Chase Freedom Rise℠

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 28.24% variable
• Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Bonus: $25 monthly bonus for on-time payments in the first year (up to $300 total)
• Best For: Credit builders and those with no credit history who want to earn rewards while establishing good habits
• Credit Needed: No credit history required (limited or no credit)

Overview

The Chase Freedom Rise is specifically designed for people who are new to credit or rebuilding their credit history. Unlike many starter cards that offer no rewards or require a security deposit, the Freedom Rise earns a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no categories to track, no annual fee, and no deposit required. It is a genuine unsecured credit card that reports to all three major credit bureaus.

The card's standout feature is the on-time payment bonus: earn $25 each month you make your minimum payment on time during the first year, for a potential total of $300 in bonus cash. This incentivizes the most important credit-building behavior and provides a meaningful reward for establishing good payment habits. Combined with the 1.5% cash back, first-year earnings can be substantial relative to the spending levels of new credit users.

As part of the Chase ecosystem, the Freedom Rise offers a pathway to upgrade. After demonstrating responsible use, cardholders can graduate to the Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited and eventually apply for Sapphire cards. Chase also provides free credit score monitoring through Credit Journey, helping new users track their progress. The card is a smart entry point into one of the best credit card ecosystems available.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 28.24% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 28.24% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: 29.99% variable

Note: A single variable APR of 28.24% applies to all transactions. No introductory APR offer. A penalty APR of 29.99% may apply if you pay late.

Benefits Overview

Credit Building

• Reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
• No security deposit required (unsecured card)
• No credit history needed to apply
• Free credit score monitoring through Chase Credit Journey
• Pathway to upgrade to Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited after responsible use

Rewards and Bonuses

• 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no categories to track
• $25 monthly bonus for on-time minimum payments in the first year
• Up to $300 total in on-time payment bonuses over 12 months
• No cap on 1.5% cash back earnings

Card Protections

• Zero liability protection on unauthorized charges
• Fraud monitoring and alerts
• Contactless payment enabled
• Digital wallet compatible (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
• No annual fee

Rewards & Points

• 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no cap or category restrictions

On-Time Payment Bonus: The $25 monthly bonus for on-time payments during the first year is the centerpiece benefit, rewarding responsible credit behavior with up to $300. Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or through the Chase rewards portal. Points earned are Ultimate Rewards points, though transfer to partners requires a Sapphire card.

Welcome Bonus

Earn $25 each month you make at least the minimum payment on time during the first 12 months from account opening, for a total of up to $300. Unlike traditional welcome bonuses that require a large spending threshold, this bonus rewards consistent responsible behavior, making it ideal for new credit users who may have lower spending levels.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• First-time credit users who have no credit history and need a starting point
• Credit rebuilders working to improve their score after past difficulties
• Young adults and students who want to start building credit with a major bank
• Deposit-averse applicants who want an unsecured card without tying up funds

Not Good For

• Established credit users who qualify for higher-earning cards like the Freedom Flex or Unlimited
• International travelers due to the 3% foreign transaction fee
• Rewards maximizers who want bonus categories, transfer partners, or higher flat rates

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• $300 potential in on-time payment bonuses during the first year
• 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no cap
• No security deposit required (unsecured card)
• No credit history needed to apply
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help build credit
• No annual fee
• Free credit score monitoring through Chase Credit Journey
• Pathway to upgrade to premium Chase cards over time
• Part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem
• Simple flat-rate rewards with no categories to manage

Cons

• High 28.24% APR makes carrying a balance very expensive
• No introductory 0% APR offer
• Lower credit limits compared to cards for established credit
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No sign-up bonus beyond the on-time payment rewards
• 1.5% rate is lower than cards available to those with good credit
• Limited benefits compared to other Chase Freedom cards
• On-time payment bonus expires after the first year

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $390 ($90 in cash back plus $300 in on-time payment bonuses). Ongoing annual value of $90 on $6,000 in spending. The true value extends beyond cash back to include credit score building and access to the Chase ecosystem.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You have no credit history or limited credit and need to start building
• You want an unsecured card with no security deposit
• You are motivated by monthly rewards for on-time payments
• You prefer banking with a major national bank like Chase
• You want a pathway to eventually upgrade to premium Chase cards
• You value simple flat-rate cash back without category tracking

You Should Skip It If...

• You already have good credit and qualify for better rewards cards
• You want bonus categories, intro APR offers, or travel perks
• You travel internationally (3% foreign transaction fee)
• You are looking for the absolute highest earning rate on purchases
• You need a card with a high credit limit

Apply Now

Apply for Chase Freedom Rise℠

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.