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Upgrade

Upgrade Reviews

Upgrade Reviews
4.8(678)
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Overall Rating4.8 out of 5
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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, simple approval and easy banking.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fast approvals
  • Loans up to $50,000
  • 5.07% APY on savings accounts
  • Same-day transfers up to $100,000

Cons

  • $10 late fee on loans
  • High origination fee

Bottom Line

Upgrade has multiple personal loan options to fit borrowers' needs. Its fees are higher than some of its competitors charge. Upgrade’s newly added high-yield savings account and rewards checking account help stretch your dollar further.

Featured Reviews

Verified
Pinetta, FL

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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Verified
Houston, TX

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 as low as $1,000 are available. 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 that’s several times higher than what you’ll see at most brick-and-mortar banks — and even many online-only banks. You’re able to transfer money between your Upgrade account and outside banks on the same day for free on the first transfer.

Rewards Checking: Using your debit card for purchases earns you between 1% and 2% unlimited 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 20% lower rate if you apply for an Upgrade loan or card.

Upgrade interest rates and fees

Upgrade’s personal loans typically have annual percentage rates (APRs) between 8.49% to 35.99%. The lowest rates require autopay. Rates vary based on your credit score, your credit usage history, the loan term and other factors.

For example, a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.98% APR (13.94% yearly interest rate plus a 5% origination fee) provides $9,500 after fees and requires a monthly payment of $343.33, according to Upgrade. Origination fees at Upgrade range from 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee; late payment fee applies at the time of publishing. Late fees start at $10.

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

Squirreling money away in your savings account earns you 5.07% 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?

If you decide to move forward with a loan, Upgrade does a hard credit check. 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 8.49% at the time of publishing. While origination fees are fairly 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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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Verified purchase
Loan Process

Reviewed Oct. 2, 2023

Only thing that was frustrating was the pic with account number. I had to take several photos by myself and it was very difficult to include arm that held paper. I didn’t understand why the arm had to be included. I would think that the license being held pic would suffice. Other than that, the process was what expected and proceeded very smoothly.

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Response from Upgrade

Hello Craig,

We apologize for the inconvenience.

We make it a priority to take into account our customers' concerns to try and improve our level of customer experience.

We appreciate that you took the time to let us know.

Thank you for being a valued customer!

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    Verified purchase
    Loan Process

    Reviewed April 26, 2023

    The loan experience with Upgrade was a good experience except for the high loan fees that I didn’t quite understand as good as I should have, The $750 was a bit too much for me even though I needed the money in a short time frame. If that could have been a little better I would have rated Upgrade 5 out of 5 stars, but I still will rate the experience 4 out 5 and would do it again with a little better deal…

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Jerry,

    We appreciate your feedback.

    We make it a priority to take into account our customers' concerns to try and improve our level of customer experience.

    Thank you for being a valued customer!

    Verified purchase
    Punctuality & SpeedLoan Process

    Reviewed March 12, 2023

    While in escrow to purchase a home, the lenders required another 5 percent down (huge) to close!!! CreditKarma gave me options to choose from. I chose UPGRADE and applied on a weekend day! I was immediately approved, with repayment schedule printed out. I did not have to supply any paperwork, only connect them to my bank. The money was deposited the 2nd work day, after the immediate approval. I was so impressed. The process was so amazingly simple. Now for the escrow to close!!!! When signing into my UPGRADE account, I was then given the option to sign up for a credit card ($1000) from UPGRADE. I applied, but was requested to submit my income paperwork. I did twice, but now they want a letter proving my income! OMGOSH!

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Terese,

    We want to thank you for providing us with your feedback and letting us know that our service did not meet your expectations. We will use this feedback in order to improve our overall customer experience. We appreciate you taking the time to bring this to our attention.

    Thank you for being a valued customer!

    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceOnline & AppLoan Process

    Reviewed Feb. 10, 2023

    I am so glad that I chose Upgrade to help me with my debt consolidation. The app and review process was quick. It took about a week to receive the funds after I was verbally told my loan was approved but only a couple of days from when I received the approval email. They made payments directly to my credit cards which was very convenient. I especially like the terms of the loan and that I will be paid off in 3 yrs versus 5-7 with other lenders. I am very happy with my decision.

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Stacey,

    We appreciate your feedback.

    Thank you for being a valued customer!

    Verified purchase
    Punctuality & SpeedStaffLoan Process

    Reviewed Dec. 2, 2022

    I was looking for a loan to consolidate the bills my husband and I brought into our marriage. I was able to see that a loan to pay off all our bills was LESS than just two of my spouse's bills. I applied, which was a quick and easy process. I spoke to a representative, whom was very professional and quick. Within 5 days, funds were in our accounts and our credit cards were paid off! I really like that I am able to change my payment date, as it originally fell on the same day as our mortgage!!

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Ashlee,

    We appreciate your feedback.

    Thank you for being a valued customer!

    Verified purchase
    Loan ProcessRates

    Reviewed Oct. 27, 2023

    From start to finish the whole thing was done online and took just a few minutes. The process was so simple and easy that I kept waiting for "the catch", but it never came. I got an incredible rate and the money was in my account within two days. I could not have been more thrilled with the experience, and highly recommend Upgrade.

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Kimberly,

    We appreciate your feedback.

    Thank you for being a valued customer!

    Verified purchase

    Reviewed Oct. 24, 2023

    This is the 3rd time with Upgrade. Being approved for 2 of my loans has been helpful for what my need was at the time. I also have the Upgrade card that gives me the convenience, if an unexpected situation comes up, to pay as needed instead of borrowing more. I would recommend Upgrade to everyone.

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Marianne,

    We appreciate your feedback.

    Thank you for being a valued customer!

    Verified purchase
    Loan Process

    Reviewed Oct. 20, 2023

    I needed a loan for a credit card consolidation. I had used Upgrade before for a loan and had good service. The loan application was a very easy process and I received the funds I needed in a quick and timely manner. Part of the funds went directly to the credit card and part of it went to my bank account. Making it a very smooth transaction. I would definitely use them again.

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Roger,

    We appreciate your feedback.

    Thank you for being a valued customer!

    Customer Service

    Reviewed Oct. 19, 2023

    The loans were paid off in September. The balance been "O" for over a month. The worst company I have ever dealt with. They will give you nothing but excuses. I want to give them no star because that's what they deserve. The customer service? What a joke. I file a dispute with a credit bureau and they still on my credit like I owe them money. They will illegally run your credit and if goes down they will lower your credit limit with Upgrade. How there they say that the information is accurate on my account to the credit bureau.? I cannot wait to see another lame excuse from them. Stay away. Save yourself a headache.

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Louis,

    We’re sorry to hear you were dissatisfied with your experience at Upgrade.

    We make it a priority to take into account our customers' concerns to try and improve our level of customer experience.

    We appreciate that you took the time to let us know that our service level didn't meet your expectations.

    Resolution In Progress
    Verified purchase
    Punctuality & SpeedLoan Process

    Reviewed Oct. 19, 2023

    This is my second loan from Upgrade and it’s so easy. I can’t believe how fast they are. If you need money fast and easy this is the place to get your loan. If I need anything after this is paid off, I will choose Upgrade again. I also choose autopay to make it even easier.

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    Response from Upgrade

    Hello Daniel,

    We appreciate your feedback.

    Thank you for being a valued customer!

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    Upgrade Company Information

    Company Name:
    Upgrade
    Website:
    www.upgrade.com