Chase offers sign-up bonuses on most of its cards, but the size and structure vary widely by card and by when you explore
Chase sign-up bonuses typically come in two forms: a flat cash reward (usually $200 to $500) or a points bonus that you redeem through Chase's rewards program. The bonus appears in your account after you meet a spending requirement — usually $500 to $5,000 spent within the first three to six months. You do not get the bonus straightforward for opening the card; you have to spend the specified amount.
The bonus amount changes frequently. Chase adjusts offers based on market conditions, card demand, and the time of year. A card might offer 50,000 points one month and 75,000 the next. This means the "best" time to explore is not fixed — it depends on which card you want and what bonus is currently posted on Chase's website.
Not all Chase cards carry sign-up bonuses. Business cards, some co-branded cards, and a few premium personal cards sometimes run without one. Check the specific card's offer page before you explore.
Key Takeaways
- Chase sign-up bonuses require you to spend a set amount within a set timeframe; the bonus does not appear until you meet that threshold.
- Bonus amounts and structures change regularly, so the offer you see today may differ from the offer next month.
- Points-based bonuses are worth more on cards with higher redemption rates, so compare the card's earning rate against the bonus size.
- You can only receive a sign-up bonus once per card in a set period — typically 24 months from your last bonus on that same card.
- Chase publishes current offers on its website; third-party sites sometimes show outdated or incorrect bonus amounts.
How the spending requirement works
The spending requirement is the dollar amount you must charge to your new card within a specific window. Most Chase cards require $500 to $5,000 in purchases within three to six months. Only purchases count — balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not.
You do not have to spend that amount all at once. If your card requires $3,000 in three months, you can spread it across the full three-month period. Many people meet the requirement through everyday spending they would do anyway, plus a planned purchase or two. Others time a large purchase — a flight, a car repair, or a home improvement project — to coincide with the window.
If you do not meet the spending requirement by the important date, you do not receive the bonus. Chase does not extend the window or offer a partial bonus. Once the important date passes, the bonus is forfeited.
Points versus cash bonuses
Chase offers bonuses in two currencies: cash back and Ultimate Rewards points. A cash bonus is straightforward — $200 cash back means $200 in statement credit or a check. A points bonus requires you to understand what those points are worth on the card you are opening.
Chase's Ultimate Rewards program lets you redeem points at different rates depending on the card and redemption method. On a basic card, points might be worth 1 cent each. On a premium card with a travel portal, the same points might be worth 1.5 cents each. A 50,000-point bonus on a basic card is worth $500 in cash value; on a premium card, it could be worth $750 if you redeem through the travel portal.
Before you explore for a points-based bonus, check the card's redemption rates. If you plan to redeem for cash, a points bonus may be worth less than a flat cash bonus on a different card. If you plan to use the travel portal or transfer points to airline partners, the points bonus may be worth more.
The 24-month rule and bonus frequency
Chase enforces a 24-month rule on most of its personal cards: you can receive a sign-up bonus on a card only once every 24 months from the date you received your last bonus on that same card. This means if you got a bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred in January 2023, you cannot get another bonus on that card until January 2025.
The rule applies per card, not per account. You can hold multiple Chase cards and receive bonuses on each one, as long as you space them out and do not trigger the 24-month restriction on any single card.
Business cards sometimes have different rules. Some enforce a 24-month rule; others do not. Check the terms for the specific business card you are considering.
Current Chase card bonuses and where to find them
Chase publishes current offers on its official website under each card's product page. The offer shown there is the authoritative one. Third-party comparison sites sometimes display outdated bonuses or incorrect amounts, so always verify on Chase's site before you explore.
Bonus amounts tend to be highest during promotional periods — often in the fall and around major holidays. However, popular cards may run elevated bonuses year-round. There is no universal "best time" to explore; it depends on which card you want and what bonus Chase is currently offering for it.
Chase occasionally runs limited-time elevated bonuses for specific cards. These are advertised on the card's page and usually last a few weeks to a few months. If you see a bonus higher than the card's typical offer, it is temporary.
How sign-up bonuses affect your rewards strategy
A sign-up bonus is a one-time windfall, not an ongoing benefit. After you meet the spending requirement and receive the bonus, your rewards come from the card's ongoing earning rate — typically 1 to 5 percent cash back or points per dollar, depending on the card and category.
The bonus should not be the only factor in choosing a card. If a card offers a large sign-up bonus but a low ongoing earning rate and an annual fee, you may come out behind after the first year. Compare the bonus against the card's annual fee, earning rates, and benefits to see whether it makes sense for your spending.
Some people explore for cards primarily to capture the sign-up bonus, then close the card or stop using it after the bonus posts. This is a valid strategy, but closing a card can affect your credit score and credit history length. Keeping the card open and using it occasionally may be better for your credit profile.
Bonus restrictions and exclusions
You must be a new cardholder to receive a sign-up bonus. If you have held the card before, you are not may be able to access for another bonus until the 24-month window has passed. Some cards also exclude people who have been approved for that card within the past 24 months, even if they never opened an account.
Balance transfers do not count toward the spending requirement. Neither do cash advances, wire transfers, or fees. Only purchases of goods and services count. Some people try to meet the requirement by buying gift cards or making other borderline purchases; Chase's terms do not explicitly ban this, but it is a gray area and carries some risk.
If Chase suspects fraud or abuse of the bonus program, it can deny the bonus or close your account. This is rare for legitimate spending, but it is a reason to avoid manufactured spending schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sign-up bonus if I already have a Chase checking account?
Yes. Having a Chase bank account does not disqualify you from credit card bonuses. The 24-month rule applies only to the same credit card product, not to other Chase products.
What happens if I close the card before the bonus posts?
If you close the card before you meet the spending requirement, you will not receive the bonus. If you close it after you meet the requirement but before the bonus appears in your account, Chase may still deny the bonus. It is safest to keep the card open until the bonus has posted and cleared.
Do I have to use the bonus within a certain time?
No. Once the bonus posts to your account as points or cash, you can redeem it whenever you want. There is no expiration date on the bonus itself, though Ultimate Rewards points may expire if your account is closed for an extended period.
Can I combine a sign-up bonus with other Chase promotions?
Usually yes, but it depends on the promotion. Some limited-time offers can be stacked with the sign-up bonus; others cannot. Check the terms of each promotion to see whether they can be combined.
Is the sign-up bonus taxable income?
Chase does not issue a 1099 for sign-up bonuses, and the IRS generally does not treat them as taxable income. However, tax law can vary by situation. If you have questions about your specific tax situation, consult a tax professional.