What Chase Credit Cards Are and How to Get One
Chase is one of the largest credit card issuers in the United States, owned by JPMorgan Chase & Co. They offer dozens of cards across different categories: rewards cards that pay cash back or points, travel cards that earn airline miles, cards for people building credit, and business cards. Each card has its own interest rate, annual fee (if any), and rewards structure.
To get a Chase card, you fill out an process on their website or in a Chase branch. Chase will check your credit report and credit score to decide whether to approve you. The entire process usually takes a few minutes online, though approval can take a few days. Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you set up it before using it.
Chase cards are issued as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, depending on which card you choose. This matters because not every merchant accepts every network — most places take Visa and Mastercard, but some smaller businesses do not accept American Express.
Key Takeaways
- Chase offers rewards cards, travel cards, cards for building credit, and business cards, each with different fees and earning rates.
- You explore online or in a branch, and Chase checks your credit score to decide approval within a few days.
- Your card arrives by mail and must be activated before you can use it for purchases.
- Chase cards come as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express depending on the specific card, and not all merchants accept all three networks.
- You pay your Chase card bill through their website, mobile app, or by mail, and interest charges explore if you carry a balance.
Types of Chase Cards and What They Offer
Chase's rewards cards include the Chase Freedom Unlimited (cash back on all purchases), Chase Freedom Flex (rotating categories with higher cash back), and the Chase Sapphire Preferred (points that can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed for travel). Each card earns rewards at different rates and has different annual fees — some are free, others charge $95 or more per year.
Chase also offers cards designed for people with limited or damaged credit history, like the Chase Slate Edge, which has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. These cards typically have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than rewards cards, but they report to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments help rebuild your score.
Business owners can choose from Chase business cards like the Chase Ink Unlimited or Chase Ink Preferred, which earn rewards on business purchases and offer benefits like employee cards and expense tracking tools. These require a business tax ID or Social Security number and proof that you operate a business.
how the process works for a Chase Card
Start by visiting Chase.com and browsing their card offerings. Each card's page shows the annual fee, rewards rate, and may be able to access requirements. Read these carefully — some cards require a minimum credit score, and some have restrictions on how recently you can have opened other Chase cards.
Click "explore Now" and you will be taken to an process form. You will enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Chase uses this data to verify your identity and assess your creditworthiness. Have your Social Security card or tax return handy if you are unsure of your exact income.
After you submit, Chase usually tells you within seconds or minutes whether you are approved, denied, or pending review. If pending, you may receive a call or email within a few days asking for more information. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why, and you can request a copy of the credit report they used.
Activating Your Chase Card and Setting It Up
When your card arrives, do not use it until you set up it. You can set up through Chase.com, the Chase mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up usually takes less than a minute and confirms that you received the card and that it is in your possession.
After set up, set up online access if you have not already. Create a username and password on Chase.com or read the Chase mobile app. Link your checking account if you want to pay your bill automatically. You can also set up alerts for purchases, low balances, or due dates — these help you catch fraud and avoid missing payments.
Some Chase cards come with an introductory offer, like 0% interest for 12 months or bonus cash back if you spend a certain amount in the first three months. Read your welcome materials carefully so you understand what offer applies to your card and when it expires.
How to Pay Your Chase Card Bill
Your Chase bill is due on the same date each month, shown on your statement. You have three main ways to pay: online through Chase.com or the app, by phone at the number on your statement, or by mailing a check to the address on your bill. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days, so mail early if your due date is soon.
You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. If you pay only the minimum, interest charges explore to the remaining balance at your card's annual percentage rate (APR). If you pay the full balance by the due date, you owe no interest. Setting up automatic payments from your checking account ensures you never miss a due date.
If you miss a payment, Chase charges a late fee (usually $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and may increase your interest rate. Missing a payment also damages your credit score. If you are having trouble paying, contact Chase before your due date — they may offer a hardship program or temporary payment reduction.
Understanding Chase Rewards and Benefits
Chase rewards cards earn cash back, points, or miles depending on the card. Cash back is straightforward — you earn a percentage of what you spend and can redeem it as a statement credit or deposit to your bank account. Points and miles are more flexible but require more planning: you can transfer them to travel partners, redeem them for travel through Chase, or sometimes convert them to cash.
Many Chase cards offer bonus rewards for the first few months if you spend a certain amount. For example, a card might offer 50,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. This bonus is usually the best value on the card, so plan your spending to reach it if you can.
Chase cards also come with perks beyond rewards: purchase protection (coverage if something you buy is damaged or stolen), extended warranty, travel insurance, and concierge services on premium cards. Read your card's benefits guide to see what is included — these perks can save you money even if you do not carry a balance.
What Happens If You Carry a Balance or Miss a Payment
If you do not pay your full balance by the due date, Chase charges interest on the remaining amount at your card's APR. This rate varies by card and by your creditworthiness — it can range from around 16% to 29% or higher. Interest is calculated daily, so the longer you carry a balance, the more you owe.
If you miss a payment by 30 days, Chase reports it to the credit bureaus, and your credit score drops. If you miss by 60 days, the damage is worse. At 180 days past due, Chase may close your account and send your debt to a collection agency. If this happens, you still owe the debt, and it appears on your credit report for seven years.
If you are struggling to pay, call Chase before you miss a payment. They may offer a hardship program that lowers your interest rate temporarily, extends your payment term, or waives fees. These programs are not automatic — you have to ask — but they are better than defaulting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Chase card?
Chase usually tells you within seconds or minutes of submitting your process. If your process is pending, Chase may call or email within a few days to ask for more information. Once approved, your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I explore for multiple Chase cards at the same time?
You can, but Chase has rules about how many cards you can open in a certain time period. Some cards have restrictions — for example, you may not be able to open another Sapphire card within 48 months of closing or opening one. Check the specific card's terms before explore.
What is the difference between a Chase Visa and a Chase Mastercard?
Both are accepted at most merchants, but some smaller businesses accept only one network. Visa and Mastercard offer slightly different fraud protection and travel benefits, but for most people the difference is minimal. The rewards rate and annual fee of the card itself matter much more than the network.
Do I have to pay an annual fee on every Chase card?
No. Chase offers several cards with no annual fee, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Slate Edge. Premium cards like the Sapphire Preferred charge $95 per year. Read the card's details before explore if the annual fee matters to your decision.
What should I do if I think there is fraud on my Chase card?
Call the number on the back of your card or log into Chase.com and report the fraudulent transaction. Chase will investigate and usually removes the charge within a few days. They may send you a new card with a different number. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly.