What the Chase Call Credit Card is and who it's for
The Chase Call Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Chase Bank that focuses on cash back in specific spending categories. Unlike some rewards cards that offer points you redeem for travel or merchandise, this card returns a percentage of what you spend as cash back directly to your account.
This card is designed for people who spend regularly in categories like groceries, gas, or dining and want to see a direct return on that spending. It's not a card for building credit from scratch — Chase typically approves people who already have a credit history and a score in the good to excellent range.
The card carries an annual fee, which means you need to use it enough to earn back more in cash back than you pay to hold it. If you rarely use credit cards or only charge a few hundred dollars a year, this card probably won't save you money.
Key Takeaways
- The Chase Call Credit Card earns cash back in rotating categories and on everyday purchases, but the exact rates and categories change — check Chase's website for current terms before you decide.
- The card has an annual fee that you pay whether you use it or not, so you need to earn enough cash back to cover that cost and come out ahead.
- Chase requires a good credit score to approve this card, typically 670 or higher, and will check your credit report when you request it.
- Cash back appears as a statement credit or can be deposited to your bank account, and it does not expire as long as your account stays open.
- If you carry a balance month to month, the interest you pay will almost always exceed any cash back you earn, making the card expensive rather than rewarding.
How cash back works on this card
Cash back on the Chase Call Credit Card comes in two forms: a flat rate on all purchases and higher rates in rotating categories that change each quarter. For example, you might earn 1% cash back on everything, plus 5% on groceries for three months, then 5% on gas for the next three months.
The rotating categories have a spending cap — once you hit it (often $1,500 per quarter), the rate drops back to the base 1%. This means the card rewards people who plan their spending but doesn't pay unlimited 5% cash back on everything you buy.
You earn cash back on the full purchase amount, including tax. If you spend $100 at a grocery store and earn 5% cash back, you get $5 back. The cash back posts to your account monthly and can stay there indefinitely or be transferred to a linked bank account.
The annual fee and when it makes sense to keep the card
The Chase Call Credit Card charges an annual fee that varies depending on the specific version of the card. You pay this fee once per year, usually on your card anniversary, whether you use the card or not.
To decide if the card is worth keeping, do this math: add up what you spent in the highest-earning categories over the past year, multiply by the cash back rate, and subtract the annual fee. If the result is positive, the card paid for itself. If it's negative or close to zero, you're better off with a card that has no annual fee.
For example, if you spent $10,000 in rotating categories at 5% cash back, you'd earn $500. If the annual fee is $95, you keep $405. But if you only spent $2,000 in those categories, you'd earn $100 — not enough to cover the fee.
Credit score requirements and what happens when you request the card
Chase typically approves the Call Credit Card for people with a credit score of 670 or higher. Your score reflects your history of paying bills on time, how much debt you carry, and how long you've had credit accounts open.
When you request the card, Chase will pull your credit report from one or more of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This pull, called a hard inquiry, temporarily lowers your score by a few points — usually between 5 and 10 points — and stays on your report for about two years.
If your score is below 670, you can still request the card, but Chase will likely decline. In that case, you might focus on building your score first by paying bills on time and reducing balances on existing cards, then requesting this card in six months or a year.
Interest rates and why carrying a balance defeats the purpose
The Chase Call Credit Card charges interest on any balance you don't pay off in full each month. The rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions, but it typically ranges from 18% to 28% annually.
If you carry a $1,000 balance for one month at 22% interest, you'll pay roughly $18 in interest charges. Even if you earned 5% cash back on that $1,000 purchase, you'd only get $50 back — but the interest cost eats into that gain. Over multiple months, interest charges quickly exceed any cash back you earn.
This card only makes financial sense if you pay the full statement balance every month. If you're considering this card because you need to spread payments over time, a different card or a personal loan would be a better fit.
How to compare this card to other rewards cards
Before requesting the Chase Call Credit Card, compare it to other cash back cards with no annual fee or lower annual fees. Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Capital One SavorOne offer cash back without an annual fee, though the rates are typically lower (1% to 2% instead of 5%).
The question is whether the higher rates on the Call card make up for the annual fee. If you spend heavily in the rotating categories and can hit the spending caps, the Call card might come out ahead. If your spending is spread across many categories or you spend less than $5,000 per year on the card, a no-fee card will likely save you money.
Also consider whether you value simplicity. A no-fee card with a flat 2% cash back rate requires no tracking of rotating categories or spending caps. Some people find that easier to manage than remembering which category is active each quarter.
What to do if your request is declined
If Chase declines your request, you have a few options. You can request reconsideration by calling Chase directly within 30 days — sometimes a representative can approve you even if the automated system declined.
You can also wait and request again after your credit score improves. Focus on paying all bills on time, reducing balances on existing cards, and not requesting other new cards for at least three to six months. Each new request triggers a hard inquiry, and multiple inquiries in a short time can lower your score further.
In the meantime, consider a rewards card with lower credit score requirements, such as the Capital One Quicksilver or the Discover it Secured card. These cards can help you build credit while you earn cash back, and you can request the Chase Call card later when your score is stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cash back expire if I don't use it?
No. Cash back stays in your account as long as your card account remains open. If you close the card, you lose any unused cash back, so cash out or use it as a statement credit before closing.
Can I transfer my cash back to a different bank account?
Yes. Most versions of the Chase Call Credit Card let you transfer cash back to a linked bank account, usually within one to three business days. You can also use it as a statement credit to reduce your bill.
What happens to my cash back if I miss a payment?
Missing a payment doesn't erase your cash back, but it will damage your credit score and trigger late fees and interest charges. Your cash back remains in your account, but the cost of the missed payment far outweighs any reward.
Do I earn cash back on balance transfers or cash advances?
No. Cash back only applies to regular purchases. Balance transfers and cash advances do not earn rewards and usually carry higher interest rates and fees.
Can I request this card if I'm new to credit?
Probably not. Chase typically requires at least a few years of credit history and a score of 670 or higher. If you're new to credit, start with a secured card or a card designed for people building credit, then request the Chase Call card once your score reaches 670.