What credit score is needed for Chase credit cards?

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Published on January 12, 2023 | 3 min read

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Chase does not formally require a certain credit score for its credit cards. That said, it is one of the more premium card issuers. For most Chase credit cards, you need at least good credit to be approved, which is a credit score of at least 670. A score of 740 or higher bumps you into the “very good” credit range and gives you an even stronger chance at approval.

This score requirement is standard for most rewards credit cards. If you aren’t quite there — don’t worry. Other factors go into your credit card application, and there are plenty of credit cards for people with fair credit or bad credit.

Other factors that impact credit card approval

First, it’s important to know that Chase’s 5/24 rule will likely take precedence over all other factors when determining credit card approval. If you’ve opened five or more new credit card accounts in the last 24 months, your application will likely be denied.

Aside from your credit score and application history, there are additional factors that impact your credit card application’s success, whether you’re applying with Chase or any other issuer.

Length of credit history: What type of accounts do you have and how long have you had them? The longer your credit history is, the better.
Credit utilization: How much of your available credit have you used? If you have a $10,000 credit limit and have charged $8,000 in the past month, for example, your credit utilization ratio is 80 percent — which is very high and can negatively affect your credit score and new applications.
Income and debt: Credit card issuers want to know that you’ll be able to pay back what you charge, so income is a common question on credit card applications. You may also be asked about your current debt for the same reason.
Derogatory marks: Delinquencies, bankruptcies, late payments and other negative behaviors that show up on your credit report may impact the application’s approval.

What if I get denied for a Chase credit card?

If your application for a Chase credit card is denied, you’ll get a notice via email or traditional mail. This letter will explain the reasons for the denial. After you receive a denial letter, you can ask Chase to reconsider or appeal your denial. You can send a letter to the address on the denial notice or call the number on your denial letter to start the process.

You can also apply for a different Chase credit card, but your odds of a different outcome are probably low since many Chase cards have similar requirements. It’s likely better to spend some time addressing the reason for the denial.

Finally, you could apply for a credit card with a different issuer. Capital One offers several credit cards specifically for people with fair and bad credit, for example. If you’d like a full list of credit cards you likely qualify for, check out Bankrate’s CardMatch tool. With a few pieces of information and no impact on your credit, you can get a list of prequalified and special credit card offers.

The bottom line

Although Chase doesn’t officially require a particular credit score for its credit cards, a credit score of 670 or higher is generally necessary — and a score of 740 or higher gives you a stronger chance at approval. If your credit score is lower than the recommended score for the Chase card you want, don’t worry. There are plenty of other credit cards out there for you.