Chase Freedom Rise Review: A top starter card

If you’re looking for your first credit card, the Chase Freedom Rise® (see rates and fees) deserves a spot near the top of your list.

Many starter credit cards either require a security deposit, charge unnecessary fees or don’t offer meaningful rewards. The Freedom Rise stands out by avoiding those common drawbacks. It has no annual fee, doesn’t require a security deposit and earns unlimited cash-back rewards on every purchase.

What I like most about the Freedom Rise is that it serves as a true entry point into the Chase ecosystem. Cardholders may become eligible for a credit line increase after as little as six months of responsible use, and Chase may eventually offer an upgrade to the more rewarding Chase Freedom Unlimited® without requiring a new application.

For anyone with limited or no credit history, that’s a compelling combination. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Chase Freedom Rise: The basics

The Freedom Rise is designed for consumers who are new to credit. Unlike many competing starter cards, it doesn’t require a security deposit and doesn’t carry an annual fee.

The card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it easy to understand and use. New cardmembers can also earn 3% cash back on dining purchases at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, on up to $6,000 in spending during the first six months from account opening.

Beyond this introductory earning opportunity, there are no ongoing bonus categories to track or activation requirements to remember.

New cardholders can earn a $25 statement credit when they enroll in automatic payments within the first three months of account opening and remain enrolled for at least 90 days. While modest, this offer encourages one of the most important habits for building credit: making on-time payments.

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Applicants may improve their approval odds by opening or maintaining a Chase checking or savings account before applying. Chase notes that having at least $250 in a qualifying deposit account can strengthen your odds for approval.

The Freedom Rise earns rewards as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, though cardholders without a premium Chase card will generally redeem them for cash back, statement credits, gift cards or travel booked through Chase Travel℠.

Like most credit-building cards, the Freedom Rise is best suited for those who pay their balance in full every month. The card carries a variable APR of 18.24%-27.74%, making it a poor choice for carrying debt.

Chase Freedom Rise pros and cons

Pros	Cons
No annual fee No security deposit required Limited rewards structure Designed for consumers with limited or no credit history Potential path to higher credit limits and Chase card upgrades	Limited long-term value once you’ve built credit Few perks beyond credit-building features Charges foreign transaction fees

Chase Freedom Rise benefits

The Chase Freedom Rise doesn’t offer the longest list of perks, but its benefits are well-suited for consumers new to credit.

No security deposit required

One of the Freedom Rise’s biggest advantages is that it’s an unsecured credit card.

Many consumers building credit for the first time are pushed toward secured credit cards, which require a refundable security deposit.

I like that the Freedom Rise removes that barrier, allowing eligible applicants to start building credit and earning rewards without tying up hundreds of dollars in a deposit account. That helps the card stand out from many entry-level cards that require an upfront deposit.

Designed for those with limited credit history

Unlike many rewards cards, the Freedom Rise is specifically intended for consumers who may not have an established credit profile.

A person using a computer while holding a credit card — JUSTIN PAGET/GETTY IMAGES

Chase notes that applicants may improve their approval odds by having a Chase checking or savings account with at least $250 on deposit, providing a potential pathway into the Chase ecosystem for new customers.

While Chase does not disclose its full approval criteria, consumer datapoints suggest the issuer may favor applicants with an existing banking relationship, particularly regarding those with limited or no credit history.

Potential credit line increase

Cardholders may become eligible for a credit line increase after as little as six months of responsible use and on-time payments. A higher credit limit can help improve your credit utilization ratio, one of the factors that contribute to your credit score.

Upgrade opportunities

The Freedom Rise isn’t necessarily meant to stay in your wallet forever.

Chase automatically reviews accounts on their anniversary date to determine whether cardholders may be eligible to upgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited. No additional application or hard credit inquiry is required for eligible accounts.

For me, this is what separates the Freedom Rise from many competing starter cards. Rather than requiring cardholders to apply for a new product later, Chase provides a potential path to the Freedom Unlimited — a card with stronger rewards and long-term value — without requiring another hard inquiry.

