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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.
Pre-approved, pre-qualified -- what's the difference?
Pre-approved and pre-qualified may seem like two ways of saying the same thing. They're actually much different.
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 within the last 24 months. To clarify, that means credit accounts from any card issuer, not just Chase.
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.
Neither fully guarantees approval on a credit card application. Your application could still be denied, especially if you don't pass Chase's 5/24 rule.
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. The link above will take you to the Chase credit card prequalify application. You'll provide your first and last name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Lastly, you'll need to check the box at the bottom to confirm you know you're not filling out an actual credit card application. It 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. You'll usually need a good to excellent credit score for a Chase card. The credit card company also has a well-known 5/24 rule. If you've opened more than five credit accounts in the past 24 months, your application will be denied. So, your credit history, your 5/24 status, your income, and even your existing Chase accounts could all impact your approval chances.
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.
Can I pre-qualify for Chase Sapphire?
You can pre-qualify for both Chase Sapphire cards through the Chase credit card prequalify link above. These are Chase's premier travel rewards cards. As such, the Chase Sapphire cards are definitely ones to pre-qualify for before you apply. Pre-qualification is especially helpful if you're considering the luxury Chase Sapphire Reserve®, as it's primarily for cardholders with excellent credit. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also requires excellent credit but may be slightly easier to get than its more-expensive sibling.
The Chase Sapphire pre-qualify process is the same as it is for any Chase card. This also means that being Chase Sapphire pre-approved 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.
Can I get pre-approved for Chase Freedom Flex℠?
As with other Chase cards, you can get Chase Freedom Flex pre-approval through the general Chase credit card prequalify link. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ -- and its sibling, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® -- aren't as hard to get as the Chase Sapphire cards. But pre-approval is still a good first step.
Remember that a positive Chase Freedom pre-qualify result doesn't guarantee approval.
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 wan
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).
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
About the Author
Brittney is a credit expert and card strategist whose advice has been featured by major publications and financial sites across the web. A spreadsheet and data obsessive, she believes most problems can be solved with the right research, and she specializes in translating complex topics to educate and empower readers.
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