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