The process process takes 10 to 15 minutes online, and Chase tells you within seconds whether you are approved, pending review, or denied
Chase offers two main routes: online through their website or mobile app, or in person at a Chase branch. The online path is faster and available 24/7. You will need your Social Security number, annual income, employment status, and current address. Chase pulls your credit report during the process, so the decision is usually when ready — though some applications go to pending review and take a few business days.
If you are denied, you can call the reconsideration line within 30 days to discuss the decision with a human. Many people are approved on reconsideration after explaining their situation or providing additional income information. The in-person route at a branch takes longer but can help if you have questions or prefer to talk through options with a banker.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications are decided in seconds; pending decisions usually resolve within three business days.
- You need your Social Security number, income, employment details, and current address before you start.
- If denied, call the reconsideration line within 30 days — many denials are overturned with additional information.
- Chase pulls your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points, but the impact fades within weeks.
- New cardholders can use their card number when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives.
What you need before you begin
Gather these documents or information before opening the process: your Social Security number, current annual income (from employment, self-employment, or other sources), your job title and employer name, your current address, and your phone number. Chase also asks whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Have this ready so you do not have to stop mid-process.
If you are self-employed or have variable income, use your most recent year's tax return or a reasonable estimate of what you expect to earn this year. Chase does not verify income during the process for most cards, but they may ask for proof later if your income seems inconsistent with your credit history.
explore online through Chase.com or the mobile app
Go to Chase.com and search for the card you want, or open the Chase mobile app and tap the cards section. Click the button to begin the process. You will enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then you will provide your Social Security number, annual income, employment status, and whether you have an existing Chase bank account.
Chase will ask about your citizenship and whether you want to link the new card to an existing Chase checking account. If you do not have a Chase bank account, you can still open a credit card — the accounts are separate. After you submit, Chase pulls your credit report and displays a decision on screen within seconds. Write down your process reference number before you close the page, even if you are approved.
If you are approved, you can use your card number when ready in the app or online, or request a temporary digital card number. The physical card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If the decision is pending, Chase will call or email you within three business days with next steps.
explore in person at a Chase branch
Bring a government-issued ID and proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Tell the banker which card you are interested in, and they will walk you through the process on their computer or tablet. The process is the same — they enter your information, pull your credit report, and you get a decision within minutes.
The advantage of explore in person is that you can ask questions about card features, rewards, and annual fees before you commit. If you are denied, the banker can sometimes call the reconsideration team on your behalf while you are still there. If you are approved, the banker can order your card to be mailed or, at some branches, print a temporary card on the spot.
What happens if you are denied
Chase sends a denial letter within 7 to 10 business days that explains the reason — usually insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or a low credit score. You have 30 days from the process date to call the reconsideration line at the number on the letter. Have your process reference number ready.
When you call, explain your situation: if your income is higher than what you entered, if you have paid off recent debt, or if you have a relationship with Chase (a checking account, for example). Reconsideration specialists can sometimes override a denial or offer you a different Chase card with lower requirements. If they deny you again, ask what you need to do to be approved in the future — usually it is building credit history or waiting a few months before reapplying.
How the credit pull affects your score
Chase performs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which appears on your credit report for two years and typically lowers your score by 5 to 10 points. The impact is temporary — it fades within a few weeks as long as you do not explore for multiple cards in a short time. Multiple applications within 30 days may be treated as a single inquiry by some credit bureaus, but it is safer to space applications out by at least a few weeks if you are concerned about your score.
If you are denied and call reconsideration, that call does not trigger another hard inquiry. Reconsideration specialists can review your existing process without pulling your report again.
After you are approved: next steps
Once approved, log into your Chase account online or in the app to set up your card and set a PIN. You can use your card number when ready for online and phone purchases. The physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days; if you need it faster, some Chase branches can print a temporary card or expedite shipping for a fee.
Review your card agreement and rewards structure so you understand your cash back rate, annual fee (if any), and any introductory offers. Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment to avoid missing a due date. If you have a Chase checking account, you can link the credit card to it for straightforward payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hear back if my process is pending?
Most pending decisions resolve within three business days. Chase will call or email you with the outcome. If you do not hear back after three days, you can call the number on your process reference letter to check the status.
Can I explore for multiple Chase cards at the same time?
Yes, but each process triggers a hard inquiry. Chase's rules do not prevent you from explore for two cards on the same day, but doing so may lower your approval odds on the second card. Many people space applications out by at least 30 days to minimize the impact on their credit score.
What if I entered my income wrong on the process?
If you are approved, you cannot change it after the fact. If you are denied or pending, call reconsideration and provide the correct figure. If you are approved but your income was significantly understated, you can update it in your account later — it may increase your credit limit.
Do I have to set up my card before I use it?
You can use your card number online or by phone when ready after approval, even before set up. However, you must set up the physical card before you can use it in stores. set up is straightforward — log into your account, call the number on the back of the card, or use the Chase app.
What happens if I am approved but change my mind?
You can decline the card or close it after it arrives. If you close it within 30 days, Chase may waive the annual fee if there is one. Closing a new card does not hurt your credit much, but closing older cards can lower your score, so think carefully before declining.