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Upgrade Reviews

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About Upgrade

Upgrade is an online and mobile banking solution that offers personal loans, credit cards and deposit accounts. With Upgrade, customers can combine online and mobile banking with affordable loans and cards, high-yield savings accounts and rewards checking accounts. Customers also benefit from free credit monitoring, alerts and credit education tools. Upgrade’s fully online service offers fast transactions, a simple approval process and easy banking.

Pros
  • Fast approvals
  • Loans up to $50,000
  • 4.02% APY on savings accounts
  • Same-day transfers up to $100,000
Cons
  • $10 late fee on loans
  • High origination fee

Featured Reviews

Pinetta, FL
Verified purchase
The whole process was very easy and quick. From start to being approved was only a few minutes and the money was in my bank account the next day. I will definitely look into this ...

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Houston, TX
Verified purchase
The whole experience from start to finish was quick, easy and painless. It was very easy to apply and I received an answer immediately. There was no hassle or fuss. It was an unex...

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How does Upgrade work?

Upgrade caters to customers who need support with building credit and offers different options for personal loans. Its loans can be used for purposes such as home improvement, major purchases and debt consolidation.

You can apply online, choose your loan type and amount (up to $50,000) and receive funds within days of being approved. There are no prepayment penalties, and low rates are available for qualifying customers.

The company also recently added checking and savings accounts to its line of products. You can open both accounts online, and your money is FDIC-insured through Cross River Bank.

Upgrade products

Upgrade offers a variety of financial products to customers:

Personal loans: Upgrade’s loans come with fixed rates and monthly payments. Loans are available from $1,000 to $50,000. You can check your rate on its website for free and without affecting your credit score.

Premier Savings: The company’s Premier Savings account is designed to help you reach your financial goals faster. It features an annual percentage yield (APY) of 4.02%, which is quite a bit higher than what you’ll see at most brick-and-mortar banks — and even many online-only banks.

Rewards Checking: Using your debit card for purchases earns unlimited 1% to 2% cash back. You’ll get 2% back at places and on purchases like:

  • Gas stations
  • Restaurants
  • Monthly subscriptions
  • Utility and cell phone bills
  • Convenience stores

Everything else nets you 1%. You also get a 10% to 20% lower interest rate if you apply for an Upgrade loan or card.

» MORE: Types of personal loans

Upgrade interest rates and fees

Upgrade’s personal loans typically have annual percentage rates (APRs) between 7.74% and 35.99%. The lowest rates require autopay. Rates vary based on your credit score, your credit usage history, the loan term and other factors.

Upgrade provides the following example: a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.98% APR (14.32% yearly interest rate plus a 5% origination fee) gives you $9,500 after fees and requires a monthly payment of $343.33. Origination fees at Upgrade range from 1.85% to 9.99% at the time of publishing. Late fees start at $10.

Upgrade’s checking account has no ATM or account fees.

Keeping money in your savings account earns you 4.02% APY on balances of at least $1,000. There aren’t any monthly fees to worry about.

Upgrade FAQ

How long does it take for Upgrade to approve a loan?

It usually takes from two to five business days for Upgrade to approve and fund a loan. After approval and verification, the lender sends funds within one business day.

Does Upgrade do a hard credit pull?

Yes, if you decide to move forward with a loan, Upgrade does a hard credit check. However, you can check your rates through Upgrade without a hard credit pull.

What credit bureau does Upgrade use?

Upgrade says that if you apply for a loan, you’ll only see a hard inquiry on your TransUnion report.

Where can I use Upgrade’s card?

You can use the Upgrade card everywhere that Visa credit cards are accepted, except ATMs.

Does Upgrade have monthly account fees?

Upgrade’s checking and savings accounts do not have any monthly account fees. In addition, its checking account has no ATM fees.

Is Upgrade legit?

Upgrade is a good loan company for those who prefer simplicity and flexibility. Upgrade offers loans of up to $50,000, which is more than some of its competitors. The company has APRs starting at 7.74% at the time of publishing. While origination fees are somewhat high, costs may balance out for some customers due to the lack of prepayment penalties and lower rates. Those looking for high-yield deposit accounts will find Upgrade’s percentages to be greater than most of the competition.

Upgrade Reviews

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    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Upgrade?
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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingLoan ProcessTimeliness

    Reviewed Oct. 14, 2025

    When I needed it the most, because it felt like no other bank or company would even consider giving me a chance, no matter how small my loan request was. Upgrade gave me a second chance. What was awesome is that they didn't make it a huge ordeal to make the decision on giving me a loan. I applied, they got back to me to submit a couple documents the same day. The next day, I was notified that I was approved and the next day, the money was in my bank account. I didn't think it was true, I was hesitant, thinking at any time I'd get notified that I had just gotten scammed.

    With fraud at its all-time highest, I assume Upgrade was just that. But I was in a jam without a car and needed to get to work every day, or I'd lose that too. I took a risk. When I saw the money actually hit my bank, I felt a huge weight off my shoulders and things started to look better immediately. Sometimes all we need is someone to believe in us to be able to move on from the jams we get ourselves in and Upgrade did just that and I'm very appreciative for that.

