Comparing the BlockFi Bitcoin Rewards Visa Signature Card and Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa Card
Reward credit cards can be incredibly valuable to those who qualify for them. They can earn you cashback rewards that you can spend or add to your balance. They can earn you miles and get you cheaper flight tickets or points that you can spend at shops, hotels, restaurants, and more. However, until recently, none of the credit cards in the US offered cryptocurrency rewards. BlockFi is among the first companies on the market to offer Bitcoin rewards, but it’s not the only one. In July 2021, Upgrade launched its own version of a Bitcoin reward card with various benefits that allow consumers to use their credit responsibly. If you’re interested in earning Bitcoin rewards, take a look at this brief comparison of Upgrade vs BlockFi to ensure that you make an informed decision.
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa Overview
Upgrade was established in 2017 by a team of professionals that’s been in the fintech industry for over 15 years. Aiming to offer better value and more flexibility than traditional banking institutions, Upgrade offers affordable financial services, including personal loans, Upgrade credit cards, and rewards checking. The newest financial product from Upgrade is the Upgrade Bitcoin card that boasts lower costs than conventional credit cards and earns Bitcoin rewards every time you pay back your dues. All Bitcoin services and accounts through Upgrade are provided by the New York Digital Investment Group (NYDIG).
BlockFi Bitcoin Rewards Visa Overview
BlockFi entered the market around the same time Upgrade did, being established by Zac Prince and Flori Marquez in 2017. Its aim was to provide convenient credit services to markets that have limited access to them. In BlockFi’s offer, you’ll find financial products like interest accounts, trading accounts, and crypto-backed loans. As a crypto-oriented fintech, BlockFi is the only independent lender with institutional backing from Fidelity, Valar Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and Galaxy Digital, to name but a few.
Upgrade Bitcoin vs BlockFi Bitcoin Comparison Table
| BlockFi Bitcoin Rewards | Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Evolve Bank & Trust | Sutton Bank |
| Network | VISA | VISA |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Regular APR | 14.99% – 24.99% (Variable) | 8.99% – 29.99% (Fixed) |
| Intro Offer | 3.5% Intro Rewards for 90 days | No Available |
| Bitcoin Rewards | Up to 3.5% (Capped) | 1.5% Unlimited Rewards |
| Available Credit Line | Up to $25,000 | $500 to $50,000 |
| Foreign Trans. Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Credit Needed | Good Credit | Fair Credit |
| Pre-approval | YES | YES |
| Instant Virtual Card | Not Disclosed | YES |
| Learn More | More Info | More Info |
| Application | Pre-Qualify, Now! | Pre-Qualify, Now! |
Upgrade and BlockFi Offer Details
Upgrade Bitcoin and BlockFi Bitcoin cards are more than simple credit cards. Take a look at what each lender offers with their Bitcoin financial products.
Upgrade Bitcoin Card
- Unlimited 1.5% cashback in Bitcoin on card purchases (once you’ve made a payment);
- No annual fees;
- No maintenance fees;
- No activation fees;
- Credit lines from $500 to $50,000;
- The virtual card immediately accessible;
- Affordable, fixed-rate monthly payments.
BlockFi Bitcoin Card
- 1.5% cashback in Bitcoin on all eligible trades;
- 2% cashback in Bitcoin after spending $50,000;
- 3.5% cashback in Bitcoin in the first 90 days (up to $100 in Bitcoin);
- No annual fees;
- No foreign transaction fees;
- Get $30 in Bitcoin for referring a friend;
- $25,000 credit limit.
The right card for you depends entirely on your needs and preferences. If you want predictable, affordable credit, the Upgrade Bitcoin has everything you need. However, if you’re more interested in earning Bitcoin, BlockFi does provide you with more opportunities to do so.
5 Key Advantages
| BlockFi Bitcoin Visa Pros | Upgrade Bitcoin Visa Pros |
|---|---|
| Upgrade Bitcoin rewards card presents several advantages, including: | On the other hand, the BlockFi Bitcoin card offers these advantages: |
| 1. No security deposit is needed; 2. No prepayment penalty or penalty APR; 3. Fixed interest rates; 4. Equal monthly payments; 5. Transfer funds to your bank account. | 1. Variable APR from 14.99% to 24.99%; 2. Reporting to Equifax and Experian; 3. Considers applicants with lower credit scores; 4. Pre-approval without impact on your credit score; 5. No over-limit fee. |
3 Main Cons
No financial product is perfect for all users, so both Upgrade and BlockFi do have some drawbacks that you should consider before applying for their cards.
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Cons:
- No welcome bonus available;
- The card isn’t available in every state;
- Bitcoin cannot be transferred to a separate wallet.
BlockFi Bitcoin Rewards Cons:
- Rewards aren’t available for every purchase;
- Bitcoin rewards aren’t available in real-time;
- You cannot convert Bitcoins to other cryptocurrencies.
Competing Crypto Reward Cards
The Bottom Line
BlockFi and Upgrade are the first financial institutions to offer Bitcoin rewards with their credit cards. They offer unique advantages that can help you get started with cryptocurrency trading. BlockFi stands out with a boosted introductory offer for new account holders and multiple cryptocurrency wallet. However, if you aren’t interested in accumulating and selling Bitcoin, these cards might not be the best choice for you. You have access to other rewards credit cards that might be better suited for your needs.
