Rise Tuition Card Review: A Rewards Credit Card For Students

Launching in January 2025, the Rise Charge card is a no-annual-fee secured student credit card that helps you build credit without going into debt. 

In addition to the convenience of a credit card, students will be able to earn rewards on every purchase they make. 

Learn more about Rise to find out if this card is worth adding to your wallet.

What Is Rise?

Rise is a secured student credit card set to launch at select college campuses in January 2025, with plans for a broader rollout at a later date. Prior to launch, students have an opportunity to join a waitlist on the Rise website. 

What Does It Offer?

The Rise Charge card is a no-annual-fee credit card for students. Unlike most secured credit cards, it comes with a rewards program. Here's a closer look at the features we know of so far. 

Secured Credit Card

When it arrives, the Rise Charge card will be a secured Visa Signature card designed for college students. When you open the card, you will be provided with a demand deposit account (DDA), which is similar to a checking account. Instead of borrowing money like you would with a regular credit card, the money you deposit into the DDA account becomes your credit limit. Because you're spending your own money, there's no risk of going into debt or paying high credit card interest charges. You can add or remove money from the DDA account anytime. 

Rise Rewards

The Rise Charge card will be a rewards credit card that allows you to earn Rise points on all purchases, with no limits. You can redeem Rise points within its app two ways: for free purchases and experiences. Rise has partnered with many top brands, but offers will be tailored to each cardholders interests. 

Partner brands include names such as Apple, Ikea, Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, lululemon, Sephora, Trader Joe's, Nike, and more. You'll earn 4x points per dollar spent on Rise's education partners, 3x points on a category of your choice, and 2x points on all other purchases. 

According to the rewards calculator on the Rise website, it seems that points have a redemption value of 0.5 cents each. For example, 40,000 points is worth approximately $200. 

AI-Powered Budgeting Tool

The Rise app will feature a budgeting tool that helps you keep track of your monthly spending and reach your financial goals. 

Are There Any Fees?

The Rise Charge card will be a no annual fee card. At this time, it's unclear what other fees, if any, will be associated with the card, as those details have not yet been published. 

How Does Rise Compare?

Rise offers a single product — a secured credit card built for college students. But while it includes a rewards program and allows for credit building, other credit-building cards have more to offer. For example, Current offers a Visa debit card, along with early direct deposit, fee-free overdraft, and the ability to earn up to 4.00% on savings. The Bilt Mastercard lets you earn rewards on your rent payments, with more redemption options than Rise.  

How Do I Open An Account?

If you attend one of the colleges included in Rise's initial rollout, you will have an opportunity to apply when the card is launched. To apply, you will be able to provide a picture of your passport, an ITIN, or an SSN number. In the meantime, you can join the waitlist on the Rise website.  

Is It Safe And Secure?

Until the card launches, we don't have full details on the various security features of the card. However, you should expect it to have the same security features of a regular Visa or Mastercard credit card. 

How Do I Contact Rise?

If you have further questions for Rise, you can contact them via email at matt@getrisecard.com. 

Is It Worth It?

If you're a college student looking for a secured credit card that will help you build credit and give you the opportunity to earn some rewards, the Rise Charge card might be a good solution. Of course, you'll have to ensure that it's available on the college campus you attend when it launches. If you're looking for other products beyond a credit card, such as a high-yield savings account, early direct deposit, or cash advances, you might want to consider other options. 

Check out Rise here >>

Rise Features