How to Get a Chase Bank Credit Card

How Chase credit cards work and what you need before you start

Chase offers credit cards through its own website and mobile app, and you can request one without visiting a branch. The process takes about 15 minutes online, and Chase tells you whether you're approved when ready or within a few days. You'll need a Social Security number, a current mailing address, and information about your income and employment — Chase uses this to decide your credit limit and interest rate.

Chase pulls your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) as part of the decision. This is called a hard inquiry and it temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. If you're denied, Chase will tell you why in a letter within 30 days, and you can dispute any information on your credit report if it's wrong.

Key Takeaways

• You can request a Chase credit card online at chase.com or through the Chase mobile app without visiting a branch.
• Chase will ask for your Social Security number, address, income, and employment information to make a decision.
• A hard inquiry into your credit report happens during the process and will lower your credit score slightly.
• You'll know if you're approved when ready or within a few days; if denied, Chase sends a written explanation within 30 days.
• Different Chase cards have different requirements — some require higher credit scores or income levels than others.

What information Chase asks for on the process

When you start an process on chase.com or the mobile app, Chase asks for your legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You'll also provide your current mailing address and phone number. If you've moved within the last two years, Chase may ask for your previous address.

For income and employment, you'll enter your annual gross income (before taxes), your employment status, and your job title or industry. Chase also asks whether you own your home, rent, or have another housing arrangement, and what your monthly housing payment is. You don't need to provide pay stubs or tax returns at this stage — Chase verifies income later if needed.

Chase will ask if you have other Chase accounts and whether you've had a Chase credit card before. If you've been denied for a Chase card in the past, that information may affect your current decision. You can also choose whether to receive marketing offers from Chase and its partners.

How Chase decides whether to approve you

Chase uses your credit score, credit history, income, and existing debts to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. A higher credit score generally means a better chance of approval and a higher limit. Chase also looks at how long you've had credit accounts open, whether you've paid bills on time, and how much of your available credit you're currently using.

If you have recent late payments, collections accounts, or a bankruptcy on your credit report, Chase may deny you or offer a lower credit limit. Some Chase cards require a minimum credit score — for example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred typically goes to people with good to excellent credit, while the Chase Freedom Flex may be available to those with fair credit. Chase does not publish exact score requirements, so your score alone won't tell you whether you'll be approved.

Chase also considers your debt-to-income ratio, which is your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. A lower ratio suggests you have room to take on a new credit card payment. If you've recently opened many new credit accounts, Chase may see that as higher risk.

What happens after you submit your process

After you submit your process online, Chase processes it when ready. You'll see one of three outcomes on your screen: approved, pending, or denied. If you're approved, Chase tells you your credit limit and when your card will arrive — usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up the card in the app or online as soon as it arrives, or sometimes even before it arrives.

If your process is pending, Chase needs more information or time to make a decision. You may receive a call or email asking for additional details like recent pay stubs, a tax return, or clarification about your income. Pending decisions usually resolve within 2 to 5 business days. If you don't hear back, you can call Chase at the number on your process confirmation to check the status.

If you're denied, Chase sends a written notice within 30 days explaining the reason — for example, "insufficient credit history" or "too many recent inquiries." You have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the bureau Chase used. If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with the bureau.

Differences between Chase credit card products

Chase offers cards for different financial situations and spending patterns. The Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited are designed for people building or rebuilding credit and typically have lower credit score requirements. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve target people with good to excellent credit and offer higher rewards and premium benefits, but also charge annual fees.

Business credit cards like the Chase Ink Business Unlimited require you to have a business and a business tax ID (EIN) or Social Security number if you're a sole proprietor. The process process is similar but asks about your business revenue and structure instead of personal employment.

Some Chase cards are available only to existing Chase customers or people with a Chase checking account. Others are open to anyone. The specific card you're looking at will show its requirements on the product page before you explore.

What to do if you're denied or want to reapply

If Chase denies you, you can reapply after addressing the reason for the denial. If the issue was a low credit score, waiting 3 to 6 months while paying down debt and making on-time payments will improve your score. If the issue was too many recent credit inquiries, waiting 6 months will help — each inquiry falls off your report after 12 months.

If there was an error on your credit report, dispute it with the credit bureau before reapplying. You can request your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three bureaus. Correcting errors can take 30 to 45 days, so plan ahead.

You can also ask Chase directly why you were denied and whether reapplying soon would be worth your time. Some people call the reconsideration line listed on their denial letter to ask if Chase will reconsider based on new information, though Chase doesn't always reverse a decision this way.

How to manage your new Chase credit card

Once your card arrives and you set up it, you can use it when ready online or in stores. Chase sends you a bill each month, usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. You can pay your bill online through chase.com, the mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Paying at least the minimum amount by the due date keeps your account in good standing.

Chase reports your payment history to the credit bureaus each month, so paying on time helps your credit score. Carrying a balance means you'll pay interest at the rate listed in your card agreement — this rate is based on your creditworthiness and can range widely. You can check your credit limit, available balance, and rewards balance anytime in the app or online.

If you want to increase your credit limit later, you can request one through the app or website. Chase may do a soft inquiry (which doesn't affect your credit score) or a hard inquiry depending on the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Chase credit card?

You'll know when ready or within a few days. If you see "approved" on your screen right after explore, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If your process is pending, Chase contacts you within 2 to 5 business days with a decision or a request for more information.

Can I request a Chase credit card if I have no credit history?

Chase typically requires some credit history, but the requirement varies by card. Cards like the Chase Freedom Flex are designed for people with fair credit and may be available to someone with limited history. Your best option is to try the process — if you're denied, you'll learn the specific reason and can work on building credit before reapplying.

What's the difference between a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry?

A hard inquiry happens when you explore for credit and temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. A soft inquiry is used for things like checking your own credit or when Chase reviews your account for a credit limit increase, and it doesn't affect your score. Only hard inquiries show up on your credit report to other lenders.

Do I have to visit a Chase branch to get a credit card?

No. You can request any Chase credit card online at chase.com or through the mobile app. You don't need a Chase checking account or to visit a branch. Your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

What should I do if I was denied for a Chase card?

Read the denial letter to understand the reason. If it was a credit score issue, wait 3 to 6 months while paying down debt and making on-time payments. If it was an error on your credit report, dispute it at annualcreditreport.com. You can reapply once you've addressed the underlying issue.