Capital One Savor vs Upgrade Select: Which Is Better In 2026?

Upgrade Select Visa® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we like the Upgrade Select Visa®.

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• It's a great option for those with fair or average credit who want to build their credit history without needing a security deposit.
• The Upgrade Select Visa® offers a unique payment structure that turns your balance into a predictable installment loan.
• You can check your eligibility for this card without impacting your credit score.

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Pros

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• It’s an unsecured card designed for those with fair or poor credit, so you don’t need a security deposit to get started.
• Balances are paid down in predictable monthly installments at a fixed rate, similar to a personal loan.
• You can see if you prequalify without it affecting your credit score.

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Cons

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• It comes with an annual fee and doesn't offer an ongoing rewards program for your spending.
• There's no introductory APR offer, and the ongoing interest rate can be high.
• Earning the welcome bonus requires extra steps, and your credit line doesn't automatically replenish as you make payments.

Upgrade Select Visa® vs Capital One Savor Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Capital One Savor or Upgrade Select, comes down to your financial profile and what you want from a card. One is tailored for earning rewards on daily spending, while the other focuses on providing access to credit with predictable payments.

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• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for those who spend frequently on dining, entertainment, and at grocery stores and want to earn cash back on those purchases.
• Upgrade Select Visa® is best suited for individuals with fair or average credit who need access to a credit line and prefer the structure of paying down balances in fixed monthly installments.

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Redemption

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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: As a cash back card, you can redeem your rewards for a statement credit or receive a check, offering straightforward value on your spending.

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Upgrade Select Visa®: This card functions differently, as it does not earn rewards; instead, it converts your balance into a fixed-rate loan with predictable monthly payments.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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With a data-driven card explorer tool, Kudos helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Simulate your potential earnings with any card using your real spending data before you apply.
• $100 Kudos Kickstart+: Add select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet to unlock $100 in Kickstart+ Rewards.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Detailed approval odds: Get a comprehensive analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards when you shop at participating stores.
• Financial monitoring: Keep track of your transactions, spending habits, and credit score all in one place.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards credit card is tailor-made for foodies and entertainment enthusiasts who frequently dine out or attend events. It's also a strong contender for families with large grocery budgets and globetrotters looking to avoid foreign transaction fees. Ultimately, this card is ideal for anyone who values straightforward, unlimited cash back on their lifestyle spending without the burden of an annual fee.

Who Should Choose the Upgrade Select Visa®?

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The Upgrade Select Visa® is designed for individuals with fair to poor credit who are focused on building or rebuilding their credit history. It offers a valuable opportunity to access an unsecured line of credit, bypassing the need for a security deposit typically required for secured cards. This card is best suited for those who prefer the discipline of paying down purchases through fixed monthly installments, similar to a personal loan, rather than managing a revolving balance.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, the Capital One Savor vs Upgrade Select comparison didn't reveal a winner for your wallet? No problem—plenty of other great rewards cards are out there that might be a better fit.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Ensure your score meets the card’s requirements, which typically range from fair to excellent.
• Plan your spending - Make sure you can naturally meet any minimum spending requirement for a welcome offer.
• Review the benefits - Understand how the card’s rewards and perks align with your everyday spending habits.

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Application Strategy

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• Look for prequalification options - Many issuers let you check your odds without a hard credit inquiry.
• Research issuer-specific rules - Some issuers have unique restrictions or consider factors beyond your credit score.
• Consider a reconsideration line - If denied, you can often call the issuer to have them review your application again.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What credit score is recommended for the Capital One Savor card?

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While there's no official minimum, the Capital One Savor card is generally designed for applicants with good to excellent credit, typically a score of 670 or higher. Approval also depends on various other financial factors.

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Is the Upgrade Select Card a traditional credit card?

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The Upgrade Select Card functions differently from a traditional credit card by combining the flexibility of a card with the structure of a personal loan. Your balance is converted into a fixed-rate installment plan, helping you pay down debt predictably.

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Does the Capital One Savor card charge foreign transaction fees?

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No, the Capital One Savor card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This makes it a solid choice for purchases made while traveling internationally.

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