Upside Gas App

[Tailg8er]

I used it for a month and got $1.07, and I fill up my tank twice a week.

How? Don't know that I've seen less than $0.05/gallon rebate - that's a buck with 20 gallons? Unless you only used it for one of your fill ups or something?

ETA: Nevermind, just opened mine up & all I see are $0.01/gallon for any stations near me.. that certainly makes it less appealing. Since WFH after covid, I usually only fill up 1-2 times per month. Still might start using it again since it's not really any work to do.

 

[Pat]

So, what’s the, uh, downside? Not only are these apps offering “free” money, they’re spending on ads. To give money away. What is the revenue stream?

 

[demoncore1031]

How? Don't know that I've seen less than $0.05/gallon rebate - that's a buck with 20 gallons? Unless you only used it for one of your fill ups or something?

ETA: Nevermind, just opened mine up & all I see are $0.01/gallon for any stations near me.. that certainly makes it less appealing. Since WFH after covid, I usually only fill up 1-2 times per month. Still might start using it again since it's not really any work to do.

I think I saved a bit the first two times I used it and then it was a penny or two each time after that. I get a better discount at the Murphy station by my house by using reward points. Got 30 cents off per gallon yesterday.

 

[Tailg8er]

I think I saved a bit the first two times I used it and then it was a penny or two each time after that. I get a better discount at the Murphy station by my house by using reward points. Got 30 cents off per gallon yesterday.

Yeah, Costco is more of a discount for me as well, it's just not all that close to home.

So, what’s the, uh, downside? Not only are these apps offering “free” money, they’re spending on ads. To give money away. What is the revenue stream?

I'd imagine whichever gas stations are featured on the app pay the per gallon discount & maybe even more than that per gallon amount - I'm sure it makes them more in the long run when people specifically choose their station because of the tiny discount offered. They also pay in gift cards (to the best of my knowledge), guessing they get those in bulk at a discount as well.

 

[wcamnclone]

I've used for maybe 6 months and have got about $50 back. But even with the rebates, filling up at Costco plus with Costco card cash back that still ends up being the better deal for me majority of the time.

On a separate note, just started using an app called WeWard which tracks your steps and can eventually redeem for gift cards, etc. Does seem like it will take forever before you are able to even redeem for a $10 target gift card.

 

[AgronAlum]

So, what’s the, uh, downside? Not only are these apps offering “free” money, they’re spending on ads. To give money away. What is the revenue stream?

I assume data just like everything else. They're probably selling the location data and purchase histories/trends.

 

[1100011CS]

I wish the KwikStar's around here took part. It is just Casey's around CR and a couple of restaurants.

I go to Rochester, MN at least once a week and most of the KwikStars there offer a discount. But yeah, none around here do.

 

[1100011CS]

Yeah, Costco is more of a discount for me as well, it's just not all that close to home.





I'd imagine whichever gas stations are featured on the app pay the per gallon discount & maybe even more than that per gallon amount - I'm sure it makes them more in the long run when people specifically choose their station because of the tiny discount offered. They also pay in gift cards (to the best of my knowledge), guessing they get those in bulk at a discount as well.

Gift cards are one option. You can get direct deposit to a bank account too.

 

[Antihawk240]

I'm a big user. I heard the commercial and then a friend got me hooked on it. In two years I've made about $550. I like to save it all up and then cash out once a year. The post above is correct. They will offer you (as an example) ten cents a gallon, but will charge the gas station (as an example) twelve cents. Gas Station will buy into it as it will get the upside customer at their station vs the nearest to them station.

I have 1 account with my cards, my wife's cards, and my high school sons card on it. They text me when and where they fill up and I go in and claim it, by now they now the stations that accept it and fill up there. Smooth transactions.

However- here is my conspiracy- I am fairly confident I am correct. It is a GPS activated app. So the app knows when you are sitting in the gas station. If you pull the app up there is an increased chance you are only getting two cents vs ten-fourteen / gallon. I am absolutely convinced. I claim the app in my work parking lot and drive there I get the bigger payout. I forget and claim it in the gas station parking lot.... yep one cent or two cents. EVERY TIME. Naturally Upside will still charge the gas station the fourteen cents and make the profit. SO claim the station before you arrive.

 

[Cycsk]

So, what’s the, uh, downside? Not only are these apps offering “free” money, they’re spending on ads. To give money away. What is the revenue stream?

Maybe they are playing the long game and when they get enough of your credit card numbers, they will use them all at once to make massive cash withdrawals.

 

[DRH]

It’s not a huge kick back. But it is free money. Don’t forget about the restaurant options too. Get 25-33% cash back frequently with some places especially pizza