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Review · Money

Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card review

A $0 annual fee starter card for students and people new to credit that pays 1.5% cash back and offers a yearly upgrade review.

By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 12, 2026

Performance (40%)
8.3
Ease of use (25%)
8.7
Value (35%)
8.9

Chase Freedom Rise is Chase's card for people new to credit, and Chase labels it best for new to credit and students. It pays 1.5% cash back on all purchases and gives a $25 statement credit if you set up automatic payments in the first 3 months and stay enrolled for at least 90 consecutive days. Applicants who have never had a credit card can improve their approval odds by holding at least $250 in Chase checking or savings, which makes it the natural pick for students who already bank with Chase. Chase evaluates cardholders for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months and reviews them each year for an upgrade to Chase Freedom Unlimited if they have made a purchase and paid all lenders on time for 12 months. Purchase Protection covers eligible new purchases for 120 days up to $500 per item, and extended warranty protection adds a year. The variable APR is 18.49% to 27.99%, and there is no annual fee.

Who it is for

students who already bank with Chase

Price

$0 annual fee.

$0 Annual Fee † Best for: New to Credit and Students
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

  • 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • $25 statement credit for enrolling in automatic payments in the first 3 months and staying enrolled for 90 days
  • Credit line increase review in as soon as 6 months
  • Automatic yearly review to upgrade to Chase Freedom Unlimited
  • Purchase Protection on eligible new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per item

Strengths and weaknesses

  • Strength: Having at least $250 in a Chase checking or savings account improves approval chances for applicants who have never had a card
  • Strength: Clear upgrade path to Chase Freedom Unlimited
  • Strength: 6 months of complimentary DashPass and 2% total on qualifying Lyft purchases through 09/30/2027
  • Weakness: Variable APR of 18.49% to 27.99%
  • Weakness: No welcome bonus beyond the $25 autopay credit
  • Weakness: Pay with points at Amazon and PayPal values each point at $0.008

Key facts

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Rewards: 1.5% on all purchases
  • Welcome offer: $25 for enrolling in automatic payments
  • Purchase APR: 18.49% to 27.99% variable
  • Credit line review: In as soon as 6 months

Where it ranks

Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card is No. 4 in our Best Credit Cards For Students verdict.

Alternatives we scored

Visit chase.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@hearsmart.org