Chase is one of the top credit card issuers in the United States. If you are interested in travel or cash back rewards cards, you have likely come across some of Chase’s cards, which rank among the top for rewards. If you are ready to get started, you’ll have to apply by filling out a Chase credit card application. Follow these simple steps to maximize your likelihood of approval.
Check your credit
The first step to getting approved for a Chase credit card is to know and understand your credit. Some Chase cards are specifically for those with good to excellent credit, so you’ll want to know where you stand before applying to avoid a disappointing result.
When checking your credit, also look at the number of new credit accounts you’ve opened within the last two years. Most Chase credit cards fall under the “5/24 rule,” which prevents you from getting any new Chase card if you have opened five or more credit cards at any bank within the last 24 months.
You can view your credit report for free every year by law. Head to the official government approved website at annualcreditreport.com to get your free credit report from each of the three big credit reporting bureaus.
You can get your credit score for free too. Check out sites like Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, or Chase Credit Journey site to get your credit score with no credit card or payment required. Once you verify your score is good enough to qualify and you won’t get stopped by 5/24, move on to the next step in applying for a Chase credit card.
Gather relevant details
Any credit card application is going to require information on your income, employment, contact information, and possibly past residences if you have not lived at the same address for the last two years.
You cannot complete your application without all of this information. To avoid getting interrupted, having your application timeout, and other hassles, it is best to have everything you need on standby when you click the button to begin a credit card application.
While there may be some slight differences, most Chase credit cards require the same information to apply. If you are applying for an airline or hotel specific credit card, make sure to have your account number for that program on hand as well to link your new card to your rewards account.
How to fill out a Chase credit card application
Now it’s the big moment! Click on the button to begin applying! On the first page, you’ll be prompted for basic information like your name and address.
On the next page, you are asked for financial information. Answer the questions confirming whether or not you have a checking and savings account first. Then click the box confirming whether you own, rent, or have another living situation. Finally, you’ll enter your gross income (total before taxes and deductions), where it comes from, and where you work.
On page three of the online application, Chase asks for more contact information and personal details. On this page, that is your best contact phone numbers, email address, birthday, Social Security number, and mother’s maiden name.
On the last page, you can add additional authorized users to your account, enter an optional balance transfer depending on the card, and review and sign the application. There are lots of disclosures and a ton of information here. Take a few minutes to review everything so you know what you are signing.
At the end, click the “I have read and I agree to the Certifications and Pricing & Terms” box. Click submit, and hold your breath until you see the result on the next page.
Call the reconsideration line, if needed
In many cases, you will get an instant approval. If you were approved, congrats! Your brand new Chase credit card should be on the way in the mail shortly. Depending on the card, it may take a week or more to receive it in the mail.
Outside of an approval, there are two possible outcomes. First is an instant denial. Second is a message that Chase needs more time and will send your result on a later date. In either case, I suggest taking action.
You can call a Chase reconsideration phone number to speak to a credit application analyst and get a response right away. In some cases, moving credit from an existing Chase account or answering a few more questions is all it takes to get approved. Be ready to provide additional financial information when calling.
Chase changes the reconsideration phone numbers fairly regularly, so rather than list them here it is best for you do to a quick Google search for “Chase reconsideration phone number” to find the right number to call.
On your way to a new Chase credit card
Chase offers some of the best travel rewards cards on the market today, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve. On the cash back rewards side, Chase Freedom and Freedom Unlimited are both top cards.
Whatever card you choose, good luck with your application! You’ll be swimming in rewards before you know it!
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