Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) review: fees, rewards, APR and perks - DebitCue Skip to content
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Upgrade Debit card
Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred)
Cash back
VISA
Apply for Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred)

On Upgrade's secure site

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Card review

Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred)

4.3 4.3 out of 5 8.6/10 DebitCue Score Verified

2% cash back on everyday debit spending — no monthly fees

Fee
No fee
Foreign fee
3%
Rewards
Cash back
Rewards
Up to 2% cash back on purchases at convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, restaurants, monthly subscriptions, and utilities. Capped at $500 in 2% rewards per calendar year (then drops). Requires $1,000/month direct deposit to maintain top-tier rewards.

Our verdict

What stands out, and where it falls short.

What we like

  • Up to 2% cash back on purchases at convenience…
  • No card fee

Worth weighing

  • 3% foreign transaction fee

Who It Is For

Whether the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) fits how you actually spend.

Pick it if you are

  • Anyone who wants a low-cost everyday card
  • People who want rewards on their spending

Skip it if you are

  • Frequent international travelers

Rates and fees

As of

All amounts shown in USD.

Card fee
No fee
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Monthly Maintenance Fee
$0
Out-of-Network ATM Fee
$2.50 + third-party fees
Foreign Transaction Fee
3% on purchases outside the US or in foreign currency

Rewards and features

Rewards
Up to 2% cash back on purchases at convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, restaurants, monthly subscriptions, and utilities. Capped at $500 in 2% rewards per calendar year (then drops). Requires $1,000/month direct deposit to maintain top-tier rewards.
Pay with
Apple Pay, Google Pay, Contactless
Rewards Cap
$500/year in 2% cash back; requires $1,000/month direct deposit

Benefits and perks

Extras that come bundled with the card.

  • No Monthly Fees
    No monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, no minimum balance

Eligibility

What you need before you apply.

FDIC Insurance
Up to $250,000 through Cross River Bank and participating institutions

Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred): your questions answered

Does the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) have a card fee?
No - the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) has no card fee.
What rewards does the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) earn?
The Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) earns Up to 2% cash back on purchases at convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, restaurants, monthly subscriptions, and utilities. Capped at $500 in 2% rewards per calendar year (then drops). Requires $1,000/month direct deposit to maintain top-tier rewards..
Does the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) charge foreign transaction fees?
Yes - the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Is the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) a credit, debit or prepaid card?
The Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) is a debit card issued by Upgrade on the Visa network.
Does the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) support Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Yes - the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) works with both Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Where can I get the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred)?
The Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) is currently offered in United States.
How does DebitCue rate the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred)?
DebitCue rates the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred) 4.3 out of 5 (8.6/10), scored on the same factors as every card - fees, rewards, perks and ease of use.
How do I apply for the Upgrade Visa® Debit Card (Rewards Checking Preferred)?
Use the Apply now button to continue on Upgrade's secure site. Comparing and applying through DebitCue is free.

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Fee
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Foreign fee
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Type
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Why we like it

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