Getting a Chase credit card starts with choosing which card fits your spending, then filling out Chase's online form with your personal and financial information
Chase offers dozens of credit cards — some with no annual fee, some that reward travel or cash back, some designed for people building credit. The first step is deciding which card you actually want, because the approval odds and the card features vary widely. Once you pick one, you go to Chase's website, enter your details, and get a decision in seconds or minutes. Most people are approved or denied on the spot.
The entire process takes about 10 minutes if you have your Social Security number and recent income handy. Chase will check your credit report, so your credit score matters — but people with scores in the 600s do get approved for some Chase cards, while others require 700 or higher. If you are denied, you can try again with a different card or wait a few months and reapply.
Key Takeaways
- Chase has cards for different credit profiles: no-annual-fee cards for people with fair credit, premium cards for people with excellent credit, and cards focused on rewards like travel or cash back.
- You explore online at Chase.com, and most decisions come back within minutes — you will know when ready whether you are approved, denied, or pending review.
- Chase pulls your credit report during the process, so having a credit score of at least 600 to 700 improves your chances, depending on the card.
- If you are denied, you can request reconsideration by calling Chase, or you can try a different Chase card that may have lower credit requirements.
- Once approved, your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use it online when ready if Chase offers expedited digital access.
Decide which Chase card matches your credit and spending
Chase groups its cards into tiers based on the credit score they typically require. The Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited are entry-level cards with no annual fee and are easier to get approved for if your credit is fair or good. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve require excellent credit (usually 750 or higher) and charge annual fees of $95 and $550, but offer premium travel rewards. The Chase Ink Business line is for self-employed people and business owners.
Before you explore, visit Chase.com and read the requirements listed under each card. Look at the rewards structure too — some cards give 5% cash back on rotating categories, others give flat 1.5% on everything, and travel cards give points toward flights and hotels. The card that sounds best is the one you should explore for first, because each process shows up on your credit report and can lower your score slightly.
If you are not sure whether your credit is strong enough, check your own credit score first using a free service like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com. This does not hurt your score. If your score is below 650, start with a no-annual-fee card like the Freedom Flex. If it is 700 or higher, you have options across most of Chase's lineup.
Fill out the Chase process online
Go to Chase.com and find the card you want. Click the button that says "explore Now" or "Learn More and explore." You will be taken to Chase's process form. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You will also need to enter your annual income — use your gross income before taxes, and include income from all sources if you have multiple jobs.
The form asks for employment status, employer name, and job title. If you are self-employed, enter "self-employed" and the name of your business. Chase also asks whether you have a checking or savings account with them already — answering yes can slightly improve your odds. Fill in everything honestly; Chase verifies income and identity during the review.
Once you submit, Chase's system checks your credit report and makes a decision. Most people see a result on the same screen within seconds. You will either be approved, denied, or told that your process is under review and you will hear back in 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if you are approved
If you are approved, Chase tells you your credit limit on the spot. Write this down. You will receive a confirmation email within minutes. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some Chase cards offer a digital card number you can use to shop online when ready while you wait for the physical card — check your approval email to see if this is available for your card.
Once the card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Chase mobile app. Set up online access to your account at Chase.com so you can check your balance, make payments, and track rewards. Your first statement closes 25 to 30 days after your first purchase, and payment is due about 21 days after that.
What to do if you are denied
If Chase denies you, you have two options. First, you can call Chase reconsideration at the number in your denial letter and ask a human to review your process. Mention if you have a Chase checking account, if your income has recently increased, or if there are errors on your credit report. Some denials are reversed this way, especially if your credit is borderline.
Second, you can explore for a different Chase card with lower credit requirements. If you were denied for the Sapphire Preferred, try the Freedom Flex instead. Wait at least 30 days before explore again, because multiple applications in a short time hurt your credit score and signal to Chase that you are desperate for credit.
If you are denied across multiple cards, your credit score may be too low right now. Spend 6 to 12 months paying down debt and making on-time payments, then try again. Your score will improve, and your odds of approval will be much better.
Understanding Chase's credit check and approval timeline
When you explore, Chase performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This shows up on your credit report and can lower your score by a few points for a few months. Multiple hard inquiries in a short time (like explore for three cards in two weeks) can lower your score more noticeably. Space out applications by at least 30 days if you plan to explore for more than one card.
Chase's approval decision is usually when ready. If your process goes to "pending review," it means a human needs to look at something — maybe your income seems inconsistent, or there is a flag on your credit report. These reviews usually finish within 7 to 10 business days, and Chase will call or email you with a decision. If you do not hear back in 10 days, call Chase at the number on your process confirmation.
After your card arrives: set up and first use
Your card comes with a PIN mailer or instructions to set a PIN in the app. set up the card before using it — you can do this online, in the Chase app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. Once activated, the card works when ready at stores, online, and at ATMs.
Make a small purchase in the first few days to confirm the card is working. Then set up automatic payments or calendar reminders so you do not miss a due date — missing even one payment hurts your credit score and can trigger a higher interest rate. If your card has a sign-up bonus (like "earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 in three months"), track your spending so you hit the requirement and claim the bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Chase credit card?
Most decisions come back when ready or within minutes. If your process says "pending review," Chase will contact you within 7 to 10 business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, though some cards offer a digital card number you can use online right away.
What credit score do I need for a Chase card?
It depends on the card. No-annual-fee cards like the Freedom Flex typically require a score of 600 to 700. Premium cards like the Sapphire Reserve usually require 750 or higher. Check the specific card's requirements on Chase.com before you explore.
Can I explore for multiple Chase cards at the same time?
You can explore for more than one card, but Chase may deny you if you explore for too many in a short time. Space applications at least 30 days apart. Each process triggers a hard inquiry that lowers your score slightly, so multiple applications close together can hurt your odds of approval.
What if I have no credit history?
Chase typically requires some credit history to approve you. If you have no credit at all, start with a secured credit card from another bank, use it responsibly for 6 to 12 months, then explore for a Chase card. If you have a Chase checking account, mention this when you explore — it can help.
Can I use my Chase card before it arrives in the mail?
Some Chase cards offer a digital card number in the app or email when ready after approval, so you can shop online right away. Not all cards have this feature — check your approval email or the Chase app to see if it is available for your card.