7 Reasons the Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card Is Perfect for Your College-Age Child

It's natural to have mixed feelings when your child heads off to college for the first time. You're proud but may also feel a tinge of anxiety, worried that they may not have access to everything they need.

One way to minimize that concern is by ensuring your child has a credit card at their disposal to help them build credit and earn cash back. Here, we cover seven reasons the Chase Freedom Rise℠ may just be the perfect credit card for the job.

1. No prior credit history necessary

Chase realizes that everyone must start somewhere, so it does not require a prior credit history to qualify for the Chase Freedom Rise℠. According to Chase, opening a Chase checking account and depositing at least $250 within three days of submitting an application may improve the odds of application approval.

2. Potential credit limit increase after six months

As long as your child makes regular on-time payments and pays more than the minimum due each month, they'll be eligible for a credit increase after six months. If they manage the card well by keeping their balances low, a credit increase can also boost their credit score.

3. Cash back on purchases

Imagine your child earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases they make with their card. That's like getting 1.5% off the items they would normally purchase for school anyway. The cost of things like books, supplies, snacks, and tickets to athletic events adds up quickly, and any cash back can help cover the cost of future purchases.

4. $25 credit for automatic payments

Chase gives Chase Freedom Rise℠ cardholders a one-time statement credit of $25 if they opt in for automatic payments within the first three months of having the card. Not only will your child receive the bonus, but they won't have to worry about missing a payment.

5. Redeem points at any time

Some credit cards require cardholders to earn a certain number of points before they can be redeemed. With the Chase Freedom Rise℠ card, points can be redeemed whenever it's convenient.

6. Travel and purchase benefits

Like all cards in the Chase Freedom family, the Chase Freedom Rise℠ card offers perks like trip cancellation. Here's how it works: Your child uses the card to book travel, and if a qualified event occurs that prevents them from traveling, Chase may reimburse the amount spent.

In addition, they'll also receive purchase protection against damage and theft for qualified purchases made with the Chase Freedom Rise℠ card.

7. Additional perks

Like many of today's best credit cards, the Chase Freedom Rise℠ card offers even more perks:

• Discounts on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025
• Complimentary DoorDash delivery
• An introductory Instacart+ membership in the first three months of having the card

How to apply

To apply, your child must visit a Chase branch and let someone know which card they're applying for. To apply for a card or open a checking account, they will be asked to submit proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or Social Security card.

As always, it pays to shop around before deciding which credit card is best for your student and their specific needs. The good news is that once they land on the right card, you have one less thing to worry about.