Apply for Chase Travel Credit Card: Looking to turn your everyday spending into unforgettable adventures? That’s where a Chase travel credit card steps in. These cards are designed for people who want to earn travel rewards—fast. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a weekend warrior, or someone planning a dream vacation, Chase offers some of the best travel credit cards on the market.
Chase travel cards aren’t just about collecting points. They’re about turning your purchases into perks like airline miles, hotel stays, and even exclusive access to airport lounges. The Chase lineup includes premium options like the Sapphire Preferred® and Sapphire Reserve®, which are known for their generous rewards structures and travel-focused benefits.
So why is everyone talking about them? Simple: Chase combines high-value rewards with traveler-friendly features. Think no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance, and flexible redemption options that actually make sense.
But before you dive into the world of travel points and luxury perks, you need to know how to apply—and more importantly, how to improve your chances of getting approved.
Let’s break it down.
Benefits of Chase Travel Credit Cards
Chase travel cards offer more than just flashy names—they come packed with features that cater specifically to travel lovers. Here’s a deeper look at what makes them a top choice:
1. Reward Points and Miles
The biggest draw? The rewards. With most Chase travel cards, every dollar you spend earns you points or miles. For example:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Earns 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x on everything else.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Offers 3x points on travel (after earning your $300 travel credit), 3x on dining, and 1x on other purchases.
These points can be redeemed in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, where they stretch further—especially when redeemed for travel. You can book flights, hotels, rental cars, and even experiences.
2. Travel Perks and Insurance
Say goodbye to travel worries. Many Chase travel cards offer:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Primary auto rental collision damage waiver
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Trip delay reimbursement
And that’s not all. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® even provide Priority Pass™ Select membership, giving you access to 1,300+ airport lounges around the world.
3. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Most Chase travel cards waive foreign transaction fees, which means you can use your card overseas without worrying about that pesky 3% fee on every purchase. That alone can save you hundreds during international trips.
4. Sign-Up Bonuses
One of the biggest reasons people apply for Chase travel cards? The welcome bonuses. For instance, the Sapphire Preferred® often offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend a certain amount in the first 3 months. That’s worth up to $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Types of Chase Travel Credit Cards
Chase doesn’t offer just one travel card—they have a range tailored to different types of travelers. Here are the most popular ones:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
This is a top pick for beginners and intermediate travelers. It offers:
- 2x points on travel and dining
- Generous welcome bonus
- Points worth 25% more when redeemed for travel
- Low annual fee compared to high-end cards
It’s perfect if you want great rewards without paying a premium.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
This is the go-to card for frequent flyers and serious travelers. It comes with:
- 3x points on travel and dining
- $300 annual travel credit
- Points worth 50% more in travel redemptions
- Lounge access and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
Though the annual fee is higher, the perks can easily outweigh the cost—if you travel enough.
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
While not branded as a “travel” card, it’s a good entry-level option that earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase. You can combine these rewards with a Sapphire card to boost your Ultimate Rewards® points.
Freedom cards are great for everyday use and work beautifully in tandem with travel-focused cards for a “rewards stacking” strategy.
Eligibility Requirements for Chase Travel Credit Cards
Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic requirements. Chase doesn’t list hard rules publicly, but based on most approvals, here’s what you’ll generally need:
1. Credit Score Requirements
Most Chase travel credit cards require good to excellent credit. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Sapphire Preferred®: Recommended 670+
- Sapphire Reserve®: Recommended 740+
- Freedom Unlimited®: Recommended 680+
Chase uses your credit score, history, and utilization to make their decision—so keep things clean and steady for at least 6 months before applying.
2. Age and Income Criteria
You must be:
- At least 18 years old
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Earning a stable income to support your credit line
There’s no official minimum income listed, but typically, higher-tier cards like the Reserve® are easier to get approved for if you earn $50,000 or more annually.
3. U.S. Residency and Address Verification
You must have a valid U.S. address and be able to verify your identity and residency. A Social Security Number (SSN) is typically required, although some cards may accept an ITIN.
And keep in mind the 5/24 Rule: If you’ve opened 5 or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months, Chase may automatically deny your application.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Chase Travel Credit Card
Applying doesn’t have to be stressful. Just follow this simple 5-step process to boost your chances of approval:
Step 1: Choose the Right Card for You
Think about how often you travel, what kind of rewards matter most to you, and how much you’re willing to pay in annual fees. If you travel occasionally, go with the Sapphire Preferred®. For heavy travelers, the Sapphire Reserve® offers premium perks.
