WalletHub Rating
4.8/5
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card is a good option for people with fair credit who want to borrow money and build credit at a reasonable price. But if you plan to pay your monthly bills in full or you have good-to-excellent credit, there are better, more rewarding options available.
WalletHub Rating Breakdown
User Reviews
3.2/5
237 reviewsRead and write reviews
Editor’s Review
4.2/5
John Kiernan, Credit Card EditorRead full review
Market Comparison
Market Comparison
5.0
The Market Comparison is a key component of the WalletHub Rating, as it measures how appealing the terms of a card are compared to a pool of over 1,500 credit card offers monitored by WalletHub. To ensure cards are evaluated for their most relevant purpose, we score each card across various cardholder needs and select the rating for the need with the highest score, which is “Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month” for this card.
Fees
5.0
Rewards
5.0
Cost
5.0
Other Features
5.0
5.0/5
Compared against 1,500+ credit cards
KEY TERMS
Accepted Credit Scores
Accepted Credit Scores
Excellent Credit, Good Credit, Fair Credit
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Annual Fee
$0
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card APR on Purchases
14.99% - 29.99%
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Balance Transfer
APR: 14.99% - 29.99%
Balance Transfer Fee
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Rewards
$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
*To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card's Additional Info
Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan
No annual fee
No touch payments with contactless technology built in
See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for
Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
Relax knowing you’re protected against unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
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Apply Now
at Upgrade's secure site
Editor's ReviewFact checked
Fact checked
John Kiernan, Managing Editor
September 12th, 2024
Fact Checked by Alina Comoreanu
Senior Researcher
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Pros & Cons
No membership fees
Qualify with fair credit
APR up to 29.99%
No grace period
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Review
4.2 / 5
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card is a good option for people with fair credit who want to borrow money and build credit at a reasonable price. But if you plan to pay your monthly bills in full or you have good-to-excellent credit, there are better, more rewarding options available.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Basics
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card is not a traditional credit card. It is a personal line of credit with a limit of $500 to $25,000, depending on each applicant’s creditworthiness, that you can access with a Visa card. The biggest differences between the Upgrade Cash Rewards Card and a traditional credit card are in terms of how billing and payments are handled.
With the Upgrade Cash Rewards Card, each month’s balance is divided into equal monthly payment amounts, giving cardholders a clear sense of how long it will take to repay the balance as well as forcing them to do it faster and at less of a cost compared to a traditional credit card’s minimum monthly payments. Repayment periods for Upgrade cardholders range from 24 months to 60 months, depending on creditworthiness, the amount of the balance and other factors.
To help you make up your mind about whether or not it’s wise to apply for the Upgrade Cash Rewards Card, we’ll highlight some of its biggest pros and cons below.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Review Highlights
Credit limit of $500 - $25,000
Nearly all Upgrade Cash Rewards Card applicants who are approved for an account will receive a credit limit below $25,000, and most will get a limit much lower than that. The amount you’re approved to borrow depends on your credit history, income and existing debt.
$0 annual fee
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card’s $0 annual fee saves cardholders about $22.22 per year compared to the average credit card offer. Not having to pay an annual fee is ideal for building credit, too.
APR of 14.99% - 29.99%
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card’s interest rate depends on your overall creditworthiness. For comparison, the average APR among credit cards for people with fair credit is about 26.85%, according to WalletHub’s research, and the average for excellent credit is roughly 18.2%.
Rewards when you pay the bill
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card gives 1.5% cash back of each bill payment back to you in cash back rewards. That’s pretty much the same thing as 1.5% cash backon all purchases, but you only get the rewards after you pay your bill.
$200 bonus
New cardholders who open and fund a new Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus Account and make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days of opening their Upgrade Credit Card account are eligible to earn a $200 bonus.The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions.
Cash advances not allowed
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card won’t allow you withdraw cash from an ATM. That shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, though. Cash advances are very expensive transactions that consumers should avoid whenever possible. Besides, the UpgradeCash Rewards Card allows you to send funds to your bank account without penalty.
