Chase Freedom Rise review: One of the best cards for building credit
If you’re looking for your first credit card, the (see rates and fees) deserves a spot near the top of your list.
Many starter credit cards either require a security deposit, charge unnecessary fees or don’t offer meaningful rewards. The Freedom Rise stands out by avoiding those common drawbacks. It has no annual fee, doesn’t require a security deposit and earns unlimited cash-back rewards on every purchase.
What I like most about the Freedom Rise is that it serves as a true entry point into the Chase ecosystem. Cardholders may become eligible for a credit line increase after as little as six months of responsible use, and Chase may eventually offer an upgrade to the more rewarding Chase Freedom Unlimited® without requiring a new application.
For anyone with limited or no credit history, that’s a compelling combination. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Chase Freedom Rise: The basics
The is designed for consumers who are new to credit. Unlike many competing starter cards, it doesn’t require a security deposit and doesn’t carry an annual fee.
The card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it easy to understand and use. New cardmembers can also earn 3% cash back on dining purchases at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, on up to $6,000 in spending during the first six months from account opening.
Beyond this introductory earning opportunity, there are no ongoing bonus categories to track or activation requirements to remember.
New cardholders can earn a $25 statement credit when they enroll in automatic payments within the first three months of account opening and remain enrolled for at least 90 days. While modest, this offer encourages one of the most important habits for building credit: making on-time payments.
Applicants may improve their approval odds by opening or maintaining a Chase checking or savings account before applying. Chase notes that having at least $250 in a qualifying deposit account can strengthen your odds for approval.
The Freedom Rise earns rewards as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, though cardholders without a premium Chase card will generally redeem them for cash back, statement credits, gift cards or travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
Like most credit-building cards, the Freedom Rise is best suited for those who pay their balance in full every month. The card carries a variable APR of 18.24%-27.74%, making it a poor choice for carrying debt.
Chase Freedom Rise pros and cons
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Chase Freedom Rise benefits
The Chase Freedom Rise doesn’t offer the longest list of perks, but its benefits are well-suited for consumers new to credit.
No security deposit required
One of the Freedom Rise’s biggest advantages is that it’s an unsecured credit card.
Many consumers building credit for the first time are pushed toward secured credit cards, which require a refundable security deposit.
I like that the Freedom Rise removes that barrier, allowing eligible applicants to start building credit and earning rewards without tying up hundreds of dollars in a deposit account. That helps the card stand out from many entry-level cards that require an upfront deposit.
Designed for those with limited credit history
Unlike many rewards cards, the Freedom Rise is specifically intended for consumers who may not have an established credit profile.
Chase notes that applicants may improve their approval odds by having a Chase checking or savings account with at least $250 on deposit, providing a potential pathway into the Chase ecosystem for new customers.
While Chase does not disclose its full approval criteria, consumer datapoints suggest the issuer may favor applicants with an existing banking relationship, particularly regarding those with limited or no credit history.
Potential credit line increase
Cardholders may become eligible for a credit line increase after as little as six months of responsible use and on-time payments. A higher credit limit can help improve your credit utilization ratio, one of the factors that contribute to your credit score.
Upgrade opportunities
The Freedom Rise isn’t necessarily meant to stay in your wallet forever.
Chase automatically reviews accounts on their anniversary date to determine whether cardholders may be eligible to upgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited. No additional application or hard credit inquiry is required for eligible accounts.
For me, this is what separates the Freedom Rise from many competing starter cards. Rather than requiring cardholders to apply for a new product later, Chase provides a potential path to the Freedom Unlimited — a card with stronger rewards and long-term value — without requiring another hard inquiry.
How to earn and use your rewards
The keeps things simple when it comes to rewards. You’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Plus, you’ll earn 3% cash back on dining purchases at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, on up to $6,000 spent during the first six months from account opening.
After the introductory period ends, there are no bonus categories to track or activation requirements to remember.
That’s not the most lucrative earning rate on the market, but it compares favorably with many starter credit cards that either earn no rewards at all or require a security deposit.
