Starting in March 2026, we are introducing a new subscription plan called ARQ Prestige.
With ARQ Prestige, get up to $50,000 USDc in credit backed by your portfolio, 2% cashback on your spending, 4.5% on your USDc balance, and more.
Below, we answer frequently asked questions.
If you have further questions or you are experiencing any issues, please contact our Customer Support team via the in-app chat.
PRESTIGE 101
What are all the benefits I get with Prestige?
1. Unparallelled rewards
2% cashback: Get 2% cashback on the first 500 USDc you spend via your cards every month and 0.5% thereafter, unlimited
Earn 4.5% on your USDc: Earn 125% more on your USDc Save account, compared to Standard members who earn only 2%
120% CDI on your BRL (for Brazil only): Earn annually on your Brazilian real account balance. Up to 50,000 BRL.
2. Portfolio-backed credit
Credit-line: Your ARQ Prestige credit line is a secured credit product where your borrowing is backed by the assets in your Save and Trade accounts. At most, your available credit will be either 70% of the value of the assets in your Save and Trade accounts, subject to a maximum of maximums: $50,000 USDc
At the end of a monthly billing cycle, you can choose to repay or finance your outstanding credit balance by paying a financing fee of 0.7% (0.9% for Brazil) of your remaining balance per month
By paying this fee, you are able to delay repayment until the end of the next billing cycle, at which time you may either repay your outstanding balance or elect to finance it again. You are also able to partially repay your balance and finance the rest. Note that if you wish to repay, there is a minimum payment amount
If you do not repay within the Grace Period of 20 business days, your balance will be automatically financed.
A credit card with weight: Includes a solid 16g metal card, exclusively for use with portfolio-backed credit
To learn more about the Prestige Secured Credit line, please click here.
3. Borderless money
3 free international transfers. Send and receive from the US or Europe for free, every month.
Free ATM withdrawals. Get 700 USDc of free-free local and international ATM withdrawals per month. Beyond that, a 1% fee will apply.
4. VIP treatment
24/7 priority support. Get your support requests to the top of the queue, every time.
Early access. Try out the latest features before anyone else gets their hands on them.
Your Prestige plan, on us. Earn back your monthly equivalent plan fee through card spending: 50% back when you spend USDc 2,000 in a month, or 100% back at USDc 4,000
Free Premium (black) card available for both Premium & Prestige members
What is the difference between the Prestige and Premium subscriptions?
ARQ Prestige is our most exclusive membership, it unlocks higher rewards for many existing Premium perks:
2% cashback on 500 USDc card spend per month vs. 1% in Premium
4.5% annual earnings of USDc accounts vs. 3.5% in Premium
700 USDc fee-free ATM withdrawals per month (with non-Prestige cards only) vs. 500 USDc in Premium
3 free international transfers per month vs. 1 in Premium
It also is the only plan that currently gives you access to ARQ’s Prestige credit products, including a credit line backed by your portfolio (secured credit) and a credit card (Prestige metal card).
Finally, you can earn back your plan fee through card spending with your new Prestige card:
Spending of 2,000-3,999.99 USDc during any subscription month, will earn Prestige users back 50% of the plan fee: 8.33 USDc, at the end of the period.
Spending of 4,000 USDc or above during any subscription month, will earn Prestige users back 100% of the plan fee: 16.67 USDc, at the end of the period.
COSTS AND BILLING
How much does Prestige cost? Can I try Prestige for free?
Our Prestige plan costs $199.99 per year for the subscription – it is an annual only plan and there is no monthly billing available. Since our Prestige plan only has an annual billing option, free trials are not available.
Are there any extra fees on top of the subscription?
You will only incur our regular fees when you consume your Prestige-specific perks, for example:
$3 / €3 per international transfers (deposits or withdrawals) after the 3 free transfers per month perk is consumed
1% on ATM withdrawals, above $700 USDc fee-free withdrawals perk per month is consumed (note: this is only when withdrawing with your non-Prestige cards)
Note: there may be credit related fees, depending on how you pay back your credit. More in the Prestige Secured Credit Card section below.
When will I be charged?
Just like with our Premium subscription, you will be charged at the moment you upgrade. Then, you will be charged again upon auto-renewal (1 year later) unless the plan is cancelled beforehand.
What happens if I cancel Prestige?
