What a Chase purchase credit card is and how to open one
A Chase purchase credit card is a credit card issued by Chase Bank that you use to buy things now and pay for them later. When you use the card, the purchase goes on your bill. At the end of the month, Chase sends you a statement showing what you owe, and you choose how much to pay — the full balance, a minimum payment, or anything in between. If you don't pay the full balance, Chase charges you interest on what's left.
To open a Chase purchase card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number or ITIN, and have a current mailing address in the United States. Chase will check your credit history to decide whether to approve you and what interest rate to offer. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online, and you'll know whether you're approved right away.
Once approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using it as soon as it arrives, or you can set up it online before it comes if you want to set up automatic payments ahead of time.
Key Takeaways
- Chase purchase cards let you buy things and pay later, with interest charged only on the balance you don't pay off each month.
- You need to be 18 or older, have a valid Social Security number or ITIN, and live in the United States to open an account.
- Chase checks your credit history before approving you, so your interest rate depends on your credit score and payment history.
- The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you'll get an approval decision when ready or within a few days.
- Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can often use it online before it arrives if you set up it early.
What you need before you start the process
Gather these documents and information before you go to Chase's website. You'll move faster if you have them ready: your Social Security number or ITIN, your date of birth, your current address, and your phone number. Chase will also ask for your annual income — this is what you expect to earn in a year before taxes — so have a rough number in mind.
If you're explore online, have a valid email address ready. Chase will send you a confirmation email with your process number and next steps. If you've been approved, that email will also tell you when to expect your card and how to set up it.
You don't need to bring anything to a Chase branch if you explore online. If you choose to explore in person at a branch instead, bring your ID and Social Security card or ITIN document, but the online route is usually faster.
how the process works online at Chase
Go to Chase.com and look for the credit cards section. Find the purchase card you want — Chase offers several, with different rewards and benefits — and click "Learn More" or "Open Now." You'll be taken to an process page that asks for your personal information.
Fill in your name, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, current address, phone number, and email address. Chase will ask whether you rent or own your home, and how long you've lived at your current address. Answer honestly — Chase is checking your stability, not judging your housing.
Next, enter your annual income. This is the total you expect to earn before taxes in a year. If you're self-employed, use your net income from last year's tax return. If you're not working right now, you can include income from unemployment benefits, Social Security, or a spouse's income if you share finances — but be truthful about what applies to you.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Chase will tell you right away whether you're approved, denied, or pending review. If you're approved, write down your new card number and the customer service phone number on the confirmation screen — you'll need the card number to set up online access to your account.
What happens after you're approved
Your card is printed and mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can check the status of your card by logging into your Chase account online or calling the customer service number on your approval email.
While you wait for the physical card, you can set up online access to your account. Go to Chase.com, click "Sign In," then "Enroll Now" if you don't have a login yet. You'll need your card number (from the approval email) and your Social Security number. Once you're enrolled, you can view your account, set up automatic payments, and sometimes use your card number to make online purchases before the physical card arrives.
When the card arrives, sign the back of it. Then set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or by logging into your online account. set up usually takes less than a minute and confirms that you received the card and it's yours to use.
Understanding your credit score and approval odds
Chase looks at your credit score — a three-digit number that summarizes your history of borrowing and paying back money — to decide whether to approve you. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be approved and the lower your interest rate will be. Chase typically approves people with scores of 670 or higher for most purchase cards, though some cards require higher scores.
Your credit score comes from three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They track whether you've paid bills on time, how much debt you're carrying, and how long you've had credit accounts open. If you've never had a credit card or loan before, you may not have a score yet — in that case, Chase may still approve you, but you might get a higher interest rate or a lower credit limit.
You can check your own credit score for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the three bureaus. Knowing your score before you explore helps you understand your odds and choose a card that matches your credit profile.
Your credit limit and how to use it responsibly
When Chase approves you, they set a credit limit — the maximum amount you can charge to the card. This limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. A first-time cardholder might get a limit of $500 to $2,000. Someone with a longer credit history and higher income might get $5,000 or more. Chase can raise your limit later if you use the card responsibly and pay your bills on time.
Your credit limit is not information programs — it's the amount you're allowed to borrow. Every dollar you charge is a debt you owe to Chase. If you charge $1,000 and only pay $200, you owe $800 plus interest. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is usually between 18% and 27% for purchase cards, depending on your credit score.
To avoid debt and interest charges, try to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you can't pay it all, pay as much as you can — even paying more than the minimum saves you money on interest. You can set up automatic payments from your bank account so you never miss a due date.
What to do if you're denied
If Chase denies your process, they'll tell you why in a letter that arrives within a few days. Common reasons include a low credit score, a short credit history, or recent missed payments on other accounts. Being denied doesn't hurt your credit score, but the process itself (called a "hard inquiry") shows up on your credit report and can lower your score slightly for a few months.
If you were denied, you have a few options. You can wait a few months, work on improving your credit score, and explore again. You can explore for a different Chase card that's designed for people with lower credit scores. Or you can look at cards from other banks that have lower credit requirements. Many banks offer cards for people who are building credit or rebuilding after past problems.
You also have the right to know exactly what information Chase used to make the decision. If you believe there's an error on your credit report, you can dispute it with the credit bureau for free. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to request your free report and look for mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Chase purchase card?
Most people get an approval decision when ready when they finish the online process. Some applications go into review and take 1 to 3 business days. Chase will email you the decision and next steps. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I use my card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. After you're approved, you can log into your Chase account online and find your card number. Many online retailers accept this number for purchases. You can also call Chase customer service and ask about using your card number for phone orders. You just need to wait for the physical card to arrive before you can use it in stores.
What's the difference between the APR and my interest rate?
APR stands for annual percentage rate — it's the yearly cost of borrowing money on your card, shown as a percentage. Your interest rate is the same thing. If your APR is 20%, and you carry a $1,000 balance for a full year without paying it down, you'll owe about $200 in interest. But if you pay off your balance each month, you pay zero interest.
Can I increase my credit limit after I open the card?
Yes. After you've had the card for a few months and made on-time payments, you can request a higher limit. Log into your Chase account online, go to your card settings, and look for "Request Credit Limit Increase." Chase will tell you right away whether they'll raise it. Asking for an increase doesn't hurt your credit score if Chase does a "soft inquiry" instead of a hard one.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss your due date, Chase charges you a late fee (usually $25 to $35 for the first missed payment) and your interest rate may go up. The missed payment also shows up on your credit report and can lower your credit score. If you're going to miss a payment, call Chase right away — sometimes they can work with you or waive the fee if it's your first time.