General

Fintech Nexus Newsletter (December 14, 2023): Upgrade launches a new kind of secured credit card

Upgrade continues to break new ground in consumer fintech.

When the Upgrade Card launched in 2019, it was the first credit card ever to marry the benefits of a revolving line of credit with a fixed-rate installment loan.

Yesterday, Upgrade launched another innovative new card product. The Upgrade Secured Onecard is a secured card backed by a savings account that pays more than 5% interest. It is also a generous cash-back card, users earn 1.5% to 3% depending on the category.

Upgrade also offers the ability for users to graduate to an unsecured card if they hit certain milestones. And when they do graduate they can keep the same card, it just transforms into an unsecured card.

The new card is designed as a loss leader of sorts as CEO Renaud Laplanche stated, “It’s not a product that is designed to make money. It’s a way to help consumers build their credit.” 

It is also a way to bring consumers into the Upgrade ecosystem who do not qualify for an Upgrade Card or a personal loan today.


Featured

Upgrade says its secured card has trifecta of differentiators

By Miriam Cross

The fintech is the second in two months to launch a secured credit card. Upgrade’s version will offer up to 3% cash back and elevate users to the unsecured version over time.



From Fintech Nexus

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Jason Bates has co-founded two of the most successful digital banks in the UK. And his deep experience in financial innovation…

> Listen Now


Editorial Cartoon


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Payments Innovation is Hot: What to Expect in 2024

Dec 14, 12pm EST

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