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      Profile pic of the author.
      Verified purchase
      Customer ServicePriceStaffBillingLoan Process

      Reviewed July 21, 2025

      I’ve used a few loan operatives in so many years to help bale me out of situations when keeping up with all my creditors was difficult… not in the available cash burr, more in how I manage my funds. To consolidate all my debt together and only have to concentrate on the one payment I found beneficial in my peace of mind. Understandably different people have different talents, mine is not organized chaos.

      Upgrade has proven to be worthy of the professional praise I am now prepared to give them. The ease of the personal loan process was good. Different loan companies (of which I make this comparison to) use generic cut and paste questions and guidelines to either qualify you or disqualify you. Upgrade seemed to me to be a little more personal: “How can we help you?” Right!!! Sounds over the top? Call around, apply on line, pray to your higher power and tell me I’m wrong. Maybe Upgrade just really does take the one additional step (caring) to help qualified (yes, you still have to qualify) people with qualified needs. What do I know about personal loans? Maybe that this company, Upgrade has done better by me than other loan companies I have tried.

      KDR

      Thanks for your vote!
      Upgrade
      Response from Upgrade

      Hello Kevin,

      We appreciate your feedback.

      Thank you for being a valued customer!

      Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffBillingLoan Process

      Reviewed May 16, 2025

      I had a loan with them before, and did make repayments on the loan swiftly, to keep my credit score above average, If I ever needed a loan again. They had most of my information from loan before, and so with little effort on my part the loan was approved, instantly. The funds reached my bank in a day, maybe a little longer, not by much. I always pay on time, and payments are never late and this sure helps you next time. Their customer service is above average, helpful and dedicated to fast track your loan as much as they can. Do not have to wait long, so if you need money right away, maybe this would be the right path for you. It was for me.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Upgrade
      Response from Upgrade

      Hi!

      Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate you reaching out!

      We make it a priority to take into account our customers' perspective to continually try to keep improving the level of our customer service.

      We appreciate that you took the time to let us know about both your prior and current positive experiences.

      Thank you!

      PricePunctuality & SpeedStaffBillingLoan ProcessRates

      Reviewed April 2, 2025

      During and after the Pandemic I was out of work for some time and living off my credit cards. After a couple of years of steady and timely payments, I was not making any headway on the debt itself, just paying interest month after month. I needed help! Upgrade provided me with an debt consolidation loan that was easy to obtain online and finalize quickly. They made direct payments to my credit cards and provided me affordable monthly payment and a great rate that was better than my credit cards. Now there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I will be debt free in 4 years and my credit rating has gone up significantly! Thank you Upgrade!

      Thanks for your vote!
      Upgrade
      Response from Upgrade

      Hi,

      We appreciate your feedback.

      Thank you for being a valued customer!

      Profile pic of the author.
      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceStaffLoan ProcessRates

      Reviewed Feb. 22, 2025

      I got an email from Experian soliciting me to pay off my debt with a loan. I’ve been denied debt consolidation loans in the past so I was skeptical. Upgrade had the best fees and interest so I decided to see what they could do. Wow, did I get a great rate! I even shipped it to my credit union to see if they would beat it and they didn’t! I was shocked. The process was easy. Customer service was friendly. I’m so happy I did this. If you’re worried about your debt and looking for a consolidation loan, give them a try!

      Thanks for your vote!
      Upgrade
      Response from Upgrade

      Hi,

      We appreciate your feedback.

      Thank you for being a valued customer!

      Punctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsLoan Process

      Reviewed Jan. 4, 2026

      The whole experience was fast and simple. Got my money a couple of days later. Would let my family and friends know that upgrade is the place for a loan. The process was quick and simple. Could not ask for more.

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      Profile pic of the author.
      Refunds & PayoutsBillingLoan ProcessRates

      Reviewed Jan. 4, 2026

      This is my second time using Upgrade and the second time getting approved for the amount of money I needed when I got denied by others and the interest rate wasn’t sky high. I have a good credit score but my debt-to-income ratio looks bad. I have two major loans on my credit report that I signed as a co-owner for my children but they pay the bill but loan companies don’t give you a chance to explain that. My payments are on time, which also isn’t considered by loan companies but Upgrade came through both times. I highly recommend!

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      Loan Process

      Reviewed Dec. 29, 2025

      Upgrade was the easiest to apply for a loan at and quicker getting the funds send out. Straight forward without all of the junk you mumbo jumbo you usually get. I would recommend upgrade to anyone looking for a personal loan.

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      Punctuality & Speed

      Reviewed Dec. 28, 2025

      Very fast and seamless process! I first used Upgrade a few years ago. So this time around I already had an account on file. Took me maybe 5-10 minutes to apply and was approved within 30 minutes. Funded the next morning. Less than 24 hours.

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      Profile pic of the author.
      Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPriceOnline & AppStaffBilling

      Reviewed Dec. 28, 2025

      Upgrade made me feel better and secure in helping me address some financial challenges. The app and website made it easy. No contact with customer service because of the website. Over the past 2 years of trying upgrade has definitely helped me formulate a financial plan. My first purchase of assistance was buying airline tickets and having the option to pay over time. Having great options and maintaining payments has been the greatest benefit.

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      Upgrade Company Information

      Company Name:
      Upgrade
      Website:
      www.upgrade.com