't revolve my re-fueling habit around Costco.

This was going to be my question - would I make more than getting my gas at Costco using the cash back card.
I haven't tracked it super closely but I think the answer is sometimes yes others no. Depends on the location.
 
Weird. I’d love to understand the business model and how it makes sense (for the app company, not for you). Always skeptical of stuff like this.
 
My wife and I were both looking at this program yesterday. I currently use Swagbucks, Brandclub, Ibotta and Fetch for grocery and restaurants receipts and they pay pretty well. I think I have made over $300 on Ibotta and have received multiple $50 Amazon gift cards from the other two. It is basically free money.
 
Weird. I’d love to understand the business model and how it makes sense (for the app company, not for you). Always skeptical of stuff like this.
The app signs up restaurants and gas stations.

At the end of the month/quarter whatever, the app can tell how much the Upside people spent at the restaurant or gas station. The gas stations pays an agreed upon amount to the app.

It's a coupon app, that's all it is. They get paid by the store, because they brought the customer to them.
 
Last time I looked no gas stations I use were listed. May need to check again.
All the ones I do and even the ones around me that I don't use were on it. I was trying to actually look for ones that were not on it.... actually, to think of it, I did miss on.... the Meijer gas station (which I never use and forget about all the time).... so there is one around me not on it for me.
 
Use it, love it.

There's some pretty outrageous restaurant deals, 6-16% cash back.

If you eat regularly at restaurants just above that fast food level---local pizza joints, affordable family restaurants etc. it's pretty major.
Yea, when I was typing up the OP.... I went back in and it was only then I noticed that it had Jimmy Johns for a 20% off. That is pretty dang good. Then I noticed the restuarants and groceries.
 
The only bummer for me is that Kwik Trip doesn't participate. And Kwik Trip is the happiest place on earth.
Some do.

It really is a snap to use. And kind of freeing because now I don't revolve my re-fueling habit around Costco.
Ah, the Costco would be another one not on there..... but I rarely go there as it is a bit of a drive to get there and then a PIA to get in and out of unless I am making a Costco trip.
 
My wife and I were both looking at this program yesterday. I currently use Swagbucks, Brandclub, Ibotta and Fetch for grocery and restaurants receipts and they pay pretty well. I think I have made over $300 on Ibotta and have received multiple $50 Amazon gift cards from the other two. It is basically free money.
There are other apps? This could get addictive.
 
My wife and I were both looking at this program yesterday. I currently use Swagbucks, Brandclub, Ibotta and Fetch for grocery and restaurants receipts and they pay pretty well. I think I have made over $300 on Ibotta and have received multiple $50 Amazon gift cards from the other two. It is basically free money.
Any tricks to actually get the receipts to be accepted? No matter what I do, Swagbucks doesn't want to pay out for items.
 
My wife and I were both looking at this program yesterday. I currently use Swagbucks, Brandclub, Ibotta and Fetch for grocery and restaurants receipts and they pay pretty well. I think I have made over $300 on Ibotta and have received multiple $50 Amazon gift cards from the other two. It is basically free money.
There are other apps? This could get addictive.
There are a lot.

Although I don't spend a lot on gas, I have a Wyndham Business card that gets 8x of their points on gas purchases. There are also frequent promotions at Publix (gas station gift cards) and Harris Teeter (Kroger Fuel Points) I use to get more. So usually getting somewhere between 20% and 30% off.
 
I just now downloaded on my wife's phone and then explained to her how to use it and why. The bonus thing from me is a 15 cent per gallon bonus on their first purchase, so I told her to not fill up when it is 1/4 empty but wait until it gets closer to E so you get the most out of it. 99.5% chance she will fill up no less than when it is 1/4 empty prob more like 1/3 actually.
 
My wife and I were both looking at this program yesterday. I currently use Swagbucks, Brandclub, Ibotta and Fetch for grocery and restaurants receipts and they pay pretty well. I think I have made over $300 on Ibotta and have received multiple $50 Amazon gift cards from the other two. It is basically free money.
I am a little confused on how Ibotta and Fetch work. Can you elaborate? Swagbucks (prob won't do) and Brandclub seem pretty straight forward.
 