For someone building credit, simplicity can be a major advantage. If I were opening my first credit card, I’d likely use the Freedom Rise for everyday expenses like groceries, gas, streaming subscriptions and dining purchases while focusing on making every payment on time.
Since the card earns rewards as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you’ll have several redemption options available, including:
- Cash back
- Statement credits
- Gift cards
- Travel booked through Chase Travel
- Purchases through Amazon.com and PayPal
In most cases, cash back or statement credits will provide the best value and the simplest redemption experience.
Unlike other Chase Freedom cards, the Freedom Rise isn’t intended to be a rewards powerhouse. Instead, I view the rewards as a nice bonus while accomplishing the card’s primary goal: helping you establish a strong credit history.
As your credit profile grows, you may eventually become eligible to upgrade to the (see rates and fees), allowing you to earn higher rewards rates in select categories while remaining within the Chase ecosystem.
Where the Chase Freedom Rise could fall short
The succeeds as a credit-building card, but it won’t be the right fit for everyone.
Its biggest limitation is its long-term value proposition. While 1.5% cash back on purchases is respectable for a starter card, there are plenty of cards that offer higher earning rates, more bonus categories and stronger perks once you establish credit.
The card also charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice for international travel.
You’ll also find relatively few benefits beyond credit building. There are no substantial travel perks, annual credits or premium protections that might encourage cardholders to keep the card for years after they’ve established a solid credit history.
For many consumers, the Freedom Rise serves as a stepping stone to a more rewarding Chase card rather than a permanent fixture in their wallet.
Chase Freedom Rise vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited
The is the most logical next step for many Freedom Rise cardholders.
Both cards have no annual fee and earn rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, but the Freedom Unlimited offers significantly stronger earning rates. Cardholders earn elevated rewards on dining, drugstore purchases, Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027) and travel booked through Chase Travel, while still earning 1.5% back on other purchases.
The Freedom Unlimited also regularly features a much more valuable welcome offer than the Freedom Rise’s $25 statement credit, which requires cardholders to enroll in automatic payments and remain enrolled for at least 90 days.
That said, approval requirements are generally more stringent for the Freedom Unlimited. If you’re new to credit or have a limited credit history, the Freedom Rise will likely be the more accessible option.
I view these cards as serving different stages of the same credit journey. The Freedom Rise helps consumers establish credit, while the Freedom Unlimited becomes more attractive once you’ve built a stronger credit profile and want to maximize your rewards.
Is the Chase Freedom Rise worth it?
For consumers with limited or no credit history, the Freedom Rise is absolutely worth considering.
The combination of no annual fee, no security deposit requirement, cash-back rewards and a potential upgrade path into the broader Chase ecosystem makes it one of the strongest starter credit cards currently available.
When to apply for the Chase Freedom Rise
The current offer on the Freedom Rise is straightforward: Earn a $25 statement credit when you enroll in automatic payments within the first three months of account opening and remain enrolled for at least 90 days.
Unlike premium rewards cards, the Freedom Rise isn’t a product where you should wait around for a massive welcome bonus. The card’s primary value comes from helping you build credit and establish a relationship with Chase.
If you’re ready to start building credit and believe you’ll qualify, there’s little reason to delay your application in hopes of a substantially better offer.
Just remember that Chase’s application rules still apply, including the issuer’s well-known 5/24 guideline. If you’re approved, responsible use can help position you for future Chase products as your credit profile grows.
Other cards to consider if you don’t want the Chase Freedom Rise
The Freedom Rise is one of the best starter credit cards available, but it won’t be the right fit for everyone. Here are a few alternatives to consider instead:
For additional options, check out our picks for the best Chase credit cards and the best 0% APR and low-interest credit cards.
Bottom line
The fills an important gap in the credit card market.
Many starter cards require security deposits, charge fees or offer few rewards. The Freedom Rise avoids those common pitfalls by combining no annual fee, no security deposit requirement and unlimited cash-back rewards in a beginner-friendly package.
While most cardholders will eventually graduate to a more rewarding credit card, the Freedom Rise is one of the best ways to begin that journey. For consumers with little or no credit history, it’s an excellent first step toward building long-term financial flexibility.
