What a Chase credit card is and how to get one

A Chase credit card is a line of credit issued by Chase Bank that you can use to make purchases. When you use the card, you borrow money from Chase and agree to pay it back, usually with interest. Chase offers many different cards — some with rewards, some with low introductory rates, some designed for people building credit — so the card you can open depends on your credit history and what you need the card to do.

To open a Chase credit card, you go through an process process where Chase checks your credit report and income. They decide whether to approve you and, if they do, what credit limit (the maximum you can borrow) they will give you. The whole process usually takes a few minutes online or over the phone, and you get an answer the same day or within a few business days.

Once approved, Chase mails you a physical card or lets you use a digital version right away. You can then use it to make purchases anywhere that accepts credit cards. At the end of each month, Chase sends you a bill showing what you owe. You can pay the full amount, pay a minimum amount, or pay anything in between — but if you don't pay the full amount, you will owe interest on what's left.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase credit cards require a credit check and proof of income, and approval usually happens within one business day.
  • Different Chase cards have different rewards, fees, and interest rates, so comparing them before you explore matters.
  • You can explore online at Chase.com, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in person at a Chase branch.
  • Once approved, you can use a digital card when ready or wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.
  • You must make at least a minimum payment each month, but paying the full statement balance avoids interest charges.

Types of Chase credit cards and what they offer

Chase offers cards in several categories. Rewards cards give you cash back or points on purchases — for example, 1.5% cash back on everything, or 3% on groceries and gas. Travel cards earn points toward flights and hotels and often waive foreign transaction fees. Balance transfer cards offer a low or 0% introductory interest rate for a set period if you move debt from another card. Secured cards are designed for people with no credit history or poor credit; you put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit.

Some cards charge an annual fee (ranging from $0 to several hundred dollars), and some don't. Cards with higher annual fees usually offer more rewards or better benefits. Cards with no annual fee typically offer lower rewards rates. Chase also offers cards for specific groups — students, small business owners, and people new to credit — each with different features.

The card you can open depends on your credit score. If your score is 700 or higher, you have many options. If it's between 600 and 700, you may be limited to cards for fair credit or secured cards. If it's below 600, a secured card is usually your best option. You can check your credit score for free through many banks, credit card companies, or free websites like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com.

how the process works for a Chase credit card

You can explore online, by phone, or in person. Online is the fastest: go to Chase.com, find the card you want, and click "explore Now." You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, income, employment status, and address. The process takes about 10 minutes. Chase will tell you right away whether you are approved, denied, or pending review.

By phone, call 1-800-935-9935 and a representative will walk you through the same questions. This takes about 15 minutes. In person at a Chase branch, a banker can help you choose a card and submit the process on the spot. You will need a government-issued ID and proof of income (a recent pay stub or tax return).

Before you explore, gather these documents: your Social Security number, current address, employment information (employer name and how long you have worked there), and an estimate of your annual income. If you are self-employed or have income from investments, have those numbers ready too. Chase will also pull your credit report, so you cannot hide debt or missed payments — they will see it.

Do not explore for multiple Chase cards in a short period. Each process creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score slightly. Space applications at least a few months apart if you plan to open more than one card.

What happens after you are approved

If Chase approves you, they will tell you your credit limit — the maximum amount you can charge to the card. This limit is based on your credit score, income, and existing debt. You can ask Chase to increase your limit later, usually after six months of on-time payments.

Chase will mail your physical card within 7 to 10 business days. Many Chase cards also let you use a digital version when ready through your Chase online account or a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, so you don't have to wait for the physical card to arrive.

When your card arrives, you will need to set up it. You can do this online, through the Chase mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. Once activated, you can use it to make purchases. Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase, showing what you owe and when payment is due.

How to make payments and manage your balance

Each month, Chase sends you a statement showing your balance (what you owe), a minimum payment amount, and a due date. You must pay at least the minimum by the due date to stay in good standing. However, if you only pay the minimum, you will owe interest on the remaining balance at the card's annual percentage rate (APR).

