If you’re thinking about opening a Chase credit card, choosing the right card and filling out the application correctly can make the process much easier. You need to know where to apply, what information Chase asks for, how to avoid common mistakes, and what happens after you submit your application.
This guide walks you through how to apply for a Chase credit card from start to finish.
Start Your Chase Credit Card Application
To begin, you’ll need the Chase mobile app. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, then open the app.
You don’t need to log in if you’re a new Chase customer. On the opening screen, look at the bottom and tap Open an account.
You’ll see several Chase products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, auto loans, mortgages, investments, and credit cards. Tap Credit cards.
Chase will then take you out of the app and open your browser. That’s normal. Chase credit card applications are completed on the website, even if you start the process from the mobile app.
Choose the Right Chase Credit Card
This is where you should slow down. Chase may initially show you one of its biggest promotional offers, but the card with the largest bonus isn’t necessarily the best choice for you.
For example, a card with a large welcome bonus may also have a substantial annual fee and a high spending requirement to earn the bonus. That can make it a poor choice if you’re just getting started with credit cards.
From the Chase credit card page, tap All cards to see the available options. You’ll typically see personal and business cards separately. If you’re applying for a personal card, stay on the personal cards section.
Cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve come with annual fees and can make sense for frequent travelers who will actually use their benefits. If you don’t travel often, a no-annual-fee card may be a better starting point.
One example is the Chase Freedom Unlimited, which offers cash back without an annual fee. Before choosing any Chase credit card, compare the rewards, fees, introductory offers, and spending requirements against how you actually spend money.
Once you’ve selected your card, tap Apply now.
Review the Chase Credit Card Offer and APR
Before entering your information, read through the offer carefully. Don’t simply scroll to the application.
You’ll see important details such as:
- The welcome bonus and spending requirement
- Cash-back or rewards rates
- The introductory APR period
- The regular variable APR
- Balance-transfer terms
- The annual fee
For example, an introductory 0% APR offer can be useful, but it doesn’t last forever. Once the introductory period ends, the regular variable APR applies.
The most important habit with a Chase credit card is to avoid carrying a balance whenever possible. If you’re paying a high interest rate on your balance, the interest charges can quickly outweigh rewards or welcome bonuses.
Fill Out Your Personal Information
After reviewing the offer, you’ll move on to the application.
Enter your first name, middle name, last name, and suffix if applicable. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification. Don’t use a nickname.
You’ll also be asked for identifying information such as:
- Date of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
- Tax ID type
- Social Security number
A Social Security number is generally required for a U.S. credit card application because Chase uses it to access your credit information and verify your identity.
Next, provide your actual home address, including your apartment number if applicable, city, state, and ZIP code. This is also where Chase will send your physical card after approval.
Enter an email address and phone number that you actively monitor. If Chase needs additional information or verification, those are the contact details they will use.
Enter Your Financial Information Correctly
The financial section asks about your residence, employment status, and total gross annual income.
Gross annual income means your income before taxes and other deductions. For example, if you earn $4,000 per month before taxes, your annual gross income would be $48,000.
If you’re 21 or older, you may also be able to include household income that you regularly have access to for paying bills, depending on the application’s instructions.
Be accurate. Don’t inflate your income to try to get a larger credit limit, but don’t accidentally understate legitimate income either.
You’ll also see an optional section for international credit history. If you have qualifying credit history from Canada or the United Kingdom, you can provide it. Otherwise, you can skip it.
Complete the Required Authorizations
Chase also includes an authorization allowing it to verify information with the Social Security Administration.
Essentially, this allows Chase to confirm that your name, Social Security number, and date of birth match its records.
Read the authorization and check the box providing your electronic signature if you agree.
Decide Whether You Need Optional Features
The application may offer additional options, including authorized users and balance transfers.
Authorized Users
You can add other people as authorized users on your account. However, remember that their purchases appear on your bill, and you’re responsible for paying the account balance.
If this is your first Chase credit card, there’s usually no need to add anyone immediately. You can consider adding an authorized user later once you’re comfortable managing the account.
Balance Transfers
A balance transfer can be useful if you already have credit card debt and want to move it to a card with an introductory 0% APR offer.
However, balance transfers can involve fees, so calculate the cost before moving your debt. If you don’t have existing credit card debt, you can simply skip this section.
You can also leave paperless statements enabled if you prefer to receive your statements digitally.
Review the Terms and Submit Your Application
Before submitting, you’ll see the pricing and terms for the Chase credit card. Review the APR, fees, rewards, and other important conditions one more time.
You’ll then reach the certification section, where you’re confirming that the information you’ve provided is accurate and that you understand your responsibilities as a cardholder.
Once you’ve read the terms and agree to them, check the required box and tap Submit.
What Happens After You Apply for a Chase Credit Card?
There are generally three possible outcomes after submitting your Chase credit card application.
1. You’re Approved
If Chase approves you immediately, you’ll see an approval screen with your credit limit.
Your physical card may arrive by mail within several business days. Depending on what’s available for your account, you may also be able to add the card to a digital wallet and begin using it before the physical card arrives.
2. Your Application Is Pending
A pending application doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been denied.
Chase may need additional time to review your credit file or verify some of the information you provided. You may receive a decision by mail or phone after the additional review.
If Chase contacts you for verification, respond promptly so the application doesn’t sit unresolved.
3. You’re Denied
Don’t panic if your application is denied. Chase should provide an explanation for the decision.
Common reasons can include:
- Too many recent credit applications
- A lower credit score
- High existing debt
- Other information in your credit history
Read the explanation carefully. If there’s a specific issue you can address, work on that before applying for another Chase credit card.
Understand the Chase 5/24 Rule
One of the most important things to know before applying is Chase’s commonly discussed 5/24 rule.
The rule generally refers to having opened five or more credit card accounts with any bank during the previous 24 months. If you’re over that threshold, Chase is known for frequently denying applications for many of its popular cards.
The rule isn’t formally published as a standard on Chase’s application page, but it’s widely recognized among credit-card users.
So before applying for another Chase credit card, count how many new credit cards you’ve opened during the past 24 months. Applying without checking could result in an unnecessary hard inquiry and a denial.
Apply for a Chase Credit Card Carefully
Applying for a Chase credit card isn’t particularly complicated, but rushing through the process can create unnecessary problems.
Start by choosing a card that actually fits your spending habits rather than chasing the biggest promotional bonus. Read the offer and APR carefully, enter your personal and financial information accurately, and understand any balance-transfer or authorized-user options before submitting.
Most importantly, treat the card as a payment tool rather than borrowed money. Paying your balance in full every month lets you take advantage of rewards without giving those rewards back through interest charges.
With the right card and a careful application, getting a Chase credit card can be a straightforward way to build credit and earn rewards on everyday spending.