I just now downloaded on my wife's phone and then explained to her how to use it and why. The bonus thing from me is a 15 cent per gallon bonus on their first purchase, so I told her to not fill up when it is 1/4 empty but wait until it gets closer to E so you get the most out of it. 99.5% chance she will fill up no less than when it is 1/4 empty prob more like 1/3 actually.
It’s really weird that you are married to my wife….
 
I just now downloaded on my wife's phone and then explained to her how to use it and why. The bonus thing from me is a 15 cent per gallon bonus on their first purchase, so I told her to not fill up when it is 1/4 empty but wait until it gets closer to E so you get the most out of it. 99.5% chance she will fill up no less than when it is 1/4 empty prob more like 1/3 actually.
Wait, she doesn't already do that? Are you sure she is a woman?
 
Does this app request GPS access? Article about how these apps capture and sell your driving habits to insurance companies. GasBuddy was named specifically, but it wouldn't surprise me that this one does the same thing. You are the product, after all.

 
Does this app request GPS access? Article about how these apps capture and sell your driving habits to insurance companies. GasBuddy was named specifically, but it wouldn't surprise me that this one does the same thing. You are the product, after all.

Yes, I choose the "only when using this app" option though. I would assume that would protect you from something like this but I am no expert.
 
I just now downloaded on my wife's phone and then explained to her how to use it and why. The bonus thing from me is a 15 cent per gallon bonus on their first purchase, so I told her to not fill up when it is 1/4 empty but wait until it gets closer to E so you get the most out of it. 99.5% chance she will fill up no less than when it is 1/4 empty prob more like 1/3 actually.
Wait, she doesn't already do that? Are you sure she is a woman?
Her Dad drilled into her that the car should always have near a full tank of gas in case of emergency.

I am not sure if that comes from him growing up in the Philippines or him being a Doctor or what but it is a big thing for him and now is for my wife.

I, on the hand, usually am close to the big E before getting gas so doing this isn't a problem for me.
 
I just now downloaded on my wife's phone and then explained to her how to use it and why. The bonus thing from me is a 15 cent per gallon bonus on their first purchase, so I told her to not fill up when it is 1/4 empty but wait until it gets closer to E so you get the most out of it. 99.5% chance she will fill up no less than when it is 1/4 empty prob more like 1/3 actually.
Wait, she doesn't already do that? Are you sure she is a woman?
Her Dad drilled into her that the car should always have near a full tank of gas in case of emergency.

I am not sure if that comes from him growing up in the Philippines or him being a Doctor or what but it is a big thing for him and now is for my wife.

I, on the hand, usually am close to the big E before getting gas so doing this isn't a problem for me.
It's also better for your fuel filter and fuel pump
 
I just now downloaded on my wife's phone and then explained to her how to use it and why. The bonus thing from me is a 15 cent per gallon bonus on their first purchase, so I told her to not fill up when it is 1/4 empty but wait until it gets closer to E so you get the most out of it. 99.5% chance she will fill up no less than when it is 1/4 empty prob more like 1/3 actually.
Wait, she doesn't already do that? Are you sure she is a woman?
Her Dad drilled into her that the car should always have near a full tank of gas in case of emergency.

I am not sure if that comes from him growing up in the Philippines or him being a Doctor or what but it is a big thing for him and now is for my wife.

I, on the hand, usually am close to the big E before getting gas so doing this isn't a problem for me.
It's also better for your fuel filter and fuel pump
What keeping a full tank?
 
I just now downloaded on my wife's phone and then explained to her how to use it and why. The bonus thing from me is a 15 cent per gallon bonus on their first purchase, so I told her to not fill up when it is 1/4 empty but wait until it gets closer to E so you get the most out of it. 99.5% chance she will fill up no less than when it is 1/4 empty prob more like 1/3 actually.
Wait, she doesn't already do that? Are you sure she is a woman?
Her Dad drilled into her that the car should always have near a full tank of gas in case of emergency.

