What You Need Before You Start

The Chase Sapphire Preferred requires a few pieces of information and documents before you can submit an process. Have your Social Security number, current income, and employment status ready. You will also need a valid government-issued ID and a current mailing address.

Chase will pull your credit report during the process process, so your credit score matters — the card typically goes to people with good to excellent credit, though Chase does not publish a minimum score. If you have recently checked your own credit report through a free service like AnnualCreditReport.com, you will have a sense of what Chase will see.

You can explore online at Chase.com, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch. The online process takes about 10 minutes and gives you an when ready or same-day decision in most cases.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at Chase.com, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or at a Chase branch, and most online applications receive a decision within minutes.
  • Have your Social Security number, current income, employment information, and a valid ID ready before you start the process.
  • Chase will check your credit report, so the card is designed for people with good to excellent credit history.
  • Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the card number when ready for online purchases.

Step-by-Step Online process

Go to Chase.com and search for "Sapphire Preferred" or navigate to the card's product page. Click the button to start your process. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.

Next, provide your employment information: your job title, employer name, annual income, and how long you have been in your current role. Be accurate — Chase verifies income for higher credit limits. Then enter your contact information: phone number and email address.

Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Chase will display a decision on screen. If approved, you will see your credit limit. If pending, Chase will call or email you within one business day, usually to verify income or clarify information on your process.

What Happens After Approval

Once approved, Chase will mail your physical card to the address on your process. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not have to wait — Chase provides a temporary card number when ready after approval that you can use for online and phone purchases right away.

When your physical card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Chase mobile app. You will be asked to verify your identity and set a PIN for ATM withdrawals if you want one.

Your first statement closes 25 days after your account opens. You have a grace period on purchases — if you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest. The Sapphire Preferred earns rewards on travel and dining purchases, so you can start earning points when ready.

If Your process Is Denied or Pending

If Chase denies your process, they will mail you a notice explaining the reason — usually credit score, credit history length, or recent negative marks on your report. You can call the reconsideration line at 1-888-270-2127 to discuss your process, though Chase rarely reverses a denial on the same day.

If your process is pending, Chase needs more information. They will contact you by phone or email. Respond promptly — pending applications expire after 30 days. Have your most recent pay stub or tax return ready if they ask about income.

If you are denied, you can reapply after your credit improves. There is no penalty for explore again, but Chase will pull your credit report each time, which causes a small temporary dip in your score.

Understanding the Annual Fee and Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred charges a $95 annual fee, due on your account anniversary each year. This fee is not waived for the first year — you pay it with your first statement or shortly after approval.

The card earns 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash back, transferred to Chase travel partners, or used through the Chase travel portal. The card also includes travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and emergency medical and dental coverage abroad.

Whether the annual fee is worth it depends on how much you spend on travel and dining. If you spend $10,000 or more per year in those categories, the rewards typically cover the fee.

Common process Issues and How to Fix Them

If your process times out or you lose your connection, start over — Chase will not charge you twice. Each process is a separate request, and you can submit multiple applications on the same day without penalty, though Chase may see them as duplicates and deny the second one.

If you are asked to verify your identity during the process, Chase may send a code to your phone or email. Enter it within 24 hours or your process will be cancelled. If you do not receive the code, check your spam folder or call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to complete verification by phone.

If you applied with an old address and your card is mailed to the wrong place, call Chase when ready at the number on your approval letter. They can reissue the card to your current address, though this adds 7 to 10 days to delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for the Sapphire Preferred?

Most online applications receive a decision within minutes. Some applications are marked pending and require a phone call from Chase within one business day. If your process is pending, you should hear from Chase within 24 hours.

Can I use my card before the physical card arrives?

Yes. Chase provides a temporary card number when ready after approval that works for online and phone purchases. You can start earning rewards right away. The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What credit score do I need for the Sapphire Preferred?

Chase does not publish a minimum credit score, but the card is designed for people with good to excellent credit — typically 670 or higher. Your actual approval depends on your full credit profile, not just your score.

Do I have to pay the annual fee in the first year?

Yes. The $95 annual fee is charged with your first statement. It is not waived for new cardholders. You can cancel the card within 30 days if you change your mind, and Chase will refund the fee.

What should I do if I am denied?

Call the reconsideration line at 1-888-270-2127 to ask why you were denied and whether Chase will reconsider. If denied again, you can reapply after your credit improves. There is no penalty for explore multiple times.