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How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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Advertising Disclosure

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Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card Review: A Good Choice for Building Credit

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
LendingTree's Review

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
4.8
Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card
Rewards rate
With Chase Freedom Rise℠, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
Sign-up bonus
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
Annual fee
$0
We receive commissions from our advertising partners. These commissions do not influence our recommendations. Click here to learn more.

Key takeaway

The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is an excellent option for people with limited or no credit to build credit, including students. You’ll get great protections and perks, including unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Pros and Cons

  • $0 annual fee
  • No security deposit required
  • Increased approval odds with Chase account
  • Earn a high rate of cash back on every purchase
  • Credit limit increase evaluations
  • Purchase protections
  • No intro APR
  • No balance transfer offer
  • Not for those with bad credit

Is the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card a good card?

The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is one of the best beginner credit cards for students and anyone with no credit or limited credit. It has a $0 annual fee — which means that if you pay off your balance in full each month, it won’t cost you anything to have it.

You’ll earn an exceptional rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and you can redeem it for a wide variety of options, including Chase travel. The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card also comes with extra protections and shopping perks that add to the value of the card.

However, its credit scoring requirements are higher than many beginner credit cards. Still, you can boost your approval odds by opening a bank account with Chase.

How much does it cost to own? The average cardholder will pay $0 in annual fees and earn around $79 in rewards each year, for a total cost of $0, versus $3 for the average credit-building card.*

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Quick facts

    • Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise℠
    • Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise℠, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
    • Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
    • Credit Limit Increase - As a Chase cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise℠ Card
    • Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
    • No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise℠ card.
    • Member FDIC
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
  • 660 720 850
    Good / Excellent
  • Instant access to the card when you add it to your digital wallet
  • Increase approval odds with a Chase checking or savings account
  • $25 one-time statement credit for enrolling in automatic payments
  • Credit limit increase evaluations
  • Free credit score
  • Zero liability protection

Intro Purchase APR

N/A

Regular Purchase APR

26.24% Variable

Intro BT APR

N/A

Regular BT APR

26.24% Variable

Annual Fee

$0

Cash Advance Fee

Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater

Foreign Transaction Fee

3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

Balance Transfer Fee

$5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

What we like about the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card card

  • Low-cost way to build credit

    The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is an ideal first credit card because it costs nothing to own. It has a $0 annual fee and is unsecured, which means it doesn’t require a security deposit. It also has a higher-than-average minimum credit line of $500, so you can use it for a number of expenses without maxing it out.

  • Increase your approval chances with a Chase bank account

    If you have a balance of at least $250 in a Chase checking or savings account, you have a better chance of being approved for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card. This won’t completely guarantee your approval, but it means that your odds can be boosted by opening a bank account and establishing a relationship with Chase.

  • Earn a high rate of cash back

    The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card offers one of the best cash back rewards programs you can find on a credit card for building credit. You’ll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and there’s no minimum amount to redeem and rewards don’t expire as long as your account is open.

    You can redeem your cash back in a number of ways:

  • Receive a statement credit for setting up automatic payments

    You’ll receive a $25 statement credit after you set up automatic payments within the first three months of account opening. Automatic payments mean you won’t miss a payment and can avoid a late fee. You’ll also put yourself on the path toward establishing good credit, since payment history makes up 35% of your credit score.

    Tip: If you set up automatic payments, make sure you have sufficient funds in your checking or savings account so you don’t overdraft the account.
  • Credit limit increases

    You can increase your credit limit by responsibly using your card and paying it off on time. Chase will evaluate your account for a credit limit increase as soon as six months. A higher credit limit can raise your credit score, since it helps keep your credit utilization ratio low.

  • Purchase protection and insurance

    The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card includes a solid set of purchase and travel protections for a beginner credit card, including:

    • Purchase protection covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days, up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account
    • Extended warranty protection adds an additional year to the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items.
    • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance reimburses up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable passenger fares for covered situations.
  • Shopping benefits

    The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card offers additional benefits on some popular services, for cardholders who enroll before the activation deadline. Current benefits include:

    • 5% total cash back on Lyft Rides through March 31, 2025. You’ll receive an extra 3.5% cash back in addition to the regular 1.5% cash back.
    • Complimentary DashPass for three months, then nine months at 50% off. You must activate this benefit by Dec. 31, 2024.
    • Complimentary Instacart+ for three months, then you’ll be automatically enrolled into an annual membership. Enrolled cardmembers can earn up to $10 in statement credits each quarter through July 31, 2024 with eligible Instacart purchases.

What to look out for with the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card Card

  • No intro APRs

    The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers or purchases. Note that this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, since it’s rare for an entry-level card to offer intro APRs. However, you should avoid carrying a balance on this card, because the regular APR is 26.24% Variable.

  • Not for bad credit

    The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is a first credit card for someone who’s never used credit, like a student. It isn’t for those who have bad credit from previous financial mishaps. If you are looking for a credit card for bad credit, check out the Discover it® Secured Credit Card or Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card.

Alternative cards to the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card card

Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card card vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

| Disclosures
Discover it® Secured Credit Card*
Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card
Learn More
N/A
27.49% Variable APR
$0
2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000
  • No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
  • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
300 600
Limited / Poor
*The information related to the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


If your credit score is too low to be approved for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card, you should consider the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. Though it requires a minimum $200 security deposit, it doesn’t have an annual fee and lets you earn cash back on every purchase.

Cardholders earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. And at the end of the first year, new cardholders will receive a match of the cash back earned in the first year.

This card also offers automatic reviews starting at seven months to transition you to an unsecured Discover credit card. If approved, you’ll get your security deposit refunded.

Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card card vs. Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

| Disclosures
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site
Rates & Fees
N/A
19.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
$0
3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), o
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
  • Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
  • Build your credit with responsible card use
  • Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
  • For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
600 660
Fair

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


If you’re a student who can qualify for the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, you may find it a more rewarding option than the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card. It offers generous cash back on areas where students may spend the most: dining, groceries and entertainment.

Cardholders earn 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.

It’s recommended for students with fair credit, but you can keep the card once you finish school, or ask about switching to another Capital One Credit card.

Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card card vs. Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card

| Disclosures
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card
N/A
27.99% - 31.49%
$0
Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to
  • No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee.
  • Variable APRs range from 27.99% - 31.49%
  • Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
  • 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
  • 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants
  • $300 - $10,000 credit limits
  • No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead.
  • See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
  • Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
  • Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
  • No deposits required
  • Card issued by WebBank
N/A
*The information related to the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is another excellent unsecured cash back credit card for cardholders with limited credit histories. Petal uses alternative credit data — like your bank account history, income and bills paid from your bank account — to create a “Cash Score” to determine your eligibility.

The card offers cash back on every purchase: You’ll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants. It’s also a very affordable card that boasts no fees: $0 annual fee, no late payment fee and no foreign transaction fee.

Is the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card Card right for you?

If you need a card for building credit, the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is one of the best. It puts money back in your pocket with a $0 annual fee and a cash back program. Plus perks like purchase protection and complementary DashPass and Instacart+ subscription help keep expenses low.

Further, as part of the Chase family of credit cards, there’s a natural path to upgrading to one that offers a more robust rewards program like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® once you’re ready to move to another card.

If you’re looking specifically for a student credit card, the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is an even better choice. It offers elevated rewards in areas where you may spend heavily, including dining, groceries and entertainment.

Learn More
on Chase's secure site

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.

The information related to the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card, Discover it® Secured Credit Card, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card and Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.