How to earn and use your rewards

The Freedom Rise keeps things simple when it comes to rewards. You’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Plus, you’ll earn 3% cash back on dining purchases at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, on up to $6,000 spent during the first six months from account opening.

After the introductory period ends, there are no bonus categories to track or activation requirements to remember.

That’s not the most lucrative earning rate on the market, but it compares favorably with many starter credit cards that either earn no rewards at all or require a security deposit.

For someone building credit, simplicity can be a major advantage. If I were opening my first credit card, I’d likely use the Freedom Rise for everyday expenses like groceries, gas, streaming subscriptions and dining purchases while focusing on making every payment on time.

Customer paying bill using a credit card. — VIOLETASTOIMENOVA/GETTY IMAGES

Since the card earns rewards as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you’ll have several redemption options available, including:

Cash back
Statement credits
Gift cards
Travel booked through Chase Travel
Purchases through Amazon.com and PayPal

In most cases, cash back or statement credits will provide the best value and the simplest redemption experience.

Unlike other Chase Freedom cards, the Freedom Rise isn’t intended to be a rewards powerhouse. Instead, I view the rewards as a nice bonus while accomplishing the card’s primary goal: helping you establish a strong credit history.

As your credit profile grows, you may eventually become eligible to upgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited (see rates and fees), allowing you to earn higher rewards rates in select categories while remaining within the Chase ecosystem.

Where the Chase Freedom Rise could fall short

The Freedom Rise succeeds as a credit-building card, but it won’t be the right fit for everyone.

Its biggest limitation is its long-term value proposition. While 1.5% cash back on purchases is respectable for a starter card, there are plenty of cards that offer higher earning rates, more bonus categories and stronger perks once you establish credit.

The card also charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice for international travel.

You’ll also find relatively few benefits beyond credit building. There are no substantial travel perks, annual credits or premium protections that might encourage cardholders to keep the card for years after they’ve established a solid credit history.

For many consumers, the Freedom Rise serves as a stepping stone to a more rewarding Chase card rather than a permanent fixture in their wallet.

Chase Freedom Rise vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Freedom Unlimited is the most logical next step for many Freedom Rise cardholders.

Both cards have no annual fee and earn rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, but the Freedom Unlimited offers significantly stronger earning rates. Cardholders earn elevated rewards on dining, drugstore purchases, Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027) and travel booked through Chase Travel, while still earning 1.5% back on other purchases.

Woman using a credit card to pay — ARTMARTIE/GETTY IMAGES

The Freedom Unlimited also regularly features a much more valuable welcome offer than the Freedom Rise’s $25 statement credit, which requires cardholders to enroll in automatic payments and remain enrolled for at least 90 days.

That said, approval requirements are generally more stringent for the Freedom Unlimited. If you’re new to credit or have a limited credit history, the Freedom Rise will likely be the more accessible option.

I view these cards as serving different stages of the same credit journey. The Freedom Rise helps consumers establish credit, while the Freedom Unlimited becomes more attractive once you’ve built a stronger credit profile and want to maximize your rewards.

Is the Chase Freedom Rise worth it?

For consumers with limited or no credit history, the Freedom Rise is absolutely worth considering.

The combination of no annual fee, no security deposit requirement, cash-back rewards and a potential upgrade path into the broader Chase ecosystem makes it one of the strongest starter credit cards currently available.

When to apply for the Chase Freedom Rise

The current offer on the Freedom Rise is straightforward: Earn a $25 statement credit when you enroll in automatic payments within the first three months of account opening and remain enrolled for at least 90 days.

Unlike premium rewards cards, the Freedom Rise isn’t a product where you should wait around for a massive welcome bonus. The card’s primary value comes from helping you build credit and establish a relationship with Chase.

Woman using a laptop — MINISERIES/GETTY IMAGES

If you’re ready to start building credit and believe you’ll qualify, there’s little reason to delay your application in hopes of a substantially better offer.

