What Chase Credit Cards Offer

Chase offers more than 20 credit cards across different spending patterns and financial situations. Some cards focus on cash back rewards, others on travel points, and some on building credit with lower barriers to entry. Each card has its own annual fee (ranging from $0 to several hundred dollars), interest rate, and rewards structure.

The cards fall into a few broad groups: cash back cards that return a percentage of what you spend; travel cards that earn points for flights and hotels; business cards for self-employed people and small companies; and cards designed for people rebuilding credit or new to credit. Chase also offers secured cards, where you put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit.

Before you explore, you should know that Chase typically pulls your credit report (a hard inquiry) and checks your credit score. This can temporarily lower your score by a few points. Chase also has rules about how many cards you can open in a certain timeframe—opening too many cards quickly can result in a denial.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase credit cards come in cash back, travel rewards, business, and credit-building varieties, each with different annual fees and earning rates.
  • You can explore online through Chase's website, and most decisions come within minutes to a few days.
  • Activating your card usually means calling the number on the back of the card or using the Chase mobile app once it arrives in the mail.
  • Chase allows you to pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments, and you can set up alerts for due dates and payment reminders.
  • If you are denied, you can call the reconsideration line to discuss your process or wait and reapply after your credit improves.

how the process works for a Chase Credit Card Online

Start on Chase's website and browse the card options that match your spending habits. Read the rewards structure, annual fee, and any introductory offers (like a bonus if you spend a certain amount in the first few months). Once you pick a card, click "explore Now."

You will be asked for personal information: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. You will also enter your employment status, annual income, and housing payment (rent or mortgage). Chase uses this information to check your credit and assess your ability to pay. Be honest—Chase verifies income and can deny you if the information does not match their records.

After you submit, Chase will tell you the decision right away or within a few days. If approved, you will receive a confirmation number and instructions on when your card will arrive. If denied, you will see the reason (usually "credit score too low" or "too many recent inquiries"). You can call Chase's reconsideration line at the number on the denial letter to ask if they will reconsider, or you can wait a few months and reapply.

Activating Your Chase Card When It Arrives

Your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Before you use it, you must set up it. You can do this three ways: call the number printed on the back of the card, use the Chase mobile app (log in and follow the set up prompt), or go to Chase.com and log into your account.

set up is when ready and takes less than a minute. Once activated, you can use the card when ready for purchases. If you do not set up within 30 days, Chase may close the account, so do not delay.

At the same time, set up online access to your account if you have not already. You will need your card number and a PIN or password. This lets you check your balance, make payments, and set up alerts without calling.

Making Payments and Managing Your Balance

Your payment due date appears on your monthly statement and is usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. You can pay in four ways: online through Chase.com or the app, by phone at the number on your statement, by mail (send a check to the address on your bill), or by setting up automatic payments.

Automatic payments are the safest option because you will never miss a due date. You can set them to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you choose. Set this up in the Chase app under "Payments" or on Chase.com under "Autopay."

If you carry a balance (do not pay the full amount), you will be charged interest at the card's annual percentage rate (APR). This rate varies by card and by your creditworthiness. You can see your current APR on your statement or in your online account. Paying only the minimum keeps your account in good standing but costs you more in interest over time.

Chase offers payment alerts: you can get a text or email reminder a few days before your due date, or if your balance reaches a certain amount. Turn these on in your account settings.

Understanding Chase Rewards and Bonuses

Most Chase cards earn rewards on every purchase. Cash back cards return a flat percentage (like 1.5% on everything) or different rates for different categories (like 3% on dining, 1% on everything else). Travel cards earn points per dollar spent, and those points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or statement credits.

Many Chase cards also offer a sign-up bonus: you earn extra points or cash back if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. For example, a card might offer 50,000 bonus points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months. This bonus is usually the best value on the card, so plan your spending to reach it if you can.

Rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. You can redeem them through your Chase account whenever you want. Some cards let you redeem directly for a statement credit (the easiest option), while others require you to book travel through Chase's website or transfer points to a partner airline or hotel.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment or Run Into Trouble

If you miss your due date, Chase will charge a late fee (usually $25 to $40 for the first late payment, more for repeat offenses) and may raise your interest rate. A payment 30 days late will show up on your credit report and damage your credit score.

If you are struggling to pay, call Chase before your due date. They may offer a hardship program that lowers your interest rate or lets you skip a payment. This is better than missing a payment, which has lasting credit consequences.

If your card is closed due to non-payment, you still owe the balance. Chase will continue to try to collect, and the debt may be sold to a collection agency. This will stay on your credit report for seven years.

Closing a Chase Card or Managing Multiple Cards

If you want to close a card, pay off the balance first, then call Chase or request closure through your online account. Closing a card does not erase it from your credit history, but it does lower the total credit available to you, which can slightly raise your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe divided by your total credit limit). This may lower your credit score a small amount.

If you have multiple Chase cards, you can manage them all from one login on Chase.com or the app. You can set up separate automatic payments for each card or pay them all at once. Chase also lets you move credit limits between cards if you have more than one.

Opening many cards in a short time can hurt your credit score and may result in denials from Chase or other lenders. Most people should wait at least three to six months between applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Chase credit card?

Most decisions come within minutes to a few hours if you explore online. Some applications go into review and take a few days. Chase will email you the decision or ask you to check your account online. You can also call the number on your approval letter to check status.

Can I use my Chase card before it arrives in the mail?

No. You must wait for the physical card to arrive and set up it before you can use it. Some Chase cards offer a temporary digital card number in the app that you can use for online purchases while you wait, but this is not available on all cards. Check your account after approval to see if this option is available.

What should I do if I am denied for a Chase card?

Call the reconsideration line (the number is on your denial letter) within 30 days and ask if Chase will reconsider. Be ready to explain your income and credit situation. If they deny you again, wait at least three to six months, work on raising your credit score, and reapply. You can also start with a Chase secured card, which requires a cash deposit and is easier to get.

Can I change my credit limit after I open the card?

Yes. Log into your Chase account and request a credit limit increase. Chase may approve it when ready or ask you to call. You can also request a decrease if you want to lower your available credit. Requesting an increase may trigger a hard inquiry, which can lower your score slightly.

What happens to my rewards if I close my card?

Your rewards stay in your account and do not expire. You can redeem them anytime after closing the card. However, some sign-up bonuses may be forfeited if you close the card within a certain timeframe (usually one year), so check your card's terms before closing.