Chase credit card pre-approval: How it works and how to check

Pre-approval lets you check your odds of getting a credit card without hurting your credit score. Chase uses this process to show whether you’re likely to qualify based on a soft credit pull. It can give you access to targeted offers and boost your chances of final approval if you decide to apply.

What is Chase preapproval?

​​Chase pre-approval checks your eligibility for a credit card with only a soft inquiry. Unlike pre-qualification, which is based just on the details you provide, pre-approval uses Chase’s own review of your credit history and signals stronger odds of approval.

Benefits of Chase pre-approval include:

• Protecting your credit score with a soft pull instead of a hard inquiry
• Getting a clearer sense of which cards you’re likely to qualify for
• Receiving targeted offers that better fit your profile

Pre-approval doesn’t guarantee final approval. You’ll still need to apply, which does require a hard pull and a full review of your finances.

How does Chase preapproval work?

Chase pre-approval uses a soft credit pull and a review of your profile to decide whether you’re likely to qualify. Here’s how it works:

1. Information collected: You provide basic personal and financial details such as name, address, income, and existing credit obligations
2. Soft credit check: Chase runs a soft inquiry that doesn’t affect your credit score
3. Profile review: Your credit score, payment history, and debt levels are measured against Chase’s criteria
4. Notification: If you meet the requirements, you’ll be notified by mail, email, or an online message

Remember, Pre-approval is only an early screening. You still need to apply, which triggers a hard inquiry and full review. Final approval isn’t guaranteed.

How to get preapproved for a Chase credit card

The fastest way to check your Chase pre-approval status is through the bank’s online tool, though you can also visit a branch, call, or respond to targeted offers.

Online preapproval tool

The fastest way to check your status is through Chase’s official pre-approval tool. You’ll be asked for your:

• Full name
• Home address
• Social Security number (SSN)
• Total gross annual income

After you submit this information, Chase runs a soft credit check. Within seconds, you’ll see whether you’re pre-approved for specific cards. Eligible offers may also show up in your Chase account messages.

Other ways to get pre-approved

• In-branch: A banker can check your profile in person. Bring a government-issued ID and business documents if you’re applying for a business card.
• By phone: Existing customers may be able to confirm pre-approval offers with a service rep
• Targeted mail or email: Chase regularly sends pre-approval offers to eligible customers. Watch your mailbox, email, or online account for messages.

What to do if you’re preapproved

Being pre-approved is a good sign; it means Chase sees you as a strong candidate. But remember, pre-approval isn’t a guarantee. Here’s what to do next:

Take the next step and apply

Follow the instructions in your offer. You can usually apply online, in the mobile app, by phone, or at a branch. Pre-approval gives you a head start, but you’ll still need to finish the formal application.

Have your information ready

To complete the application, be ready to provide standard details such as your Social Security number, income, employment information, and housing costs.

For business credit cards, Chase also requires business details like your legal name, tax ID, years in operation, and revenue. Because most Chase business cards require a personal guarantee, your personal credit history will still weigh heavily in the approval decision.

Watch the expiration date

Most pre-approval offers expire within 30–60 days. Check your letter or email for the exact deadline so you don’t miss it.

Expect a final review

Pre-approval is only an early screen. Chase will run a hard credit inquiry and review your application in full before giving a final decision. In some cases, approval can be instant; in others, it may take a few days.

What to do if you’re not preapproved for a Chase card

• Not being pre-approved doesn’t mean you’ll never qualify. It only means Chase’s initial screen didn’t match you with an offer, and you may still be approved if you apply.

Common reasons include:

• Too many recent applications or inquiries
• Limited credit history
• Negative marks such as late payments or collections
• Income or debt-to-income ratio issues

Here are steps you can take right away:

• Review your credit report: Check reports from personal or business credit bureaus and dispute any errors that may be dragging down your score
• Consider credit-building tools: If your profile is thin, a secured credit card or other starter product can help you qualify in the future
• Check again later: Chase refreshes offers regularly. Checking back after a few months won’t affect your credit since it uses only a soft inquiry

Tips to improve your chances of getting preapproved

Chase doesn’t publish exact cutoffs, but most of its cards require good to excellent credit. A score of 670 or higher is often needed, and aiming for the 700s can improve your odds with premium cards.

Other factors that may work in your favor include:

• Strong payment history and low balances that show consistent, responsible use of credit
• Limited recent applications, which signal stability
• A manageable debt-to-income ratio, demonstrating capacity for new debt
• An existing relationship with Chase, such as a checking account or another Chase card. For business cards, having a Chase business checking account can be an added plus.

Get approved for a Ramp card in 1–3 days on average

If you’re exploring business credit card options, the Ramp Business Credit Card offers a faster alternative. Unlike traditional business credit cards, our approval process takes 1 day on average and doesn't require a credit check or personal guarantee.

Additionally, our cards come with advanced spending management features and an unlimited number of free physical and virtual employee cards. Here are just a few of the features you can expect from Ramp:

• No annual fee: Get started with our business credit card and expense management software for free, with no annual fees or setup fees
• Expense management tools: Set custom spending limits, automate receipt collection, and streamline expense reporting
• Accounting integrations: Ramp connects with leading accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, and NetSuite to help you close your books 8x faster

Ready to get started? Explore a free interactive product demo.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article has not been officially confirmed by Chase and is subject to change.