I am not sure if that comes from him growing up in the Philippines or him being a Doctor or what but it is a big thing for him and now is for my wife.

I, on the hand, usually am close to the big E before getting gas so doing this isn't a problem for me.
It's also better for your fuel filter and fuel pump
What keeping a full tank?
Yes. 1) the fuel pump doesn't have to work as hard with a full tank. 2) it sounds ironic, but a fuel pump will run cooler on a full tank as opposed to an empty tank.
 
I just now downloaded on my wife's phone and then explained to her how to use it and why. The bonus thing from me is a 15 cent per gallon bonus on their first purchase, so I told her to not fill up when it is 1/4 empty but wait until it gets closer to E so you get the most out of it. 99.5% chance she will fill up no less than when it is 1/4 empty prob more like 1/3 actually.
Wait, she doesn't already do that? Are you sure she is a woman?
Her Dad drilled into her that the car should always have near a full tank of gas in case of emergency.

I am not sure if that comes from him growing up in the Philippines or him being a Doctor or what but it is a big thing for him and now is for my wife.

I, on the hand, usually am close to the big E before getting gas so doing this isn't a problem for me.
It's also better for your fuel filter and fuel pump
What keeping a full tank?
Not full per se but not waiting to get to empty before your refill. When you wait to empty all the time you risk debris from the tank clogging and the pump working harder.
 
Yes. 1) the fuel pump doesn't have to work as hard with a full tank. 2) it sounds ironic, but a fuel pump will run cooler on a full tank as opposed to an empty tank.
I guess that makes sense... gravity and all. The pressure is there with more mass but when low it has to suck it over more.
 
Not full per se but not waiting to get to empty before your refill. When you wait to empty all the time you risk debris from the tank clogging and the pump working harder.
How does debris get into a gas tank? I mean, it is a closed system other than the nozzle area.

(Yes, I am a complete moron when it comes to cars)
 
My sister told me about this app a couple of years ago but I've never used it. I don't do all the coupons that come in the mail either. I know I should but it just seems like work. The only one I really do is Google Opinion rewards which is pretty silly with it's pennies at a time payouts for Google store credits.
 
Her Dad drilled into her that the car should always have near a full tank of gas in case of emergency.

I am not sure if that comes from him growing up in the Philippines or him being a Doctor or what but it is a big thing for him and now is for my wife.
Why would either of those characteristics make one more prone to refill early?

Related, my friend, an American psychiatrist, pushes the gas envelope further than anyone I’ve ever known. I mean, I like the excitement of squeezing twenty miles or so below the E, but this guy will go ~50 in his Prius. Granted, the calculus is a little different in a hybrid, but I tend to trust a digital range of 0 more than the instant a needle crosses below empty.
 
Not full per se but not waiting to get to empty before your refill. When you wait to empty all the time you risk debris from the tank clogging and the pump working harder.
How does debris get into a gas tank? I mean, it is a closed system other than the nozzle area.

(Yes, I am a complete moron when it comes to cars)
I suppose corrosion could occur, but I assume gas drains from the bottom of the tank, so nonfloating crud, if present, would naturally get in the fuel lines anyway?
 
Her Dad drilled into her that the car should always have near a full tank of gas in case of emergency.

I am not sure if that comes from him growing up in the Philippines or him being a Doctor or what but it is a big thing for him and now is for my wife.
Why would either of those characteristics make one more prone to refill early?

Related, my friend, an American psychiatrist, pushes the gas envelope further than anyone I’ve ever known. I mean, I like the excitement of squeezing twenty miles or so below the E, but this guy will go ~50 in his Prius. Granted, the calculus is a little different in a hybrid, but I tend to trust a digital range of 0 more than the instant a needle crosses below empty.
Philippines... more natural disasters than Chicago (more than their fair share of Typhoons).
Doctor... He worked at a hospital including their ER room, dealing with emergencies on a daily basis, you are going to be more cognizant of it.
 
