What Chase credit cards do and who offers them

Chase is one of the largest credit card issuers in the United States. They offer dozens of different cards, each with its own rewards structure, annual fee, and interest rate. When you open a Chase card, you are borrowing money from Chase Bank that you pay back monthly — the card itself is just the tool that lets you do that borrowing.

Chase cards fall into a few broad categories. Cash back cards return a percentage of what you spend. Travel cards earn points toward flights and hotels. Rewards cards earn points you can redeem for various things. No-rewards cards are simpler and often have lower interest rates or annual fees. Some cards are designed for people building credit from scratch; others require an established credit history.

The card you can open depends on your credit score and history. Chase publishes the typical credit score range for each card on their website, but the actual decision is made by their underwriting team after you submit information about your income and existing debts.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase offers cards in multiple categories — cash back, travel, rewards, and basic — each with different fees, interest rates, and earning structures.
  • Your credit score and income determine which cards you can open; Chase publishes the typical score range for each card on their website.
  • An annual fee is not required on every Chase card, but cards with higher rewards rates or travel benefits often charge one.
  • The interest rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness, and you can avoid paying interest by paying your full balance each month.
  • Rewards and cash back are taxable income in some cases, though most everyday spending does not trigger a tax form.

How rewards and cash back work on Chase cards

Rewards are earned as a percentage of your spending. A card might offer 1.5% cash back on all purchases, or 3% on groceries and gas and 1% on everything else. You accumulate these rewards in an account tied to your card, and you can redeem them for a statement credit, a check, or (on some cards) points toward travel or merchandise.

The redemption value varies. A cash back card gives you the full dollar amount — 1.5% cash back on a $100 purchase is $1.50. A travel rewards card might let you redeem points at a higher value if you book through their travel portal, but a lower value if you redeem for cash. Read the terms for the specific card to see what your points are worth.

Rewards are not information programs. You earn them by spending money you would have spent anyway, or by spending more than you otherwise would. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest cost usually exceeds the rewards value. Rewards work best for people who pay their full balance each month.

Annual fees and when they make sense

Many Chase cards charge an annual fee, ranging from $0 to several hundred dollars. A card with no annual fee and 1% cash back on everything is a reasonable choice if you spend modestly. A card with a $95 annual fee and 2% cash back on groceries, gas, and restaurants only makes financial sense if you spend enough in those categories to earn at least $95 in rewards per year.

Some cards offer a statement credit that offsets part or all of the annual fee — for example, a $95 annual fee but a $100 travel credit you can use on airfare or hotels. That credit only helps if you actually use it. If you do not travel, that credit is worthless.

Chase allows you to downgrade to a different card (usually one with no annual fee) instead of closing the account. This preserves your account history and credit score. If you decide a card is not worth the fee, ask Chase about downgrading before the annual fee posts.

Interest rates and how to avoid paying them

Every Chase card has a purchase APR — the interest rate charged on balances you do not pay in full. This rate varies based on your credit score and history. A person with excellent credit might receive 16% APR; someone with fair credit might receive 22% APR. Chase publishes a range for each card, but your actual rate is determined after you open the account.

You avoid paying interest by paying your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you pay only the minimum payment, interest accrues on the remaining balance. Carrying a balance is expensive and erases the value of any rewards you earn.

Some Chase cards offer a 0% introductory APR for a set period — typically 6 to 21 months — on purchases, balance transfers, or both. After the introductory period ends, the regular APR applies. These offers can be useful if you need to carry a balance temporarily, but they are not a substitute for a budget that lets you pay in full.

How to choose between Chase cards

Start by deciding whether you want rewards at all. If you carry a balance most months, a card with no annual fee and a lower interest rate is a better choice than a rewards card. If you pay in full each month, rewards can add up over time.

Next, match the card's rewards structure to your actual spending. If you spend $500 a month on groceries and $200 on gas, a card that pays 3% on groceries and gas is worth more to you than a flat 1.5% cash back card. If you spend evenly across categories, a flat-rate card is simpler.

Then calculate whether an annual fee is worth it. Add up what you would earn in rewards in a year based on your typical spending. If that number is less than the annual fee, a no-fee card is the better choice. If it is more, the fee card may be worth it.

Finally, check whether you meet the credit score requirement. Chase publishes this on each card's page. If your score is below the range, you can still explore, but your chances of approval are lower. explore for a card you are unlikely to get approved for results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score.

What happens when you open a Chase card

You can explore online, by phone, or in a Chase branch. The process asks for your name, address, income, employment status, and existing debts. Chase pulls your credit report (a hard inquiry) and makes a decision within minutes to a few days.

If approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Chase mobile app. Your credit limit is set by Chase based on your creditworthiness; you can request an increase after you have used the card responsibly for several months.

If denied, Chase sends you a letter explaining the reason — usually insufficient credit history, too many recent inquiries, or too much existing debt. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but waiting at least a few months between applications improves your chances.

Fees beyond the annual fee

Chase charges other fees in specific situations. A late payment fee (typically $25 to $40) is charged if you miss the due date. A cash advance fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) is charged if you use the card to withdraw cash from an ATM. A foreign transaction fee (typically 3%) is charged on purchases made outside the United States, though some Chase cards waive this.

Balance transfer fees (typically 3% to 5%) are charged if you transfer a balance from another card to your Chase card. These fees are added to the balance you owe. A returned payment fee is charged if a payment you make bounces due to insufficient funds in your bank account.

You can avoid most of these fees by paying on time, not using the card for cash advances, and not making international purchases on a card that charges foreign transaction fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Chase card and a store credit card?

A Chase card is a general-purpose card you can use anywhere that accepts Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. A store card (like a Target card or Amazon card) can only be used at that store or its partners. Store cards often have higher interest rates and lower credit limits, but may offer bigger discounts on store purchases.

Can I use a Chase card to build credit if I have no credit history?

Yes. Chase offers cards designed for people with limited or no credit history, such as the Chase find Credit Card, which requires a cash deposit. Using any card responsibly — making on-time payments and keeping your balance low — builds credit over time. Your payment history is the most important factor in your credit score.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A late fee is charged when ready. After 30 days late, the missed payment is reported to credit bureaus and damages your credit score. After 60 days, your interest rate may increase. After 180 days, Chase may close the account and send it to collections. Contact Chase when ready if you cannot make a payment; they may offer a hardship program.

Can I transfer a balance from another card to a Chase card?

Yes, most Chase cards allow balance transfers. A fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred) is charged upfront. Some Chase cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers for a promotional period, which can reduce the cost of paying off existing debt. Read the terms to see the fee and the length of the promotional period.

Do I have to use my rewards before they expire?

Chase does not expire rewards for inactivity on most cards. However, if you close the account, any unredeemed rewards are forfeited. Redeem rewards before closing a card, or keep the account open even if you do not use it regularly.