Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® review: Potential for a lower APR

Great for a loan alternative with rewards

Annual Fee: $0
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Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Upgrade Cash Rewards 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 $5,344, with $500 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Upgrade Cash Rewards 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 678, with 746 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats
Updated daily

36.5%
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.

$89,519
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

Potential for a high credit limit

Ability to prequalify

Chance for a lower APR

Not a traditional credit card

Mediocre rewards rate

Earn rewards on payments instead of purchases
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® review
Updated March 3, 2025
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
Written by: Ben Luthi
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® core features
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card offers a revolving credit line with some of the same benefits you can get with a traditional credit card. Here are some of the most important aspects of this card and how they work.
It’s a personal line of credit
Unlike traditional credit cards, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card offers a revolving credit line that works more like a personal loan. Once approved, you can use your line of credit to pay for purchases or have cash deposited into your bank account — and you’ll make predictable, set payments each month on your balance.
Minimal rewards on payments, not purchases
With most traditional rewards credit cards, you’ll earn cash back, points or miles when you make a purchase. With this card, you don’t earn rewards until you pay back your purchases. Then your rewards will be applied to your balance as a statement credit.
Also this card’s reward rate is 1.5%, which isn’t great (you might see different offers through Credit Karma). If you’re looking to maximize your rewards, you might want to consider other cash back credit card options.
Potential for a high credit line
Upgrade offers credit lines ranging from $500 to $25,000, though many will be $15,000 or less. What’s more, you can get an idea of what your credit line might be without a hard credit check.
But heads up on the APR: It ranges from 14.99% - 29.99% depending on your credit history and other factors. The lowest rate requires autopay.
What else you need to know about the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Beyond the basics of how the card works, here are some other details to know about the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card.
- The card doesn’t charge an annual fee.
- Payments made on non-purchase transactions, such as withdrawals to your bank account, don’t qualify for cash-back rewards.
Who this card is good for
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card could be a good option for someone who wants a little more flexibility with their everyday spending card. While you can use the card as you would a traditional credit card for in-store and online purchases, you can also withdraw funds from your line of credit directly to your bank account without additional fees.
That said, because you’re paying off purchases over a fixed amount of time, your monthly payments may end up being higher than a standard credit card minimum payment.
Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.
If you’re unsure about the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card, take some time to consider other options that might be a better fit for you. You could also consider a personal loan, since this card works in a similar way. But if you’re in the market for a card, depending on your needs and preferences, here are some alternatives.
- Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®: Consider this card if you like the idea of a hybrid card but want the chance to earn more rewards on select categories.
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: This card can be a good option for someone who wants to maximize rewards on every purchase.
- Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Use this card to finance a large purchase and pay it off over time with no interest.
Member reviews
Most helpful positive review
August 20, 2023
Quite convenient
— Credit Karma Member
The card has features that no other credit card can offer. Duplicate profits are included as a personal loan directly linked to the account and a credit card that can transfer the money to your bank account.
Most helpful negative review
April 5, 2023
Not a Credit Card
— Credit Karma Member
Read the fine print before you apply to this. This is not like other credit cards, it’s a bank account with debit card. When you open the account they will ask for your social security number then they will put a hard credit check on your records and then they will ask for your tax filing information. After the account is opened they will start charging interest from the time you use the card with no grace period and they will link this account to your bank account for direct payments then they will take the minimum payment if you don’t pay attention and on top of it I never received my $400 that they said they would pay after you use the card 3 times. Be careful.