Triple-Dip Gas Rewards | Maximize Cashback with Upside App & Best Credit Cards

Gas prices continue to fluctuate, making it more important than ever to maximize your savings at the pump. By combining the Upside app with the right credit cards and loyalty programs, you can create a powerful triple-dip strategy that puts real money back in your pocket.

Maximizing Cashback with Upside

Upside offers a straightforward way to earn cashback on your gas purchases:

Link your preferred credit card to the app

Claim offers at participating gas stations

Pay with your linked card

Receive cashback within 3-5 days

Redeem your earnings for gift cards or direct deposit

The app typically offers between 5-25 cents off per gallon, which adds up quickly over time. The best part? This cashback is completely independent of any credit card rewards you earn on the same purchase.

Double Dipping with Gas Rewards Credit Cards

To maximize your savings, pair Upside with a credit card that offers bonus rewards on gas purchases:

Citi Strata Premier: Earn 3X points on gas station purchases, plus 3X on flights, hotels, restaurants, and groceries. Apply here

Wells Fargo Autograph: Get 3X points on gas stations, along with restaurants, travel, transit, and streaming services. Apply here

Citi Custom Cash: Earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (including gas stations) up to $500 spent, then 1%. Apply here

American Express Business Gold: Earn 4X Membership Rewards points on the two categories your business spends the most each billing cycle, including U.S. gas stations. Apply here

Triple Dipping with Gas Station Loyalty Programs

Take your savings even further by adding a third layer: gas station loyalty programs like Earnify, Chevron, and Shell. These programs can offer an additional 10-20 cents off per gallon when you meet certain requirements.

Real Savings for Real Drivers

Let's look at how much an average American could save with this strategy:

Scenario 1: Mazda CX-5 Owner

Average annual miles: 13,500

Fuel efficiency: 28 MPG

Annual gas consumption: 482 gallons

Potential annual savings:

Upside (15¢/gallon): $72.30

3X credit card (4.5% value): $108.45

Loyalty program (10¢/gallon): $48.20

Total annual savings: $228.95

Scenario 2: Audi Q7 Owner

Average annual miles: 13,500

Fuel efficiency: 20 MPG

Annual gas consumption: 675 gallons

Potential annual savings:

Upside (15¢/gallon): $101.25

3X credit card (4.5% value): $151.88

Loyalty program (10¢/gallon): $67.50

Total annual savings: $320.63

Quick Thoughts

By strategically combining Upside, a rewards credit card like the Citi Strata Premier, Citi Custom Cash, Wells Fargo Autograph, or American Express Business Gold, and gas station loyalty programs, you can save hundreds of dollars annually on fuel costs. This triple-dip approach requires minimal effort but delivers maximum rewards, especially for drivers with larger vehicles or longer commutes. Start implementing this strategy today to turn your necessary gas expenses into valuable rewards.