Upgradecard.com Reservation | Pre-Approval Offer Invite
An UpgradeCard.com reservation number is a 15-digit pre-approval code that you receive in a mailed offer. You can use this code on the Upgrade website to respond to a pre-selected offer for a personal loan or Upgrade Card.
How to use your reservation number
1.
Locate the code: The 15-digit code is typically found at both the top and bottom of the offer letter you received from Upgrade.
2.
Visit Upgradecard.com: Go to the official Upgrade website at upgradecard.com.
3.
Enter the code: Click the link that says "Receive mail? Click here" to enter your pre-approval code and begin the application process.
What the number does
The reservation number lets Upgrade know which specific pre-approved offer you are responding to.
It does not guarantee final approval, but allows you to apply for the offer that was already extended to you.
For the Upgrade Card, a
hard credit pull occurs when you formally accept an offer and submit a full application. Checking your initial eligibility with a pre-approved offer only involves a
soft credit pull, which does not affect your credit score.
What this means for your credit
Soft Pull: When you use your reservation number from a mail offer on upgradecard.com to see what loan or card you might qualify for, Upgrade performs a "soft inquiry". This pre-qualification step is for your information only and will not harm your credit score.
Hard Pull: If you decide to proceed and formally apply for the Upgrade Card, Upgrade will perform a "hard inquiry" to make a final lending decision. This typically causes a small, temporary dip in your credit score.
Summary
1.
Checking offers on upgradecard.com with a reservation number:
No hard pull.
2.
Formally applying for and accepting an Upgrade Card:
Yes, hard pull.
Should you accept the Upgradecard.com offer?
Accepting an Upgrade Card offer is a good idea for those with fair to good credit who want the predictability of a personal loan for large purchases but the flexibility of a credit card. It is not a good option for people who pay their balance in full every month or who have excellent credit, as more rewarding traditional cards may be available.
How the Upgrade Card works
The Upgrade Card is a hybrid of a credit card and a personal installment loan.
When you make a purchase, that amount is converted into a loan with a fixed interest rate and a set repayment schedule, such as 24 or 36 months.
Your monthly payment is a fixed amount, so you always know exactly how much you need to pay each month to clear your balance.
Your credit line "recharges" as you pay off your existing loan balances.
Reasons to consider the offer
Predictable payments: The fixed monthly payment makes it easier to budget and pay down debt faster than with a traditional credit card's minimum payment.
Accessible for lower credit scores: Upgrade is known for approving applicants with fair credit (typically 600–660), a bracket often rejected by traditional card issuers.
Rewards: Many of the Upgrade cards offer unlimited cash back rewards, often 1.5% on all purchases, which is credited to your account as you pay.
No annual fee: Many Upgrade card options have no annual fee, saving you money over some other cards for fair credit.
Pre-qualification: You can check your personalized offer using your mailed reservation number without any impact on your credit score.
Potential drawbacks
High APR: While rates are fixed, your APR could be very high if you have lower credit, potentially as high as 29.99%.
Not a traditional credit card: If you need the flexibility to carry a revolving balance and pay varying amounts each month, a traditional credit card might be a better fit.
Fixed payments regardless of rewards: Even if you earn cash back, your fixed monthly payment amount does not decrease. The reward is applied to the balance, which reduces your total payoff time, but your monthly bill stays the same.
Negative customer reviews: Some users have reported unexpected credit limit decreases and poor customer service.
Possible credit score dip: While the initial pre-qualification is a soft pull, a formal application will result in a hard credit inquiry that may temporarily lower your score.
Before you decide
Consider your financial habits and what you need from a credit product.
For large, planned expenses: If you need to finance a large purchase and want a fixed, predictable payment plan, the Upgrade Card is a strong option.
For everyday use: If you tend to make many small purchases and pay your balance in full each month, a standard rewards credit card may be better.
Check alternatives: Use your pre-qualification results to compare the Upgrade offer's interest rate against other products, including 0% intro APR cards if you have good credit or secured cards if you are rebuilding.