fbpx
TrustedCompanyReviews receives commissions from affiliate partners that it reviews. The reviews, rankings, and product information of affiliates constitute advertising.

x

How We Calculate Rating

Ratings on Trusted Company Reviews are given by experts in that particular industry. Our experts monitor the brand closely and then give the brand a rating which you can trust.

Our rating score is based on 10 Points and a Five-Star shown alongside the score to easily understand the rating.

We frequently update the ratings of all brands so that you don’t choose a brand by their old  ratings.

Upgrade Auto Loans Review

Home » Brands » Upgrade Auto Loans Review
8.4

Table of Contents

When you think of auto loans, you probably think about buying a new or used vehicle with the money, but many people choose to refinance their loans to get better interest rates and terms. Upgrade is a lender that focuses on refinancing, offering convenient service, good customer reviews, and service across all 50 states.

The company scores a spot in our overview of the best auto loan providers, and you can learn more about the company in our Upgrade review for personal loans and debt consolidation.

Pros

  • Great customer reviews

  • No credit check or personal information required to view rates

  • Upgrade does not charge prepayment penalties

Cons

  • Vehicle must be worth $5,000

  • No standard auto financing is available

About Upgrade

Upgrade has been around since 2017 and is based in San Francisco. The company offers a range of financial products, including banking services, personal loans, credit counseling, and more. Upgrade has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has accumulated an impressive number of positive customer reviews, making it one of the more appealing options in the space.

Company Insights

Upgrade Inc. is accredited with the BBB and carries an A+ grade. While there are some of the typical customer complaints on file at the Bureau and on various review sites, notably, no complaints for the company exist on the Consumer Financial Protection website as of September 2025.

Features and Benefits

  • 1-2 intro grafs with bullets below
  • Discounts available, including for autopay
  • Loan application and services are all online
  • Upgrade limits the mileages and ages of vehicles being refinanced
  • Upgrade has achieved an A+ rating from the BBB
  • No hard credit hit to view rates
  • Funds disbursed within one day of loan closing

Upgrade Reviews: Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Upgrade: 8.4

Upgrade has great customer reviews, but it’s difficult to give it a leading score because of its limited product offerings. The company is also a bit more restrictive on the ages of vehicles than we’d like to see, especially since it only offers one loan type. The good news is that its loan application processing is fast, and funds are disbursed quickly after the final approval is issued.

Upgrade only offers refinancing, but that’s not necessarily a reason to pass it by. It has some of the best customer reviews in the business, and its online loan application process is quick and painless.

Check your Upgrade rates

Loan Types Refinancing only
Maximum Loan Amount Not available
Maximum Loan to Value Not available
Additional Services Discounts, autopay

Why We Like It

Upgrade makes refinancing easy, and its online loan application is more straightforward than others. We also like the company’s extensive customer reviews, which are generally very positive about its service, communication, and terms. It also offers no prepayment penalties and gives borrowers the ability to check rates without a hard credit check.

What We Don’t Like

Upgrade only offers refinancing, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for any other auto lending needs. Additionally, the company doesn’t disclose loan terms until the application is complete, leaving potential borrowers in the dark until they’ve had a hard credit check. The limitations on vehicle age and mileage also limit borrowers’ ability to refinance less expensive vehicles.

Upgrade Rates and Terms

Upgrade’s loan rates range from the mid-five percent range to more than 20 percent in some cases. Some loans may require an origination fee, and the lender offers terms of between 24 and 84 months, though specifics will vary between borrowers.

Additional Perks

Upgrade doesn’t offer many perks outside of its standard loan programs. It offers joint applications, fast loan funding, high customer satisfaction ratings, and no prepayment penalties. Other lenders offer more diverse loan products, and many have additional benefits, such as extensive discount programs.

Upgrade Customer Reviews

While Upgrade has earned plenty of positive reviews for its customer service and prowess at solving problems, it also has more than its fair share of negative reviews that complain about its credit score requirements, and many said the final payoff process was annoyingly slow. Others say the bank is slow to report payoffs and payments to credit bureaus.

On the positive side of the coin, customers praise the lender for its friendly, knowledgeable customer service and fast funding times. More say that Upgrade’s application is fast and painless, but it’s worth noting that many of the company’s online reviews refer to its other lending products and services, making it important to sort through the reviews to find relevant information.

Who Is Upgrade Best For?

Upgrade is best for people who need to refinance a relatively new vehicle. That said, the applicant must owe at least $5,000 on the vehicle, and there are restrictions around the mileage and age, so it pays to sort through the details before applying at Upgrade.

