What happens when you submit a Chase Sapphire Preferred request
When you request the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you go through Chase's standard review process. You'll provide personal information — name, address, income, employment — and Chase pulls your credit report to assess risk. The decision usually comes within minutes to a few days. If approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, and you can start earning rewards on travel and dining purchases right away.
The card carries an annual fee of $95, charged to your account each year. You get that fee back in statement credits if you use the card's travel protections or transfer points to airline and hotel partners. Most people who use the card for regular travel expenses cover the fee within the first few months.
Chase also offers a sign-up bonus: typically 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. That bonus alone is worth roughly $750 to $900 in travel value, depending on how you redeem the points. The bonus resets every 24 months if you close and reopen the card, though Chase's current rules require you to wait before requesting again.
Key Takeaways
- You need a credit score of roughly 670 or higher, though Chase prefers scores above 700 for approval.
- The $95 annual fee is offset by a $50 travel credit and $50 dining credit each year, plus the sign-up bonus covers the fee for the first two years.
- You'll need to provide income, employment, and Social Security number during the request process, which takes 5 to 10 minutes online.
- Chase reviews your credit report and recent credit inquiries, so multiple requests in a short period can lower your approval odds.
Credit score and credit history requirements
Chase typically approves the Sapphire Preferred for people with credit scores of 670 and above, though approval is more common with scores above 700. Your score reflects your payment history, how much credit you're using, and how long you've had accounts open. If your score is below 670, you're less likely to be approved, but it's not automatic rejection — Chase also looks at your income and recent credit activity.
Chase also checks how many credit inquiries you've had in the past 6 to 12 months. If you've requested multiple cards recently, Chase may decline you even with a good score. Most people wait at least 3 months between requests to avoid this. If you were declined, you can request again after 30 days, though waiting 90 days gives your credit report time to improve.
Information you'll need to provide
Have your Social Security number, current address, and employment information ready. You'll also need to know your annual income — this includes salary, self-employment income, and other regular sources. Chase uses income to assess whether you can handle the credit limit they're considering.
If you have a Chase checking or savings account, that can speed up the process slightly. Chase already has some of your information on file, so verification is faster. You don't need to have an existing account to request the card, but it doesn't hurt.
How to request online versus in a branch
The fastest route is Chase's website or mobile app. You fill out the request form, submit it, and get a decision within minutes in most cases. The form takes about 5 to 10 minutes and asks for the information listed above. You can request from any device, and there's no appointment needed.
You can also visit a Chase branch in person and request with a banker. This takes longer — usually 20 to 30 minutes — but some people prefer it if they have questions or want to discuss the card's features before committing. Branch staff can also check your credit score estimate before you request, so you know your odds beforehand.
What to do if you're declined
If Chase declines your request, you'll receive a letter explaining the main reason — usually credit score, recent inquiries, or income. Read that letter carefully, because it tells you what to address. If the reason was credit score, you can work on paying down existing balances and making on-time payments for 30 to 90 days, then request again.
If the reason was too many recent inquiries, wait at least 90 days before requesting again. If the reason was income, you may need to wait until your income increases or provide documentation of additional income sources. You can also call Chase's reconsideration line within 30 days of the decline and ask them to review your request again, especially if your circumstances have changed.
Understanding the rewards structure and annual fee
The Sapphire Preferred earns 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Points are worth about 1.25 cents each when you transfer them to airline and hotel partners, or 1 cent each when you redeem them for cash back. That means a $100 dinner earns 200 points, worth roughly $2.50 in travel value.
The $95 annual fee comes with $50 in travel credits and $50 in dining credits each year, both automatic. That brings your net cost to $0 if you use both credits. The sign-up bonus of 60,000 points is worth roughly $750 to $900 in travel value, which covers the annual fee for the first two years and then some. After that, the card makes sense if you spend at least $4,000 per year on travel and dining — that spending alone generates enough points to cover the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Chase typically approves people with scores of 670 or higher, though approval is more common above 700. Your exact score isn't the only factor — Chase also considers your income, employment history, and how many recent credit inquiries you have. If your score is below 670, you can still request, but your odds are lower.
How long does the decision take?
Most decisions come within minutes if you request online. Some requests go to manual review and take 1 to 3 business days. Chase will contact you by phone or email if they need more information. You can also check your status by logging into your Chase account or calling the number on your request confirmation.
Can I request if I already have another Chase card?
Yes. Having another Chase card doesn't disqualify you. In fact, if you've had a good payment history with Chase, it may improve your odds. Chase does limit how many cards you can request in a certain period — typically no more than one every 30 days — so space out your requests if you're planning multiple cards.
What happens if I don't meet the sign-up bonus spending requirement?
You straightforward don't earn the bonus. The bonus is only paid once you spend the required amount within the timeframe — usually $4,000 in three months. If you spend $3,500, you earn nothing. You still keep the card and earn regular rewards on all purchases, and you can try for the bonus again if you close and reopen the card after 24 months.
Is there a way to waive the annual fee?
Chase doesn't waive the annual fee for most cardholders, but the $50 travel and $50 dining credits effectively reduce it to $0 if you use both. Some people close the card after the first year if they don't think they'll use it enough to justify keeping it, then request again later to earn the sign-up bonus again.