Upgrade Rewards Checking Account Review 2024
If you don’t mind online banking and want to earn cash back rewards for using your debit card regularly, then the Upgrade rewards checking account is worth looking into.
In addition to earning cash back on daily purchases, Upgrade saves you money by not charging some of the customary checking fees you might be used to paying.
Sound intriguing? Continue reading to learn more about the Upgrade rewards checking account, including its features, downsides you should know, and how this account measures up to the competition.
Upgrade Rewards Checking Account At-a-Glance
Easily Compare the Best Checking Accounts Online
Compare rates, fees, accessibility, customer service, and more to find the best checking account for your needs.
Pros and Cons of Upgrade Checking
No matter where you open a checking account, there will be a combination of benefits and drawbacks.
Below, we look at the pros and cons of opening an Upgrade rewards checking account so you have realistic expectations about doing business with the company.
Pros
- Cash back rewards: Upgrade provides 2% cash back rewards for everyday purchases made with your debit card, so you can earn rewards when you shop at convenience stores, gas stations, and drugstores. Also, charges made at restaurants and payments for utility and mobile phone bills can receive these awards.
- No fees: Upgrade charges no draft or annual fees. Also, no minimum deposit is required, nor is there a minimum balance needed to keep your account open.
- Availability: Unlike some online financial institutions that are available only in limited areas of the country, Upgrade is available to consumers in all 50 states.
- Direct deposit perks: If you receive direct deposit payments, Upgrade allows you to receive your money two days earlier than you normally would when you have direct deposits into your rewards checking account.
Cons
- No physical branches: Upgrade does not have physical branches, so if you’re accustomed to making face-to-face bank transactions, you will not have that option with this company.
- High deposits required to have an active account: Upgrade requires that customers receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits each month for an account to be considered active.
Compare to Other Checking Accounts
There are many savings accounts to choose from, so researching is essential to ensure you find the right one for your needs. Compare these other checking accounts to see how they compare to the Upgrade.
Varo Bank Checking
The Varo Bank checking account is similar to the Upgrade rewards checking account in several ways.
Both companies allow customers to receive direct deposit payments early, so they don’t have to wait for their funds.
These companies also do not charge monthly fees to their customers or require a minimum balance to open an account.
Varo Bank, like Upgrade, allows customers to earn cash back on purchases made with their debit cards. However, when it comes to this benefit, the similarities between the two companies end.
While Upgrade provides cash back rewards of 2% for everyday expenses, Varo Bank is much more generous with its rewards, allowing customers to receive up to 15% on qualified purchases.
Citi Priority Checking Account
Like the Upgrade rewards checking account, the Citi priority checking account is available to customers in all 50 states.
Both companies have a mobile app that gives customers easy access to their accounts.
However, unlike Upgrade, Citi charges a monthly maintenance fee of $30, which can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $30,000.
SoFi® Checking and Savings
While Upgrade allows customers to open a separate savings account when they obtain their rewards checking account to receive healthy interest, SoFi has a combined checking and savings account for customers who aren’t interested in traditional accounts.
Customers of both companies enjoy many of the same benefits: early access to direct deposit funds, no maintenance fees, access to a mobile app, and robust customer support.
Who Is an Upgrade Rewards Checking Account For?
An Upgrade Rewards checking account is a good choice for those who feel comfortable banking online and are not bothered by the company’s lack of physical branches.
If you frequently use a debit card to make purchases at places like restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations, Upgrade has attractive cash back rewards.
This is a good account if you can make a direct deposit of at least $1,000 each month since that is the criteria for keeping an Upgrade rewards checking account active.
Rating the Features & Products
At first blush, an Upgrade rewards checking account may sound like a good option. However, it’s essential to understand exactly what features are available when you open an account. Let’s take a look at what the company provides.
Mobile Banking
Upgrade has a mobile app that customers can access using an iPhone 7 or Android 6 or newer. People can use the app to sign up for an account and manage it once it’s open.
Customer Service and Experience
While no physical branches are available, Upgrade is reasonably accessible to customers. The customer service line is available by phone from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Customers can find answers to frequently asked questions on the company’s website or send an email with any questions or concerns. According to Upgrade’s website, an online chat feature will soon be available for those with checking and savings accounts.
Fees
Upgrade customers are not charged monthly maintenance, annual, mobile deposit, or overdraft fees on their checking accounts.
Rates
Although the Upgrade rewards checking account does not accrue interest, when you open a premier savings account with your checking account, you can earn a very competitive APY if the account is active. If the account isn’t active, you’ll earn a significantly lower rate, though it may be higher than what you’d receive from traditional savings accounts.
Tools and Extras
Upgrade offers 2% cash back rewards when customers use their debit card on purchases at drug and convenience stores, restaurants, and gas stations. This cash back reward can also be earned for utility, mobile phone, and monthly subscription bills.
However, you can only earn these rewards for up to $500 per year. Once this threshold is met, you will receive 1% cash back for unlimited purchases for the rest of the year.
Access
Upgrade has no physical branches, so if you start an account, you must feel comfortable banking online. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have access to help when you need it.
Customer service is available seven days a week if you need to speak to someone, and you can also email the company with any questions.
Upgrade’s website also answers many customer questions. You can easily access your funds by withdrawing at ATMs, using wire transfers, and making ACH transactions.
Safety and Security
When you open an account at Upgrade, your money is FDIC insured through the Cross River Bank. As a result, your balance is safe up to $250,000, as with any other bank.
Minimum Deposit or Balance Requirement
Upgrade does not require a minimum deposit to open an account or a minimum balance to maintain your account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, Upgrade customers are not able to use Zelle at this time.
Rewards checking accounts allow customers to receive a certain amount of cash back when they use their debit card. In some cases, these accounts may also earn interest.
Some rewards checking accounts may limit the rewards you can receive. Depending on the financial institution, high opening deposit requirements or fees may be charged to maintain the account.