Upgrade Vs Ally

Upgrade and Ally both offer refinancing, but Ally’s loan offerings go far beyond Upgrade’s. It offers loans for new and used vehicles, and Ally acts as the in-house lender for some automakers. That’s not to say that Upgrade is bad or shouldn’t be considered, however, as its customer service reviews are generally higher than Ally’s.

Upgrade Ally
Loan-to-Value Not available $1,000 more than book value
Maximum Loan Terms 84 months 84 months
GAP No Yes
Used Vehicle Loans Refinance only Yes, and refinance

Upgrade Alternatives

Upgrade shines for refinancing with fast approvals and strong reviews, but it doesn’t offer loans for purchases. If you’re shopping for a used car or want more flexible financing, these alternatives may fit better. Also, check out our overviews of the best cheap auto insurance companies and the best personal loans to help save more or discover more financing solutions.

 

  • PenFed Credit Union: Low rates, flexible loan terms, and excellent nationwide member service.
  • Lightstream: Unsecured loans with quick funding and no vehicle restrictions.
  • Bank of America: Solid refinancing options, nationwide branches, and a 30-day rate lock.
  • Capital One: Prequalification with no credit impact and Auto Navigator for transparent shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you pay off Upgrade loans early?

Are Upgrade loans backed by banks?

Is Upgrade a good company to borrow from?

Is Upgrade related to Uplift?

Conclusion

Upgrade auto loans focus exclusively on refinancing, making them ideal for borrowers with newer vehicles who want a fast, online process and strong customer service. While Upgrade doesn’t offer loans for car purchases, its platform makes refinancing easy, with no prepayment penalties and soft credit checks during prequalification. It still earns a spot in our overview of the best used vehcile financing.

The lender boasts an A+ BBB rating and fast funding turnaround, though borrowers should be aware of restrictions on vehicle age, mileage, and loan minimums. It’s a great pick for drivers looking to lower their current rate, especially if their vehicle still holds significant value.

About Author

Dr. Ali
After earning an MBA, Chris began writing about tech and finance as part of his work as a bank analyst and consultant. Wanting to pursue his first love in life, Chris jumped ship and turned his focus to the automotive industry, first as a freelance writer for Forbes, J.D. Power, The Drive, and U.S. News & World Report, before starting YourTestDriver.com and the America on the Road Radio Show. Chris brings more than ten years of experience in product reviews, in-depth analyses, and news, and has been recognized as a significant contributor in building the future of the automotive media field.
Dr. Ali

Chris Teague

Last Updated: September 19, 2025

Editorial Reviews

Must Reads

How do Balance Transfer Credit Cards Work?

How do balance transfer credit cards work? Are you struggling with credit card debt and looking for a way to save money on interest? If so, a balance transfer credit card might help. These cards allow you to move existing balances from one card to another, often with...

What Is Online Loan Prequalification?

You've seen it advertised. Are you now wondering: What is online loan prequalification? Online loan prequalification is a simple, no-obligation way to check if you might be eligible for a loan without affecting your credit score. It helps lenders estimate what kind of...

Can You Use a Personal Loan to Buy a Car?

Can You Use a Personal Loan to Buy a Car? You can use a personal loan to buy a car. However, it's only best in certain situations. While, personal loans aren’t the most common choice for vehicle financing, using personal loan funds to buy a car is perfectly legal, and...

How to Consolidate Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can build up fast, and steep interest charges make it hard to catch up. When balances get out of hand, your minimum payments may barely cover the interest, keeping you in a cycle of revolving debt. The Federal Reserve made this statement in a recent...

How Does Debt Consolidation Affect Your Credit?

Debt consolidation can affect your credit in both positive and negative ways. The consolidation process itself may initially lower your credit score a few points due to a hard inquiry and the opening of a new credit account. However, it can also help improve your...

Debt Consolidation vs. Bankruptcy: Which Should I Choose?

Debt consolidation vs bankruptcy? Provided you can qualify, debt consolidation is usually the better option. The process involves combining your high-interest debts into just one simple monthly payment. Debt consolidation is an effective tool for paying down debt...

How Does Debt Consolidation Work?

Managing debt can feel overwhelming when you’re juggling high interest rates, multiple balances, and scattered due dates. Debt consolidation works by combining those debts into a single payment, usually at a lower interest rate. That can reduce the total interest...

How to Choose a Credit Card: 7 Easy Steps

How to Choose a Credit Card: 7 Easy Steps Regardless of your credit score, choosing a credit card can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of cash back cards, rewards options, and varying terms from different card issuers, it’s hard to know which is the right fit. The...

How to Use a Rewards Credit Card for Maximum Benefits

Rewards credit cards are everywhere, offering everything from cash back on groceries to points for travel, and perks you didn’t even know existed. Used wisely, these cards can stretch your budget, unlock benefits, and even improve your credit over time. Knowing how to...

Social Links