Looking for your first credit card? The Chase Freedom Rise earns 3% cash back for a limited time

The offer mentioned below for the Chase Freedom Rise® is no longer available.

If you're new to credit cards or trying to improve your credit score, it can be hard to find the right card.

While secured cards can be a helpful tool for building credit, unsecured credit cards can offer higher spending limits and more flexibility, provided you qualify. If you're at a stage where building (or rebuilding) credit is a priority, the Chase Freedom Rise® (see rates and fees) is a strong unsecured option in its own right — and it's currently offering a limited-time welcome bonus that sweetens the deal.

CNBC Select covers the Freedom Rise's current welcome offer and whether this card is a good fit for you.

The Chase Freedom Rise has an enticing offer for new cardholders: Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, on up to $6,000 spent in the first six months. You'll also earn 1.5% cash back you earn on all purchases and 2% total cash back on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027).

The Freedom Rise hasn't historically offered this kind of welcome bonus, which makes it a good time to apply for the card. You'll also earn a $25 statement credit when you enroll in automatic payments within the first three months of account opening (you'll need to remain enrolled for at least 90 days to receive the credit).

The Chase Freedom Rise is a great option if you're focused on building your credit history, whether you're starting from zero or rebuilding your credit after a rough patch. Unlike a secured credit card, you don't need to put down a security deposit that acts as a line of credit. Plus, its 1.5% cash-back rate rivals that of higher-tier cash-back cards.

You can qualify with limited-to-fair credit, meaning you may get approved without credit history or a less-than-perfect credit score (or a FICO Score of 300 to 669). If you're still concerned about your approval odds, having at least $250 in a Chase checking or savings account can increase your chances.

If you're looking for a path to a more rewarding card, Chase will automatically evaluate your account each year to see if you qualify for an upgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees). The Freedom Unlimited typically requires at least a good credit score (or a FICO Score of 670 and up) and earns higher rewards rates across a few spending categories.

When there are days you simply just don't feel like cooking, the Freedom Rise also comes with six months of complimentary DashPass when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027. You'll also receive a $10 discount each quarter on one qualifying non-restaurant order on DoorDash.

If you're looking for a card that gives you a little more control over your rewards, The secured Chime Visa^® Credit Card¹ could be a good fit. As a Chime Prime member, you can earn up to 5% cash back² on a category of your choice each month on up to $1,500 in purchases, including utilities and bills, gas, groceries or travel. Prime eligibility is unlocked with $3,000+ in qualifying direct deposits per month.

Although this is a secured card, there's no credit check required for approval. If you're worried about hitting the $3,000 direct deposit requirement, Chime Plus requires $400 in qualifying direct deposits per month, and members earn 2% back on their selected category (up to $1,500 in purchases each month).

If you're focused on simplicity and don't want to be tempted by earning ongoing rewards, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a decent unsecured option for those with limited-to-fair credit. You can find out if you're preapproved (which doesn't guarantee approval, but is a good sign) with no impact to your credit score.

Should you be concerned about your starting credit limit, Capital One will automatically consider you for a higher credit line in as little as six months.

There's also the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card, which offers a cash-back rate that rivals that of the best flat-rate credit cards and is available to those with limited-to-fair credit. You'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and with responsible card use, you could be upgraded to the unsecured Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

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¹ Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card and the secured Chime Visa® Credit Card are issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit and credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.

²With qualifying direct deposits, earn 5% cash back as a Chime Prime member or 2% cash back as a Chime Plus member on up to $1,500 of eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases. See the Secured Chime Visa® Credit Card - Cash Rewards Program Addendum for limitations and details on earning cash back on your monthly selected category.