Freedom Unlimited Chase or Rise? Here’s What Most Reviews Won’t Tell You
You’re on the hunt for a credit card that maximizes your rewards without complicating your life. The Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Rise card both promise big benefits, but how do they stack up when you’re juggling daily expenses, travel plans, and the occasional splurge?
| Feature | Freedom Unlimited Chase | Rise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $75 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 months | ✗ |
| Rewards Rate | 1.5% – 5% | 1% – 3% |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 3% | 0% |
| Cashback Categories | Rotating | Fixed |
| Credit Score Needed | Good – Excellent | Fair – Good |
✅ freedom unlimited chase Pros
- No annual fee makes it an easy choice for budget-conscious users.
- Generous introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases.
- High rewards rate, especially in bonus categories like travel and dining.
❌ freedom unlimited chase Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee can add up if you travel internationally.
- Bonus categories require activation, which can be a hassle to track.
✅ rise Pros
- No foreign transaction fees make it travel-friendly.
- Lower credit score requirements open the door for more applicants.
- Fixed cashback categories simplify earning rewards.
❌ rise Cons
- $75 annual fee can negate rewards for some users.
- Lower overall rewards rate compared to competitors.
Performance: Rewards and Cashback
The Freedom Unlimited card shines with its dynamic rewards structure, offering 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases. This makes it ideal if you’re strategic about your spending. The Rise card, on the other hand, keeps things simple with fixed categories, giving you 3% on groceries and 1% on everything else. If you prefer a set-and-forget approach, the Rise card might appeal more to you, despite its lower overall rewards rate.
Build Quality: Fees and Accessibility
Freedom Unlimited waives its annual fee, providing cost savings right off the bat. However, its 3% foreign transaction fee can be a dealbreaker if you travel often. The Rise card, with its $75 annual fee, might seem costly, but its no foreign transaction fees can save frequent flyers a significant amount. Additionally, the Rise card’s lower credit score requirement means it’s accessible to a broader audience, which can be crucial if you’re just building or rebuilding your credit profile.
Value: Long-term Benefits
Freedom Unlimited offers long-term value through its intro APR and lucrative rewards, especially if you can capitalize on its rotating categories. The lack of an annual fee further boosts its appeal. Meanwhile, the Rise card’s consistent cashback without needing activation appeals to those who prioritize simplicity and predictability over potentially higher, but more complex, rewards. If you prefer straightforward benefits and can stomach the annual fee, Rise is a solid contender.
The Freedom Unlimited’s rotating categories can be a double-edged sword. If you forget to activate or spend outside the higher rewards categories, you might miss out on potential earnings. The Rise card’s lower credit requirement is great, but the annual fee might not justify the rewards if your spending doesn’t align with its cashback categories.
Our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re a savvy spender who loves maximizing rewards and travels infrequently, the Freedom Unlimited Chase is your best bet. Its no-annual-fee structure and high rewards potential make it a winner for the financially astute. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out or rebuilding credit, and travel often, the Rise card’s no foreign transaction fees and simpler cashback categories will suit you better, despite the annual fee.
Is the Freedom Unlimited Chase card suitable for international travel?
Not ideally, due to its 3% foreign transaction fee which can add up quickly when used abroad.
Can I apply for the Rise card with a fair credit score?
Yes, the Rise card is designed to be accessible for those with fair to good credit scores.
Do I need to activate categories for cashback with the Rise card?
No, the Rise card offers fixed cashback categories, so there’s no need for activation.
