Upgrade vs Upstart

Upgrade, founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a fintech company specializing in personal loans, credit cards, and auto financing solutions, including refinancing options designed to lower monthly payments and save on interest costs. With a user-friendly online platform, they facilitate a seamless application process, often providing approvals within 24 hours and funding shortly after. Their services extend to both individual customers and auto dealerships, thanks to extensive partnerships with many financial institutions. Their customers benefit from features such as a soft credit pull for rate checks, fixed fees, and no origination fees, enhancing transparency and reducing costs. They also offer competitive loan terms, with options up to 84 months and the ability to pre-qualify without impacting credit scores. Their commitment to customer service is reflected in their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and accolades from industry leaders. Read our review to have a full-on breakdown of Upgrade and their services in detail.

Upstart, founded in 2012, is an online lender headquartered in San Mateo, California. The company specializes in auto loan refinancing and leverages AI technology to evaluate borrowers beyond traditional credit scores. This approach considers factors such as income, education, and employment history, making it more accessible for individuals with thin or poor credit profiles. Upstart's services are online, offering a convenient and streamlined application process. Key features include flexible loan terms ranging from 24 to 84 months, loan amounts between $3,000 and $60,000, and competitive APRs starting at 5.61% but varying by state. The platform does not charge upfront fees, prepayment penalties, or origination fees unless specific conditions like repossession or late payments occur. One of Upstart's unique aspects is their ability to prequalify borrowers without impacting their credit scores. However, the platform does not offer purchase loans for new or used cars or allow co-borrowers or co-signers. Despite these limitations, Upstart's innovative underwriting process has garnered positive feedback for their inclusivity and efficiency. Upstart has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2015 and holds a high Trustpilot score, indicating intense customer satisfaction. Upstart's AI-driven approach and flexible terms make them a compelling option worth exploring further for those seeking to refinance their auto loans.