What the Chase Freedom Rise Card Does
The Chase Freedom Rise is a rewards card designed for people building credit or rebuilding it after past problems. It offers cash back on purchases, a path to a higher credit limit after on-time payments, and no annual fee. Unlike premium Chase cards that require strong credit scores, this one accepts applicants with fair or limited credit history.
The card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions — you don't have to track which stores may have access to. It also includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access items. The main trade-off is a higher interest rate than cards for people with excellent credit, which matters only if you carry a balance month to month.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no bonus categories to track or annual fee to pay.
- Chase will review your account after six months of on-time payments and may increase your credit limit without a hard inquiry.
- The interest rate is higher than cards for people with excellent credit, so carrying a balance costs more than it would on a premium card.
- You need a Social Security number and a U.S. address to open an account, but the card does not require a minimum credit score.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments help rebuild your credit history over time.
Who This Card Is Built For
The Freedom Rise works best for people with fair credit scores (typically 580 to 669) or those with limited credit history — new cardholders, young adults, or people returning to credit after a gap. If you have excellent credit (750+), you will find better rewards rates and lower interest rates on other Chase cards or competitors' offerings.
The card also suits people who want simplicity: one flat cash back rate means no math about which purchases earn more. If you pay your balance in full each month, the higher interest rate never matters, and you pocket the cash back on everything you buy. If you carry a balance regularly, the interest charges will eat into the rewards, so this card works best for people who plan to pay off their statement each month.
Cash Back and Rewards Structure
You earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, everywhere. There are no bonus categories, no rotating categories, and no caps on how much you can earn. A $100 grocery purchase earns $1.50 in cash back. A $500 gas purchase earns $7.50. The cash back posts to your account as a statement credit or can be redeemed for other options through the Chase rewards portal.
Cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You can let it accumulate or redeem it whenever you want — there is no minimum redemption amount. Some people let cash back build up and then use it as a statement credit to pay down their balance, while others redeem it monthly.
Credit Limit Increases and Account Management
Chase reviews your account after six months of on-time payments and may increase your credit limit automatically. This review does not trigger a hard inquiry, so it does not hurt your credit score. If your limit increases, it gives you more available credit, which can improve your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your credit limit you are using — and help your credit score climb.
You can also request a credit limit increase through the Chase mobile app or website after six months. If you request it, Chase may perform a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The automatic review after six months is gentler, so many people wait for that instead of requesting early.
Interest Rates and Fees
The card has no annual fee, which is standard for cards aimed at people building credit. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies by applicant and is not published in advance — you find out what you may have access to for when you explore. Rates for this card typically range from 18% to 27%, which is higher than cards for people with excellent credit but competitive for the fair-credit category.
The APR applies only to balances you carry from month to month. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, no interest charges explore, and you keep all the cash back you earned. Late payments trigger a penalty APR, which is even higher, and can damage your credit score, so setting up automatic payments is worth the effort.
How This Card Affects Your Credit
Opening the card triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. The inquiry stays on your report for about two years but has less impact after the first few months. Once the account is open, the card reports your payment history, credit limit, and balance to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month.
On-time payments are the single biggest factor in credit scoring, so making your payment by the due date each month helps your score climb. Keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit (below 30% of your limit) also helps. Over time — typically 6 to 12 months of on-time payments — your score should improve enough to may have access to for cards with lower interest rates and better rewards.
Comparing the Freedom Rise to Other Options
The main competitor in this category is the Capital One Quicksilver One, which also offers 1.5% cash back, no annual fee, and is open to people with fair credit. Capital One's card has a slightly lower starting interest rate for some applicants but charges an annual fee ($39) after the first year. The Freedom Rise has no annual fee ever, which saves money if you keep the card long-term.
If your credit score is above 670, you may may have access to for cards with no annual fee and better rewards — such as the Chase Freedom Flex (5% on rotating categories plus 1% on everything else) or the Discover It Secured (2% cash back on gas and restaurants, 1% on everything else). If your score is below 580, a secured card (where you deposit cash as collateral) may be your only option; the Freedom Rise does not require a deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum credit score to open this card?
Chase does not publish a minimum score requirement. The card is designed for people with fair or limited credit, so applicants with scores in the 580 to 669 range have the best odds. People with lower scores may still be approved, but approval is not may provide. The only way to know is to explore.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment triggers a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment) and a penalty APR, which is higher than your regular rate. The late payment also reports to credit bureaus and damages your credit score. If you miss a payment by more than 60 days, Chase may close your account. Set up automatic payments to avoid this.
Can I use this card to build credit if I have no credit history?
Yes. If you have never had a credit card or loan, the Freedom Rise reports to all three credit bureaus, so your payment history starts building when ready. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you should have enough history to may have access to for cards with better rewards or lower interest rates.
What is the difference between cash back and a statement credit?
Cash back is a reward you earn on purchases. You can redeem it as a statement credit (which reduces your balance), transfer it to a bank account, or use it for other rewards through Chase's portal. A statement credit is just one way to use your cash back — you have options.
Will explore for this card hurt my credit score?
The process triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The impact is usually small and fades within a few months. The bigger benefit — building payment history and improving your credit mix — outweighs the short-term dip for most people rebuilding credit.