You can cancel at any time and keep using the perks until the end of your subscription period.
When you cancel, you will keep being Prestige and accessing all the perks until the end of your subscription period.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my Prestige subscription?
You cannot get a refund unless it’s within the right of withdrawal / cooling-off period according to each country’s consumer protection laws. Generally, if you cancel within 10 days of subscribing, you will not be subject to any fees.
To cancel your Prestige subscription, you will have to contact our Customer Support team via the in-app chat. Be aware that you will have to pay back all the perks used until then if you cancel after the grace period: (1) any cashback accumulated, (2) any additional APY accumulated, (3) be charged 1% for any ATM withdrawals, (4) be charged for any free international transactions, (5) be charged $75 USDc if you ordered the metal Prestige card, (6) be charged local fees for any free Standard or Premium card, and (7) any credit will have to be settled, including by liquidating applicable collateral. If you paid an annual subscription fee, you may receive a refund pro-rata for the time you used the subscription.
What happens if I try to withdraw my collateral?
Depending on your credit use, your collateral in your Save and Trade accounts may not be withdrawable until you pay down your credit balance. For more information, please click here.
ELIGIBILITY AND WAITLIST
Who can get Prestige?
Initially, Prestige will have a waitlist. Only users that are given access to Prestige and get off the waitlist will be able to upgrade in the app.
Once the waitlist is lifted, everyone who is eligible for our credit line, will be able to upgrade to Prestige.
Why can’t I see Prestige in my app?
You should be able to see the Prestige waitlist in the app, if you don’t please contact support.
Why is there a waitlist?
We’re rolling this out gradually to make sure everything runs smoothly — from onboarding to card delivery and support. The waitlist helps us maintain the experience quality and manage demand fairly.
How long do I have to wait on the waitlist?
Wait times can vary depending on demand and rollout capacity, so we don’t have an exact date. Right now, users with more than $10,000 USDc in ARQ are receiving priority access. But once you’re on the waitlist, your spot is secured and we’ll notify you as soon as access becomes available.
My friend already has Prestige, why am I still on the waitlist?
Access depends on rollout waves and internal eligibility criteria, not just when someone joined the waitlist. Your friend might have met one of our requirements for earlier access or been invited by a friend. We’re expanding access continuously, and you’ll be notified as soon as you’re included.
I signed up to the waitlist accidentally, but don’t actually want to sign up to Prestige. How can I be removed from the waitlist?
At the moment, we cannot take users off the waitlist, but rest assured: being on the waitlist only gives you priority access, but it is not a commitment to subscribe or pay.
You will not be automatically charged once the waitlist is lifted – once you are off the waitlist, you will be invited to sign up for Prestige. This is when you will decide whether they want to opt in or not, and this is when you will have to agree to the Terms & Conditions for Prestige, subscribe and pay the fee.
Therefore, there is no reason to worry about being automatically enrolled and charged. You can always change your mind and not subscribe.
PRESTIGE SECURED CREDIT CARD
What kind of card is this?
Our Prestige card is a revolving credit card, with monthly statements. It is a solid 16g metal card, exclusively for use with portfolio-backed credit.
It is denominated in USDc.
Is the Prestige card a credit card or a debit card?
It is a secured credit card.
What does “secured credit card” mean?
It means the credit line is backed by your assets in your ARQ Trade and Save accounts. The more assets you have, the higher your credit line. Note it does not include any balance in your checking account (balance you see on the Home Screen).
Will it work online and in stores like a normal credit card?
Yes, the Prestige card should work everywhere.
Can I use it internationally?
Yes.
Can I use it for recurring subscriptions like Netflix and Spotify?
Yes, the card works for recurring payments.
Can I have both a virtual and physical Prestige Metal card?
Yes, we offer both physical and virtual Metal cards.
Is there a limit on how many virtual or physical Prestige Metal cards I can have?
Yes: you may have up to 1 physical card and 3 virtual cards.
Do I need to lock money to use the card?
Our system will automatically “lock” from your collateral (the assets you have in the Trade and Save accounts) an amount equivalent to 2 times your outstanding balance – i.e. what you have spent so far with your ARQ card. This means you can’t withdraw the locked amount from your Trade/Save accounts until you repay your debt. Note that this amount only becomes locked as you use the card.
Can I choose how much I want to secure?