Up to a 3% foreign transaction fee
Using the Upgrade Cash Rewards Card to make international purchases, whether you’re traveling abroad or buying things from foreign merchants online without leaving the country, will cost you extra.
Fair credit or better needed for approval
You can get a sense of your Upgrade Cash Rewards Card approval odds by checking your latest credit score for free on WalletHub. Upgrade also allows potential applicants to check for prequalification with no credit-score impact.
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Compare The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card vs. Popular Alternatives
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® | Discover it® Cash Back | Citi Double Cash® Card |
---|---|---|
4.8WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.8 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 4.2 User Reviews 3.2 Market Comparison 5.0 fees: 5.0 rewards: 5.0 cost: 5.0 Other Features: 5.0 | 3.9WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 3.9 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Finance New Purchases." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 3.9 User Reviews 3.8 Market Comparison 3.9 fees: 5.0 rewards: 3.3 cost: 3.7 APR: 3.9 | 4.9WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.9 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 5.0 User Reviews 3.4 Market Comparison 5.0 fees: 5.0 rewards: 5.0 cost: 5.0 Other Features: 5.0 |
annual fee$0 | annual fee$0 | annual fee$0 |
rewards rate | rewards rate | rewards rate |
bonus offer | bonus offer | bonus offer |
Purchase Intro APRNot Offered | Purchase Intro APR0%for15 months | Purchase Intro APRNot Offered |
transfer intro aprNot Offered | transfer intro apr0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: 3% intro balance, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* | transfer intro apr0% for 18 months|Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min) for each transfer |
Regular APR14.99% - 29.99% | Regular APR18.24% - 28.24% Variable | Regular APR19.24% - 29.24% (V) |
Sponsored Apply Now | Sponsored Apply Now | Sponsored Apply Now |
Questions & Answers
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit your question about Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this offer. Please keep in mind that it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered.
Most Popular
What's the starting credit limit for the Upgrade Credit Card?
Reply
16
Jason Miles, Wallethub Credit Card Consultant
@jasonmiles42
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card credit limit is $500. Everyone who gets approved for Upgrade Cash Rewards Card is guaranteed a credit limit of at least $500, and the most creditworthy applicants could get much higher limits. The higher an applicant's credit score and income are, the higher the starting credit limit is likely to be.
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card credit limit that you receive upon approval isn't necessarily permanent. You can ask to get a credit limit increase by calling the Upgrade customer service number on the back of your card, but it's best not to ask more than once a year. Upgrade will also evaluate your account periodically to determine whether you are eligible for a credit limit increase. Paying on time and keeping your credit utilization low are key for getting unsolicited credit line increases with Upgrade.
2
16
Upvotes
How do I get pre-approved for the Upgrade Card?
Reply
16
1
Rodney Bennett, WalletHub Analyst
@rodneyben
You can get pre-approved for the Upgrade Cash Rewards Card by applying for this cardonline. The online application actually serves as checking forpre-qualification, which results only in asoft pullof your credit. Therefore, there will be no impact on your credit score.
Here's how you can get Upgrade Cash Rewards Card pre-approval:
- Visit theUpgrade Cash Rewards Card webpageand click on the “Get Started” button.
- Enter your name, address, date of birth, and annual income.
- Create...
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4
7
Upvotes
What is the Upgrade Credit Card payment address?
Reply
7
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® payment address is:
Upgrade, Inc.
Lbx#452210
P.O. Box 52210
Phoenix, AZ 85072-2210
When paying Upgrade Cash Rewards Card bills by mail, be sure to submit either a check or money order for the payment amount. Upgrade does not accept cash.
Tips For Mailing Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Payments
- Include your credit card number on your payment to avoid any processing delays.
- Send only one check or money order per billing statement.
- Allow...
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3
Upvotes
Does the Upgrade Card do a hard pull?
Reply
3
1
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
Yes, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card does a hard inquiry on your credit report when you apply. A hard inquiry usually results in a slight decrease in an applicant's credit score, but the effect only lasts for a short period of time. The hard inquiry allows Upgrade to determine your credit risk and ultimately decide whether you'll be approved for an account.
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card requires fair credit to be approved. You can check your credit score by...
