As part of the JPMorgan Chase brand, which is active in more than 100 global markets, Chase’s credit cards are among the best known in the US. In addition to traditional credit card services, it offers several services that can help you keep on top of your finances.
, for example, allows you to better manage your money by setting equal monthly repayments on any purchases of more than $100, with plan durations ranging from 3 to 18 months. Say, for example, you made a purchase of $600 and decided to split your payments over a 1-year period, you’d pay 12 installments of $50 per month. Note, you’ll need to pay a fee to use this service—the amount will depend on factors such as the value of your purchase and number of installments you choose.
With high potential rewards, Chase could be an attractive choice for high spenders who conduct most of their financial affairs through credit cards. If you earn the maximum rewards, you could easily recoup any annual fees you need to pay on the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve cards.
Chase could also be an attractive option for those who prefer to manage their finances on the go. Available from Google Play and the App Store, its app allows you to monitor all activity on your account, check your credit score, and receive fraud alerts.
If you take out a card with Chase, the following fees and interest rates will apply.
| Product | Interest rates | Fees |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for first 15 months, then 14.99% to 23.74% Cash advances: 24.99% | Balance transfers: $5 or 3% of amount transferred on transfers made within 60 days of account opening, then $5 or 5% of amount transferred Cash advance: $10 or 5% per transaction Foreign transaction: 3% per transaction in US dollars Late payment: up to $40 Returned payment: up to $40 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 15.99% to 22.99% APR on purchases and balance transfers Cash advances: 24.99% | Annual fee: $95 Balance transfers: $5 or 5% of amount transferred Cash advance: $10 or 5% per transaction Late payment: up to $40 Returned payment: up to $40 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 16.99% -23.99% APR on purchases and balance transfers Cash advances: 24.99% | Annual fee: $550 Each authorized user: $75 per year Balance transfers: $5 or 5% of amount transferred Cash advance: $10 or 5% per transaction Late payment: up to $40 Returned payment: up to $40 |
| Chase Slate Edge | 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then 14.99%-23.74% Cash advances: 24.99% | Balance transfers: $5 or 3% of amount transferred on transfers made within 60 days of account opening, then $5 or 5% of amount transferred Cash advances: $10 or 5% of amount transferred Foreign transaction: 3% of amount per transaction in US dollar Late payment: up to $40 Returned payment: up to $40 |
If you miss a payment or make a late payment, you’ll pay a penalty APR of up to 29.99%.
Be aware, interest rates could vary and are linked to the Prime Rate—the interest rate banks charge their most creditworthy borrowers.
Chase’s rewards are based on its Chase Ultimate Rewards® scheme, which is a point-based program that allows you earn points, which you can then redeem for cashback, travel, Amazon or Apple purchases, and gift cards.
With the Freedom Unlimited card, the lender pays 5% cashback on purchases made through its Chase Ultimate Rewards® scheme. In addition, it will pay 3% on dining, 3% on drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on other purchases. If you spend $500 in the first 3 months, you’ll also receive a $200 bonus.
You can also earn up to $500 per year through Chase’s refer-a-friend scheme in which the lender offers $100 for every new customer you refer.
With the Sapphire Preferred card, Chase will credit you with 60,000 bonus points if you make more than $4000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Likewise, you’ll earn up to $50 in statement credits each year on the anniversary of opening your account, which you can put toward hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
You can also boost your points by making certain purchases:
When you redeem your points toward travel costs, you’ll also receive a 25% boost in their value.
If you make more than $4000 in purchases on the Sapphire Reserve card within the first 3 months, Chase will credit you with 50,000 bonus points. On the anniversary of opening your account each year, you’ll also automatically receive up to $300 in statement credits as reimbursement for any travel purchases.
You can also boost your rewards points by making certain purchases:
If you take out a Slate Edge card, you’ll automatically be considered for an APR reduction of 2% every year you make your monthly repayments on time and spend at least $1000. The offer is valid until your APR reaches the Prime Rate, plus 9.74%
If you spend $500 on the card within the first 3 months, you’ll earn a $100 bonus credit.
If you’d like to apply for a Chase card, you can do so online by providing:
Although most customers receive an instant decision, this can take up to 30 days if the lender needs to verify any of the information you’ve provided.
Chase doesn’t have specific score requirements for its credit cards and will review your entire credit profile when assessing your application.
You can contact Chase over the phone or through its social media channels. When we contacted the lender over Twitter, we received an extremely helpful response within 10 minutes.
Phone hours: 24/7
Social media hours: Monday to Friday, 7am-11pm (ET)/ Saturday and Sunday, 10am-7pm
If you’re concerned about security, Chase has a number of measures in place to protect your money and your data.
Whenever you log in from a device it doesn’t recognize, the lender will require you to enter your username, password, and a temporary identification code sent to you by text, email, or phone call.
To safeguard against cybercrime, Chase uses 128-bit encryption to protect your password, username, and other personal information.
Should you be the victim of fraud, its Zero Liability Protection scheme will ensure you won’t be financially responsible for any transactions made without your consent.
If you have temporarily misplaced your card, you can lock and unlock it through your online account.
What is Chase’s Credit Journey?
Credit Journey is a free service that will provide you with access to your credit score and notify you of any credit activity in your name.
Can I increase my credit line?
Yes, you can request an increase by calling the number on the back of your card.
How do I order a new card?
You can request a new card via the Chase app or through the lender’s website.
How do I query a transaction on my card?
You can dispute a charge online or by following the instructions on the back of your billing statement.
If you’re planning to take out a new credit card, Chase offers a number of attractive options, especially for borrowers seeking to earn high rewards. We were also impressed by its Zero Liability Protection, which will ensure you never lose out financially if there is fraudulent activity on your account. As several of its products come with relatively high annual fees, however, it’s worthwhile checking that you would actually use all the benefits before signing up.
This review was compiled using information from Chase’s website and by contacting the lender over Twitter.
