Upgrade
Last updated July 2026 · Educational overview — not an endorsement
Relief Guardian is not a lender and does not recommend one lender over another. This page presents factual, publicly available information to help you evaluate Upgrade against other options.
Company Overview
Upgrade is an online lender offering personal installment loans, including options marketed for debt consolidation and credit card refinancing, partnering with banks and credit unions to originate loans.
Loan Products
- Unsecured personal installment loans
Typical Loan Amount
$1,000 – $50,000
Loan Term
24 to 84 months
APR Range
Approximately 7.74% – 35.99% APR, per Upgrade's published rate range
Funding Timeline
Upgrade states funding is typically available within one business day of approval.
Credit Review Process
Upgrade offers a pre-qualification step that does not require a hard credit check; a hard inquiry occurs if you proceed with the full application.
Credit profile: Approximately 580–620 minimum, per third-party reporting
Potential Benefits
- Pre-qualification does not require a hard credit check
- Accepts a wider credit range than some prime-only lenders
- Option to have funds paid directly to creditors
Potential Considerations
- APR range extends significantly higher than some competitors (up to 35.99%) for lower-credit borrowers
- Origination fees apply (reported range of roughly 1.85%–9.99%) and reduce net loan proceeds
- Rate and terms vary significantly based on individual credit profile
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Upgrade charge an origination fee?
Yes — Upgrade charges an origination fee that is deducted from loan proceeds; the exact percentage depends on your application and state.
What credit score does Upgrade require?
Third-party reporting suggests a minimum credit score in the approximate 580–620 range, though approval depends on your full financial profile.
Learn More Directly From Upgrade
Always review current rates, fees, and terms on the lender's own website before applying.
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