Upgrade Select Visa®
- Annual fee
- $39
- Recommended credit
- Fair
- Card network
- Visa
- Regular purchase APR
- 21.96% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
At a glance
The Upgrade Select Visa® combines the best of the regular Upgrade Card for those looking to establish a strong credit history with unsecured credit for the first time. Cardholders enjoy up to 10% cash back on select merchants through Dosh®, and a sensible welcome bonus, all for a modest $39 annual fee.
Our review of the Upgrade Select Visa®
Upgrade Select is a new type of credit card from Upgrade, the maker of the popular Upgrade line of credit cards. The Upgrade Select Visa® works with the Upgrade Rewards Checking account, offering improved access to credit-building tools and allowing you to establish a strong credit profile with responsible usage of unsecured credit for a modest $39 annual fee.
Who Can Benefit from Upgrade Select?
The Upgrade Select Visa® offers the opportunity to enjoy access to unsecured credit. The card’s starting credit limits are considerably lower than what you’ll find with Upgrade’s other credit card products, making it ideal for those with fair credit scores looking to jump from secured to unsecured credit.
How to Get Upgrade
Upgrade provides a free online pre-qualification tool, allowing you to see if you pre-qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score. This feature is a great way to see your suitability for an Upgrade product without a ding on your credit report.
How Does Upgrade Card Work?
Upgrade’s credit cards work in two ways. Cardholders can use their line of credit to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide, as well as transfer funds to an external bank account to help tackle existing debt. Upgrade takes the guesswork out of credit card balances with a set, pre-determined automatic payment each month.
Upgrade vs Traditional Credit Cards
Upgrade balances feature a fixed rate and term, providing you with the knowledge of when you will pay off your balance and the opportunity to save on interest compared to traditional credit cards.
How to Earn Cash Back with Upgrade
New Upgrade Select Visa Card accounts can earn a $200 welcome bonus for opening, funding, and using a Rewards Checking Plus account. Additionally, Upgrade offers the chance to earn rewards via Upgrade Shopping powered by Dosh®.
Other Card Benefits
Upgrade cardholders can expect helpful tools, security features, and Visa Platinum protections, including Zero Fraud Liability and Emergency Card Replacement.
Comparison
The Upgrade Select Visa® stands out for its relatively low annual fee and the potential for high rewards with Dosh compared to other near-prime credit card options.
What We Love About Upgrade
Upgrade offers a simple pre-qualification process, streamlined purchase and repayment process, high credit line, welcome bonus, and no hidden fees.
Things to Consider
While the $39 annual fee may be a drawback for some, the benefits of the Upgrade Select Visa® card outweigh this minor negative.
Upgrade FAQs
Answers to commonly asked questions regarding the Upgrade Card and the Upgrade Select.
Card features
Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- Combine the flexibility of a card with the predictability of a personal loan
- No touch payments with contactless technology built in
- See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
- Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- *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.
Who this card may suit
- You struggle to pay off your credit card balances
- You want a structured repayment plan
- You can reliably pay off your statement balances and establish a strong credit history
- You have a desire to get debt-free quickly
- You hate penalty or other hidden fees
Rates, fees and terms
| Annual Fee | $39 |
|---|---|
| Regular Purchase APR | 21.96% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate |
| Balance Transfer APR | 21.96% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate |
| Balance Transfer Transaction Fee | Up to 5% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | Up to 5% |
Confirm before you apply: rates, fees and offers change often. The figures above are the ones listed on the original card page, not a current quote from the issuer. APRs are typically variable, and the rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Recommended credit: Fair Credit.
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Upgrade Select Visa®
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