Step 2: Check Your Credit Score
Before jumping into the application, take a moment to check your credit score. This is crucial because it gives you a solid idea of where you stand and which Chase travel card you’re most likely to get approved for.
You can check your credit score for free using services like:
- Credit Karma
- Experian
- Your current bank or credit card provider
Look at your FICO score, as that’s what most credit card issuers—including Chase—use to evaluate applications. If your score is below 670, it may be wise to hold off and work on building your credit before applying for a premium travel card. A score above 700 significantly boosts your approval odds, and anything above 740 puts you in excellent territory.
Also, make sure your credit utilization is below 30% and that you have no late payments, collections, or recent hard inquiries that could affect your score. It’s all about showing Chase that you’re a responsible borrower.
Step 3: Gather Your Personal and Financial Information
Ready to apply? Great—now get your documents and info in order. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Residential address (must be in the U.S.)
- Phone number and email
- Employment details
- Annual income
Chase uses this data to determine your eligibility, set your credit limit, and verify your identity. Make sure everything is accurate. Any inconsistencies could delay your application or result in denial.
Also, Chase may ask if you have a checking or savings account with them. While not required, being an existing Chase customer can sometimes give you a slight edge during the approval process.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Once you’ve chosen the right Chase travel card and gathered your details, it’s time to head to the Chase website or visit a local Chase branch. Applying online is the most popular method—and it usually only takes 5–10 minutes.
Here’s what the application process looks like:
- Navigate to the Chase credit card page
- Select the travel card you want to apply for
- Click “Apply Now”
- Fill in your personal, employment, and financial information
- Review and agree to terms and conditions
- Click “Submit”
Once submitted, you’ll either receive an instant decision or a message stating that your application is under review. Don’t worry—this is normal and usually means Chase needs to verify some information. They might call you or send an email requesting documents.
Step 5: Submit and Wait for Approval
After submitting your application, you’ll typically get one of three responses:
- Approved instantly – Congrats! You’ll receive your card in 7–10 business days.
- Pending – This just means Chase is reviewing your application. You may hear back in a few days via mail or email.
- Denied – If this happens, Chase will send you a letter explaining why.
If you’re approved, make sure to activate your card once it arrives and start using it responsibly to unlock your welcome bonus and build your rewards.
If you’re denied, don’t panic. You can call Chase’s reconsideration line at 1-888-270-2127 to plead your case. Be polite, explain why you want the card, and mention your strong credit history or relationship with Chase (if applicable). Sometimes a human touch can turn a “no” into a “yes.”
Pro Tips for Increasing Your Approval Odds
Let’s be real—Chase travel cards are competitive. So if you want to tilt the odds in your favor, follow these extra tips:
- Wait 6 months between credit applications – Too many recent applications can hurt your chances.
- Pay down existing debt – Lowering your credit utilization improves your credit profile.
- Apply in the morning – This is when underwriting teams are more likely to process applications faster.
- Become a Chase customer first – Opening a Chase bank account beforehand can sometimes boost trust.
- Watch the 5/24 rule – If you’re over it, consider waiting until you drop below five new cards in 24 months.
Timing and preparation are everything when it comes to getting approved for a Chase travel credit card.
How to Maximize Rewards After Getting Approved
So, you’ve been approved for your Chase travel credit card—congrats! But this is just the beginning. To really get the most out of your new card, it’s time to dive into some smart strategies that’ll help you stack up points fast and redeem them for maximum value.
1. Hit the Welcome Bonus Threshold
Your first mission? Earn the sign-up bonus. Most Chase travel cards come with a generous welcome offer, but it’s typically tied to a minimum spend within the first 3 months (e.g., “Spend $4,000 in 3 months to earn 60,000 points”).
Pro tip: Plan ahead. If you’ve got big purchases coming up—like travel bookings, holiday gifts, or home improvements—put them on the card to reach the threshold without overspending. But don’t go into debt just to earn points. That defeats the purpose.
2. Use the Card Strategically
Make the Chase card your go-to for travel and dining, especially if you have a Sapphire card. For example:
- Use it when booking flights, hotels, or car rentals
- Pay for Uber, Lyft, and public transportation
- Use it at restaurants and even food delivery services
Every point counts, and if you use the card where it earns more, you’ll rack them up much faster.
3. Shop Through Chase Ultimate Rewards® Portal
Chase offers an online shopping portal where you can earn bonus points for shopping at popular retailers like Apple, Nike, and Sephora. Sometimes you can earn 5x, 10x, or even 15x points on purchases you were already planning to make.
