How to prequalify for a Chase credit card

Having your application denied is never fun. That’s why it’s best to apply for products you’ll have a higher chance of approval for. Enter: Chase prequalification. Though Chase prequalification won’t guarantee approval for a Chase product, it will at least tell you which ones you have higher odds for success.

Prequalify for Chase credit cards

There are three ways to check for Chase credit card preapproval or to prequalify for one of Chase’s credit cards:

• Online
• By mail
• In-person

How to prequalify for a Chase credit card online

1. Visit the Chase credit card prequalification page.
2. Enter your name, address and last four digits of your Social Security number.
3. Check the box to agree to Chase’s terms.
4. Click Find my offers.

How to get a Chase credit card preapproval by mail

You may receive a mail featuring a Chase preapproved credit card offer. Chase sends these out to potential new customers who already prequalify for a particular card. You can simply fill out the form you receive and return it to Chase to apply. You can also apply online using the confirmation number listed in the preapproval offer.

There is a caveat with these mail offers: You’ll only receive the preapproval offer on one card. If you check for Chase preapproval online or at your local branch, you may find that you prequalify for a variety of card options.

How to get a Chase credit card preapproval at your local branch

You can simply travel to your local Chase branch and ask if you’re preapproved for any offers. If you’re not already a Chase customer, you’ll need to provide the same information you would provide as if you were checking for preapproval online.

What you need to prequalify for a Chase card

You’ll need to provide your personal information, including your name, address and Social Security number. Also, it’s best to request prequalification with a good credit score of 670 or higher to increase your chances of success.

	Minimum credit score for approval	Annual fee	Rewards	Benefits
Chase Freedom Flex℠	670	$0	5% back on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal 5% back on Lyft rides through March 20225% back on up to $1,500 on rotating categories each quarter, and 1% after reaching the cap5% back at grocery stores on up to $12,000 within your first year of card membership3% back at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and on drugstore purchases1% back on everything else	0% intro APR period on purchases for 15 months, a variable APR of 14.99% to 23.74% after that Cell phone protection of up to $800 protection per claim and $1,000 per year against theft or damage; a maximum of two claims in a 12-month period with a $50 deductible per claim
Chase Freedom Unlimited®	670	$0	5% back on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal 5% back on Lyft rides through March 20225% back at grocery stores on up to $12,000 within your first year of card membership3% back at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and on drugstore purchases1.5% back on everything else	0% intro APR period on purchases for 15 months, a variable APR of 14.99% to 23.74% after that
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	670	$95	2x points on Lyft rides through March 2022 2x points on travel and dining1x points on all other purchases	Transfer points to partners in 1:1 ratio Points are worth 25% more when you redeem travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	740	$550	13x points on Lyft rides through March 2022 3x points on travel and dining1x points on all other purchases	Transfer points to partners in 1:1 ratio Points are worth 50% more when you redeem travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards $300 annual travel credit Priority Pass access

Consider these cards if you’re prequalified

What is Chase prequalification?

When you get prequalified, Chase performs a soft pull on your credit history and thinks you’re a good candidate for one of its credit cards. If you apply for a card, your chances of approval rise above 80% to 90% by some estimates.

But this doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed approval. You can still be denied for a card if Chase deems your credit profile insufficient. However, getting prequalified by Chase is a good way to test the waters before risking a hard pull on your credit history.

What are the benefits of a Chase prequalification?

• High chance of approval. While approval is never guaranteed, a prequalification from Chase means your application has very good odds.
• See which cards you qualify for. When you use Chase’s prequalification tool, you can see which cards you’re more likely to get approval for. This can help you narrow down your options.
• You can still shop around. There’s no obligation to apply after your prequalification. You can try to get prequalified with other institutions without affecting your credit.
• No impact on your credit score. Chase will perform a soft pull on your credit history, so there’s no effect to your credit.

Chase prequalification and Chase preapproval: What’s the difference?

• Prequalification is when you provide your credit information before you apply for a credit card to know your chances of approval.
• Preapproval is when a bank determines your eligibility to receive a credit card without your request.

Whether you get preapproved or prequalified by Chase, you are not required to apply.

What’s the difference between a soft and hard pull on your credit history?

Think of a soft pull as a background check. Banks might perform a soft pull to see if you’re the right fit for their products. Or you might get one when you check your credit score.

You’ll get a hard pull on your credit history when a bank makes a lending decision — for example, when you apply for a credit card, car loan or mortgage. Typically, a hard pull will slightly lower your credit score.

If you’re not sure whether a bank will perform a soft or hard credit pull, ask one of its representatives.

For another option, consider using CardMatch

Chase isn’t your only option to get prequalified. Another tool you can use is CardMatch, which helps you see products you’re prequalified for and receive targeted offers.

By entering basic details such as your name and the last four digits of your Social Security number, you can get a customized list of credit cards that fit your credit profile.

One advantage of CardMatch is it can show you prequalified offers from a variety of issuers — not just Chase.

Compare Chase credit cards

It may be easier to prequalify for Chase’s cashback cards, which are available to more customers. Chase prequalification is especially useful for the bank’s travel products, which tend to have tougher approval requirements.

Bottom line

Head to Chase’s prequalification website to get a better picture of where you stand. There will be a soft pull on your credit history, so your credit won’t be affected. In a few seconds, you’ll see which cards you’re prequalified for.

You’re not obligated to apply for any of the cards, so don’t be afraid to shop around with other providers. You could prequalify for the right product with American Express, USAA or another bank.

Frequently asked questions

• What kinds of cards does Chase offer?

  Chase is a major credit card issuer and offers a wide variety of products. You’ll find cards for cash back, general travel, hotels, airlines, 0% into APR and more. You’ll find a Chase preapproved credit card can pull from nearly any of these products.

• Do Chase credit cards usually offer signup bonuses?

  Yes. These bonuses are often very competitive compared to bonuses from other providers.

• Why does a hard pull lower your credit score?

  Credit scores are all about calculating your risk to a lender. When you open a credit account, it’s slightly more likely that you’ll be late on your payments going forward. For example, you might have more debt to manage, which could lead to you missing payments. This increased risk is reflected in the drop to your credit score.