The basic steps to open a Chase credit card account
You can open a Chase credit card in three ways: online through Chase.com, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in person at a Chase branch. Most people start online because it takes about 10 minutes and you get a decision on the spot or within a few days. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, annual income, and employment status. Chase will pull your credit report to check your credit score and history.
After you submit your information, Chase runs a hard inquiry on your credit file. This temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. If approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Chase sends a letter explaining why—usually because of low credit score, too many recent applications, or insufficient credit history. You can call the reconsideration line at 1-888-245-0625 within 30 days to ask a human reviewer to reconsider, though this rarely changes the outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Chase credit cards are opened online, by phone, or in a branch, and you'll get a decision within minutes to a few days.
- You need a Social Security number, proof of income, and a credit report; Chase will check your credit score and history before deciding.
- Different Chase cards have different credit score requirements—some start at 670, others require 750 or higher.
- Your card arrives 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can start using it online immediately if you set up digital wallet access.
- If denied, you can call the reconsideration line within 30 days, though approval odds are low without a significant change in your situation.
Which Chase card to choose based on your credit score
Chase offers cards at different credit tiers. The Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Sapphire Preferred typically require a credit score of 670 or higher. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and premium business cards usually need 750 or above. If your score is below 670, the Chase Secured Credit Card is designed for people building or rebuilding credit—it requires a cash deposit (usually $200 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit.
Your credit score is not the only factor. Chase also looks at your credit history length, how many accounts you have open, recent hard inquiries, and whether you've had late payments or collections. If you have a Chase checking or savings account, you may have a slightly better chance of approval because Chase already has your banking history. You can check your own credit score free through Chase's credit journey tool if you have a Chase account, or through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only federally mandated free source.
What happens during the application process
When you apply online, you'll enter personal information, income, and employment details. Chase asks whether you want to link the card to an existing Chase account or open a new one. If you're opening a new account, you'll also set up online banking access. The system then checks your identity, pulls your credit report, and makes an instant or near-instant decision. Some applications go to manual review, which takes 1 to 3 business days.
If approved instantly, you can add the card to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) the same day and use it for online and contactless purchases before the physical card arrives. If your application is pending, Chase will call or email you within 24 to 48 hours asking for additional information—usually income verification or clarification on your employment. Respond quickly; applications can be denied if Chase can't reach you.
Income and employment verification
Chase asks for annual income, which includes salary, wages, self-employment income, investment income, and benefits like Social Security or disability. You don't have to provide a pay stub or tax return at the time of application, but Chase may ask for one later if your application goes to manual review. If you're self-employed, have variable income, or receive benefits, write down your average annual income over the past 12 months.
Employment status matters less than income. Chase accepts W-2 employees, self-employed people, retirees, students with income, and people receiving disability or unemployment benefits. If you're unemployed with no income, you can list a spouse's income if you're married and live in a community property state (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin). Otherwise, you'll need your own income to be approved.
What to do if you're denied
A denial usually means your credit score is too low, you have too many recent applications (more than 2 to 3 in 90 days), you have recent late payments or collections, or your income is too low relative to your debt. Chase sends a letter within 30 days explaining the specific reason. Read it carefully—it tells you whether to reapply later or try a different card.
Call the reconsideration line at 1-888-245-0625 within 30 days if you believe there's an error or if your situation has changed. A representative can sometimes override an automated denial, but this works only if you have a legitimate reason—like a recent raise, a paid-off debt, or an error on your credit report. If you were denied for credit score, waiting 3 to 6 months and reapplying after your score improves is more effective than reconsideration. If you were denied for too many recent applications, wait at least 90 days before applying again.
Using your card immediately after approval
Once approved, you can use your card online or in stores before the physical card arrives. Add it to your digital wallet through the Chase mobile app—tap "Add to Wallet," select Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, and you can pay with your phone within minutes. Your card number, expiration date, and CVV appear in the app under "Card Details" once the account is fully activated.
The physical card ships to your mailing address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, activate it through the app or by calling the number on the back. Your credit limit appears in your account immediately after approval, and you can start charging right away. Your first statement closes 21 to 25 days after your first purchase, and payment is due about 21 days after that.
Protecting yourself during the application process
Only apply through Chase.com, the official Chase mobile app, or by calling 1-800-935-9935. Fraudulent websites and emails impersonating Chase are common. If you receive an email asking you to apply for a Chase card, ignore it—Chase does not recruit customers through unsolicited email. Check the URL carefully: it must be chase.com, not chase-credit.com or similar variations.
After you apply, monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts. You can check your report free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If someone applied for a card in your name without permission, contact the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your file. This requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Chase credit card?
Most applications get an instant or same-day decision online. Some go to manual review and take 1 to 3 business days. Chase may call or email asking for more information, which can extend the timeline to 5 to 7 business days. Once approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I apply for multiple Chase cards at the same time?
Yes, but Chase has an unofficial rule called the "5/24 rule"—if you've opened 5 or more credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny you. Applying for two Chase cards on the same day counts as two applications and may trigger additional review. Wait at least 30 days between applications to different issuers.
What credit score do I need for a Chase credit card?
Most Chase cards require 670 or higher. Premium cards like the Sapphire Reserve typically need 750 or above. If your score is below 670, the Chase Secured Credit Card is designed for you and requires a cash deposit. Check your score free through Chase's credit journey tool or AnnualCreditReport.com before applying.
Do I need a Chase bank account to get a Chase credit card?
No, but having one may slightly improve your odds of approval because Chase can see your banking history. You can open a credit card without a Chase bank account. If approved, you can link it to an existing bank account for automatic payments.
What happens if I'm denied and want to try again?
Call reconsideration at 1-888-245-0625 within 30 days if your situation has changed. Otherwise, wait 3 to 6 months for your credit score to improve, or wait 90 days if you were denied for too many recent applications. Reapplying too soon usually results in another denial.