How to get preapproved for a Chase card

For those in the market for a Chase credit card, it can be nerve-wracking to fill out an application wondering if you’ll be approved. Many of the most popular Chase cards are limited to applicants with top credit scores, so those hovering between score ranges might want to avoid a hard pull to their credit.

Luckily, there is one way to boost your chances of getting approved for a Chase card. With prequalified offers, you can know ahead of time if Chase is likely to accept your application. There are a few things to know about getting a prequalified offer for a Chase card; read on to learn more.

See related: How to apply for a credit card and get approved

Top Chase cards for prequalified offers

Flexible cash back Chase Freedom Flex℠	Flat-rate cash back Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Travel Chase Sapphire Reserve®
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories you activate each quarter 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year 5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases 1% cash back on all other purchases $200 cash back if you spend $500 in first 3 months	5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases 1.5% cash back on every other purchase $200 cash back if you spend $500 in first 3 months	3 points per dollar on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide, after earning the $300 annual travel credit 1 point per dollar on all other purchases 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in first 3 months

Prequalify for cards on the Chase website

Chase is currently not promoting prequalified offers on aggregator tools like CardMatch, but you can still check for offers directly on the issuer’s website. You’ll be prompted to enter your name, address and the last four digits of your SSN. Then, you’ll automatically be presented with cards matched to your credit profile.

Checking for prequalified offers on the Chase site only triggers a soft pull to your credit.

Other ways to prequalify for Chase cards

In many cases, you can receive a prequalified offer from Chase without checking online. For one, you can visit a branch of the bank and ask for any prequalified offers. You’ll be asked for similar personal information to online services.

Alternatively, you might receive a targeted, prescreened offer for a Chase card in the mail.

Chase is also famous for offering “Just for you” prequalified offers to its existing customers. You can check for these promotions in the “Open an Account” section of your Chase app.

Boost your chances

If you don’t have any prequalified Chase credit card offers from either of these avenues, you can boost your chances of snagging a prequalified offer by following these tips.

Work on your credit score

For those hovering on the edge of credit score requirements for a card, you can work to boost your score before you fill out a card application. Do this by making all your payments on time and in full and keeping your credit utilization ratio low.

Keep personal information up to date

If you are already a Chase customer, be sure to continually update information that can affect your approval odds, such as your income. By demonstrating you will be a responsible cardholder, you boost your chances of being targeted for a prequalified offer.

Prequalifying does not guarantee approval

If you’re prequalified for a Chase card, it does not ensure you will be approved. There is always a small chance that your application will be denied.

Nevertheless, your odds are significantly improved when you prequalify, as you know you meet the credit requirements for that particular card. For those worried about suffering a hard pull to their credit only to be denied, prequalified offers are a great way to maximize your chances of scoring the best card for you.

One final thing to note: Applying for a prequalified Chase offer is not a way to bypass the 5/24 rule. Historically, some Chase cardholders have noted that targeted credit card offers by mail or online didn’t add to their 5/24 standing. However, this is not confirmed to be true and prequalified offers do not fall under this category.

Final thoughts

Those seeking a Chase credit card can benefit from checking their prequalified offers – via CardMatch or the Chase site. You’ll get a better idea of your approval odds, minimizing the risk of a hard pull to your credit coupled with a denied application.