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Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus

The strongest debit cash back still open: 2% on everyday categories with direct deposit

7.8
Our Rating
APY
None on checking; linked Performance Savings pays a top-tier rate with the same direct-deposit status
Monthly Fee
$0
Minimum to Open
None
ATM Access
No Upgrade ATM fees; out-of-network operator fees rebated (5/month) with Active direct-deposit status

Insurance: FDIC pass-through insurance to $250,000 via Cross River Bank and participating institutions

Plan Options

Standard (under $1,000/month direct deposit)

$0

  • ▸1% cash back on common everyday expenses
  • ▸0.5% on all other debit purchases
  • ▸Core account features retained

Active (with $1,000+/month direct deposit)

$0

  • ▸2% cash back on common everyday expenses (convenience stores, restaurants, gas, groceries, utilities, monthly subscriptions), capped at $500 in 2% rewards per year
  • ▸1% unlimited on all other debit purchases
  • ▸Boosted APY on linked Performance Savings and waived ATM fees with rebates

Features

  • ▸2%/1% debit cash back structure, the best live rate in the category
  • ▸Early direct deposit up to 2 days
  • ▸No monthly fees, overdraft fees, or transfer fees
  • ▸Linked Performance Savings rate boost with Active status
  • ▸Discounts on Upgrade loan products for accountholders
  • ▸Up to $500/year cap on the 2% tier, then 1%

Pros

  • +Highest ongoing debit cash back now that Discover's account is closed
  • +Everyday-expense categories cover where debit cards actually get used
  • +Direct deposit hurdle also unlocks a genuinely competitive savings APY
  • +Zero-fee schedule across the board

Cons

  • −$500 annual cap on the 2% earn limits the ceiling to about $25k of category spend
  • −Drop below $1,000/month in direct deposits and rewards halve
  • −Fintech layered on Cross River Bank, not a charter
  • −Checking balance itself earns no interest

Our Take

With Discover Cashback Debit gone, Upgrade's Rewards Checking Plus is the default answer for debit-card rewards. Two percent on the categories where people actually swipe debit, plus a savings rate boost, for a $1,000 monthly direct deposit is a fair trade. The $500 annual cap keeps it honest, and credit card users will still out-earn it. If you bank on debit by choice, open this.

Best for: Debit-first spenders who want credit-card-grade cash back without a credit card

Open at Upgrade →

Last verified 2026-06-11

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