If you’re a savvy shopper looking to save money on fuel, you might have looked into or already use cash-back apps like Upside. Upside, formerly known as GetUpside, is a platform that partners with gas stations and other businesses to offer you cash back on purchases. It’s particularly popular for gas savings, promising up to $0.25 back per gallon at over 45,000 locations.
When considering cash-back options, a common question is whether these apps work with specific gas providers, such as Costco. Given that Costco offers competitive gas prices as part of its membership benefits, combining these savings with additional cash back from apps like Upside would be particularly advantageous. It’s important to know that while Upside’s partnerships extend to a multitude of gas stations, the way it interacts with memberships and rewards programs such as those at Costco may differ.
Understanding the compatibility of Upside with Costco Gas is key to maximizing your benefits. As you navigate the possible savings, knowing that Upside can still provide cash back at Costco gas stations, but with certain considerations regarding your Costco fuel rewards, enables you to make an informed decision on your fuel purchases.
Understanding Upside and Its Compatibility with Costco Gas
Upside is an app that gives you cash back on gas purchases at participating gas stations. It’s simple to use and can be a great way to save money on fuel. Here’s how it works:
- Find offers: Use the Upside app to locate deals on gas.
- Claim offers: Before you fill up, claim your offer through the app.
- Check-in: At the location, use the app to check-in and purchase gas.
- Receive cash back: After the purchase, cash back is credited to your Upside account.
When it comes to Costco gas stations, the situation is a bit different. Costco runs a members-only gas station model, meaning you need a Costco membership to purchase gas there. Upside partners with various businesses, including a selection of gas stations, but not all stations participate in the program.
To date, Costco gas stations are not part of the network of stations where Upside offers cash back. Here’s what this means for you:
- No cash back at Costco Gas with Upside. You will not earn Upside rewards when filling up at Costco gas stations.
- Costco’s low fuel prices are a member benefit, and you’re already getting a deal on gas compared to many other stations.
Remember to compare the price at Costco with the net price after cash back at Upside participating locations to ensure you’re getting the best deal on your gas purchases.
How to Utilize Upside at Costco Gas Stations
Leveraging the Upside app at Costco gas stations is straightforward. By following these steps, you can earn cash back on gas purchases, ensuring each fill-up comes with a little more value.
Signing Up and Downloading the Upside App
To start saving on your fuel purchases at Costco gas stations, you need to download the Upside app. It’s available on both iOS and Android platforms. Once the app is installed, create an account to begin browsing for deals.
- Go to your app store
- Search for “Upside app”
- Click “Install”
- Open the app and follow the prompts to sign up
Making Qualifying Purchases at Gas Stations
When you’re ready to fuel up at a Costco gas station, open the Upside app and check for available offers. Ensure to use the app to claim your offer before you fill up to be eligible for cash back.
- Open the Upside app
- Use the check-in feature or claim your offer for Costco gas
- Fuel your vehicle
Claiming Offers and Earning Rewards
After fueling up, it’s crucial to verify your purchase to secure your earnings. Upload a photo of your receipt through the app. You could earn up to 25 cents per gallon back on your gas purchases.
- Tap ‘Upload Receipt’ in the app
- Capture a clear photo of the entire receipt
- Submit and the app will process your cash back
Remember, it’s essential to follow the app’s guidelines for each step to ensure you receive your savings without any issues.
Maximizing Savings with Upside Beyond Gas Stations
When considering the benefits of the Upside app, it’s essential to recognize that its offerings extend well beyond just gas stations. Upside provides a convenient way to earn cash back not only on gas but also when you shop at grocery stores and dine at restaurants.
At grocery stores, you could be looking at up to 35% cash back on your purchases. To start saving, you need to check the app for offers before you shop. Here’s a quick guide on using Upside for grocery savings:
- Open the Upside app
- Navigate to the map or list to locate participating grocery stores near you
- Claim the offer and scan your receipt after purchase
The process is similar for restaurants. Whether you’re dining out or ordering to-go, search for nearby deals in the app, claim your cash back, and enjoy added savings on your meal.
- Earnings are not instant and typically take a few days to appear in your account.
- The cash back earned from grocery and restaurant purchases can be combined with your savings from gas stations, maximizing your overall savings.
- Remember to frequently check the app for any bonus offers or specials which can further boost your earnings.
- Gift cards are among the redemption options available, adding flexibility to how you utilize your rewards.
When making purchases at convenience stores, Upside can also come in handy. Before you head inside for a quick snack or a drink, use the app to find cash back offers and earn a little back from your spendings.
The Upside app is free to download from the App Store for iOS users or the Google Play Store for Android users, allowing seamless integration of savings into your everyday life. Remember to promptly upload receipts to ensure you receive your cash back credit.
Payment and Earning Process in Upside
The Upside app offers a simple yet effective way for you to earn cash back on your gasoline purchases, and understanding how the payment and earnings work is essential to maximize your benefits.
Methods of Cashing Out with Upside
When you’re ready to cash out your earnings from Upside, you have several options. You can transfer your cash rewards directly to your PayPal account, or if you prefer, you can opt to receive a digital gift card. Alternatively, if you like to keep things traditional, Upside allows you to cash out to your bank account by providing your banking information. Please note that while Upside doesn’t charge fees for cashing out, standard fees from your bank or PayPal may still apply.
Understanding the Earnings Structure
Your earnings on Upside are calculated based on the cash-back offers you utilize when filling up your tank. After you pay with a credit card, debit card, or any other linked payment card at the gas station, the Upside app tracks your purchase. The cash-back earnings are then credited to your Upside wallet in the GetUpside app. It’s important to know that the amount you earn is pre-determined by the specific offer you claim through the app.
Issues and Customer Service Related to Payments
Should you encounter any issues while cashing out your earnings or have questions about the payment process, Upside’s customer service is available to assist you. Ensure to keep your banking information up to date to avoid any delays in the transfer. For queries or concerns about payments, it is crucial to reach out to the customer service team promptly, so they can resolve any issues efficiently.