Upgrade Card Visa® 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 Visa® 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 $2,875, with $300 being the most common.
Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Upgrade Card Visa® 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 616, 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
51.4%
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.
$77,006
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 Visa® review
Updated September 3, 2024
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
Written by: Kat Tretina
How does the Upgrade Card Visa® work?
The Upgrade Card Visa® 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 Visa® 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 Visa®.
No rewards program or extra perks
If you’re looking for a rewards program, keep in mind that the Upgrade Card Visa® 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 Visa® 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 Visa®
- 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 Visa® 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 Visa® 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
February 21, 2024
Decrease in credit limit for no good reason
— Credit Karma Member
I got approved for a $6000 limit, I used a little over $3000 of that. I have never made a late payment and always pay at least $100 more than the minimum due. First they decreased my limit to $3000 and now they just dropped it to $1000. So I just transferred my checking and savings accounts that I had with them to my chime, about $1150 because I'm not going to do business with a company that treats good customers, like me like they have.