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# Upgrading your Classic card to Flex card: a complete guide

## Why are Classic cards being upgraded?

In November 2025, [we launched Flex cards](https://x.com/OnboardGlobal/status/1990845117478117575). Since then, they've become the go-to card for most users on Onboard - offering lower fees, Apple Pay & Google Pay, and a much better experience across the board.

We want this for everyone, so we're retiring Classic cards and making Flex the primary card on Onboard.

## What's better with Flex?

* **Apple Pay & Google Pay** - tap to pay in stores, from your phone or watch
* **Better reliability and acceptance rates**
* **25%+ lower funding fees**
* **75%+ less in FX fees** - blended into your transaction amount, with no surprise separate charges later
* **Zero withdrawal fees**

## Timeline

* **Week of March 9, 2026** — Flex becomes the only card available to create on Onboard. You'll also be able to upgrade your Classic card to Flex directly in the app, for free.
* **March 31, 2026** — All Classic cards will be deactivated. Funds on any remaining Classic cards will be returned to your cash balance.

## How do I upgrade my Classic card to Flex?

### If you're verified with a Photo ID (Passport, Driver's License):

This applies to you if you verified your identity using a passport, driver's license, or for users outside Nigeria, your national ID card.

1. Go to your **Cards** tab
2. Tap the **upgrade prompt** on your Classic card
3. Review the Flex card benefits and tap **"Upgrade to Flex"**
4. Complete the **additional requirements** if prompted
5. Tap **"Switch to Flex"** to confirm your upgrade

During the upgrade, your Classic card will be frozen. And once complete, your balance will be transferred automatically to your new Flex card.

The upgrade usually takes a few minutes, and you'll get a notification when your new Flex card is ready.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/6/4/4/e/644e1a6090483000/image_qwyf9c.png)

### If you are not verified with a Photo ID

This applies to you if you verified using only a number-based ID, such as NIN (National Identification Number) in Nigeria, without submitting a photo of your ID document.

1. Go to your **Cards** tab and tap the upgrade prompt on your Classic card
2. Review the Flex card benefits and tap **"Upgrade to Flex"**
3. You'll see a prompt to verify using a Photo ID - tap **"Start verification"**
4. Complete the verification steps (you'll need a valid passport or driver's license)
5. Once approved, you'll be able to proceed with the Flex card upgrade as described above

Verification usually takes less than 5 minutes, and you'll be notified once it's complete.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/6/4/4/e/644e1a6090483000/image_ytxzkq.png)

## What happens to my Classic card after upgrading?

Your Classic card is deactivated once the upgrade is complete. Any payments attempted on it will be declined.

If you're expecting a refund on your old Classic card, it will still be processed and reflected in your Onboard cash balance.

**Important:** Make sure to update your card details on any platforms where your Classic card was saved - subscriptions, online stores, etc.

## What happens to my Classic card balance?

Your balance is transferred to your new Flex card automatically when you upgrade. You won't lose any funds.

If you don't upgrade before March 31, your Classic card will be deactivated and your remaining balance will be returned to your Onboard cash balance.

## What if my upgrade fails?

You can try again directly from the prompt on your card. If the issue persists, contact our Support team for help.

## Why am I being asked to verify with a Photo ID?

If you originally verified using only a number-based ID (e.g. NIN in Nigeria) without submitting a photo of your ID document, you'll be prompted to complete photo ID verification. This is because our Flex card partner requires a photo ID - such as a passport or driver's license, or if you're from outside Nigeria, a National ID card - in order to issue your card.

It's a one-time step and usually takes less than 5 minutes.

## I have multiple Classic cards. How does that work?

You'll see an upgrade prompt on each Classic card that needs to be switched. You can upgrade them one at a time — each card doesn't need to finish before you start the next one.

## Got questions?

Reach out to us via in-app chat or reply to any of our emails. We're here to help.