Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the Chase Freedom cards and start maximizing your cash back today.
Overview: Chase Freedom Credit Cards
Designed to help build credit with 1.5% back on every purchase.
Features like on‑time payment rewards and potential credit limit increases support credit growth.
No annual fee makes it accessible for students or new credit users.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel.
There is no annual fee and a $200 bonus for spending $500 in your first three months.
Added perks: purchase protection, extended warranty, auto rental coverage, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Chase Freedom Rise®
Best for credit newcomers—earn 1.5% on every purchase, with rewards built in for timely payments. Also, no annual fee.
The original Chase Freedom® (no longer open to new applicants) offered 5% rotating quarterly categories on up to $1,500 per quarter.
Understanding Chase Freedom Categories & Calendar
If you still carry the original Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex card, you’ll benefit from rotating quarterly categories.
They earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter, once you activate the categories.
For example, Q3 2025 includes gas stations and EV charging, Instacart, and select live entertainment.
Activation is required before the mid‑quarter deadline (e.g., by September 14 for Q3).
Why Consider Chase Freedom Rise
The Chase Freedom Rise® is targeted at credit-building individuals.
It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, and extra benefits like rewards for consistent on-time payments and potential credit line increases.
How to Apply for the Chase Freedom Cards
Visit the official Chase credit card site or a local Chase branch.
Complete the online or in‑branch application, entering:
- Personal info
- Identification
- Home address
- Contact info
- Financial info
- Authorized user and Balance Transfer
- Paperless statements
- Pricing & terms
For Freedom Rise, having at least $250 in a Chase checking or savings account may improve approval odds.
If eligible, you might receive instant approval. If not, Chase may follow up later.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your card: Unlimited, Rise, or use existing Freedom/Flex |
| 2 | Apply online or at a Chase branch |
| 3 | Submit your personal, financial, and contact info |
| 4 | Get a decision—instant or via follow-up |
| 5 | If applicable, activate quarterly bonus categories |
| 6 | Track bonus caps and spending |
| 7 | Redeem rewards any time, no expiration as long as the account is open |
How to Activate & Start Earning
Once approved, simply use your card whenever you spend—you automatically earn cash back.
Log in to your Chase account online or the mobile app to activate quarterly bonus categories using your last name, ZIP, and last 4 of your card.
Use activations each quarter to unlock maximum earnings.
Managing Your Chase Freedom Account
Log in at chase.com or download the Chase mobile app to:
- Activate new categories
- View statements and payments
- Redeem your cash back (e.g., statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, travel)
- Adjust rewards or account settings
Tips to Maximize Cash Back
Always activate rotating bonus categories if you hold an older Freedom or Freedom Flex card.
Use Freedom Unlimited for dining, pharmacies, travel; Freedom Flex or original Freedom for rotating categories; Freedom Rise for steady, simple cashback.
Consider combining your points with a Chase Sapphire card to get more value out of your rewards.
Set calendar reminders to activate each quarter and monitor your quarterly cap.
Chase Customer Service & Contact Info
Credit Card Customer Service: 1‑800‑432‑3117 (available 24/7)
Personal Banking Customer Service: 1‑800‑935‑9935
Chase Bank Address (sample):
Chase Bank
270 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Chase Freedom vs. Competing Credit Cards
While the Chase Freedom lineup offers strong cashback value, it’s helpful to compare it to other top options in the same category.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Capital One Quicksilver
Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Capital One Quicksilver are both flat-rate cashback cards with no annual fee, but they differ slightly in value and features.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Capital One Quicksilver |
|---|---|---|
| Base Cashback | 1.5% on all purchases | 1.5% on all purchases |
| Bonus Categories | 3% on dining & drugstores, 5% on travel through Chase | None |
| Intro Offer | $200 after $500 spend | $200 after $500 spend |
| Travel Rewards | Through Chase Travel (5%) | Lower travel integration |
| Credit Tools | Strong mobile app & Chase Ultimate Rewards | Capital One CreditWise & travel portal |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | None |
Chase Freedom Rise® vs. Discover it® Secured
Both are great entry-level cards aimed at building or rebuilding credit, but their structures differ.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Rise® | Discover it® Secured |
|---|---|---|
| Cashback | 1.5% on all purchases | 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly), 1% on others |
| Deposit Requirement | None (unsecured) | Yes (secured with refundable deposit) |
| Annual Fee | None | None |
| Credit Reporting | Reports to all 3 bureaus | Reports to all 3 bureaus |
| Upgrade Path | May qualify for other Chase cards | Can upgrade to unsecured Discover cards |
| Extra Incentives | Bonus for on-time payments | Cashback match after first year |
Chase Freedom (Original / Flex) vs. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
If you like rotating or customized categories, these two cards are in the same space.
| Feature | Chase Freedom (original/Flex) | Citi Custom Cash℠ |
|---|---|---|
| Rotating Bonus | 5% on pre-selected quarterly categories | 5% on your top spending category (auto-adjusted) |
| Bonus Cap | $1,500 per quarter | $500 per billing cycle |
| Activation | Required quarterly | No activation needed |
| Other Cashback | 1% on everything else | 1% on everything else |
| Annual Fee | None | None |
Conclusion
The Chase Freedom lineup offers versatile cash back options with no annual fee, whether you’re starting to build credit or looking to earn more.
From unlimited cash back with Freedom Unlimited to rotating categories with the original Freedom card, there’s a card tailored for your needs.
Apply for the Chase Freedom cards today and begin enjoying the rewards with every swipe—smart credit usage starts here.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Credit card offers, features, and terms are subject to change without notice. Approval for any Chase credit card is based on individual creditworthiness and underwriting criteria. Always verify rates, benefits, and fees with the official Chase website or by speaking directly with a bank representative.
