Of the hundreds of credit card options, Chase credit cards are often highly recommended -- though not always the easiest to get. Before you apply, consider filling out a Chase credit card prequalify application to get an idea of your chances. Read on to see how to get pre-approved for Chase credit cards.
TIP
Check your Chase account
In some cases, you may get pre-approved for a Chase credit card without any action on your part. Some consumers may receive a pre-qualified offer in the mail. You can also get a pre-approved offer if you already have a Chase bank or credit account. Check the "Just for You" section in your online account to see pre-approval offers.
Pre-approved vs. pre-qualified
Pre-approved and pre-qualified may seem like two ways of saying the same thing. They're actually much different.
However, neither fully guarantees approval on a credit card application. Your application could still be denied, especially if you're unaware of Chase's 5/24 rule.
TIP
Chase's 5/24 rule
If you've opened more than five credit accounts in the past 24 months, your application will be denied. This is known as Chase's 5/24 rule.
A Chase pre-approval for a credit card is the closest you can get to a guaranteed approval. With a Chase pre-approval, you have a very high chance of success if you apply for that Chase card. You can even sometimes (but not always) get around Chase's 5/24 rule with a pre-approval offer. This rule would otherwise automatically deny your application if you've opened five or more credit accounts (from any card issuer) within the last 24 months.
A Chase pre-qualification isn't as firm. When you pre-qualify for a Chase credit card, that means you have a solid chance of approval. Pre-qualifying for a card won't get you around Chase's 5/24 rule.
What factors does Chase consider?
There are a few factors that impact your approval chances, including:
- Your credit history: You'll usually need a good to excellent credit score for a Chase card.
- Your existing credit accounts: As mentioned above, if you've opened more than five credit accounts over the past 24 months, Chase won't approve your application.
- Your income: Chase, like most credit card issuers, consider income when deciding whether to pre-qualify a customer.
Can I get pre-approved for Chase Freedom Flex℠?
Yes, you can get Chase Freedom Flex℠ pre-approval. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ -- and its sibling, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® -- both offer great cash back rates and welcome bonuses. You can compare them and learn more about qualification requirements in the table below:
As of Aug. 04, 2022
|
|
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | Chase Freedom Unlimited® |
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. |
|
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
|
Credit Rating Requirement: |
Credit Rating Requirement: |
|
$200 |
Up to $300 cash back |
|
1% - 5% cash back |
1.5% - 5% cash back |
|
Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months |
Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months |
|
Regular APR: 16.49% - 25.24% Variable |
Regular APR: 16.49% - 25.24% Variable |
|
Annual Fee: $0 |
Annual Fee: $0 |
|
Highlights:
|
Highlights:
|
|
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Show More
Show Less
|
|
Remember that a positive Chase Freedom pre-qualify result doesn't guarantee approval. But pre-approval is still a good first step.
If you aren't pre-approved for a Chase Freedom card, you can still apply. But your approval chances may not be very good. Consider improving your credit score and checking for pre-qualification again in the future -- you can fill out the Chase credit card prequalify application as often as you want.
Can I pre-qualify for Chase Sapphire?
Yes, you can pre-qualify for both Chase Sapphire cards. These are Chase's premier travel rewards cards.
If you have a strong credit score, and you're confident you'll be approved. it may be easier to apply for these cards card directly (instead of getting pre-qualified first).
Pre-qualification is an important step if you're not sure whether or not you'll be approved. The Chase Sapphire pre-qualify process is the same as it is for any Chase card.
As of Aug. 04, 2022
|
|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. |
|
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
|
Credit Rating Requirement: |
Credit Rating Requirement: |
|
60,000 points |
60,000 points |
|
1x - 10x points |
1x - 5x points |
|
Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
|
Regular APR: 18.49% - 25.49% Variable |
Regular APR: 17.49% - 24.49% Variable |
|
Annual Fee: $550 |
Annual Fee: $95 |
|
Highlights:
|
Highlights:
|
|
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
|
Show More
Show Less
|
|
The luxury Chase Sapphire Reserve® is primarily for cardholders with excellent credit. If you're not sure whether your credit score is high enough for this Chase Sapphire card, definitely pre-qualify before you apply.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also requires excellent credit but may be slightly easier to get than its more-expensive sibling. If your credit score is absolutely stellar, and you're willing to jump right to applying for the card, it'll be faster to simply skip pre-qualification.