My sister told me about this app a couple of years ago but I've never used it. I don't do all the coupons that come in the mail either. I know I should but it just seems like work. The only one I really do is Google Opinion rewards which is pretty silly with it's pennies at a time payouts for Google store credits.
Yea, I have heard it on the radio a ton forever and always wondered about it but was super skeptical. It turns out it is worthwhile, easy and legit.
 
My wife and I were both looking at this program yesterday. I currently use Swagbucks, Brandclub, Ibotta and Fetch for grocery and restaurants receipts and they pay pretty well. I think I have made over $300 on Ibotta and have received multiple $50 Amazon gift cards from the other two. It is basically free money.
I unexpectedly had to make a run to the grocery last night. Outside the store in my car, I thought, wait.... let me try the Ibotta thing.

I don't think I will be using that one. It takes a lot of time and then my primary store you can't enroll the rewards so you have to take a picture of your receipt and send it in. Two things I ended up not getting the cash back for.... one was really my fault.... I guess..... stupid Tostino's for the kids. There were two coupons. I got the biggest bag and thought I was good. I did not get the credit and look it up.... needed 130 count or more (I got 100) for one and the other was like 70 count or less or something like that. I am not going to sit there and figure out these details every trip. The other one I think was BS because I read it and it was for "multi snack" or whatever Sun Maid. It has a picture of two other flavors but not the one I wanted. I went into details and it said something like any multi snack or blah blah. And I didn't get credit.

Grrrrrrrr

Shoot me your referral codes so when I try the others I can get you credit for them.
 
Update on Upside....


Still really like it. I have been keeping an eye out for what gas stations did or did not show up. Pretty much Shell, BP, 7Eleven and Speedway but in my immediate area of where I get gas mostly that is about 95% of the gas station options anyways.

One thing I like is being able to gage the best deal by both the actual price and the cash back. The other day I went to another Speedway that is only a minute longer drive than the normal one because the overall cost was significantly lower.

Still very user friendly. Love some of the other deals too like 20% back on Jimmy John's. That is a good $10 or 15 back on just one trip for the family there.
 
Downloaded the app based on this thread. Only filled up once so far, but agree the app is super friendly, and can't argue getting .53/G off. Wish I could put in a destination and it bring up offers along the route (on the way home) instead of having to scroll or navigate the map.

Have heard these commercials for years. Was talking to a co-worker some time ago and he 'worked out the math' and said it was pointless based on what they were offering (low %) and the options were few around us. Things must have changed significantly.

Got a family vacation next month so we'll see if the coverage is just local or it's more widespread.
 
Weird. I’d love to understand the business model and how it makes sense (for the app company, not for you). Always skeptical of stuff like this.
I assume the selling point for the early adopters (among gas stations) is that it'll send them more business. Once some of them are participating, everyone else has to for fear of losing business to those who are.

From the point of view of the app company, i assume they're get some small affiliate fee of a fraction of a percent for every purchase made on it (from the participating gas stations where the sale took place).

So essentially it's a clever way for the app company to get a small cut of all gas sales, while the gas stations unwittingly get sucked into a price war.
 
I signed up and have used it to buy two full tanks for our cars since and I currently have a balance of $10.59.

Is that a balance in the app (how would you USE it?) or are they crediting that amount to your CC? I think I wanna try this.
I haven't done the actual cash out yet but the options to cash out are your bank account, paypal or a slew of different gift cards. You can look around for a code to do to get bonus stuff... if you can't find one, let me know and I will shoot you mine. I think it gives you a 15 cent bonus. I can't remember what I did to start but you might find a bigger bang for your buck by putting in some internet grease work.
 
Downloaded the app based on this thread. Only filled up once so far, but agree the app is super friendly, and can't argue getting .53/G off. Wish I could put in a destination and it bring up offers along the route (on the way home) instead of having to scroll or navigate the map.

Have heard these commercials for years. Was talking to a co-worker some time ago and he 'worked out the math' and said it was pointless based on what they were offering (low %) and the options were few around us. Things must have changed significantly.

Got a family vacation next month so we'll see if the coverage is just local or it's more widespread.
Yea, that route thing would be a good feature.

