Upgrade Select Card Review

Get access to unsecured credit with fixed payments—ideal when you need structure over revolving debt.

The Upgrade Select Visa blends credit card convenience with the predictability of a personal loan. It’s designed for those who want a clean repayment structure instead of juggling minimums and interest spikes. With fixed monthly payments, you know exactly when your debt ends.

Unlike many starter cards, Select doesn’t require a security deposit. It suits people with fair or rebuilding credit who want to grow responsibly. Let’s dig into how it works, who qualifies, and whether it fits your goals.

Unlock Your Select Edge

Positive Highlights of the Upgrade Select Card

1. Unsecured credit—no deposit needed
You don’t have to lock up cash in a security deposit. The Select card is fully unsecured. That makes it more accessible than many rebuild or starter cards requiring collateral.

2. Fixed payment structure
Instead of revolving balances, each purchase becomes a mini installment loan with a fixed rate and term. You know exactly how much you’ll pay monthly and when the balance clears.

3. Predictability over uncertainty
You avoid the dangers of minimum payments that hardly chip the balance. This structure encourages faster payoff and helps reduce long-term interest costs.

4. Soft prequalification
You can check whether you’re likely to qualify without a hard credit pull. That helps you avoid damage to your credit score from applications that will be denied.

5. Active credit line with reuse
As you repay balances, unused portions of your approved line become available for new purchases. Though it doesn’t automatically reset, good repayment behavior helps access more credit.

6. Access everywhere Visa is accepted
You can swipe, tap, or use it online just like a standard Visa card. This means it’s useful for daily living—not just for rebuilding credit.

7. Balance transfer allowed
You can move existing credit card debts into this account (subject to fees). That makes it a potential tool to consolidate higher-rate debt.

8. Credit building opportunity
Since activity is reported to the major credit bureaus, consistent on-time payments can improve your credit profile over time. That can help you qualify later for cards with more rewards or lower rates.

9. Annual fee structured in installments
The card has a $39 annual fee, but it’s not charged upfront—rather it’s spread across 12 months interest-free. This makes the fee more manageable than a lump sum upfront.

Qualification Requirements

• You must be 18 years or older and a U.S. resident with valid identification (e.g. Social Security).
  
• Your credit profile should be in fair condition (not severely damaged), as Select is aimed at those rebuilding or with modest credit.
  
• You must show proof of income or ability to make fixed payments.
  
• You must not have severe negative credit history that automatically disqualifies you.
  
• You must apply from a state where the card is available under issuer rules.
  
• You’ll need to accept the terms including the annual fee and structure of fixed payments.
  

How to Apply for the Upgrade Select Card

1. Check prequalification
   Start by seeing if you prequalify without impacting your credit.
   
2. Submit application
   Enter your personal and financial info—name, address, SSN, income, employment.
   
3. Review your offer
   If prequalified, you’ll see your credit line, APR, and terms before proceeding.
   
4. Accept terms and disclosures
   Study the interest rate, annual fee, balance transfer policy, foreign fees, etc.
   
5. Begin using the card
   Once approved, you can make purchases. Each transaction becomes a fixed-term loan segment.
   
6. Make monthly payments on time
   Payments are structured—make them each month to avoid late fees and protect your credit.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the annual fee for Select?
The card carries a $39 annual fee, which is billed in 12 equal installments instead of all at once.

2. What APR applies to the card?
APR ranges from about 21.96% to 29.99%, depending on creditworthiness.

3. Are there foreign transaction fees?
Yes—foreign transactions can have a fee up to 3%.

4. Does the card earn rewards?
No, it doesn’t offer standard rewards points on purchases. The value is in structure, not perks.