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July 31, 2017

How to Apply for a Chase Credit Card

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Applying for a Chase credit card? Here's what you need to know, including new Chase card promotions, how to check your application status, and rules to watch out for.

Chase has some of the best credit cards. Whether you're looking for cash back, travel rewards, balance transfer, or something for your small business, you can find a card to suit your needs.

Chase is known for jaw-dropping sign-up bonuses and lucrative rewards. If you've been eyeing one of the cards, here's everything you need to know to apply.

Did you already submit an application?: To check your credit card application status, you can call Chase's automated hotline at 888-338-2586. You need to provide your social security number for the status of your recent application. If your application was denied, you can call Chase's reconsideration line at 888-270-2127.

What is the Best Chase Credit Card Promotion?

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

ForCredit Card
TravelChase Sapphire Reserve®
Small BusinessInk Business Preferred®
Cash BackChase Freedom Unlimited®

What to Know About Applying for a Chase Card

Here is what you need to know about Chase applications:

  • Chase's 5/24 rule: Chase has a rule that if you've opened 5 credit card accounts in the past 24 months, you will not be approved for a new Chase card.

    This goes for cards with any bank. Some exceptions may be business cards with other banks. At the end, we have a list of which Chase cards are affected by this rule.

  • Chase's 2/30 rule: This rule says that you cannot be approved for more than 2 Chase cards within 30 days. To err on the more cautious side, we'd recommend you space out your applications to just one per month. The exception is a Chase business card.

  • You need good credit: In general, Chase's credit cards require good to excellent credit. This usually means a credit score of around 700+. If you know your credit isn't quite there, focus on building credit first.

  • Your total credit limit matters. Chase will look at how much total credit limit they've already given you. You may be denied if it's already too high. But you can ask if they can transfer some of the credit limit onto a new card.

  • You may be matched to the higher bonus within 90 days. There's no need to wait for a higher sign-up bonus to apply. If you've been approved and Chase is offering a higher bonus within 90 days, you can call them usually be matched to the higher bonus.

  • Where to apply: If you're ready to apply, visit our Chase cards page or pick up an application from your local Chase branch. Be careful if your bank branch says you've been pre-approved. You still need to go through the application process.

    Tip: Alternatively, you can also sign up for some Chase cards through us. If you've read our in-depth Chase card reviews and found them useful, you can support our site through our "Apply Now" button as well. This is at no extra cost to you.

How to Check Application Status

Sometimes you will get a quick decision. You may get this if your credit is excellent and you haven't had a lot of recent credit inquiries.

But if it's been a few days and you still haven't heard, you can check your application status.

  • Status hotline (1-888-338-2586): There is an automated application status hotline. You just need to enter your social security number. It should provide your current status.

  • Reconsideration line (1-888-270-2127): If your application is still pending or denied, it doesn't hurt to call the reconsideration line and speak to an agent.

Be polite and ask if there's any more information you can provide that can help them reach a decision. Be ready to explain any recently opened credit accounts or credit inquires.

Note: Chase unfortunately does not offer an online application status check. However, if you're already a Chase customer and have an account, you may be able to log in and see a new account for the new card.

If your credit card application is still denied, you may want to check out some alternatives:

How to Choose a Chase Card Right for You

Here are things to consider when evaluating which Chase credit card is best for you:

  • What is your goal?

    • Do you want cash back? If so, simple cash back cards like Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Unlimited® make it easy to get something back for your purchases.

    • Do you want to travel more? Consider one of the travel reward cards. General travel cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred® are flexible to use and the points can be transferred to a variety of travel partners. But if you have a strong loyalty to a particular airline or hotel, Chase also has co-branded cards with United, Southwest, Marriott, IHG, and Ritz-Carlton.

    • Are you trying to get out of debt? Chase offers several cards that have a promotional APR for balance transfers.

  • How much do you spend per year? Credit cards with annual fees will have better rewards. But think about if you realistically can get enough in rewards each year to make up for the annual fee.

Our Top Picks for Chase Credit Cards

Best cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Apply for Chase Freedom Unlimited
We like Chase Freedom Unlimited because you get 1.5% cash back on ALL purchases. You don't have to worry about keeping track of and activating rotating categories. This makes it the better card for those with varied spending.

Chase Freedom Unlimited lets you earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. The cash back rewards will not expire as long as your card account remains open. There is also a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%. There is no annual fee.

Best travel card: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best travel rewards cards. It has a huge sign-up bonus as well as these highlights:

Best for frequent travelers: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve lets you earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. This card offers a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.

This card earns 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. The points can be transferred 1:1 to leading frequent travel programs including airline transfer partners. The card has $0 foreign transaction fees. The card comes with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select. There is a $550 annual fee.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve

Best airline rewards: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
Southwest Credit Card lets you earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This card earns 6,000 anniversary points each year. Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases. You earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. There is no foreign transaction fee. There is a $99 annual fee.

Best business: Chase Ink Business Preferred
Ink Business Preferred
Apply for Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
The Chase Ink Preferred has a huge sign-up bonus and very generous rewards (given the reasonable annual fee):

  • 3x points on relevant business categories, such as travel, telecom, shipping, and advertising
  • Points can be redeemed toward travel on the Chase Travel℠ portal at 25% more value
  • Points can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio

Also, you don't have to be a corporation. If you're a freelancer or make side income tutoring, selling crafts on Etsy, etc., you're eligible to apply.

Ink Business Preferred lets you earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 100,000 points is worth $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel. Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. There are no foreign transaction fees. There is a $95 annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a card at my local Chase branch?
Yes, you can get an application there. But the bank branch itself will not be able to approve you for a card.

How long does it take for my application to go through?
If you're lucky, you may get a quick response minutes after you hit "submit." This depends on your credit score and how many recent inquires or accounts you've opened. But it can often take 7-10 days for a decision to be made. If you are eager to find out sooner, you can try calling and ask if there's anything you can do to help their make a decision sooner.

What kind of credit do I need?
Chase usually requires good to excellent credit for their credit cards. This means scores around the 700 range. Sometimes, customers have been approved with a 650 score.

Does Chase offer a credit card for bad or limited credit?
Unfortunately, no. If your score isn't quite there yet, just focus on building your credit.

What cards are affected by the 5/24 rule?
Chase has a 5/24 rule that states: If you've opened 5 or more bank cards in the past 24 months, you will not be approved for the card.

The cards affected by this rule include the Ultimate Rewards cards and some of the co-branded cards with airline and hotel partners. This includes:

  • Chase Freedom
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited
  • Chase Slate
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Chase Ink Business Cash
  • Chase Ink Business Preferred
  • Chase Marriott Rewards Premier personal
  • Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
  • Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier personal & business
  • Chase United MileagePlus Club Card personal & business
  • Chase United MileagePlus Explorer personal & business

If you want any of these Chase cards, prioritize them over other credit card applications.

I have great credit. Why was my application was denied?
If you have opened over 5 credit cards (even if not from Chase) over the past 2 years, you will not be approved. If you have too many recent inquires on your credit, it could also be reason for denial.

Write to Anna G at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by Chase. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.

Disclaimer: The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by CreditDonkey. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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