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1
2
Upvotes
Where can I use my Upgrade Credit Card?
Reply
2
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
You can use your Upgrade Cash Rewards Card virtually everywhere in the world that accepts credit cards, as this card is on the Visa network.
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card has up to 3% foreign transaction fees, which means you will incur extra charges for international purchases. The card also comes with an annual fee of $0 and offers 1.5% cash back on purchases.
22
Upvotes
What is the Upgrade Credit Card credit score requirement?
Reply
22
2
Mark Towers, WalletHub Credit Card Analyst
@MarkTowers
The Upgrade card credit score requirement is 640, which means that applicants need fair credit or better for approval. But credit score isn't the only thing that matters when it comes to getting approved for the Upgrade card. Upgrade will also look at the applicant's income, recent credit inquiries, other debts and more.
While the Upgrade card's credit score requirement plays a big role in whether you get approved for the card, your credit...
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4
12
Upvotes
How can I get an Upgrade Card cash advance?
Reply
12
2
Peter Fox, WalletHub Analyst
@PeterFox
You cannot get an Upgrade Card cash advance, as the card cannot be used to withdraw cash at an ATM or bank branch. However, there is still a way to get cash from the card. Upgrade allows you to use the card to put cash directly into your bank account by using your online Upgrade account or the Upgrade app. This isn't a traditional cash advance, and it's not useful for emergency situations because it...
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3
3
9
Upvotes
Does Upgrade Credit Card offer rental car insurance?
Reply
9
4
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card does not offer a rental car insurance benefit. Even though the Upgrade Cash Rewards Card doesn't have rental car insurance, this perk is one of the handful of credit card benefits that still come with many credit card offers. If you'd like a credit card with rental car insurance, there are plenty of options.
In general, credit card rental car insurance provides coverage against damage and theft of a rental vehicle, usually up to the vehicle's actual...
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7
Upvotes
What is the Upgrade Credit Card interest rate?
Reply
7
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® interest rate is 14.99% - 29.99%, with the actual rate depending on factors such as your income, credit history and existing debt. This Upgrade Cash Rewards Card interest rate is variable, meaning it can change based on certain economic conditions.
All Upgrade Cash Rewards Card interest rates will be listed on your statement and on your online account summary.
6
Upvotes
Does the Upgrade Credit Card build credit?
Reply
6
1
@tom_szekely
@tom_szekely
Your Upgrade Card can improve your credit score, but that depends on how much you spend on your card to how you handle payments.
It reports to the three main consumer credit bureaus on a monthly basis, so making all your credit card payments on time, every month, will definitely helpyour credit score.
While it's ideal to pay off your credit card balance each month to avoid interest charges, that might not...
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4
View more answers
2024 WalletHub Awards
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is an Editor's Pick for:
Best Credit Cards for Recent College Graduates
Best Airline Credit Cards
Best Hotel Credit Cards
Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit
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Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Reviews
Share your insights and review for the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
5
29%
4
23%
3
19%
2
10%
1
20%
3.3
237 reviews
237 reviews
What's Your Rating?
Most Recent
Tracey Arnold
@tarnold1965
1 Star Rating
It was pretty easy to get this card, and it had a $2,000.00 limit. I make payments on time. My credit limit was decreased to $1,000.00, yet I still make payments on time, although the interest rate is ridiculous. Now my credit limit has decreased to $500.00. I contacted customer service, and they say this card is reported as a personal loan and that I went over the limit, which I didn't. I tried to explain the problem, but received no help. I will cancel this card and I will not recommend it to anyone.
Comment
1
tiffanyngillespie
@tiffanyngillespie
1 Star Rating
I've had issues with Upgrade from the start. I should have qualified for their welcome bonus, but after jumping through various hoops and calling them multiple times, surprise surprise, it never went through. Months later, they randomly decided to stop my EarlyPay payment without notifying me! This caused my payment to be late because I was expecting it to be automatically taken out as it always was. After being put on hold several times, they finally admitted they didn't know why it was suddenly turned off (or why I wasn't notified) and that someone in the back office must have done it for 'some reason'. They said I was no longer eligible for EarlyPay, again with no actual reason given. I'm paying off my balance in full and closing my account. Avoid at all costs.
