Upgrade: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For First-In-Class Customer Experience
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Bankrate Score = 4.6/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
This lender is registered in states where it does business, has a Consumer Loan Company License and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
If you need a small loan amount or more repayment term choices, Upgrade is worth checking out. It's also a good choice if you have bad credit now but want to work towards the excellent credit threshold.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Valid email address
- Valid bank account
- 1.85%-9.99% origination fee
- $10 returned check fee
- $10 late fee
Same day to four business days if sent to borrower; up to two weeks if sent directly to creditors
Pros
- Option to add a co-borrower
- Lower credit score requirement
- Direct debt consolidation disbursement
Cons
- Minimum income not specified
- High minimum origination fee
- Low maximum loan amount
Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 7.99%-35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners/.