Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus Review [2025]: No Monthly Fees, Great Features
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus offers debit card rewards and other great features, but you need to do a $1,000 minimum monthly direct deposit to access all the perks.
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4.9
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Our partners do not influence our ratings.
2025 award winnerBest for Rewards
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
OUR VIEW
Finding the right checking account is one of your most important financial decisions because, typically, all of your money moves through that account. For me, this means an account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, mobile check deposits, online bill pay, and easy ATM access.
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus1 <p>Rewards Checking Plus customers who set up monthly direct deposits of $1,000 or more earn 2% cash back on common everyday expenses at convenience stores, drugstores, restaurants and bars - including deliveries - and gas stations, as well as recurring payments on utilities and monthly subscriptions including phone, cable, TV and other streaming services, and 1% cash back on all other debit card purchases. 2% cash back is limited to $500 in rewards per calendar year; after $500, customers earn 1% cash back on all eligible debit card purchases for the remainder of the year. Rewards Checking Plus accounts with less than $1,000 in monthly direct deposits 60 days after account opening will earn 1% cash back on common everyday expenses and 0.50% cash back on all other eligible debit card purchases. Some limitations apply. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information.</p> offers all that and more.2 <p>There are no overdraft fees or annual fees associated with Rewards Checking Plus accounts. Third-party institutions may charge you a fee if you use their ATM/network or if you use your Upgrade VISA® Debit Card internationally. Please refer to the applicable Cross River Bank Checking Deposit Account Agreement and Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information.</p> With Upgrade, you earn cash back on purchases made with your debit card; many other checking accounts offer no cash back at all. You can earn interest rate discounts on loans, access your money sooner with early direct deposit,3 <p>Early direct deposit requires set up of recurring electronic direct deposit from your employer, payroll, or benefits provider and is limited to direct deposits under $5000. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing in which we receive notice of impending direct deposit, which is generally up to two days before the scheduled deposit date.</p> and even create automated savings rules to boost your savings rate.
With all these great features combined with a top-rated mobile app, you can’t go wrong with Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus, as long as you’re OK with a digital-only experience and don’t need to deposit cash.
Pros
Rewards for using your debit card, including up to 10% back at select stores
Automatic transfers between checking and savings to avoid overdrafts/bill payment failures and increase your savings rate
No overdraft or monthly maintenance fees
Cons
A $1,000 monthly minimum direct deposit is required to access certain account benefits like mobile deposit
You can’t deposit cash
No in-person customer service and limited customer service hours
How we rate products
We know checking and savings accounts can be critical tools for managing your money. They're one of the financial tools you use the most. That's why the features offered by a bank matter so much and we've taken that into consideration in our evaluations.
We consider the annual percentage yield (APY), account features, minimum opening balance required, fees, customer service, and FDIC insurance. The best banks also offer a variety of account types and the support you need to you make the most of your money.
We intensively research all products and services we review, and our team members personally use a wide array of financial products. Our product rankings and scores are based on objective measurements and product features as well as expert opinions from our editorial team.
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus basics
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
APY
N/A
Rewards
Up to 2% cash back on common expenses, subscriptions, and recurring transfers with $1,000 minimum monthly direct deposit (up to $500 per year, then earn 1%)
Up to 10% back at select stores
Minimum deposit to open account
None
Monthly maintenance fees
None
Overdraft fees
None
ATM access
Allpoint ATM features over 55,000 locations nationwide.
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus is a great option if you can make at least a $1,000 monthly direct deposit. While there's no minimum balance requirement or monthly maintenance fees for the account, you must meet the direct deposit requirement to enjoy the full benefits that Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus offers.
Specifically, you'll need the $1,000 direct deposit to earn 2% rewards on qualifying debit purchases, to earn an APY boost for your Upgrade Performance Savings account, to access lower loan and credit card rates, and even to make mobile deposits.
If you can't meet the direct deposit requirements, opt for an account at a different bank that doesn't require them. For example, my bank, Ally, allows me to do mobile deposits of up to $50,000 per day and $250,000 per month with no direct deposit required.
Since Upgrade also offers no way to deposit cash or get support in person, you should pick a different bank if you regularly have physical money you need to get into your account. For example, Discover allows you to deposit cash in your online checking account for free at Walmart.
Upgrade also doesn't offer 24/7 customer service, which, again, Ally does provide. Of course, Ally doesn't offer debit card rewards, but the ability to earn cash back on everyday purchases may matter more to you than these other features.
Account features and benefits
Here are some of the key features and benefits of Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus.
Rewards when you use your debit card
Debit card rewards are available from some other banks, like Discover, but they aren't common. Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus provides 1% back on debit purchases if you don't meet the $1,000 monthly direct deposit requirement and 2% back if you do (up to $500 per year, then earn 1%). The ability to earn rewards on things you were going to buy anyway is a huge benefit.