No. We take into account all your assets to determine your credit line. However, we only lock your assets proportionally to your outstanding balance.
If the card is backed by my assets, is it the same as spending with my non-Prestige card?
No. Your assets keep being invested while you use them as collateral. For example, if you have money in your USDc savings account, it keeps generating interest. If you have bought certain stocks/ETFs, they keep being invested and you can benefit from any upside of these stocks (note: stock market fluctuations mean the value of your stocks/ETFs could go down).
What’s the benefit of using the Prestige card, compared to using my standard or premium ARQ card?
Up to 50 days before interest begins to accrue (30-day billing period + 20-day grace period depending on your country). You also get higher cash back than Standard or Premium users, with 2% cash back on the first $500 USDc spent per month and 0.5% thereafter.
Does using the secured card affect my main ARQ balance?
No. Your balance in the Home tab is never used as collateral for your credit card. You can use this balance to pay your credit statements.
Can I choose which assets fund the secured card? (USD vs local)
No, all your assets in Trade and Save accounts are taken as collateral. Your balance in your Home tab is never used as collateral.
What happens if my assets are in a different currency?
We will calculate the equivalent to determine your credit line using stable exchange rates.
CREDIT LIMIT AND SPENDING
What is my credit limit?
Your credit limit depends on the value of your assets in Trade and Save. You can see your credit limit in your credit tab.
How is my credit limit calculated?
Your credit limit depends on the value and types of assets that you are holding. For more information, please click here.
Can I increase my credit limit?
You can increase your credit limit by increasing your collateral – i.e. adding funds to your Trade or Save accounts.
Is there a maximum and minimum credit limit?
Yes:
The maximum credit line by currency is $50,000 USDc
The minimum credit line by currency is: $250 USDc
Can my credit limit change automatically?
Yes, if the value of your assets in the Save and/or Trade accounts changes, we may update your credit line. This may happen if you withdraw funds from your accounts, or if the value of your assets goes up or down in value (for example, if you have Google stocks and the stock price goes down, or if you have Nvidia stocks and the stock price goes up).
What happens if I try to spend more than my secured amount?
Payments that exceed your credit limit will be declined.
PAYMENTS AND REPAYMENT
How do I pay the secured credit card?
There is a “Pay balance” button in the credit tab. You can pay with your wallet balance or with Clabe in Mexico or with PSE in Colombia.
Do I need to make monthly payments?
You always need to pay at least your minimum payment every month to stay current.
In order to avoid interest you need to pay your total statement balance every month.
If it’s backed by my assets, why do I need to pay it?
Because your assets are invested and we want you to own your investment decisions. You can decide better than us what funds you want to use to pay back your credit line.
Can I pay early?
Yes, you can pay your outstanding balance at any moment.
Can I pay partially?
Yes. The rest of your unpaid balance will be financed.
What happens if I don’t pay?
If you don’t pay at least the minimum payment on the due date, you will be delinquent. This means:
You will get charged a late payment fee
You will get charged interest on your outstanding balance
You will be reported to the Credit Bureau as delinquent, affecting your credit score.
Can I get charged interest?
Yes, if you don’t pay the full statement balance on the due date you will get charged interest.
Is there a minimum payment?
Yes, you can find your minimum payment on every statement.
When is the due date?
You can find your due date in your statement.
Mexico / Argentina / Brazil: 20 days after your cutoff date.
Colombia: 10 days after your cutoff date.
INTEREST, FEES AND APR
Does the Prestige secured card charge interest?
Only if you don’t pay your outstanding balance up to 20 days after your billing period ends and your statement is generated
What is the APR?
0.7% monthly (8.4% annually) in Mexico, Argentina and Colombia
0.9% monthly (10.8% annually) in Brazil
Are there late fees?
No, unpaid balances will be automatically financed past the 20 day grace period
Are there annual fees?
Just the Prestige fee ($199 / year).
Are there foreign transaction fees?
No.
Are there ATM fees?
With your Prestige subscription, there are no ATM withdrawal fees for the first 700 USDc that you withdraw each month, as long as you use one of your non-Metal cards.
For Metal cards, you may withdraw up to $3,000 USDc per month at a 3% fee on the amount withdrawn with their credit card.
Are there fees for declined payments?
No
Are there fees for replacing the card?
