At Upstart, our mission is to radically reduce the cost and complexity of borrowing for all Americans. At its core, that mission is about financial wellness and helping people worry less about money so they can move forward with confidence. This mindset isn’t just applied to our customers; it also shapes how we support the people doing the work every day. One recent example is our redesigned 401(k) program.
Starting in 2026, we enhanced our 401(k) match to $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually. While it may look like a familiar benefit on the surface, the program was intentionally designed with Upstarters’ financial confidence and long-term stability in mind.
“Financial stress can take up a lot of mental space,” says Becca Kidder, Upstart’s Chief People Officer. “We believe that when that stress is reduced, people are better able to focus, contribute, and do their best work.”
A 401(k) Designed to Work for Everyone
Alongside building financial confidence and stability, we also focused on designing a benefit grounded in equal access, and one that reflects our appreciation for everyone who works here.Typically, traditional 401(k) programs tie employer matching to a percentage of salary. That often results in higher earners receiving significantly more of the benefit. We set out to do it differently.
“Our 401(k) is designed to work the same for everyone, regardless of role or level,” says Sam Griffith, VP of Total Rewards. “Every Upstarter has access to the same match opportunity, with the same structure and incentives.”
“In the same way that our product is about fairer access to credit, our goal was to design the 401k in the same spirit,” says Becca. “Every Upstarters gets equity compensation as a part of their offer to join, too. These are just a few of the ways that we demonstrate how important every employee is to achieving our mission.”
Encouraging Ownership with the Right Support
Because Upstart is in the business of enabling financial freedom, we believe real success comes when people are supported and encouraged to take an active role in their financial lives. That’s why our approach goes beyond offering strong benefits. We pair them with education, guidance, and tools designed to meet people where they are and help them make confident, informed decisions over time.
“We don’t just want to offer a retirement plan,” says Sam. “We want to give Upstarters the knowledge and resources they need to actually use it well. Whether they’re thinking about retirement, saving for a milestone, or just trying to feel more confident about their financial decisions.”
What This Means for People Considering Upstart
At Upstart, our approach to our redesigned 401(k), and Total Rewards overall, is not about checking boxes or keeping up with benchmarks. It’s about creating a workplace where people feel genuinely supported in managing their personal lives so they can continue to make a meaningful impact for others.
If you’re looking to join a company that’s intentional about how it supports people at work and beyond, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our open roles today!
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