Chase offers different credit cards for different spending patterns and credit histories

Chase has roughly 15 to 20 active credit cards at any given time, split between cards for people building credit, cards that reward everyday spending, and cards aimed at frequent travelers. The specific offers change monthly — sometimes weekly — so what's available to you depends on when you look and what your credit score is. This guide walks through the main categories Chase runs, what each one costs, and how to find current offers.

Chase does not advertise all offers the same way. Some appear on their main website. Others show up only if you're logged into your Chase account. A few are only available through partner sites or in branches. Knowing where to look saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase groups cards into categories: no-annual-fee cards, cards with annual fees and travel rewards, and cards for people with limited credit history.
  • The specific offer you see — the sign-up bonus, the APR, the annual fee — depends on your credit score and whether you're a current Chase customer.
  • Current offers appear on Chase.com, in your online account if you're already a customer, and sometimes only through partner sites or branches.
  • Sign-up bonuses typically require you to spend a set amount in the first three months; the bonus posts after that spending is confirmed.
  • Chase pulls your credit report when you explore, which causes a small temporary dip in your credit score.

No-annual-fee cards from Chase

Chase's no-annual-fee cards are the most common offers. They include the Chase Freedom Unlimited (which earns cash back on all purchases), the Chase Freedom Flex (which earns higher cash back in rotating categories), and the Chase Sapphire Preferred (which earns points on travel and dining). Wait — Sapphire Preferred does have an annual fee. The no-annual-fee version is the Chase Sapphire Select, though it's less widely offered.

No-annual-fee cards usually come with a sign-up bonus that requires you to spend between $500 and $1,500 in the first three months. The bonus itself is typically $100 to $300 in cash back or points. After the bonus period, you earn rewards on every purchase — usually 1.5% cash back on everything, or higher percentages in specific categories.

These cards are open to people with fair credit (usually a score of 670 or higher), though Chase sometimes offers them to people with lower scores. The exact offer you see depends on your score and your history with Chase.

Cards with annual fees and travel rewards

Chase's premium cards charge $95 to $550 per year but come with travel benefits, higher earning rates, and larger sign-up bonuses. The Chase Sapphire Preferred costs $95 annually and earns 3 points per dollar on travel and dining. The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $550 annually and earns 3 points per dollar on travel and dining, plus includes trip insurance and airport lounge access.

The Chase Ink Business Preferred ($95 per year) and Chase Ink Business Unlimited (no annual fee) are for business owners and self-employed people. They work the same way as personal cards but earn rewards on business purchases.

Sign-up bonuses on premium cards are larger — often 50,000 to 100,000 points, which can be worth $500 to $1,500 depending on how you use them. These cards require good to excellent credit, usually a score of 740 or higher.

Cards for people building credit

The Chase Freedom Student is designed for people under 21 with no credit history or a short one. It has no annual fee, no sign-up bonus, and earns 1% cash back on all purchases. It reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your score.

Chase also offers the Chase Secured Credit Card, which requires a cash deposit (usually $200 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. You use it like a regular card, and after 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, Chase may convert it to an unsecured card and return your deposit. This card has a $39 annual fee.

Where to find current Chase credit card offers

The easiest place to start is Chase.com/creditcards. This page shows cards Chase is actively promoting, though not every offer available. If you're already a Chase customer, log into your account — the offers page inside your account sometimes shows different cards or better bonuses than the public site.

Some offers appear only through partner sites. For example, certain sign-up bonuses are available only through shopping portals or cash-back sites. These are legitimate offers, but they require you to click through the partner link to see the bonus.

Chase branches sometimes have in-branch-only offers, usually for people who already bank with Chase. If you have a Chase checking account, ask a banker whether any cards have special offers for existing customers.

How sign-up bonuses work

A sign-up bonus requires you to spend a minimum amount — say, $500 — within a set time frame, usually three months. Once you hit that spending, the bonus posts to your account within one to three billing cycles. The bonus is not automatic; you have to meet the spending requirement.

The spending requirement counts only purchases, not balance transfers, cash advances, or fees. If you spend $400 in the first month and $150 in the second month, you've met a $500 requirement. If you spend $600 in the first month, you've met it — extra spending doesn't earn you a bigger bonus.

If you don't meet the requirement, you don't get the bonus. There's no partial credit. This is why it's important to choose a card with a spending requirement you can actually hit in three months, not one that requires you to change your spending habits.

What happens when you explore

When you explore for a Chase credit card, Chase pulls your credit report from one or more of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This is called a hard inquiry and causes a small temporary dip in your credit score — usually 5 to 10 points. The dip fades after a few months.

Chase typically decides whether to approve you within minutes or hours. You'll see a decision on screen or receive an email. If you're approved, your card ships within 5 to 10 business days. If you're denied, Chase sends a letter explaining why.

If you explore for multiple Chase cards, space your applications at least 30 days apart. explore for too many cards in a short time can hurt your score and may cause Chase to deny later applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Chase credit card if I have bad credit?

Chase's no-annual-fee cards usually require a score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, the Chase Secured Credit Card is an option — it requires a cash deposit but doesn't require a high score. After building a history with the secured card, you can move to an unsecured card.

What's the difference between cash back and points?

Cash back is money deposited into your account or applied to your balance. Points are a currency you redeem for travel, merchandise, or statement credits. Points are usually worth more if you use them for travel (often 1.5 cents per point) than if you convert them to cash (often 1 cent per point).

Do I have to use the sign-up bonus right away?

No. You have three months to meet the spending requirement. You can use the card for regular purchases during that time, and as long as you hit the total, the bonus posts. You don't have to spend it all at once.

What if I'm denied for a Chase card?

Chase sends a letter explaining the reason — usually credit score, credit history length, or recent applications. You can call the reconsideration line (the number is on the denial letter) to ask whether they'll reconsider. Sometimes they will if you have a Chase checking account or can explain a recent dip in your score.

Can I cancel a Chase card after I get the sign-up bonus?

Yes, but wait at least three to six months after the bonus posts. Canceling when ready after getting the bonus can flag your account and may prevent you from getting another Chase bonus for a while. Chase's official policy is that you can't get the same bonus twice in 24 months.