Cash back apps are one of the easiest ways to get more value out of a grocery trip — but most people aren’t using them to their full potential. Here's how to get the most out of a cash back app on your next grocery run.

1) Claim your offer before you shop, not after

Cash back apps like Upside work by matching a claimed offer to your purchase, so the offer needs to be claimed before you check out — not after. Building this into your routine (claim the offer while you're still in the parking lot, or before you leave home) is the single biggest thing that determines whether a trip earns cash back at all. 

2) Choose participating stores for your stock-up trip

Rather than treating cash back as an afterthought on whatever store is closest, build your regular stock-up trip around a participating grocery store when you have the option. Since offers are tied to specific retailers, planning your bigger trip around a partner location earns more than trying to catch smaller offers across several stores. Upside users can earn up to 20% back on grocery purchases (typical offers ~13%) at participating retailers. 

3) Stack cash back with your store loyalty program

Cash back apps are designed to work alongside a grocery store's loyalty program, not instead of it. Keep your loyalty account linked and use it as you normally would — claiming a cash back offer on top of loyalty pricing and digital coupons is another way you’ll maximize savings. 

4) Check for new offers regularly

Offers on cash back apps rotate and refresh often, sometimes tied to specific items or categories. Checking the app shortly before each trip — rather than relying on offers you saw a few weeks ago — helps make sure you're claiming what's currently available and not missing new ones.

5) Don't let cash back sit unused

Cash back earned through the app can typically be transferred to a bank account or redeemed as a gift card. Cashing out allows you to spend your earnings how you want, and there’s no waiting for points to add up. 

Get the most out of every grocery trip

Cash back apps work best when they're part of a routine — claim before you shop, choose participating stores for your stock-up trip, and stack with the loyalty tools you already use. A few small habits are the difference between earning a little and earning consistently.

Download the app to start earning cash back today