No-monthly-fee banking
There are no monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, or overdraft fees charged with Upgrade Reward Checking Plus. Avoiding these unnecessary costs can help you ensure your checking account is a tool to grow your wealth, not to chip away at it.
Upgrades on other products
As long as you meet the $1,000 monthly direct deposit limit on your Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account, you'll benefit from upgrades and added benefits on other accounts.
For example, you'll be offered a higher rate if you also open a Performance Savings Account and earn discounts on loans and credit cards. Your rates could be as much as 10% to 20% lower.
4.3
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Enjoy $300 as a new Chase checking customer
When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.4 <p>Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $500 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.</p> FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 1/21/2026.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Use Cash App As Your All-in-One Financial Services Platform
Bank5 <p>Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p><p class="">Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Direct Deposit provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p> without all the fees—save, send, and spend your money the way you want.6 <p class="">Your balance is eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance through our Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and/or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC for up to $250,000 per customer when aggregated with all other deposits held in the same legal capacity at each Program Bank above, if certain conditions are met. Cash App is a financial services platform, and not an FDIC-insured bank. Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See <a href="https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement">terms and conditions</a>. </p> Get paid up to 2 days early – up to 2 days earlier than most banks7 <p>Your first deposit may take longer depending on your employer.</p>
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
2025 award winnerBest Checking and Savings Combo
SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.30% APY on Savings (3.60% APY8 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at<a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.9 <p>Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Enroll in SoFi Plus between 9/18/25 and 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/sofi-plus/">sofi.com/sofi-plus</a> SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> FDIC Insured.10 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
The single biggest drawback to the Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus Account is the requirement that you make a $1,000 monthly direct deposit to be an active member and gain access to mobile deposits and other benefits. There are definitely easier bank accounts to open online.
While many people can meet this requirement, not everyone can. If you can't, your account features are limited, and finding a different bank is probably best.
Not being able to deposit cash is also a disadvantage — although it is par for the course for most online banks. This shouldn't be a dealbreaker unless you deposit cash often, in which case you'd likely want to look into either a local bank or an online bank like Discover that offers a free way to make cash deposits where you live.
Upgrade customer service
Upgrade does not offer local bank branches, and you also do not have access to 24/7 customer service, unlike with some competitors like Ally. Support hours are Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific as well as Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific.
You also have the option of searching Zendesk online to find answers to some basic questions about your account and the services it offers.
Alternatives
SoFi®
SoFi Checking and Savings is another no-monthly-fee11 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p> account that offers some great perks, including a 0.50% APY12 <p>Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a></p> on checking account balances with direct deposit.
SoFi provides early direct deposit13 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p> up to two days ahead of your scheduled payday.
SoFi also comes with great member perks, including networking events, discounts on other loan products, a referral program, and more — and there's no minimum direct deposit required to access these benefits. Member FDIC.10 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
Just like Upgrade's account, Discover's online checking account has no monthly fees. Discover also offers many other similar features to Upgrade, including early direct deposit and debit card rewards.
With Discover, you can earn 1.00%14 <p>See website for details.</p> back on debit purchases up to $3,000 per month. This is comparable to the standard rate Upgrade offers if you don't meet its $1,000 minimum deposit requirement. However, it's below the 2% to 10% you can earn if you do meet the requirement or if you shop at qualifying stores.
Discover offers more ATM access, though, including access to 60,000 ATMs instead of Upgrade's 55,000. Plus, Discover allows you to use contactless debit at any Walmart in the U.S. to deposit cash in your account fee free, which isn't an option for Upgrade users. Member FDIC.
*Details about Discover® Cashback Debit have been collected by FinanceBuzz editors. This information is accurate as of the date of the review and was not reviewed or approved by the issuer. FinanceBuzz does not receive commission for this product.
Upgrade has partnered with an FDIC-insured bank called Cross River Bank. Their checking account is legitimate, and your money is protected.
Can I deposit cash into my Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account?
You cannot deposit cash into your Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account.
Bottom line
Finding the best rewards checking accounts takes time, but it's worth the effort. Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus could be a great option for those who meet the direct deposit requirement, but if it's not right for you, you have plenty of other great accounts to choose from. Just decide what features are most important to you and take a little time to research the best banks to find an account that's the perfect fit.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
2025 award winnerBest Checking and Savings Combo
High APY of up to 4.30% on Savings (3.60% APY8 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at<a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.9 <p>Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Enroll in SoFi Plus between 9/18/25 and 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/sofi-plus/">sofi.com/sofi-plus</a> SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
Paycheck access up to 2 days early with direct deposit13 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees11 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Streamlined savings and savings goals with Vaults
Access to a large ATM network15 <p>We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p>
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