The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is a practical financial tool that combines a credit card's ease with a personal loan's predictability. It's a perfect fit for those who value simplicity and budget-friendliness in their financial management, thanks to its no-annual-fee structure and straightforward cash back rewards. Its unique features, including contactless payments and a user-friendly mobile app, offer seamless transactions and easy account access. This card is especially suitable for significant purchases, offering manageable payments. Overall, it provides a blend of convenience, security and rewards, making it an excellent choice for streamlining finances.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® Review
Updated: June 11, 2024
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Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Rewards Rate
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchasesAPR
14.99% – 29.99%Annual Fee
$0Recommended Credit
580 – 740 (Fair to Good)Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® Overview
When choosing a credit card, thoroughly evaluate its features, as they can significantly influence your financial habits and overall financial health.
- Rewards rate - Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases with each payment
- Welcome offer - Earn a $200 bonus by opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and completing three debit card transactions within 60 days
- Regular APR - 14.99% to 29.99%
- Annual fee - $0
- Intro APR offer - None
Important Card Details
In evaluating the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®, consider its features' potential benefits and limitations. Our analysis offers an unbiased look at how this card's diverse offerings can impact various aspects of financial management, from borrowing costs to reward accumulation.
Annual Fee
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® eliminates the annual fee, a common expense in many credit cards. The lack of this fee is particularly beneficial for budget-conscious users who want to maximize their financial resources without the burden of yearly charges. By forgoing this fee, the card becomes a more accessible option, especially for those who prefer using credit for occasional, significant purchases rather than everyday spending. It's an attractive choice for anyone seeking the convenience of credit without added costs.
Welcome Bonus
The card's $200 welcome bonus is an intriguing incentive offered to new users who open a Rewards Checking Plus account and make three debit transactions within 60 days. This introductory offer not only serves as an immediate reward for choosing the card but also encourages engagement with the account, fostering a habit of active card use. It's an excellent perk for those looking to get immediate value from their credit card.
Security Features
With a $0 fraud liability guarantee, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® provides a significant layer of security, ensuring that cardholders are not responsible for unauthorized transactions. This feature is crucial in today's digital age, where the risk of financial fraud is ever-present. Additionally, the card's contactless payment technology not only streamlines transactions but also reduces the physical contact necessary for payment, adding a layer of hygiene and safety to its use.
Other Perks
The card combines the flexibility of a credit card with the stability of a personal loan, making it ideal for substantial, planned purchases. This feature, combined with a user-friendly mobile app, offers convenience and control over finances. The card's 1.5% unlimited cash back on payments further enhances its value, rewarding consistent payment behavior. However, be mindful of the APR range, which can be on the higher side, making it vital for users to manage their balances carefully.
How the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® Compares
In this comparison, we examined the features, rewards and overall value of two popular credit cards, helping you determine which aligns best with your financial needs and spending habits.
How This Card Compares
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Rewards rate - Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases with each payment
- Welcome offer - Earn a $200 bonus by opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and completing three debit card transactions within 60 days
- Regular APR - 14.99% – 29.99%
- Annual fee - $0
- Intro APR offer - None
- Best for individuals seeking straightforward cashback rewards and a generous welcome offer without annual fees but comfortable with a variable APR.
Discover it® Chrome
- Rewards rate - Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Welcome offer - Discover matches all cash back you earn at the end of your first year
- Regular APR - 17.24% – 28.24% variable
- Annual fee - $0
- Intro APR offer - 0% for the first 15 months then 17.24% – 28.24% variable after that
- Best for frequent diners and drivers looking to maximize cash back, with benefits from a first-year match and an introductory APR period.
About Grace Pilling
Grace Pilling was the Senior Content Manager for Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. She previously led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com and MoneyUnder30.
Pilling has a bachelor's degree in English from Western Sydney University and a diploma in book editing, proofreading and publishing. She is focused on empowering readers to make informed financial choices that support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.