But you can kind of do that on your own a little bit with the map. I really like being able to compare the actual price + cash back from one place to another, even same brands. They can vary greatly. The last one I did, I went to a station that was giving less cash back but the starting price was even lower so it saved more money that way.

I purposely looked at it when I was hoped over into Indiana. The stations I never heard before (maybe local or just Indiana things?) were not there but you can still find options.

For a road trip.... this is a MUST
 
Weird. I’d love to understand the business model and how it makes sense (for the app company, not for you). Always skeptical of stuff like this.
I assume the selling point for the early adopters (among gas stations) is that it'll send them more business. Once some of them are participating, everyone else has to for fear of losing business to those who are.

From the point of view of the app company, i assume they're get some small affiliate fee of a fraction of a percent for every purchase made on it (from the participating gas stations where the sale took place).

So essentially it's a clever way for the app company to get a small cut of all gas sales, while the gas stations unwittingly get sucked into a price war.
I mean, think of it like Grubhub..... it costs the restaurants money but they do it because they gain business. Most gas stations the gas is a loss or breaking even and they make their money on the convenience store..... which some have offers as well.
 
Weird. I’d love to understand the business model and how it makes sense (for the app company, not for you). Always skeptical of stuff like this.
I assume the selling point for the early adopters (among gas stations) is that it'll send them more business. Once some of them are participating, everyone else has to for fear of losing business to those who are.

From the point of view of the app company, i assume they're get some small affiliate fee of a fraction of a percent for every purchase made on it (from the participating gas stations where the sale took place).

So essentially it's a clever way for the app company to get a small cut of all gas sales, while the gas stations unwittingly get sucked into a price war.
I mean, think of it like Grubhub..... it costs the restaurants money but they do it because they gain business. Most gas stations the gas is a loss or breaking even and they make their money on the convenience store..... which some have offers as well.
Yeah, I just don’t believe gas stations will gain enough business to make this worthwhile. That’s ultimately my stance.
 
Weird. I’d love to understand the business model and how it makes sense (for the app company, not for you). Always skeptical of stuff like this.
I assume the selling point for the early adopters (among gas stations) is that it'll send them more business. Once some of them are participating, everyone else has to for fear of losing business to those who are.

From the point of view of the app company, i assume they're get some small affiliate fee of a fraction of a percent for every purchase made on it (from the participating gas stations where the sale took place).

So essentially it's a clever way for the app company to get a small cut of all gas sales, while the gas stations unwittingly get sucked into a price war.
I mean, think of it like Grubhub..... it costs the restaurants money but they do it because they gain business. Most gas stations the gas is a loss or breaking even and they make their money on the convenience store..... which some have offers as well.
Yeah, I just don’t believe gas stations will gain enough business to make this worthwhile. That’s ultimately my stance.
Well... I will ride the wave as long as long as there is a swell
 
Weird. I’d love to understand the business model and how it makes sense (for the app company, not for you). Always skeptical of stuff like this.
I assume the selling point for the early adopters (among gas stations) is that it'll send them more business. Once some of them are participating, everyone else has to for fear of losing business to those who are.

From the point of view of the app company, i assume they're get some small affiliate fee of a fraction of a percent for every purchase made on it (from the participating gas stations where the sale took place).

So essentially it's a clever way for the app company to get a small cut of all gas sales, while the gas stations unwittingly get sucked into a price war.
I mean, think of it like Grubhub..... it costs the restaurants money but they do it because they gain business. Most gas stations the gas is a loss or breaking even and they make their money on the convenience store..... which some have offers as well.
Yeah, I just don’t believe gas stations will gain enough business to make this worthwhile. That’s ultimately my stance.
Well... I will ride the wave as long as long as there is a swell
Yeah, this is definitely a net negative for the gas stations. Once they're all (or mostly) doing it, there's no net increase in people buying gas, but there is a net decrease in how much of the purchases price goes to the station. Different from grubhub, where you might actually order food out because you can get it delivered, when you'd just cook at home if you couldn't get it delivered.
 

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