Upside vs Rakuten: full comparison
| Factor | Upside | Rakuten |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Gas and Local Cashback | Shopping Portal |
| Finance App Radar score | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Best for | Gas, grocery, and restaurant offers | Online shopping, browser extension users, and selecte… |
| Cost | Free to use | Free to use |
| Current offer | New users can earn a first-purchase bonus (commonly about $5, or extra cents per gallon) after spending $10 or more; amount varies by campaign (as of July 2026). | New members earn a referral sign-up bonus after $50 or more in qualifying purchases within 90 days. Rakuten does not publish the amount and it changes by promo — it has run as high as $50 during limited-time offers and is typically lower (verified Sept 8, 2026). |
| Main drawback | Offers are location-based and may vary by user, merchant, and time. | Cash back depends on store confirmation, exclusions, returns, and reporting timelines. |
| Risk class | Low risk | Low risk |
How we rank these apps
Our score weighs real-world value, ease of use, cost and fees, trust and transparency, offer quality, payout speed, availability, reputation, and long-term usefulness. We never promise approval, earnings, savings, or bonuses — every offer is term-dependent and can change.
Which should you pick?
Pick Upside if you want gas, grocery, and restaurant offers, and you are comfortable with its main trade-off: Offers are location-based and may vary by user, merchant, and time.
Pick Rakuten if you want online shopping, browser extension users, and selecte…, and you are comfortable with its main trade-off: Cash back depends on store confirmation, exclusions, returns, and reporting timelines.
Ready to start?
Check today's Upside and Rakuten offers
Confirm current eligibility and terms before you sign up — offers change often, and requirements may apply.
Upside vs Rakuten FAQ
Is Upside or Rakuten better?
Neither is universally better. Upside is strongest for gas, grocery, and restaurant offers, while Rakuten is strongest for online shopping, browser extension users, and selecte…. Pick based on your own use case, eligibility, and the current offer terms.
Can I use both Upside and Rakuten?
In most cases you can use both, since they serve overlapping but distinct needs. Always review each app's current terms, eligibility, and referral rules before signing up.
Are the Upside and Rakuten offers the same for everyone?
No. App offers, bonuses, and eligibility requirements can change at any time and may vary by user. Always check the current offer before you sign up.