To avoid interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date. You can pay online through your Chase account, through the mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Chase branch. Online and mobile payments usually post within one business day. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days, so mail early if you are close to the due date.

You can also set up automatic payments so Chase withdraws money from your bank account on a date you choose — either the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount. This helps you avoid late payments. If you miss a payment, Chase will charge a late fee (usually $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and your APR may increase.

Check your balance and recent charges regularly through your online account or app. This helps you catch fraud early and stay aware of how much you are spending. If you see a charge you don't recognize, contact Chase right away.

Understanding interest rates and fees

Every Chase credit card has an annual percentage rate (APR) — the yearly interest rate you pay on any balance you carry. The APR varies by card and by your creditworthiness. A rewards card might have an APR of 18% to 24%, while a balance transfer card might offer 0% for 12 months, then 18% to 24% after that.

Interest is calculated daily on your balance. If you owe $1,000 and your APR is 20%, you will owe about $16.67 in interest that month (before any payments). The longer you carry a balance, the more interest you pay. This is why paying your full balance each month saves you money.

Most Chase cards charge an annual fee of $0, but premium cards (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred) charge $95 to $550 per year. These cards offer higher rewards and extra benefits that may offset the fee if you use the card frequently. Other fees include late payment fees (usually $25 to $40), foreign transaction fees (usually 0% to 3% of the purchase), and cash advance fees (usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn).

How to use rewards and benefits

If your Chase card earns rewards, you accumulate points or cash back with every purchase. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns points that you can redeem for travel, cash, or other rewards.

You can see your rewards balance in your online account or app. To redeem rewards, log into your account and look for the "Rewards" or "Points" section. You can usually redeem for cash back (which posts as a credit to your account), gift cards, travel bookings, or merchandise. Some cards let you transfer points to partner airlines or hotels for potentially higher value.

Many Chase cards also include benefits beyond rewards — like purchase protection (coverage if something you buy is damaged or stolen), extended warranty coverage, travel insurance, or access to special events. Read your card's benefits guide (which comes with your card or is available online) to understand what is included.

What to do if you are denied

If Chase denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why — usually because your credit score is too low, your income is too low, or you have too much existing debt. You can call Chase at the number on the denial letter and ask for more details.

If you are denied, you have options. You can explore for a different Chase card designed for lower credit scores, like a secured card. You can also wait a few months, work on improving your credit score (by paying bills on time and paying down existing debt), and explore again. You can also check with other banks to see what cards they offer for your credit situation.

You are may have access to to a free copy of your credit report once per year from each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Get it at AnnualCreditReport.com and review it for errors. If you find mistakes, dispute them with the credit bureau — correcting errors can improve your score and help you get approved next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most applications are approved or denied within minutes if you explore online. Some applications go into pending review and take 1 to 3 business days. Chase will contact you by phone or email if they need more information. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can usually use a digital version when ready.

What credit score do I need to open a Chase credit card?

Chase cards for rewards and travel typically require a credit score of 700 or higher. Cards for fair credit usually require 600 to 700. Secured cards have no minimum credit score requirement. If you are unsure, you can check your score for free through Credit Karma, AnnualCreditReport.com, or your bank before you explore.

Can I use my Chase credit card internationally?

Yes, but be aware of foreign transaction fees. Most Chase cards charge 0% to 3% on purchases made outside the United States. Some premium cards waive this fee. Also, let Chase know you are traveling so they don't block your card thinking it is fraudulent. You can do this through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Chase will charge a late fee (usually $25 to $40) and your APR may increase. A missed payment also damages your credit score. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, it will appear on your credit report. If you are struggling to pay, contact Chase right away — they may offer a hardship program or payment plan.

Can I close my Chase credit card after I open it?

Yes, you can close your card anytime by calling Chase or requesting closure through your online account. However, closing a card can lower your credit score because it reduces your available credit and may shorten your credit history. If you want to stop using the card, consider keeping it open but not using it instead.