If you've been considering applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), now may be the perfect time. Chase is targeting select consumers with its highest-ever welcome offer of 175,000 points — and there is an easy way to check whether you qualify.
Chase has reintroduced a preapproval tool that lets prospective applicants answer a few quick questions and see if they are eligible for a welcome offer. It works similarly to American Express' prequalification tool and will only be available on Chase's website for a limited time.
Here is what you need to know.
Check out Chase's prequalification tool to see if you're targeted for a 175,000-point bonus (after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening) on the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Overview of the Chase prequalification tool
Chase's prequalification tool allows customers to answer a few questions and receive a list of cards for which they prequalify. It's currently set to be a temporary feature on Chase's site, and we last saw it about a year ago.
After answering a few questions, Chase performs a soft inquiry with no impact on your credit score and then displays the cards you are eligible for.
From there, you can choose to proceed with a full application, which will trigger a hard inquiry. Not everyone will qualify for every card, but the tool will show any alternatives you may be eligible for.
Keep in mind the following:
- The tool does not display your status under Chase's 5/24 rule, so you will need to know your standing before applying.
- Standard eligibility rules for Sapphire cards still apply.
- Only select Chase cards appear in this tool.
Related: Best time to apply for Chase credit cards based on offer history
What cards are in the tool?
The following cards are currently included in the preapproval tool:
- Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)
- Chase Freedom Rise®
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
- Chase Slate Edge®
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees)
The information for the Freedom Rise and Slate Edge has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The preapproval tool features an elevated welcome offer for only the Sapphire Reserve. Eligible applicants who complete the process may see either a 125,000-point offer (which is the standard welcome bonus and includes identical spending requirements of $6,000 in the first three months) or the elevated 175,000-point offer. There are no options in between.
Why use the tool?
The main reason to use this tool is to check whether you qualify for the elevated Chase Sapphire Reserve offer. Other cards included in the tool do not feature elevated welcome offers, so applicants will see only the standard public offers.
If you are not interested in the Sapphire Reserve, the tool still allows you to confirm eligibility for other Chase cards without risking a hard inquiry.
Related: Am I eligible for the Chase Sapphire Reserve's bonus?
Bottom line
Before applying for a Chase card, consider using the preapproval tool to see what you might qualify for. It helps you avoid an unnecessary hard inquiry and may unlock Chase's highest-ever offer on the Sapphire Reserve, which could be worth tens of thousands of extra points.
Even if you are not pursuing the Sapphire Reserve, you can still use the tool to confirm your eligibility for other cards before submitting an application.
Many consumers will find this to be a helpful addition to Chase's site, and it would be welcome if the tool were to become an ongoing feature.
Check out Chase's prequalification tool to see if you're targeted for a 175,000-point bonus on the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
