Imagine a credit card that helps you save money every time you spend. With the Upgrade Life Rewards Card, you earn 3% cash back on essential purchases like gas, groceries, health, streaming, and utilities, plus 1% unlimited cash back on everything else.

All of this comes with no annual fee, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to maximize rewards without extra costs. Beyond cash back, the card offers predictable payments, combining the benefits of a cash back rewards credit card with the structure of a personal loan.

With credit lines ranging from $500 to $25,000, it adapts to your financial needs. You can even check if you’re pre-approved with no impact on your credit score. And if you’re looking for a bonus, there’s an extra perk: open a Rewards Checking Plus account and make three debit card transactions to receive a $200 welcome bonus. Let’s dive into the details and see if this is the right card for you.

Key information about the credit card

How does the annual fee work?

The Upgrade Life Rewards Card has no annual fee—a major advantage in the credit card world. Many premium rewards cards charge fees ranging from $95 to $500 per year, making it difficult to justify the cost unless you’re a high spender.

With Upgrade, you get all the benefits of a high-value rewards card without worrying about hidden charges eating into your savings. Not having an annual fee means more freedom to maximize your cash back rewards. You can use the card as much or as little as you need, without the pressure of spending enough to “offset” a yearly charge. This makes it an excellent option for both everyday purchases and occasional use.

How is the credit limit determined?

Your credit line with the Upgrade Life Rewards Card can range from $500 to $25,000, but how does Upgrade decide your limit? Like most credit cards, the assigned limit depends on factors such as:

• Credit score – Higher scores generally qualify for larger credit lines.
• Income – A higher, stable income increases your borrowing potential.
• Debt-to-income ratio – Less debt relative to income means a higher limit.
• Credit history – A long, positive credit history works in your favor.

Since Upgrade offers a pre-qualification check with no impact on your credit score, you can see what limit you might qualify for before officially applying. The best part? As you use and repay your card responsibly, you may gain access to a higher credit limit over time.

Advantages of the credit card

Unlike other rewards cards that cap your earnings, Upgrade gives you unlimited cash back—with some of the highest rewards on everyday purchases. Here’s what you get:

• 3% cash back on:
  Gas: Includes service stations, automated fuel dispensers, and EV charging.
  Groceries: Covers supermarkets, specialty markets, and even convenience stores.
  Health: Includes pharmacies, gym memberships, and health-related retailers.
  Streaming services: Think Netflix, Google, AT&T, Spectrum, and more.
  Utilities: Covers electricity, telecom, and internet service providers.
• 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases—including major retailers like Target and Walmart.
• Up to 10% cash back when shopping with Upgrade Shopping at thousands of partner stores.
• No annual fee—keep all your rewards without paying to use your card.
• Pre-qualification with no credit score impact—see if you’re eligible before applying.
• Fixed monthly payments—combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan.
• $200 welcome bonus—just open a Rewards Checking Plus account and complete three debit card transactions.

Standout advantage

The biggest highlight of the Upgrade Card is its up to 3% cashback, allowing users to get money back on essential purchases. Unlike many programs that cap rewards, this one has no maximum earning limit, making it a valuable benefit over time.

Disadvantages

No card is perfect, and while the Upgrade Life Rewards Card has a lot to offer, here are a few things to consider:

• No traditional revolving credit, since payments are structured like a personal loan.
• Fixed payment plans, which may not suit those who prefer making only minimum payments.
• No sign-up bonus unless paired with Rewards Checking Plus, unlike other cards that offer large upfront bonuses.

Standout disadvantage

Unlike conventional credit cards, where you can carry a balance and make minimum payments, the Upgrade Life Rewards Card structures payments like a personal loan. Each transaction is converted into a fixed-rate installment loan, meaning:

• You’ll have set monthly payments instead of a flexible balance.
• There’s no option to revolve a balance indefinitely.
• It helps pay off debt faster, but some users might prefer more flexibility.

If you’re looking for a card where you can make minimum payments indefinitely, this might not be the best choice. However, if you want a structured way to pay off purchases faster while still earning rewards, Upgrade offers a unique hybrid approach.

Who can apply for this card?

To qualify, you’ll generally need:

• Be at least 18 years old (or 19 in some states).
• Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
• Meet Upgrade’s credit score and income requirements.
• Have a U.S. residential address.

While Upgrade doesn’t disclose a minimum credit score, those with a higher score (above 650) are more likely to qualify for better terms. Since there’s no hard inquiry for pre-qualification, you can check your eligibility risk-free.

How to apply for the Upgrade Card

Applying for the Upgrade Card is a simple and fast process that does not initially impact your credit score.

Online

• Visit the Upgrade website and click “Check Your Offer.”
• Enter your personal details, including SSN and income.
• See your pre-approved offer (with no credit score impact).
• Accept the terms and finalize your application.

Through the app

• Download the Upgrade app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Start the application process and enter your details.
• Wait for the analysis and see if any credit offers are available to you.

The Upgrade Card stands out as a versatile and accessible option, ideal for those looking for a no-annual-fee card with attractive cashback rewards and a flexible payment model.