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Upromise® Mastercard® card

Upromise® Mastercard®

Annual fee
None
Recommended credit
Excellent / Good
Card network
Mastercard
Regular purchase APR
20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
Check before you apply: the rates, fees and offers on this page are as listed on the original card page (updated May 28, 2025) and may have changed. Confirm current terms on the issuer’s website. Best Credit Cards Guide may be compensated by some issuers; see our Advertiser Disclosure.

At a glance

The Upromise® Mastercard® turns everyday purchases into college savings by providing 1.25% cash back into 529 College Savings Plans and delivers a bonus 15% bonus cash back on your monthly total.

Our review of the Upromise® Mastercard®

If you’re looking for a credit card that can help you save for college expenses, the Upromise® Mastercard® from Barclays is worth considering. This cash back card offers enhanced rewards when depositing funds into eligible college savings plans, making it a valuable tool for building your education fund. Plus, there’s no annual fee to worry about.

0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers

One of the standout features of the Upromise Mastercard is its 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After the introductory period, a variable rate based on creditworthiness applies. This can be a great way to save on interest while you work on paying down existing balances.

Earn Additional Rewards When Linked to an Eligible 529 Plan

With the Upromise Mastercard, you can earn a flat-rate, unlimited 1.25% cash back on all eligible purchases. While this rate is competitive, there are other cards with higher cash back rates. However, where the Upromise card shines is in its unique feature of earning 1.529% back on all purchases when depositing funds into an eligible college savings plan, such as a 529 plan.

Earn More with UPromise Round-Up

To further boost your college savings, you can take advantage of Upromise Round-Up. This feature allows you to round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and convert the total Round-Up amount into cash back rewards, which can be deposited into your college savings plan.

What College Savings Plans are Eligible?

The Upromise Mastercard supports nearly 200 college savings programs, including popular options like NEST, ABLE, STABLE Learning Quest, Merrill Lynch, and John Hancock. This makes it a versatile choice for maximizing your cash back rewards for college expenses.

Earn up to $250 in Cash Back Rewards per Year

In addition to regular cash back rewards, Upromise offers the opportunity to earn up to $250 per calendar year through additional promotions like buying gift cards through MyGiftCardsPlus. This can be a valuable bonus for those looking to maximize their savings.

Other Card Features

The Upromise Mastercard also comes with no foreign transaction fees, complimentary access to your FICO® score online, and EMV chip technology for enhanced security. As a Mastercard, it also provides additional protections like Zero Liability Protection, Mastercard Global Services, and ID Theft Protection.

Should You Apply for the Upromise® Mastercard®?

If saving for college is a top priority for you, the Upromise Mastercard could be a valuable addition to your wallet. With its focus on college savings, low maintenance, and no annual fee, it’s a great option for parents looking to build long-term savings through everyday spending. Pair it with a 529 College Savings Plan for maximum benefits and start earning rewards towards your education fund today.

Card features

Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.

  • Earn 1.25% cash back on every purchase
  • Purchases are rounded to the nearest dollar to earn extra cash back
  • Earn 1.529% Cash Back Rewards on purchases when your Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan
  • No annual fee

Who this card may suit

  • You're a parent/guardian that wants to begin a college savings fund for a child
  • You have graduated from college but need assistance saving money for graduate school
  • You want cash back rewards that are automatically applied towards a saving account
  • You want a cash back card that rounds up purchase totals

Rates, fees and terms

Rates, fees and terms as listed on the original card page (updated May 28, 2025). Confirm current terms on the issuer’s site.
Annual FeeNone
Regular Purchase APR20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% for 15 months on transfers made within 45 days from account opening date
Balance Transfer APR20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
Balance Transfer Transaction FeeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance APR30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
Cash Advance Transaction FeeEither $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Late Payment Penalty FeeUp to $40
Return Payment Penalty FeeUp to $40

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: Excellent Credit Good Credit.

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Upromise® Mastercard®

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Annual fee
None
Recommended credit
Excellent / Good
Intro APR
0% for 15 months from account opening date