TIP
Pre-qualification isn't a guarantee
Getting pre-approval or pre-qualification for Chase Sapphire only means you could be approved if you apply -- not that you will be approved.
For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred pre-approval simply means you fit the basic qualifications for the card. If you're over the 5/24 limit or don't meet the income requirements, you could be denied a Chase Sapphire card.
And if you aren't pre-approved for a Sapphire card on your Chase credit card prequalify application, you can still apply -- but your chances of approval are low, so you may want to try for a different card instead.
How can I pre-qualify for a Chase credit card?
If you've been searching "prequalify Chase credit card," keep reading -- this article will detail exactly how to do just that.
Pre-approval for Chase credit cards is most effectively done through Chase's own website.
The actual process is simple:
- Go to the Chase credit card prequalify application
- Provide your name and address
- Enter the last four digits of your Social Security number
- Check the box at the bottom to confirm you know you're not filling out an actual credit card application. This also acknowledges the Chase credit card prequalify application won't impact your credit.
After you submit your application, the Chase credit card prequalify process will produce a list of pre-approved Chase cards you're likely (but not guaranteed) to qualify for. Essentially, you can prequalify for Chase credit card options as a way to get a feel for your chances.
Best Chase Credit Cards
Learn more about the select few Chase credit cards that landed a spot on our shortlist. Some of these cards pack in big bonuses, rich rewards, and long 0% intro APR offers.
Will this affect my credit?
There's no effect on your credit during the Chase pre-approval or pre-qualification process. Chase only performs a soft credit check when you use its pre-qualification tool, and that doesn't impact your credit score.
If you apply for a Chase card, there will be a hard credit check when Chase pulls your credit report. Hard credit checks do cause a small credit score drop. For most consumers, one hard credit check takes fewer than five points off their FICO® Score (the most widely used type of credit score).
For more information, visit Chase's website.
Still have questions?
Here are some other questions we've answered:
FAQs
-
You can get pre-approved for all the Chase cards through Chase's pre-qualification application. You'll need to provide your name, address, and the last four numbers of your Social Security number. The pre-approval process is a good way to find out which Chase cards fit your qualifications.
-
The general Chase credit card prequalify process includes all Chase cards. This includes the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. You cannot fill out a Chase credit card prequalify application for only the Chase Sapphire cards. If you don't get pre-approved for a Chase Sapphire card through the general Chase credit card prequalify application, you may not qualify for a Sapphire card.
-
You can get pre-approved for a Chase Freedom Flex℠ or Chase Freedom Unlimited® card the same way as any other Chase card. Specifically, use the general Chase credit card prequalify application. This allows you to check your pre-qualification status with all Chase credit cards at the same time. If you don't get pre-approved for a Chase Freedom card through the general application, you may need to improve your credit.
-
There's no effect on your credit during the Chase pre-approval or pre-qualification process. Chase only performs a soft credit check when you use its pre-qualification tool, and that doesn't impact your credit score.
About the Author
Brittney started her writing career in the world of science, putting her physics degree to good use. Her journey into finance started with building her personal credit, but soon grew into a borderline obsession with credit cards and travel rewards. For the last 7 years, she has enjoyed the ability to share her expertise with readers, as well as the opportunity to interview companies and individuals making an impact on our financial lives. She wholly believe most problems can be solved with the right research -- and a good spreadsheet -- and she specializes in translating complex financial topics into actionable advice to help educate and empower readers.
Share This Page
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. The Motley Fool has a Disclosure Policy. The Author and/or The Motley Fool may have an interest in companies mentioned.
The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters.
Copyright © 2018 - 2022 The Ascent. All rights reserved.
About The Ascent
Legal