Offer value details
Upgrade describes Rewards Checking Preferred as an online checking account with an Upgrade Visa Debit Card, up to 2% cash back on eligible everyday purchases, no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, early direct-deposit access when timing allows, and Allpoint ATM access.
Qualification requirements
Upgrade's Active Account terms say the higher-benefit path requires at least $1,000 in eligible direct deposits through Upgrade during the previous full calendar month. Eligible direct deposits include qualifying ACH deposits from an employer, payroll, benefits provider, or gig-economy payer, or qualifying OCT deposits from a gig-economy payer.
Fees and costs
Upgrade lists no monthly maintenance fees and no overdraft fees. The ATM Network page says Allpoint ATMs are fee-free for Upgrade cardholders, while out-of-network ATM use costs $2.50 plus any owner or operator surcharge.
Availability
Upgrade says checking and savings accounts are provided by bank partners, and its bank-partners page lists Cross River Bank for checking and savings accounts. Account opening and debit-card use are subject to approval, current provider terms, and bank-partner program terms.
What to verify
- The up-to-2% cash-back path requires active-account status from $1,000+ in eligible monthly direct deposits.
- The 2% rewards rate is capped at $500 in 2% rewards per calendar year.
- Merchant category coding can affect whether a purchase qualifies for a listed cash-back category.
- The 3.05% APY belongs to a paired Performance Savings account and depends on the direct-deposit condition.
- Upgrade is a financial technology company, not a bank; checking and savings accounts are provided by bank partners.
Confirm current provider terms
Rates, rewards, fees, qualification rules, eligibility, and deadlines can change. Review the provider terms before applying.