Chase is known for its attractive rewards credit cards, especially for frequent travelers looking to rack up the cash back. Chase has several options to choose from, and each one comes with unique pros and cons.
Keep reading to find out how prequalification works and which card to focus on.
In this guide:
What does it mean to prequalify for a credit card?
Prequalification for a credit card means the creditor has reviewed your general financial profile and has one or more cards you may be eligible for. You must still submit a formal application and undergo the approval process.
You might get a Chase prequalification notice in one of two ways:
- Submit a prequalification request. You can do this online by entering a few personal details and the last four digits of your Social Security number for a soft credit check.
- Get a credit card offer in the mail. The credit card company screens leads and then sends you an invitation to apply online or over the phone.
Andrew Steger, CFP®, mentions two notable benefits: “Prequalification can help applicants avoid applying for cards they’re unlikely to be approved for. Moreover, prequalification minimizes hard credit checks because it doesn’t show up on your credit report until you submit a formal application.”
4 ways to prequalify for a Chase credit card
You can prequalify for a Chase credit card in several ways. Here are the four main routes most applicants take.
Mail or email
Chase regularly puts out feelers for potential customers. Check your mailbox and inbox. Both may have prequalification letters waiting for you.
Online preapproval tool
Chase has an online preapproval tool that won’t hurt your credit score and only takes a few moments to use.
Just input:
- Your name
- Your address
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
Then check the box at the bottom of the page stating you understand that you’re not formally applying for a credit card, and you’re good to go.
Check your Chase account
If you’re already a Chase customer, your online portal likely has prequalification tools and notifications in the “Just for You” section.
You might have seen special offers in your account after logging in. Take a look at your home page because Chase may already be a few steps ahead of you.
Visit a local branch
It will help if you already have a relationship with Chase, but you may have an easier job getting prequalified if you visit a local branch.
Even if you don’t bank with Chase, speaking one-on-one with an accounts manager may give them a better picture of your financial situation. Plus, they may be able to steer you toward the best card for your needs while you’re there.
Chase credit cards to prequalify for
Chase offers an easy-to-use online prequalification tool. Just enter your details once for a soft credit pull, and see all the Chase credit card options you’re eligible to apply for:
Source: Chase
Andrew Steger, CFP®, recommends ensuring the prequalification offer you’re viewing is recent because some prequalifications are only good for a set number of days or have expiration dates.
Here are five Chase credit cards that may show up on a prequalification offer:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
- 5% cash back on travel spending
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance on travel purchases
- No expiration on cash back rewards
Chase Freedom Unlimited gives you plenty of opportunities to earn cash back, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.
Its solid introductory APR offer is available for purchases and balance transfers, so if you’re a traveler who needs to make a large purchase or transfer debt, this could be the right card for you.
- Minimum credit score: 670
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months
- APR: 20.49% – 29.24% (as of October 2023)
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: 1.5% – 5% cash back in different purchase categories
Chase Freedom Flex
- Quarterly categories rotate to earn 5% cash back
- Travel purchases also earn 5%
- Fees apply to balance transfers
Another no-fee credit card, the Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back on travel and purchases from retailers that rotate each quarter. Previous partners include Target, Amazon, Lowe’s, and PayPal.
It’s similar to the Freedom Unlimited card but not as focused on travel. If you don’t travel much but think you would use the other perks we mentioned above, consider this card.
- Minimum credit score: 670
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months
- APR: 20.49% – 29.24% (as of October 2023)
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: 1% to 5% cash back on purchases
Chase Freedom Rise
- Connect to your digital wallet to use the same day you get approved
- Eligible for a credit line increase after six months
- Free credit score tracking available
Designed for building credit, Chase Freedom Rise is terrific for first-time credit card holders. There’s no fee, and you can earn a $25 statement credit if you enroll in automatic payments.
This card might be an excellent choice if you don’t yet qualify for the other Chase Freedom cards but aim to increase your credit score so you’re eligible for credit in the coming months and years.
- Minimum credit score: No minimum
- Intro APR: N/A
- APR: 26.99% (as of October 2023)
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Multiple ways to earn points with travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1:1 point transfers with frequent travel programs
Chase Sapphire Preferred requires excellent credit. It assesses an annual fee, but frequent travel could help you compensate for the cost.
Unlike the two Chase Freedom cards we profiled, this card doesn’t feature a 0% APR introductory period, but the rewards might make this card the right choice for you if you plan to pay your balances in full each month.
- Minimum credit score: 700 or higher
- Intro APR: None
- APR: 21.49% – 28.49% (as of October 2023)
- Annual fee: $95
- Rewards: Earn up to 5x on purchases, plus an extra 25% in value when you book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- $1,200 in partnership benefit value
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck included
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is made for high spenders, especially in dining and travel. You may be able to take advantage of several perks to help offset the hefty annual fee.
However, the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is more than five times that of the fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred—so do the math to ensure the rewards and perks make it worth the cost.
- Minimum credit score: 720
- Intro APR: None
- APR: 22.49% – 29.49% (as of October 2023)
- Annual fee: $550 (+ $75 for each authorized user)
- Rewards: Up to 10x points on purchases, plus annual $300 travel credit
Does prequalifying for a Chase Credit Card improve your chances of approval?
Prequalification is a quick review of your financial situation and is not as thorough as preapproval.
However, prequalification is a promising sign you may be preapproved. Taking the extra step to get prequalified spares your credit score from dropping a few points because it’s a soft inquiry.
How does Chase prequalification affect your credit score?
Prequalification doesn’t affect your credit score. It can help you determine whether it’s worth your time to apply. If you’re denied, you know to look elsewhere for a credit card.
Chase prequalification vs. Chase preapproval credit cards
Prequalification is a quick review of your financials and suggests you may qualify for a credit card.
Preapproval, on the other hand, means Chase knows more about you and thinks you’d be a suitable candidate for a particular card. However, until you apply and answer any remaining questions Chase has, you’re not formally approved.
CFP® Andrew Steger offers advice if you’re considering applying for a Chase card you’ve prequalified or been preapproved for:
There is no contractual agreement or requirement to apply just because you get a preapproval offer—nor is an approval promised on behalf of Chase (or any credit card company).
Because Chase and other credit card companies will often proactively solicit people with credit card offers, it’s best practice to read all included correspondence to ensure no fraudulent or unscrupulous actors are trying to obtain your personal information. Be cognizant of sending your confidential information in the mail, and keep an eye out for activation codes you can use to verify offers.
