Chase Freedom Rise Approval Odds

[gande96967]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on what the smartest long-term move is here.

My goal is eventually to get into the Chase ecosystem because, based on how I expect to travel over the next several years, their transfer partners seem like the best fit for me. Ultimately, I’d like to have a Sapphire Preferred, but I’m trying to be smart about how I get there.

Here’s my current profile:

• Amex Blue Cash Preferred ($1,000 limit, opened June 2026)
• TransUnion: 696
• Equifax: 723
• Experian: Unscorable
• Income: ~$48,000/year fellowship (graduate student)
• No debt and always pay my statement balance in full.

My credit file is in a bit of an unusual position. My oldest revolving account was through Mine/Fizz, but when the company shut down that tradeline was closed. As a result, Experian currently shows me as unscorable, and my Blue Cash Preferred is now my oldest active revolving account. 

My main concern is I don't want to burn a hard inquiry if I am not going to get rejected from the CFR. Any advice would be appreciated!

[GZG]

open the bank account, make sure it has the minimum $250 (if not more, more is better here) and open the freedom rise. I don't think you have very good odds for a flex or unlimited. 

it's unlikely you'll be approved without real bank history (I'm assuming no student loans right, just the old fintech thing?) for a flex/unlimited. 

just take the rise and come back in a year for the Flex/CSP.

Assuming you open the bank account and put money in, it's practically assured you will be approved for the rise. 

[RobertS2]

If you have Blue Cash Preferred, you should be able to get Rise or a higher tier card, like Freedom Unlimited or even Sapphire Preferred. See what you get preapproved for first. From what I understand, Rise is more of a starter card. The others have higher wallet hub ratings. Good luck! Keep us posted.