Rewards Checking Preferred - Up to 2% Cash Back | Upgrade

Rewards Checking Preferred

The debit card with up to 2% cash back on purchases

Up to $250,000 in FDIC or NCUA insurance through Cross River Bank or Participating Institutions. See disclosures below.

Maximize your rewards with a $1,000 monthly direct deposit

Higher Rates (APY) on Savings

Add a Performance Savings account when you open your checking account to earn up to 3.05% APY.

Up to 2% Cash Back

On common everyday expenses, recurring payments and subscriptions.

Mobile Check Deposits

Deposit checks right from your mobile phone.

All customers enjoy these benefits

Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit

Pay bills, go shopping, or have a night out!

No Overdraft Fees

We have safeguards to prevent you from overspending, but on the rare chance it happens, we won't charge you any fees.

No Monthly Maintenance Fees

No recurring fees just to access and manage your account.

Allpoint ATM Network

Access your money easily at over 55,000 fee-free ATMs.

Reach your goals faster with a Performance Savings Account

Pair Performance Savings with Rewards Checking Preferred.

Instant transfers between Upgrade checking and savings accounts.

FDIC or NCUA Insured up to $250,000

No minimum balance requirements

No monthly maintenance fees

Manage your money on the go

Point your phone's camera at this code to download the app.

Joint Accounts

New Rewards Checking Preferred and Performance Savings accounts are available as a joint account for two account holders. To open a joint account, select this option when submitting your application.

Smart Transfer Tools

Managing your money is easy with our suite of features designed to automate transfers.

Save My Paycheck

Put your savings on autopilot by moving a portion of your paycheck directly into your Performance Savings account.

Bill Pay Guard

Avoid bill payment failures due to insufficient funds with this tool that automatically pulls money from your savings account when your checking account balance is lower than the amount due for scheduled payments.

Auto Balance

Create custom rules to transfer money between your checking and savings accounts whenever your balance crosses a specific threshold.

Allpoint® ATM Network

Explore our expansive fee-free ATM network through our partnership with Allpoint®, featuring over 55,000 locations nationwide.

From Our Customers

“Amazing helpful place with easy self service! 100% recommend these guys to anyone looking for help.”

Rating points 5 of 5

Alma Lihic

How it Works

  1. Apply for an account online in just a few minutes.
  2. Fund your account with the click of a button or set up direct deposit to have your paycheck deposited automatically each pay period.
  3. Use your Rewards Checking Preferred debit card anywhere Visa® is accepted and earn up to 2% cash back.

Switching to Rewards Checking Preferred is as easy as 1-2-3!

Our switch kit makes it easy to close your existing accounts and transfer your automatic deposits and withdrawals to your checking account with Upgrade – follow three simple steps and start enjoying the benefits of Rewards Checking Preferred.

Where can you earn up to 2% Cash Back?

FAQ

What is a Rewards Checking Preferred account?

Rewards Checking Preferred accounts are an easy way to upgrade your checking account experience. You’ll get an online checking account with no monthly maintenance fees.

You can maximize your rewards with an Active Account with monthly $1,000 direct deposit. When you use your Upgrade Visa® Debit Card for purchases, you can earn up to 2% cash back on common everyday expenses (maximum of $500 in 2% rewards per calendar year).

Is money deposited in my Rewards Checking Preferred or Performance Savings account FDIC insured?

Yes! Deposits are insured up to $250,000 in FDIC or NCUA insurance through Cross River Bank or Participating Institutions.

How do I access my money?

You can use your Rewards Checking Preferred Upgrade Visa® Debit Card wherever Visa® is accepted. It’s also easy to add your debit card to Apple Pay® or Google Wallet™ so you can take advantage of contactless technology and pay with your device at participating merchants. When you use your debit card (or your mobile wallet) for purchases, you can earn up to 2% cash back on common everyday expenses (maximum of $500 in 2% rewards per calendar year).

How do I set up direct deposit?

Setting up direct deposit is easy! Start by signing into your Upgrade account. From your Rewards Checking Preferred account dashboard, click “Deposit”, then “Direct Deposit”.

From here, you have two options:

  1. You can set up direct deposit automatically - all you have to do is find your payroll company or employer and provide your login credentials OR,
  2. You can set up direct deposit manually by generating a pre-filled letter to send to your employer’s payroll department.

And you're done!

Why should I set up direct deposit?

When you set up direct deposit, you are trusting your paycheck with us. Our aim is to repay that trust by offering you top tier rewards and account benefits.

The following top tier benefits are available to customers with $1,000 in monthly direct deposits:

How does early paycheck work?

Customers who set up direct deposit can get paid up to two days early to pay bills, go shopping, or have a night out!

In order to take advantage and access your funds up to 2 days early, you must:

Who can open a joint account?

Joint accounts are available to new Upgrade customers or existing Rewards Checking Preferred and Premier Savings customers. Additionally, joint accounts can only be opened with one other person.