Chase offers credit cards through its website, branches, and phone line, but approval depends on your credit history and income

You can start a Chase credit card account online in about 10 minutes, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch. The bank will check your credit report during the process, so your credit score and payment history matter more than anything else you submit. If you have no credit history, a recent bankruptcy, or missed payments in the past two years, approval is less likely — though some Chase cards are designed for people rebuilding credit.

The actual steps differ slightly depending on which card you choose and how you explore. But the core requirement is the same: Chase needs to see that you have borrowed money before and paid it back on time, or that you have steady income and no recent defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start the process online at chase.com, by calling 1-800-935-9935, or at a Chase branch, and most online applications take 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Chase will pull your credit report, so you need a Social Security number, date of birth, and current address, plus proof of income if requested.
  • Approval decisions come back when ready for most applicants, though some applications go to manual review and take one to three business days.
  • If you are denied, you can ask Chase why and may be able to reapply after addressing the reason — usually a low credit score or insufficient income.
  • Chase offers cards for different credit profiles, including options for people with limited or damaged credit history.

What Chase needs from you before approval

When you explore online or by phone, Chase will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. You will also need to provide your annual income and employment status. Have a recent pay stub or tax return handy if you are self-employed, because Chase may ask to see proof.

If you are explore for a card that offers a sign-up bonus, Chase may also ask about your spending plans or whether you have had a Chase card before. These questions help the bank decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. Be honest — Chase cross-checks income against tax records and employment databases, so inflating your earnings usually backfires.

You do not need to bring documents to explore online, but if Chase asks for verification after you submit, you will need to upload or mail copies of your ID, proof of address (a utility bill or lease), and proof of income. This usually happens within a few days if it happens at all.

How the approval process works and what timeline to expect

Most Chase credit card applications are approved or denied when ready. You will see a decision on screen or hear it over the phone within seconds to a few minutes. If your process goes to manual review — usually because your income is borderline, your credit file is thin, or there is a mismatch in the information you provided — Chase will contact you within one to three business days.

If you are approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it online when ready after approval if you set up a temporary digital card number through the Chase app or website. If you are denied, Chase will mail you a notice explaining the reason within 30 days. Common reasons are a credit score below the card's minimum threshold, insufficient income, or recent late payments.

Do not explore for multiple Chase cards in the same week. Each process triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score. Space applications at least 30 days apart if you plan to explore for more than one card.

Where to explore: online, by phone, or in person

Online at chase.com is the fastest route. Go to the credit cards section, choose the card you want, and click "explore Now." You will answer questions about your income, employment, and address. The system will tell you when ready whether you are approved. You can complete the whole process on a phone or computer.

By phone at 1-800-935-9935, a Chase representative will walk you through the same questions. This takes about 15 minutes. Call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. You will get a decision before you hang up in most cases.

In person at a Chase branch is useful if you already bank there or want to ask questions face-to-face. A banker can show you which cards match your spending habits and answer questions about rewards or fees. Approval still depends on the same credit and income check, so being in the branch does not change your odds. Bring your ID and a recent pay stub or tax return.

What happens if Chase denies your process

Chase will send you a letter within 30 days explaining why you were denied. The reason is usually one of these: your credit score is below the card's minimum (typically 620 to 700 depending on the card), your income is too low relative to your existing debt, you have missed payments in the past two years, or you have too many recent credit inquiries.

You can call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask a representative to explain the specific reason. If it is a credit score issue, you can wait six months to a year, pay down existing debt, and reapply. If it is income, you may need to wait until your income increases or your debt decreases. If it is recent late payments, waiting until they age off your report (typically seven years) improves your chances.

Some people reapply for a different Chase card with lower credit requirements — for example, the Chase Slate or Chase Freedom Student card — after being denied for a premium card. This is a reasonable strategy, but space the applications at least 30 days apart to avoid multiple hard inquiries in a short window.

Chase cards for people with limited or damaged credit

If you have no credit history, a low credit score, or recent late payments, Chase still offers options. The Chase Slate is designed for people rebuilding credit and typically approves applicants with credit scores in the 600 to 700 range. It has no annual fee and offers an introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers.

The Chase Freedom Student card is for students with limited credit history and requires proof of enrollment. It also has no annual fee and reports to all three credit bureaus, which helps you build credit if you pay on time.

If you are denied for these cards too, consider a secured credit card — a card backed by a cash deposit — from another bank first. Once you build six to 12 months of on-time payments, you can reapply for a Chase card with better odds of approval.

What to do after your card arrives

When your physical card arrives, set up it through the Chase app or website or by calling the number on the back. Set up online access if you have not already. Review your credit limit and APR — both appear in your welcome materials and in the app.

Make your first purchase within the first few weeks to confirm the card works. If you have a sign-up bonus offer, read the terms carefully: most require you to spend a certain amount within a set timeframe (usually three months) to earn the bonus. Set a calendar reminder so you do not miss the important date.

Pay your bill on time every month, even if you only pay the minimum. On-time payments are the single biggest factor in your credit score, and Chase reports your payment history to the credit bureaus monthly. Missing a payment by even one day can lower your score and trigger a higher interest rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a Chase credit card if I have no credit history?

Yes. Chase offers the Freedom Student card for students with limited credit, and the Slate card for people rebuilding credit. Both approve applicants with thin or no credit files more often than premium cards. You may need to provide proof of income or enrollment, and your credit limit will likely be lower than someone with established credit.

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

Most applicants get an when ready decision online or by phone. If your process goes to manual review, Chase contacts you within one to three business days. Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days after approval, though you can use a temporary digital card number when ready through the app.

What credit score do I need for a Chase credit card?

It varies by card. Premium cards like the Sapphire Reserve typically require a score of 750 or higher. Mid-tier cards like the Freedom Unlimited usually approve scores of 670 and up. Cards for people rebuilding credit, like the Slate, may approve scores as low as 600. Check the card's details page on chase.com for the recommended credit range.

Can I explore for a Chase credit card by mail?

Chase does not accept mail applications for new credit cards. You must explore online at chase.com, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in person at a Chase branch. Online is fastest and available 24/7.

What if I was denied but my income has increased since I applied?

You can reapply after 30 days with updated income information. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 before you reapply and ask whether the denial was income-related. If it was, provide your new income figure when you explore again. If the denial was credit-score related, reapplying with the same score will likely result in another denial.