Just remember that Chase’s application rules still apply, including the issuer’s well-known 5/24 guideline. If you’re approved, responsible use can help position you for future Chase products as your credit profile grows.

Other cards to consider if you don’t want the Chase Freedom Rise

The Freedom Rise is one of the best starter credit cards available, but it won’t be the right fit for everyone. Here are a few alternatives to consider instead:

For additional options, check out our picks for the best Chase credit cards and the best 0% APR and low-interest credit cards.

Bottom line

The Chase Freedom Rise fills an important gap in the credit card market.

Many starter cards require security deposits, charge fees or offer few rewards. The Freedom Rise avoids those common pitfalls by combining no annual fee, no security deposit requirement and unlimited cash-back rewards in a beginner-friendly package.

While most cardholders will eventually graduate to a more rewarding credit card, the Freedom Rise is one of the best ways to begin that journey. For consumers with little or no credit history, it’s an excellent first step toward building long-term financial flexibility.

Apply here: Chase Freedom Rise

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Stacie Harris

Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.

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Recent Reviews

IRS Can Revoke Your Offer in Compromise if it Does Not Like You – Houston Tax Attorneys

Imagine working for years to resolve your tax problems and finally reaching an agreement with the IRS to settle your tax debt. You make all the required payments, fulfilling your part of the bargain.

You think you are in the clear, but say the IRS employees who worked on your case do not like you. Say that they send you a letter saying the IRS has decided to void the agreement entirely. When you ask why, the IRS refuses to provide specifics or allow you an opportunity to challenge its decision. Could a case like this ever happen? This question brings us to the Novoselsky v. United States, Case No. 24-cv-387-bhl (E.D. Wis. 2024) case.

Facts & Procedural History

The taxpayers in this case had negotiated and entered into an offer-in-compromise with the IRS for the 2009 to 2014 tax years. According to the court opinion, the taxpayers fulfilled all their obligations under the offer. As with the comment in the intro for this post, in May 2023, the IRS sent the taxpayers a letter revoking the offer and informing them it would restart tax collection proceedings.

The court opinion indicates that the taxpayers made various efforts to understand the basis for the revocation. The IRS’s response included only vague allegations about misrepresentations the taxpayers supposedly made concerning their home, including unclear claims about ownership interests and property values. When the taxpayers requested specific details about these alleged misrepresentations so they could attempt to address them, the IRS flatly refused. Instead of providing specifics or allowing any opportunity to cure potential issues, the IRS simply informed the taxpayers they had no right to even seek an internal review of the revocation decision.

The taxpayers then filed a civil action against the IRS, asserting that the IRS had revoked the offer based on “personal animus” against them. This dispute resulted in the court opinion at issue in this post. This case does not say who at the IRS would have had the personal animus, but it could have been any number of IRS employees. For example, if the case originated with a revenue officer, it could have been the revenue officer. The revenue officer generally does have the ability to influence the offer acceptance when they have the case prior to the offer being submitted.

About the Offer in Compromise

An offer-in-compromise allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Congress granted the IRS authority to settle tax balances. The term “offer-in-compromise” is the name the IRS gave to the program it created under this authority.

The offer-in-compromise can be a great way to get a fresh start and to come into compliance. It brings in elements of bankruptcy discharge, without some of the negative aspects of bankruptcy. As with any government program providing relief, there are numerous requirements that one must meet to qualify. There are also drawbacks, such as an extension of the time the IRS has to collect.

Most offers are submitted by taxpayers based on doubt as to collectibility. With these offers, there is no challenge to whether the underlying liability is owed. Rather, the challenge centers on the taxpayer’s inability to pay the liability (there are other types of offers that can be made for the liability).

The taxpayer must submit a detailed application with comprehensive financial documentation and offer at least what the IRS calculates as their “reasonable collection potential.” The IRS evaluates offers based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay, income, household expenses, and asset equity. The IRS applies its collection rules to determine whether a taxpayer can pay the liability.

