Benefits of Chase credit cards
Choosing a Chase card comes with various special benefits and luxury perks, making them an excellent choice over other credit card companies.
One of the nice things about Chase credit card issuers is that they offer several different credit cards, any of which can suit your lifestyle, budget, and credit score. From high-value cash back rewards cards to points-earning travel credit cards and high-earning Chase business cards, the sky is the limit when it comes to card options.
Some of the most noteworthy benefits are explained below:
Chase Ultimate Rewards®
One of the best benefits Chase offers is their rewards program, known as Chase Ultimate Rewards®. This program has been integral for those looking for travel perks and benefits for daily spending and other purchases.
You can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for:
- Cash
- Travel points
- Amazon purchases
- Apple product purchases
- Eligible delivery service
- Gift cards
- Qualifying special events
Welcome bonuses
Chase cards are often generous with their welcome bonuses, which require new cardholders to sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement within a limited time (typically the first few months of card ownership). These can be an effective way to earn points or cash back when you first get your card but make sure to evaluate how much you’ll be using the regular benefits and rewards to see if the annual fee is worth it in the long run.
Travel and purchase protection
Another benefit of being a Chase cardholder is that most cards come with travel and purchase protection.
Travel protection: Chase cards often come with travel-related benefits that include trip interruption or trip cancellation insurance, car rental insurance, baggage insurance, etc. It’s impossible to predict when something will go wrong, but you can move around with peace of mind knowing that Chase has you covered during an emergency away from home. Read more in our guide to Chase Sapphire travel insurance.
Purchase protection: Your Chase card can provide purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on qualifying items and other purchases.
Types of Chase credit cards
Chase is a great addition to any wallet, especially when considering the types of credit cards they can offer. From earning miles and points to statement credit reimbursements and student cards, you should have no issues finding the perfect match.
Reward cards
Most Chase credit cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points through making eligible purchases. These cards allow you to earn 1-3X points for every dollar you spend, typically at restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, gas stations and travel. Chase typically offers flexible redemption options like statement credits, gift cards and cash back. Some rewards cards also offer annual points each anniversary year.
Travel cards
When it comes to travel cards, Chase offers both general travel cards and co-branded travel cards. Let’s take a closer look at what these entail. However, if you can’t choose between the top picks for Chase travel cards, then it is best to compare the benefits to see whether it is worth it for your financial goals.
▶︎ See more: Freedom Unlimited vs Sapphire Preferred
General travel cards
Cardholders who travel frequently may find immense value in travel-specific cards. Travel cards allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend on hotel stays and flights. The type of travel card you choose will determine the value per mile and point system.
See our detailed comparisons of:
Co-branded travel cards
Grabbing a co-branded credit card for those who are loyal to a specific airline or hotel brand can expedite earnings in that individual program while giving you brand-specific benefits (such as free checked bags for some airline cards) or potentially helping you earn elite status faster. United Airlines cards like the United MileagePlus Explorer can help you save money if you frequently travel with United.
Cash back cards
Imagine earning money—by spending money on everyday purchases. Every time you swipe your Chase card, you can earn points from daily spending and other purchases, and your Chase card may allow you to earn more points in qualifying rotating bonus categories. You can even use your cash back rewards as a statement credit applied towards your monthly balance.
Low APR cards
Low APR cards include:
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Balance transfer cards: These cards allow you to consolidate existing credit card debt and pay it off at a lower regular APR rate.
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0% interest APR cards: Some of the best Chase credit cards may offer 0% annual percentage rates for a limited time, often within the first 12-15 months of account opening. As a card member, you don’t have to pay interest on any purchases, so long as you keep up with the monthly minimum balance.
No annual fee cards
A zero annual fee credit card does not charge members a yearly fee to own it. Historically, cards with an annual fee often come with perks and rewards, but these days no annual fee cards often offer significant rewards like miles earned or cash back.
Business cards
Small business owners can pad their finances with a credit card to earn rewards and perks on business purchases they make monthly, including advertising, shipping, office supplies, lab equipment, and more. Even anyone who has a side hustle, like dog walking, can apply for a business card through Chase.
Student cards
College is the perfect time to build your credit with student credit cards. The good news is that the application process is generally less strict, with fewer requirements.
How to choose the best Chase card for you
If you’re in the market for a new credit card, the odds are high that there is at least one Chase option on your list. Knowing what the best Chase credit card is will all depend on your needs, credit score, and spending lifestyle. Consider the following when choosing a Chase credit card:
How to apply for a Chase card
It’s a relatively simple process to apply for a Chase credit card online. Before beginning, consider checking your credit score to know which cards you’re eligible for.
Most credit card applications require the following personal and financial elements, so it may be best to prepare them ahead of time:
- Your full name
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your income & employment status
- Your housing costs
- Your street address
- Your phone number
Once you’ve decided on which card to apply for, select the “Learn More” button at the top of this page, next to the Chase card you choose, which will lead you to a page with more information and a button to “Apply Now.”
You may be denied or approved for a card instantly, or it may take a few minutes to a few days to hear back. If you’ve been approved for 5 credit cards in the past 2 years, you’ll automatically be rejected due to the Chase 5/24 rule.
What is the Chase 5/24 rule?
The Chase 5/24 rule means that applicants who have gotten approved for five new credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months will automatically be denied a Chase credit card. Although Chase hasn’t officially published this rule, it’s been shown to be true.
This rule helps Chase to have fewer applicants who are only looking to open an account, earn the welcome bonus, and then subsequently close their account.
How we selected our top cards
When selecting our favorite Chase cards we looked at their rewards rate program, travel perks, balance transfer options, zero intro APR rate, and more.
Our comprehensive methodology compares Chase credit cards to determine which brings the most value to cardholders.