Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5% bitcoin rewards on every purchase upon payment.
Bitcoin rewards credit cards are expanding the range of incentives available to consumers by combining everyday spending with cryptocurrency rewards. As digital assets become a more familiar part of personal finance, card issuers and fintech companies are introducing products that allow users to earn bitcoin instead of traditional cash back or travel rewards.
These products reflect the growing convergence of payments and digital assets, offering consumers an accessible way to gain cryptocurrency exposure through routine purchases. At the same time, many issuers are pairing crypto rewards with responsible lending features, installment payment options, and low-fee structures to appeal to consumers seeking both financial flexibility and long-term value.
Upgrade, Inc., a fintech company that offers affordable and responsible credit to mainstream consumers, today launched the Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card a new version of Upgrade Card featuring bitcoin rewards. Under the new program, users earn unlimited 1.5% bitcoin rewards on every purchase as they make payments.
“Upgrade Card is already delivering over $3 billion in annualized credit to consumers,” said Renaud Laplanche, co-founder and CEO at Upgrade. “Starting today, anyone can apply for an Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card and enjoy the same affordable and responsible credit as with any Upgrade Card, plus the potential upside and fun of owning bitcoin.”
As with every Upgrade Card, the Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card promotes responsible credit by turning every balance into a fixed-rate installment plan, and by paying rewards to cardholders as they pay down their balance.
The custody and trading platform for holding and selling bitcoin is provided by NYDIG. The Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card is a Visa Signature card, which includes benefits such as trip and baggage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.
“Crypto rewards introduce cardholders to a new asset class that is increasingly part of a consumer’s financial portfolio,” said Terry Angelos, SVP and Global Head of Fintech at Visa. “Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast or just getting started, programs like the Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card offer an engaging and low-risk way to participate in the crypto economy.”
Upgrade Card is designed as a low cost and responsible credit card. It has no fees, low fixed rates, and equal monthly payments that promote greater discipline and help consumers avoid the never-ending revolving credit trap of traditional credit cards. Monthly charges are combined into installment plans payable over 24 to 60 months, committing users to the discipline of paying down their balance every month.
Pricing and Availability
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card becomes generally available today: anyone can apply with no waitlist, and start using their virtual card immediately until they get their physical card in the mail. Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card has no card fees and low fixed rates. It comes with credit lines of $500 to $25,000. Consumers can use their Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card anywhere Visa is accepted. Cardholders must hold their bitcoin rewards for at least 90 days, and may then sell at any time subject to a 1.5% transaction fee. Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card is not currently available in Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
Conclusion
The continued growth of bitcoin rewards credit cards highlights how cryptocurrency is becoming more integrated into mainstream consumer payments. By combining familiar credit card functionality with digital asset rewards, issuers are creating new ways for consumers to participate in the evolving financial ecosystem.
As competition among fintechs and traditional financial institutions increases, crypto rewards programs are likely to become more sophisticated and personalized. Consumers will continue evaluating these products based not only on their cryptocurrency benefits but also on factors such as lending terms, fees, and overall card value.
About Upgrade
Upgrade has delivered over $7 billion in affordable and responsible credit to mainstream consumers through cards and loans since inception in 2017. It also offers rewards checking accounts with debit cards that pay 2% rewards on everyday transactions and monthly subscriptions. Upgrade is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an operations center in Phoenix, Arizona and a technology center in Montreal, Canada. Loans and credit lines are issued, and banking services are provided, by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. Upgrade Card is issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Rewards associated with the Upgrade Card, when applicable, are provided by Upgrade, Inc. More information is available at: https://www.upgrade.com.
