Upgrade Card review: A card with fixed rates and terms
Great for predictable payments
Annual Fee: $0 (you may see different offers on Credit Karma)
This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.
Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Upgrade Card or similar cards.
% of members by credit limit range
The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $2,880, with $300 being the most common.
Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Upgrade Card or similar cards.
% of members by credit score range
The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 615, with 591 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.
Member stats
Updated daily
51.7%
Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.
45 years
Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.
$76,750
Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.
Pros and cons
Image: yesNo annual fee (you may see different offers on Credit Karma)
Image: yesFixed interest rates on purchases
Image: yesOffers a solid credit limit range
Image: ConCredit limit and interest rate may change if there are any changes to your credit scores or other risk factors
Image: ConCard can’t be used at ATMs
Image: ConNo rewards program
Upgrade Card review
Updated September 3, 2024
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
Written by: Kat Tretina
How does the Upgrade Card work?
The Upgrade Card isn’t like a traditional credit card — it’s a personal line of credit with a fixed interest rate and repayment term that may remind you of an installment loan.
You’ll pay off your line of credit with equal monthly payments. That may help you pay down debt sooner than if you only make minimum monthly payments on a traditional credit card since you’ll have a set payoff date to work toward.
Upgrade will issue you a card that you can use at any retailer that accepts Visa — or you can transfer funds to your bank account. Keep in mind that you can’t use the card at an ATM to withdraw cash.
The Upgrade Card offers credit lines ranging from $500 to $25,000, though you might see different offers on Credit Karma. And keep in mind that if you’re approved, your credit line amounts and APR will depend on your credit and other factors.
Here’s some more information you should know if you’re considering the Upgrade Card.
No rewards program or extra perks
If you’re looking for a rewards program, keep in mind that the Upgrade Card doesn’t offer one.
The credit line doesn’t offer any extra benefits, either. So if you’re looking for financing that offers perks such as car rental insurance or trip cancellation insurance, we recommend looking elsewhere.
Competitive rates
Upgrade Card offers a purchase APR of 14.99% - 29.99% (you may see different rates on Credit Karma). But you’ll need to have strong credit and set up autopay to qualify for a lower rate in this range.
Take note: The interest rate can be quite high. If you have strong credit, it may make more sense to see if you qualify for a credit card with an introductory rate.
What else you need to know about the Upgrade Card
- Installment terms — You make payments toward an installment plan that’s paid over the span of 24 to 84 months, with fixed rates and equal monthly payments.
- APR adjustments — If there’s a change in your credit scores — or anything else the lender considers a risk factor — Upgrade may adjust your purchase APR. The terms on your existing balances won’t change — this would only apply to new purchases.
Who this card is good for
The Upgrade Card is good for people who want the flexibility of charging their purchases on a card but want the fixed terms and equal payments that this line of credit offers.
Not sure if the Upgrade Card is for you? Consider these alternatives.
- Citi Simplicity® Card: Consider this card if you’d prefer a balance transfer card.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This credit card allows you to earn cash back on every purchase, with decent benefits for cardholders.
- Upgrade personal loan: Upgrade also offers personal loans for a fixed amount of money. It may be a good option if you’re self-employed.
Member reviews
Most helpful positive review
April 29, 2023
Can't use your card if your credit score goes down
— Credit Karma Member
You will not be able to use your card even if you have available credit and you payments are current. They can decline your use because of your credit score
Most helpful negative review
April 7, 2023
Was good at first, but diminished as time went on
— Credit Karma Member
I had a good experience with Upgrade when I first opened the line of credit. A couple of months in, I was even offered a credit line increase. A couple of months ago I paid the card off entirely. This month I received a notification that 'Upon a periodic review, my credit limit was being reduced.' Again I have a ZERO balance on my card! My over all credit profile has greatly improved across ALL credit bureaus. I believe they punish their clients for not using the card.