EverUp is a unique cashback app that lets you save money on your everyday spending by purchasing digital gift cards for various retailers. You simply buy a gift card through the app, and cashback is instantly added to your EverUp balance. At the till, you scan the gift card barcode directly from your phone, just like a loyalty card. This method allows you to combine your cashback savings with existing loyalty programmes such as Tesco Clubcard or Nectar.
The process is immediate: there's no waiting period, and no tracking failures. You can use your cashback straight away to buy more gift cards, or withdraw it to your bank once your balance reaches £10.
Initially, EverUp launched as a prize-linked savings app, but in 2023, it shifted its focus entirely to gift card cashback.
How EverUp Works: A Quick Habit
Using EverUp means a small change to how you pay at the checkout. Instead of paying directly, you open the app, purchase a digital gift card for the exact amount you're about to spend, and then scan its barcode. This process typically takes around 30 seconds. Once you've done it a few times, it becomes a simple habit that earns you a percentage back on money you were going to spend anyway.
Essential Information Before You Start
Before you begin using EverUp, understand these points to ensure you benefit from the cashback.
1. Only Save on Spending You'd Do Anyway
The cashback offered by EverUp acts as a discount on your planned purchases. It should not encourage you to spend more. Earning 5% cashback on a £100 gift card for something you don't need doesn't save you £5; it means you've spent £95 unnecessarily. Focus on items and shops you would visit regardless.
2. Gift Card Balances Are Not FSCS-Protected
Be aware of the risks associated with holding gift card balances. If EverUp were to cease trading, you might lose access to gift card codes stored within the app. It's wise to screenshot any unused gift cards as you buy them to keep the barcode and PIN independently. A greater risk is if the retailer itself goes out of business (as seen with Wilko in 2023); any gift cards for that retailer become worthless, and there's no compensation scheme to cover them. To mitigate this, spend your gift cards soon after purchase rather than accumulating large balances.
3. Stack Cashback with Other Discounts
One of the significant advantages of gift card cashback is its ability to stack with other retail discounts. If a store offers student discounts, NHS discounts, or uses a Blue Light Card, you can generally apply these on top of paying with a gift card. This means you get cashback from the gift card purchase AND the in-store discount.
You can also combine EverUp cashback with online cashback sites. By clicking through platforms like TopCashback or Quidco to a retailer's website and then paying with an EverUp gift card, you could earn two layers of cashback on a single purchase.
4. Credit Card Protection Doesn't Transfer to Gift Cards
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act provides protection for purchases over £100 made with a credit card, where the card provider shares responsibility for faulty goods or services. This protection does not extend to gift card purchases. If you buy something with a gift card and there's an issue, the credit card protection is lost, and refunds are typically issued as store credit rather than cash. Therefore, EverUp is best suited for regular spending at familiar stores rather than high-value, one-off purchases.
Should You Use EverUp?
Yes, especially if you spend £50 or more weekly on groceries. EverUp often provides the most competitive cashback rates for supermarket gift cards, and the cashback is instant. For online shopping, utility switching, and financial products, you will still need to use traditional cashback websites.
EverUp at a Glance
| Feature | SmartPiggy Rating | Notes |
|---|
| Rates | ★★★★☆ | Often the best for UK supermarket gift cards |
| Payout Speed | ★★★★★ | Instant to your in-app balance |
| Brand Range | ★★★☆☆ | Over 300 retailers, strong in the gift card category |
| Reliability | ★★★★★ | Gift card model eliminates tracking failures |
| Trust | ★★★☆☆ | Established since 2023 in current form, good reviews |
| Bonus | | 10 million coins (approx. £1.50) after first £10 cashback |
| Minimum Payout | | £10 to bank account, or £1 for gift card spend |
Best for: Weekly supermarket shops over £50, frequent purchases at Boots, Costa, M&S, Argos.
Watch out for: No Section 75 protection on purchases over £100, refunds typically as gift card credit.
Why EverUp Stands Out
EverUp is highly effective for supermarket spending. It provides instant cashback and features a broad selection of retailers. Its supermarket rates frequently surpass those of similar gift card apps, though competition is usually close. It's often worth checking both EverUp and other apps like JamDoughnut for the best rate before a significant purchase.
Using an EverUp gift card is straightforward: buy the digital card, receive instant cashback, and then scan the barcode at the till alongside your loyalty card. Your loyalty points still accrue, and if you used a cashback debit card to buy the gift card, you can earn additional rewards. The cashback is immediate, allowing you to spend it on more gift cards from £1, or withdraw it to your bank from £10. It's essentially free money on your existing spending.
How EverUp Cashback Works in Four Steps
- Retailer Sells Wholesale: Retailers sell gift cards to EverUp at a discounted rate.
- You Buy Through the App: You purchase a digital gift card at its face value via the EverUp app.
- Instant Cashback: EverUp immediately credits a portion of the discount it received to your balance as cashback.
- Spend at the Retailer: You then use the gift card at the till for its full face value.
This model differs from affiliate commission cashback sites. EverUp purchases gift cards at a discount and passes some of that saving on to you. This benefits the retailer by attracting customers, EverUp by earning a margin, and you by getting a discount. Typically, supermarket rates range from 4-7%, with premium brands occasionally offering more. While EverUp's rates might not reach the peak promotional highs of affiliate sites, they are consistent, instant, and never fail to track.
Key Benefits of Using EverUp
- Instant Cashback: The cashback appears in your balance the moment you purchase the gift card. There are no pending periods, tracking failures, or delays waiting for retailer confirmation.
- Seamless In-Store Payments: Simply scan the gift card barcode from your phone alongside your loyalty card. EverUp cashback stacks with Clubcard or Nectar points, and any cashback from your original credit or debit card purchase still applies, potentially offering three layers of return.
- Leading Supermarket Rates: EverUp consistently offers strong rates for major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, M&S, Iceland, and Co-op. While other apps like JamDoughnut are close, EverUp often edges them out.
- Access to Otherwise Unavailable Retailers: EverUp offers a unique advantage with retailers like Aldi, which typically don't participate in traditional cashback schemes. While you might earn coins rather than direct cashback for some of these, it provides a saving where other apps offer nothing.
SmartPiggy Verdict
EverUp provides a straightforward and effective way to earn instant cashback on your everyday spending, particularly for groceries and high-street shopping. Its instant rewards and reliable system make it an excellent addition to your money-saving toolkit, especially for those looking to maximise savings on regular outgoings. Remember to use it for spending you would make anyway and be mindful of the lack of Section 75 protection inherent with gift cards.
SmartPiggy