Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa® Review

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Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa®

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Rate

Earn 2.2% unlimited cash back on purchases

APR

14.99% – 29.99%

Annual Fee

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

PROS
- Account opening bonus
- Earn unlimited cash back
- No annual fees
- Mobile app for easy access
- Contactless payment technology
CONS
- Potentially high APR
- Requires debit card use for welcome bonus
- No introductory APR offer
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn a $200 bonus after opening and funding a Rewards Checking Plus account and making three debit card transactions within 60 days. Note that if you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade, you are not eligible. The payout is made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.
- Rewards
  - Earn 2.2% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment.
- APRS, Fees, and Penalties
  - No annual fee.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Enjoy contactless payments with built-in technology.
  - Access your account anytime, anywhere with the mobile app.
  - Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud liability.
  - See if you qualify in minutes without affecting your credit score.
  - Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for.

The Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa® is a standout choice for savvy spenders seeking the best of both worlds: a credit card's flexibility and a personal loan's predictability. It's a financial multitool that rewards every purchase with cash back, simplifying the rewards experience. The card's appeal is bolstered by its user-friendly features, including a solid mobile app and seamless contactless payments, ensuring convenience and security. Additionally, its commitment to $0 fraud liability and absence of annual fees makes it a reliable option for daily transactions and significant purchases alike, all without the typical financial burden of extra charges.

Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa® Overview

When choosing a credit card, a thorough evaluation of its features is crucial, as they have a significant impact on financial management and personal convenience, encompassing beneficial rewards to potential cost implications.

Rewards rate - Earn 2.2% unlimited cash back on purchases with every payment
Welcome offer - Earn $200 bonus with a new Rewards Checking Plus account after three debit card transactions within 60 days
Regular APR - 14.99%-29.99% variable
Annual fee - $0
Intro APR offer - None

Important Card Details

In the ever-evolving world of credit cards, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa® presents diverse features, each designed with specific consumer needs in mind. From unique management tools to rewards and security enhancements, this card offers traditional and innovative benefits, catering to various preferences and financial situations.

Cash Back

The Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa® offers a compelling 2.2% unlimited cash back on every purchase with each payment made. This feature stands out for its simplicity and consistency, unlike other cards that may have fluctuating cash back rates or categories. It's ideal for consumers who prefer straightforward rewards without the need to track spending categories. The unlimited aspect ensures that no matter how much you spend, you're always earning back a portion, making it an excellent choice for both small daily expenses and larger purchases.

Welcome Bonus

A standout feature of this card is its welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn a $200 bonus by opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and completing three debit card transactions within 60 days. This bonus is particularly accessible as it doesn't require a high spending threshold, which is common with many other credit card bonuses. This makes it an attractive option for those who may not want to or cannot commit to high initial spending to secure a bonus.

Annual Fee

A significant advantage of the Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa® is its lack of an annual fee. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want to avoid extra costs associated with credit cards. Not having an annual fee ensures that cardholders can enjoy the benefits of the card, such as cash back and the welcome bonus, without worrying about an additional yearly charge diminishing their rewards.

Other Perks

In addition to its primary features, this card offers several other perks that enhance its value. Its contactless payment technology provides a convenient and secure way to make transactions, especially in today's increasingly digital world. The ability to quickly check qualifications without affecting credit scores is beneficial for individuals monitoring their credit health. Access to the mobile app is a significant perk for managing accounts on the go, and the $0 fraud liability provides peace of mind by ensuring cardholders are not held responsible for unauthorized charges.

How the Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa® Compares

In this comparison, we'll examine two popular credit cards side by side, focusing on their rewards, fees, APRs and unique features to help you determine which card best suits your financial habits and goals.

How This Card Compares

Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa®

Rewards rate - Earn 2.2% unlimited cash back on purchases with every payment
Welcome offer - Earn $200 bonus with a new Rewards Checking Plus account after three debit card transactions within 60 days
Regular APR - 14.99%-29.99% variable
Annual fee - $0
Intro APR offer - None
Best for those seeking simple high cash-back rewards and a significant welcome bonus, offering the convenience of no annual fee and a variable APR range.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Rewards rate - Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases
Welcome offer - Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months
Regular APR - 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% Variable APR
Annual fee - $0
Intro APR offer - 0% introductory APR for 15 months from the date of account opening, then 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% Variable APR after that
Best for individuals seeking straightforward cash rewards, an attainable welcome offer, the advantage of no annual fee and an introductory APR offer. It's suitable for those intending to make significant initial purchases or transfer balances.

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.

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*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.
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