$0
Annual fee
See the card
Card reviewBarclays
Updated Jul 23, 2026 · research
BarclaysUpromise Program
Upromise® World Mastercard®
Earn cash back rewards for college savings on your everyday purchases.
Mid TierPersonal
Mastercard
Credit profile: good$0
Annual fee
1.53% back all purchases (linked to college savings plan)
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating
Current Welcome Offer
Earn $100
Spend $500 in 90 days
Verifiedlanding page
Card Offers
public
Earn $100
Spend $500 in 90 days
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Earning Rates
All purchases (linked to College Savings Plan)
1.53%cash back
When Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan.
All purchases (unlinked)
1.25%cash back
If Upromise Program account is not linked to a College Savings Plan.
MyGiftCardsPlus purchases
0%cash back
Get up to $250 in cash back rewards per calendar year on eligible gift card purchases at MyGiftCardsPlus.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No annual fee makes the card low-risk to hold long-term
- Elevated 1.529% cash back rate when linked to an eligible College Savings Plan
- Solid $100 welcome bonus with a modest $500 spend requirement in 90 days
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles
- No foreign transaction fees for international use
Cons
- Base cash back rate of 1.25% is below average compared to flat-rate competitors
- Higher earning rate requires linking to a College Savings Plan, adding a setup step
- No bonus category rewards for dining, groceries, gas, or travel
- Cash back is tied to the Upromise ecosystem, which may not suit those without college savings goals
- The $250 annual cap on gift card cash back limits the upside of that benefit
Key Takeaways
- Earn 1.529% cash back when linked to an eligible College Savings Plan, or 1.25% without the link
- $100 welcome bonus after $500 in spending within the first 90 days
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then 18.49% to 29.49%
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Up to $250 cash back annually on eligible gift card purchases at MyGiftCardsPlus
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
APR Information
- Purchase APR
- 18.49% - 29.49%
- Balance Transfer APR
- 18.49% - 29.49%0% intro APR for 15 months
- Cash Advance APR
- 29.74%
APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.
Card Benefits
3 benefits including 1 hidden gems
Lifestyle Benefits
Other Insurance
Coverage Tier Legend
Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Upromise World Mastercard?
The Upromise World Mastercard has a $0 annual fee. There is no fee waived for the first year; it is simply $0 ongoing.
How does the cash back rate work?
Cardholders earn 1.529% cash back on purchases when their Upromise account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan. If the account is not linked to an eligible plan, the rate drops to 1.25% cash back on all purchases.
What is the welcome bonus and how do I qualify?
New cardholders can earn a $100 cash back welcome bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. The bonus is credited as cash back through the Upromise program.
Does this card charge foreign transaction fees?
No, the Upromise World Mastercard charges 0% in foreign transaction fees. This makes it a usable option for international purchases without added currency conversion costs.
What is the intro APR offer on balance transfers?
The card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After the intro period, the ongoing balance transfer APR ranges from 18.49% to 29.49% based on creditworthiness.
What credit score is needed to apply?
The Upromise World Mastercard generally requires good credit for approval. Applicants should review their credit profile before applying to gauge eligibility.
What is the MyGiftCardsPlus cash back benefit?
Eligible gift card purchases at MyGiftCardsPlus can earn up to $250 cash back per calendar year through the Upromise program. Purchases must qualify under the program's terms, and conditions apply.
Can I access my FICO score with this card?
Yes, the Upromise World Mastercard provides free online access to your FICO credit score along with alerts. The account must be open, active, and in good standing to access this benefit.
What fraud protection does the card offer?
The card carries $0 fraud liability, meaning cardholders are not responsible for unauthorized charges. This is a standard Mastercard benefit and requires prompt reporting of any suspicious activity.
How does the Upromise program work with this card?
Cash back earned with the card flows into a Upromise account, which can be linked to an eligible College Savings Plan such as a 529 account. Linking to an eligible plan also unlocks the higher 1.529% earning rate on purchases.
About This Card
This card is best for parents, students, or families actively saving for college through a 529 or other eligible College Savings Plan who want to direct everyday spending rewards toward education costs. It also suits balance transfer seekers who want a no-annual-fee card with a competitive intro period.
The Upromise® World Mastercard® allows cardmembers to earn up to 1.529% cash back rewards on purchases when linked to an eligible College Savings Plan, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
The Upromise World Mastercard is one of the few no-annual-fee cash back cards that directly channels rewards into a college savings account, offering a higher earning rate specifically for cardholders linked to an eligible 529 plan.
Ready to Decide?
Apply for the Upromise® World Mastercard®
Earn $100 with no annual fee.
Spend $500 in 90 days
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