Upside: Gas & Food Cash Back is a finance app in the lifestyle category that helps you save money on everyday purchases. I found this app about six months ago and have been using it regularly ever since. The app is available on Google Play and the App Store, and it has over 10 million installs on Google Play alone. It is completely free to download and use, which I really appreciate. You do need to create an account when you first open the app, but the process takes less than a minute. The app makes money through partnerships with gas stations and restaurants, so there are no in app purchases or annoying ads.

Using this app is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. When you open the app, it shows you a map with all the nearby gas stations and restaurants that offer cash back. All you have to do is pick one and claim the offer before you go. When you make a purchase, you just upload a photo of your receipt or link a credit card to get the cash back automatically. My tip is to always check the app before you go out so you can claim the offer ahead of time. The cash back usually shows up in your account within a few days, and you can cash out once you reach $10. I usually cash out through PayPal or get a gift card.

Compared to similar apps like GasBuddy or Ibotta, I think Upside stands out because it is more straightforward. GasBuddy is good for finding cheap gas, but it does not give you actual cash back like Upside does. Ibotta is great for groceries, but it requires you to scan barcodes and buy specific items. With Upside, you just claim an offer, pay normally, and get cash back. I also like that Upside works with brands like Shell, Exxon, and BP, so it is easy to find a station near me. The app is simple and does exactly what it says without extra clutter.

• 🔹 Cash back at gas stations and restaurants: The app shows you nearby places that give you a percentage back on your purchase. I have saved around $30 in just a few months.
• 🔹 Claim offers before you go: You tap an offer to claim it, then make your purchase within a few hours. This keeps the process simple and fast without extra steps.
• 🔹 Receipt scanning or card linking: You can either upload a photo of your receipt or link a card to get cash back automatically. I prefer linking my card because it saves me time.
• 🔹 Low cash out minimum: You can withdraw your earnings once you reach just $10. Most similar apps like Ibotta require $20 or more, so this is a big plus for me.

• ✔️ Easy to use: The app layout is clean and simple. Unlike GasBuddy which has too many features, Upside focuses only on cash back and does it well.
• ✔️ Works with major brands: I can use it at Shell, Exxon, and many other big stations. This makes it more convenient than apps that only work with small local places.
• ✔️ No need to scan barcodes: I love that I don't have to hunt for specific items like in Ibotta. I just buy gas or food normally and get money back.

• ✖️ Some offers expire quickly: A few times, I claimed an offer but it expired before I could use it. Apps like GasBuddy don't have this issue.
• ✖️ Not all places are included: There are still many gas stations and restaurants that don't offer cash back through the app. I wish there were more options in my area.