These requirements exist in addition to other standard qualifications, such as being current with all filing and payment requirements and not having an open bankruptcy proceeding.

When a taxpayer submits an offer, they must provide detailed financial information under penalties of perjury. But what obligation does the IRS have to verify this information before accepting the offer? And if the IRS fails to verify information it could have easily checked during the offer process, should it be able to later void the agreement based on that same information?

Contract Law Applies

The offer-in-compromise is fundamentally a contract. The courts have consistently held that contract law applies in resolving disputes related to offers.

Under basic contract law principles, a contract can be voided for fraudulent inducement when one party makes material misrepresentations that lead the other party to enter into the agreement. However, the party seeking to void the contract typically must show they reasonably relied on the misrepresentation and could not have discovered the truth through ordinary diligence.

The IRS’s actions in this case—claiming misrepresentation about readily verifiable property records without showing they actually verified anything—seem to fall short of this standard. But this raises an important question: can taxpayers actually sue the IRS for breach of contract?

Limited Remedies for Taxpayers

This case involved a claim under the Declaratory Judgment Act and the IRS’s defense citing the Tax Anti-Injunction Act.

The Declaratory Judgment Act allows courts to issue declarations about parties’ legal rights in many situations. However, the Act specifically excludes cases “with respect to Federal taxes.” This tax exception is interpreted broadly and generally prevents courts from issuing declaratory judgments about tax matters.

The court held that determining whether the IRS properly revoked an offer falls squarely within this tax exception. Even though the taxpayers framed their argument in contract terms, the court found that the fundamental nature of the dispute involved federal taxes. Because reinstating the offer would effectively declare the taxpayers’ rights regarding their tax obligations, the court concluded it lacked jurisdiction under the DJA. The stark conclusion: you cannot sue the IRS for breach of contract. The IRS is free to breach as it sees fit.

The Tax Anti-Injunction Act provides another barrier. It generally prohibits suits that would restrain the assessment or collection of taxes. Congress enacted this law to ensure the government could collect taxes without judicial interference disrupting the flow of revenue. The Act essentially requires taxpayers to pay first and litigate later, with only a few narrow statutory exceptions.

In this case, the court found that the taxpayers’ attempt to reinstate their offer would effectively restrain the IRS’s ability to collect taxes. Even though the taxpayers argued they were merely seeking to enforce a contract, the court viewed this as an indirect attempt to stop tax collection. The court reasoned that because an offer by definition allows for payment of less than the full tax liability, forcing the IRS to honor the offer would interfere with its ability to collect the full tax amount.

Remedies After Collection Attempts

Absent these remedies, taxpayers who contract with the IRS are in a difficult position. They cannot preemptively challenge the IRS’s revocation of their contract through normal judicial channels. However, taxpayers may have alternative remedies once the IRS attempts collection.

A wrongful levy action under I.R.C. § 7426 could provide an opportunity to challenge the underlying validity of the tax debt and the offer revocation. This would require waiting until the IRS actually seizes property, but it might offer a path for judicial review that isn’t barred by the Anti-Injunction Act.

Taxpayers might also consider a Collection Due Process hearing, though the scope of review may be limited. In some cases, taxpayers might be able to file a refund suit if they can fully pay the liability for at least one tax period. None of these options are ideal, but they may provide some avenue for challenging an improper offer revocation.

The Takeaway

This case highlights a fundamental unfairness in tax administration. When taxpayers enter into offers, they must provide extensive financial documentation and make specific representations about their assets and income. The IRS scrutinizes this information before accepting an offer. Yet after acceptance, the IRS can apparently revoke the agreement based on vague allegations of misrepresentation, without having to prove or even clearly articulate what those misrepresentations were.

The practical implications are serious. Taxpayers who have fulfilled their obligations under an offer and moved forward with their lives can suddenly find themselves back at square one, facing their original tax liability plus additional interest and penalties. The lack of meaningful review or appeal rights makes the IRS’s revocation power nearly absolute.