What you need before you start

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card requires a completed process through Chase's website or mobile app, and the decision usually comes within minutes. You will need your Social Security number, current income, employment status, and a valid government ID to verify your identity. Have your address and phone number ready as well — Chase will ask for both.

Before you begin, check that you meet Chase's basic requirements: you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Security number. There is no minimum credit score published by Chase, but the card is designed for people with good to excellent credit (typically 670 or higher). If your credit is newer or lower, you may still receive an offer, but approval is less certain.

You do not need to carry a balance or have an existing Chase account to start. However, if you already bank with Chase, having an established account can sometimes speed up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online through Chase.com or the Chase mobile app in about 10 minutes, and most decisions arrive within minutes.
  • Have your Social Security number, current income, employment information, and government ID ready before you start.
  • The card is designed for people with good to excellent credit, though Chase does not publish a minimum score.
  • If you are denied, you can call the reconsideration line at the number on your denial letter to discuss your process with a specialist.
  • Once approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, and you can request expedited shipping for an additional fee.

Step-by-step process process

Go to Chase.com and click "explore Now" on the Sapphire Preferred card page, or open the Chase mobile app and navigate to the card offer. You will be taken to an process form that asks for personal information: your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Fill in each field exactly as it appears on your government ID.

Next, enter your Social Security number and answer questions about your employment. Chase will ask for your annual income, current job title, employer name, and how long you have been in your current role. Be honest — Chase verifies income through third-party databases and your credit report. If you are self-employed, use your net business income from your most recent tax return.

You will then confirm your citizenship status and agree to Chase's terms and conditions. Read the privacy notice; it explains how Chase uses your information. At the end, you will see a button to submit your process. Click it, and Chase will pull your credit report and make a decision.

What happens after you submit

Most applicants receive a decision within minutes. You will see a message on screen telling you whether you have been approved, denied, or placed under review. If approved, you will receive a confirmation number and instructions for setting up your online account. If you are under review, Chase will contact you by phone or email within one to two business days with next steps.

If you are denied, you will receive a letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent negative marks on your credit report, or income below Chase's threshold for this card. The letter will include a phone number for the reconsideration line — this is a real option. You can call that number and speak to a specialist who may be able to reverse the decision if you have new information or if there was an error in how your process was reviewed.

Once approved, your card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, you can request expedited shipping during the process process or by calling the number on your approval letter; expedited shipping usually costs $15 to $35 and arrives in 2 to 3 business days.

Activating your card and setting up your account

When your card arrives, you will find set up instructions in the envelope. You can set up it by calling the number on the back of the card, visiting Chase.com, or using the Chase mobile app. set up takes less than a minute and must be done before you can use the card.

After set up, log into your Chase online account to set up your preferences. You can add the card to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay), set up automatic payments, and review your rewards balance. The Chase app shows your available credit, recent transactions, and your rewards points in real time.

Understanding the annual fee and first-year benefits

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card carries a $95 annual fee, charged on the anniversary of your account opening. This fee is not waived in the first year — you pay it when ready upon approval. However, the card often comes with a sign-up bonus that more than covers this cost: typically 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months, which is worth roughly $750 to $900 depending on how you redeem.

Beyond the sign-up bonus, the card includes benefits like trip cancellation insurance, emergency medical and dental coverage abroad, and lost luggage reimbursement. These are included at no extra cost and are detailed in the benefits guide that arrives with your card. Review them so you know what is covered if you travel.

If you are denied or placed under review

A denial does not mean you cannot get this card. If Chase places your process under review, they are checking additional information — usually your income or recent credit history. Wait for their call or email rather than calling them; calling can sometimes slow the process. If you are denied, the reconsideration line is your next step.

When you call reconsideration, have your process number ready (it was in your denial letter). Explain your situation clearly: if your income has increased since you applied, if you have recently paid down debt, or if you believe there was an error in how your credit was reviewed. Some applicants are approved on reconsideration; others are told to reapply in 30 to 90 days after their credit profile improves. Both outcomes are normal.

If you are denied and do not want to pursue reconsideration, you can explore again, but Chase typically waits 30 days between applications from the same person. explore too soon may result in another denial and multiple hard inquiries on your credit report.

Common issues during the process

If your process times out or you lose your connection, go back to Chase.com and start again. Chase does not save incomplete applications, so you will need to re-enter your information. This will result in a second hard inquiry on your credit report, but Chase combines inquiries made within 14 days into a single inquiry for scoring purposes.

If you see a message saying "we need more information," Chase is asking you to verify your identity. You may be asked to provide a copy of your driver's license, passport, or other government ID. Follow the instructions in the message; most verification can be done through the Chase app by taking a photo of your ID. Verification usually takes 24 to 48 hours.

If you applied and then realized you made a mistake on your process (wrong address, wrong income), call Chase customer service when ready. They may be able to correct it before a decision is made. Once a decision is issued, you cannot change the process, but you can reapply after 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

Most applicants receive a decision within minutes of submitting their process online. If your process is placed under review, Chase will contact you within one to two business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, or 2 to 3 days if you pay for expedited shipping.

What credit score do I need for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

Chase does not publish a minimum credit score, but this card is designed for people with good to excellent credit, typically 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved, but it is less likely. If you are denied, the reconsideration line can sometimes help.

Can I explore if I already have another Chase credit card?

Yes. Having an existing Chase account does not prevent you from explore for the Sapphire Preferred. In fact, it may speed up the process because Chase already has some of your information on file. You can hold multiple Chase cards at the same time.

What if I am denied — can I reapply?

Yes, but Chase typically waits 30 days between applications from the same person. Before you reapply, call the reconsideration line on your denial letter — sometimes a specialist can reverse the decision. If you do reapply after 30 days, you will receive another hard inquiry on your credit report.

Do I have to pay the annual fee in the first year?

Yes. The $95 annual fee is charged when ready upon approval, not waived in the first year. However, the sign-up bonus (typically 60,000 points) is worth $750 to $900, which more than covers the fee if you meet the spending requirement.