This card now has a limited-time bonus: for the first six months after opening, dining cash back is doubled to 3%, capped at the first $6,000 in purchases. In addition, all purchases earn 1.5x, so it’s still a pretty solid card for beginners to use. The welcome bonus is only $25, though, which is far below what other cards offer.

It’s worth noting that Chase’s page specifically says that having a Chase Checking account may improve your approval odds. You only need to keep $250 on deposit. If you’re interested, take a look at the current offer, and don’t apply through the no-bonus link on that page.

Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card Overview

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Full review

Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card

A card for beginners with no credit history!

  • Welcome bonus: $25 (set up auto payment within 3 months) + 6% dining for first 6 months (up to $6,000 spend)
  • Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • Redemption: Redeem directly for cash
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Apply now>>

My Thoughts

This card is suitable for beginners with no credit history. Of course, I’d recommend opening a checking account first, and I feel there’s a good chance you’ll be approved. The memo doesn’t mention whether an SSN is required, but based on Chase credit card applications over the past few years, it’s likely required. The card’s 1.5% cash back on purchases is pretty decent, and there’s no annual fee. The sign-up bonus is just low. As a first Chase card, it’s also a decent starting point. After holding it for a year, you can apply for the three Chase cards below, which have better bonuses and features:

If you have family members or friends who have already been in the U.S. for a long time, you don’t necessarily have to start with this fairly basic card. If they can add you as an authorized user early, you can also build a much longer credit history and skip this beginner card, moving straight to a regular credit card. AMEX authorized-user history is especially effective.

Points System Overview

  • Point value: The average value is 1.6c/p, so 100 UR = $1.6 (Point Values and Analysis)
  • Direct redemption: Cash redemptions are worth 1c; travel redemptions are worth 1c (without a premium card). Premium hotel redemptions or business/first class flights can yield 1.75c (with Ink Preferred or Sapphire Preferred), and 2c with the Sapphire Reserve.
  • Point transfers: Transfer 1:1 to United miles (good for China–US economy, domestic US economy, and one-way tickets); transfer 1:1 to British Airways miles (good for China–Japan and short-distance domestic US redemptions); transfer 1:1 to Hyatt points (great for Hyatt hotel stays, with value up to 1.8 cents per point).
  • Point features: Ultimate Rewards points can be freely moved among your own cards. They can also be transferred to one designated spouse or partner. To transfer points to airline miles or hotel points, you need support from Ink Preferred, Sapphire Preferred, or Sapphire Reserve. You can also transfer to the mileage or points account of an authorized user.
  • My take: UR’s main airline transfer partners are United Airlines, British Airways, Aeroplan, and Air France. UA can book most Star Alliance award tickets, while BA covers some domestic US AA flights. On the hotel side, Hyatt is the best option and can often deliver about 1.6c in value per point, but Hyatt has a relatively small footprint in the US, so your choices may be limited. If you have the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve, booking flights, hotels, and activities through Chase Travel can get you 1.25c/1.5c in value, which is one of the best high-value options for beginners. Cash/gift card redemptions are worth 1 cent.
  • Detailed analysis: Ultimate Rewards Guide >>

How to Apply:

  • Suitable for beginners with no credit history
  • Recommended to open a checking account first and apply at a local branch

Chase Credit Card Application Guide

  • Chase application status check link (login required). Or call: 888-338-2586
  • The 5/24 rule: if you have opened more than 5 new cards in the past 2 years (including cards from other banks), you will not be approved for a new Chase card
  • You can be approved for at most two Chase credit cards within every 30 days
  • If you have received the welcome bonus on this card within the past 24 months (48 months for the Sapphire family), your application will be automatically denied
  • You can call the reconsideration line (800-453-9719) to expedite card approval or request a review of a denied application.
  • Having a Chase Checking account can help with getting approved for a credit card
  • More on applying for Chase credit cards

Application Link