4. Combine Points with Other Chase Cards
One of the best-kept secrets is that Chase lets you combine points from different cards. Let’s say you have the Freedom Unlimited® (which earns cash back) and a Sapphire card. You can move those points to your Sapphire account and redeem them at a higher value through the travel portal.
This technique is perfect if you want to maximize travel redemptions without upgrading to a premium card right away.
Best Ways to Redeem Chase Travel Points
Having a pile of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points is exciting—but using them wisely is where the magic happens. Here are the best ways to squeeze every ounce of value from those hard-earned points:
1. Book Through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
When you redeem through the travel portal, your points are worth more:
- Sapphire Preferred®: 25% more value (e.g., 60,000 points = $750 in travel)
- Sapphire Reserve®: 50% more value (e.g., 60,000 points = $900 in travel)
You can use your points to book:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Rental cars
- Travel experiences
And you don’t have to deal with blackout dates or limited availability like airline reward programs.
2. Transfer Points to Travel Partners
Want to book first-class flights or luxury hotel stays? Transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14+ airline and hotel partners, like:
- United Airlines
- Southwest
- JetBlue
- Hyatt
- Marriott
- British Airways
All transfers are at a 1:1 ratio, and some redemptions can deliver incredible value—especially when booking business or first-class seats internationally.
3. Use “Pay Yourself Back” Option
Chase introduced a flexible option called Pay Yourself Back, where you can use your points to erase purchases in select categories (like dining, groceries, or home improvement). It’s a great alternative if you’re not planning travel anytime soon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Chase Travel Card
While Chase travel cards are packed with perks, there are a few missteps that can cost you both points and peace of mind. Here’s what not to do:
1. Applying Without Checking the 5/24 Rule
If you’re over the 5/24 limit (5 or more credit cards opened in the past 24 months), Chase will likely auto-deny your application. Always check your recent card activity before applying.
2. Missing the Welcome Bonus Deadline
The sign-up bonus is where much of the value lies. If you miss the spending requirement, you leave hundreds of dollars in points on the table. Set reminders and plan spending accordingly.
3. Carrying a Balance
Chase travel cards typically have high interest rates. If you carry a balance, you’ll end up paying more in interest than you earn in rewards. Pay your bill in full each month—it’s the golden rule of rewards cards.
4. Ignoring Redemption Options
Not all redemptions are created equal. Cash back might be easy, but it usually offers lower value per point. If you want the best bang for your buck, always consider booking travel or transferring points to travel partners.
FAQs about Applying for a Chase Travel Credit Card
1. Who can apply for a Chase Travel Credit Card?
Anyone who’s at least 18 years old, has a steady income, and a solid credit history (typically a score of 670 or higher) can apply. U.S. residency and a valid Social Security Number or ITIN are also required.
2. How do I apply for a Chase Travel Credit Card?
Easy peasy! You can apply online via Chase’s official website, visit a local branch, or call their customer service. The online route is usually fastest and gives you an instant decision in most cases.
3. What credit score do I need to get approved?
Chase usually looks for good to excellent credit. So, if your score is in the 700+ range, you’re sitting pretty. Below that? Still possible—just not guaranteed.
4. Will applying hurt my credit score?
A tiny bit—temporarily. Like all credit card applications, Chase will do a hard pull on your credit report. That may ding your score by a few points, but it usually rebounds quickly if you manage your credit well.
5. Can I apply if I already have another Chase card?
Yes, but watch out for the Chase 5/24 Rule. If you’ve opened five or more credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, your application might get denied—even if your credit score is flawless.
6. How long does it take to get approved?
Most people get a decision within minutes online. If Chase needs more info, it could take 7–10 business days. Check your email or snail mail for updates.
7. What are the benefits of a Chase Travel Credit Card?
Think travel points, airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and juicy sign-up bonuses. Each Chase travel card has its own perks—compare them to find your perfect match.
8. What should I do if my application is denied?
Don’t panic. Chase usually provides a reason. You can call their reconsideration line to plead your case, especially if your denial was due to something minor like a recent address change.
Conclusion
Chase travel credit cards are among the best tools out there for turning your everyday purchases into dream getaways. Whether you’re a casual vacationer or a frequent jet-setter, there’s a Chase card that can work for your lifestyle and help you rack up serious rewards.
From choosing the right card and understanding the requirements to applying strategically and maximizing your points, each step is essential in making the most of your Chase travel credit card. Don’t just stop at the sign-up bonus—explore every benefit, use every perk, and let your spending take you places.
Remember, it’s not just about earning points—it’s about spending smarter, traveling better, and enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