Comment
Lorinda Stewart
@ls020964
1 Star Rating
I opened an upgraded checking account and a line of credit. After I made a large purchase with the line of credit, I received an email saying that I was not eligible for additional purchases with the line of credit. I never missed a payment or was late with my payment. After I made the initial purchase, my credit score dropped 80 points. I should have read the reviews before getting the card because many other consumers had the same complaints. This company is not good to do business with; run and beware.
Comment
3
ronherbes
@ronherbes
1 Star Rating
be aware if you ever want to pay off your upgrade credit card with a balance transfer wire from another bank, they do not allow this. I wish I knew before I got their cards, otherwise, they are a decent CC but not taking wire transfers online to pay them off is a big issue because they are not using their own bank, they use other banks money, in my case they used a farm credit union for my credit card when I put in my account number in my balance transfer, a farm credit union came up when I sent the transfer it was denied! because UPGRADE doesn't allow payoffs with wire transfers! shameful.
Comment
1
Vincent F Sims Jr
@v_simsjr_47
5 Star Rating
I have had the account since I discharged a 13. Gave me the line and a couple of loans. Very easy to deal with and the limits were 8,000 and loans were up to 11,000. The only knock is they are late reporting balances to the CBs. Other than that, it’s been an excellent company to deal with.
Comment
1
davidg1_1
@davidg1_1
1 Star Rating
1. They constantly reduce my credit limit (line of credit) to my current balance, even as my credit score is perfectly fine and going up and my payments are all on time, thus negatively impacting my available credit and credit score.
2. You cannot rely on the date specified for autopay with these clowns. It might happen days later (and I'm not talking about weekends and holidays).
Avoid.
Comment
1
Joel
@webbestar
1 Star Rating
The customer service is horrible was in the hospital for long Covid. They wouldn’t work with me on payments. They wouldn’t answer my emails. They would double email me they would consistently do hard credit checks on me without my authorization and then they would send me a letter saying I didn’t qualify when I never applied for anything stay away they are not what you think they are
Comment
3
jenniferdixon00
@jenniferdixon00
1 Star Rating
We paid a deposit for window replacement which was never done, asked for a dispute and they refused stating we didn’t provide sufficient evidence that the work wasn’t done. They gave a myriad of excuses why they couldn’t issue a credit and now want us to pay $3k for a job that was never done, meaning we never received any goods or services for that price. STAY.FAR.AWAY!!!!!!!
Comment
3
1
agoodney3948
@agoodney3948
1 Star Rating
This is by far the worst credit company I have ever dealt with. We moved back in August and have been trying for months to simply get our address changed and it is simply impossible. I was able to change my address myself with all of my major credit card companies online, but this joke of a company expects me to email over all my personal information as well as a photo of myself. When I first inquired about changing my address I was given the wrong email address and was simply told to email in a current utility bill. I did this, unfortunately to the wrong email address, and waited. Called again, was told they never got it, so I emailed again. Called again and now they want me to risk identity theft in order to get my address changed. If they want this kind of personal information they should have a platform available to submit it that protects from identity theft. Instead they expect you to send your personal information over the internet and risk becoming a victim. All to simply change an address so you can ensure your getting your bill… I wasn’t even allowed to update my payment information myself. This is the most frustrating company I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with.
Comment
1
pistils_mugwort_0q
@pistils_mugwort_0q
This same thing happened to me! This company is THE WORST! They wanted a hand written letter with my account number and date and a picture of my DL just to change my address! Meanwhile, all other credit cards I just changed online.
Comment
1
Boganis09
@Boganis09
1 Star Rating
Sucks. They ask for way too much information and the fat one that couldn't breathe, Leo, was a short rude jacka**. No thank you. I would never fight with someone for credit when my wife and I make over 150k a year. Yeah absolutely not. The only reason I was interested was because I had unexpected expenses last year and wanted to rebuild my credit more quickly. I'm GOOD.
Comment
3
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