What Credit Score Do I Need for a Chase Credit Card?

Chase has some of the most popular and best credit cards we've seen. If you're planning to apply for one, you'll need to know the suggested credit score for a Chase credit card.

There isn't any information on the Chase website about this. Fortunately, there's enough information available to recommend credit scores for Chase credit cards. Here's a breakdown of what score you'll need based on the Chase card you want and other factors that can affect your Chase credit card application.

Suggested credit scores for Chase credit cards

Most Chase credit cards are intended for consumers with good to excellent credit scores (FICO® Score of 670 or higher). A score above 700 is even better and gives you a strong chance at approval. You can check your credit score with each credit bureau to find out how you're doing before you apply for a Chase credit card.

Good credit is also recommended for any of Chase's cobranded airline credit cards or hotel credit cards. This is only a suggested credit score range for Chase credit cards. Every card issuer takes your full credit history into consideration. It will look at your payment history, credit card debt, credit utilization, and all the other information on your credit report.

Chase offers one card with no minimum credit score requirement. The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card doesn't require a credit score or any credit history at all for approval. It's made for consumers who are building credit for the first time, but not for those who are rebuilding credit after previous issues.

Since your credit score isn't the only factor that matters, the recommended credit scores for Chase credit cards don't guarantee approval or denial. There are occasionally applicants who get approved for the top Chase credit cards with credit scores of 650 or below.

You can try an application if you're in that situation, but you're probably better off building your credit first -- or starting with the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card, if you're building credit.

Other factors that affect your Chase credit card application

When you apply for a Chase card, the credit card company will look at two other key factors that you should know about.

Recent credit accounts you've opened

There's an unofficial rule, known as Chase's 5/24 rule, that can affect your application if you're gotten multiple credit cards recently. Here's a quick explanation of how it works. When you submit your application, Chase checks how many personal credit accounts you've opened in the past 24 months. If it's five or more, your application is automatically denied.

For the typical consumer who doesn't open many credit cards, this won't be a concern. But if you think you may be near Chase's limit, double-check how many cards you've opened in the last two years before you apply for another one.

Annual income

Annual income can be just as important as your credit score for Chase credit cards. Chase uses your reported income in deciding whether to approve your application and in setting your credit limit.

All Chase cards have minimum credit limits. If Chase isn't willing to extend you this much credit, it will deny your application. These minimum credit limits are based on what type of credit card you're applying for. Here are examples of the types of cards Chase offers and its minimum credit limits with each one:

• Visa Traditional: $500
• Visa Signature®: $5,000
• Visa Infinite®: $10,000

To find out the minimum credit limit for a card, go to the card page on Chase's site and click "Pricing & Terms." Go to the "Terms & Conditions," and look for a paragraph underneath the numbered list in the "Authorization" section. This is where Chase lists the minimum credit limit you receive if approved for that card.

While you can't be sure about the credit limit Chase will extend to you based on your income, the minimum amounts above can at least give you an idea of which cards might best fit your goals.

The right credit score for a Chase credit card

Chase is somewhat unique in that its credit requirements don't change for most of its cards. With good or excellent credit, you could qualify for any Chase card. Just make sure you'll also pass the 5/24 rule as a cardholder and that Chase could reasonably extend you sufficient credit for the card you want based on your income.

Still have questions?

Here are some other questions we've answered:

• What Credit Score Do I Need for a Discover Credit Card?
• What Credit Score Do I Need for a Citi Diamond Preferred Card?
• How Can I Increase My Credit Score?