The first metal card is free, as it comes included with Prestige membership. Replacing it has a cost of $75 USDc.
CREDIT SCORE
Does this card affect my credit score at all? Does it help build my credit track record?
In Mexico, the activity on your credit card will be reported to the credit bureau.
In Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil, for the moment no.
Will it hurt my credit score if I cancel?
Only if you are delinquent (i.e. if you haven't paid your statement)
Will late payments affect my credit score?
Yes.
Can I go into bankruptcy?
It is very extremely unlikely, because the assets securing your product will be liquidated to cover your outstanding balance if needed
CARD DELIVERY, ACTIVATION AND REPLACEMENT
How do I get the Prestige secured card?
You first need to upgrade to Prestige. Once you are in, your first virtual card is created automatically and you can start using it immediately. Then you can order your physical card from the app.
How long does shipping take?
The timelines are similar to the ARQ plastic cards – approximately 7 business days.
Note that for some of our earliest Prestige customers, it may take a bit longer as we scale the card production:
In Colombia, shipments are starting on March 27th
In Argentina, shipments are starting on April 3rd
Can I use a virtual card before the physical card arrives?
Yes, you can use it from the moment your subscription is active.
How do I activate the physical card?
Once you receive your card, click on the card in your app and click on the “Activate” button.
What happens if my card is lost or stolen?
You need to block it and terminate it from your app immediately.
How do I replace the card?
You just cancel the one you have from the app and order a new one.
Is the replacement free?
No, it costs $75.
Can I have more than one card?
You can have 1 physical active card and up to 3 virtual active cards.
Does the Prestige plan come with a virtual card too?
Yes.
Can I use it with Apple Pay / Google Pay?
Yes.
Can I use it with contactless payments?
Yes.
Can I have multiple virtual cards?
Yes, up to 3 virtual cards.
DECLINES, DISPUTES AND REFUNDS
I have balance in my ARQ account but the card still declines?
Check that you have enough credit limit, your card is active and you are inputting all the right card details. Otherwise contact support.
Can I dispute a charge on the Prestige card?
Yes, through customer support initially.
How do refunds work with the secured card?
Same as with other ARQ cards. Refunds are automatically credited to your account.
How long do refunds take?
Depends on the merchant. Might take up to 30 days.
Where does the refund go: my balance or my card?
To your credit balance (e.g. it will reduce your debt).
SUBSCRIPTION CANCELLATION / DOWNGRADE
What happens to my secured card if I cancel Prestige?
Credit cards are exclusively for Prestige members. Cancelling your subscription will automatically cancel your credit card. Your card will be locked from further spending, and you will need to repay any outstanding or it will be settled by liquidating your collateral.
Can I keep the Metal credit card if I downgrade?
No, your card will be cancelled.
Will my card stop working immediately if I cancel?
Yes.
If I rejoin Prestige, do I get the same card?
No, you would need to order a new card.
OTHER
Is there a daily spending limit?
No, just your credit limit.
Is the secured card safer than a debit card?
It’s the same.
What happens if someone steals my card?
You need to freeze or terminate it from the app immediately. If there are any issues or concerns, you can contact our support team. If there are unrecognized transactions on your card, you can report them in the app and submit a request to claim the money back.
How do I know my credit balance is safe? What security features do you offer?
Your security is our priority. We use multiple layers of protection to keep your credit balance safe:
Secure in-person payments: Your card is protected by your PIN. If you use Apple Pay or Google Pay, transactions are secured with your device passcode or biometric authentication.
Safe online payments: We use 3D Secure, an additional layer of protection that helps prevent fraud by verifying the cardholder.
Card controls: You can freeze your card instantly at any time if you notice anything unusual.
Fraud monitoring: Our systems continuously monitor for suspicious activity to help detect and prevent unauthorized transactions.
Can I set spending limits?
Yes, you can set a custom maximum credit limit, as long as it is lower than or equal to the maximum credit limit that you qualify for.
Can I block certain types of merchants?
For the moment no.
Legal Note
Prestige Card is a global credit card, issued by DolarApp Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (RFC DME210525LC7), pursuant to an agreement with MasterCard and subject to the applicable Terms and Conditions, MasterCard network rules and applicable laws.
Certain Prestige services could be provided by different ARQ entities. Please visit arqfinance.com for further details.