How Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Rise® are different
Quick insights
- The Chase Freedom Rise and Freedom Unlimited cards both offer cash back rewards on most purchases and have low annual fees.
- The Chase Freedom Rise card caters to new credit card users.
- The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers more rewards points for dining, drugstore purchases and travel purchases through Chase Travel℠.
Chase Freedom credit cards are designed for those who want a rewards credit card that provides cash back on most purchases. From those who are new to credit to those who are just looking for a low annual fee card with a range of rewards, Chase Freedom has cards that may fit your needs.
In this article, we’ll compare two Chase Freedom cards: Freedom Rise and Freedom Unlimited. Learn more about these cards and if they might be right for you.
Chase Freedom Rise and Freedom Unlimited cards explained
The Chase Freedom Rise and Freedom Unlimited credit cards are rewards cards that earn cash back on purchases. Their rewards may be redeemable for cash back, travel, statement credits or gift cards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.
Once you earn rewards, there is typically no minimum amount you need to redeem for cash back on either card. In addition, cash back rewards do not expire provided the card remains open and your account is in good standing.
The Freedom Rise and Freedom Unlimited credit cards also both have low annual fees.
Comparing Freedom Rise and Freedom Unlimited
While there are many similarities between these two Chase Freedom cards, there are some notable differences. Here are some of the ways that Freedom Rise and Freedom Unlimited differ:
Cardmember qualifications
Anyone can apply for either card, but Freedom Rise was designed with people who are new to credit in mind. Rise customers may improve their chance of getting approved by having or opening a Chase checking account with a deposit of as little as $250. And Freedom Rise cardmembers may be upgraded to Freedom Unlimited with good habits.
Reward structures
Both cards earn rewards, but how they earn rewards depends on the card.
Freedom Rise earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Freedom Unlimited card also earns 1.5% cash back on most purchases, but there are a few categories that earn more than 1.5%. They include:
- 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3% on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services
- 3% on drug store purchases
Sign-up offers
The Freedom Rise card typically does not have a sign-up offer. In comparison, the Freedom Unlimited card often will offer a bonus to new cardmembers provided they hit a minimum spending threshold within the first few months of opening their card.
Benefits
Both the Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Rise cards provide a variety of travel and purchase protections, which may include:
- Purchase Protection: Covers your eligible new purchases for 120 days from the date of purchase against damage or theft up to $500 per item.,
- Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the time period of the manufacturer’s U.S. warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of 3 years or less, up to 4 years from the date of purchase.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Reimbursement of up to $1,500 per covered traveler and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares or if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather or other covered situations.
- Zero liability protection: This means you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card.
Deciding which card is right for you
Because both cards have low annual fees and earn 1.5% cash back on most purchases, your consideration may come down to which one you qualify for. If you’re applying for your first credit card, the Freedom Rise may be a good option as it was designed with those new to credit in mind. Additionally, Freedom Rise cardmembers may be upgraded to Freedom Unlimited with good habits.
In summary
The Chase Freedom Rise and Freedom Unlimited cards are both cash back credit cards with low annual fees that earn rewards on purchases. With the Freedom Rise card, you can earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Freedom Unlimited card allows you to earn 1.5% cash back on most purchases, and includes select categories where you can earn rewards at an accelerated rate (such as dining, drug store purchases and Chase Travel).
The Freedom Rise card can be a great option for those who are new to credit.
