If you’ve been eyeing the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and its solid welcome offer, you’re not alone. With a sweet stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points up for grabs, there’s never a bad time to snag one of the world’s best travel credit cards.
But before you dive in and apply, you’ll want to be sure you’re actually eligible. Chase has a few important rules — some more obvious than others — that could make or break your ability to snag this deal.
Here’s exactly what you need to know to apply with confidence.
Are You Eligible for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Welcome Offer?
To qualify for the Sapphire Preferred welcome offer, you’ll need to:
Be approved for the card
Seems obvious, but it’s the first step. Even if you meet all the criteria, Chase still needs to approve your application — and that depends on your credit profile, income, and other factors.
Not currently have a Sapphire card
Chase only allows one Sapphire-branded card per person at a time. If you currently have either the Sapphire Preferred or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®), you won’t be eligible for another.
Not have received a Sapphire offer in the last 48 months
You can’t get another Sapphire welcome offer if you’ve already received one on any Sapphire card in the past 48 months.
Be under Chase’s 5/24 rule
If you’ve opened five or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months, Chase may automatically deny your application — even if you meet every other requirement.
Meet the spending requirement
To unlock the offer, you’ll need to spend a specific amount: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Things to Remember Before You Apply
Even if you meet the basic criteria above, here are a few more details to keep in mind so you don’t get tripped up during the application process.
You Can’t Hold Two Sapphire Cards at Once
Chase only allows you to have one Sapphire-branded card at a time — either the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve.
So, if you currently hold one of those cards, you’ll need to either cancel or downgrade it (to something like the Chase Freedom Flex® or Chase Freedom Unlimited®) before applying for the other.
Canceling a card can sometimes have a slightly negative impact on your credit score, so we generally recommend downgrading instead. Just note that downgrading won’t make you eligible for another welcome offer right away — you’ll still need to wait out the 48-month window if you recently earned one.
The 48-Month Rule
This is one of Chase’s biggest restrictions: you’re only eligible for a Sapphire welcome offer once every 48 months.
So, if you picked up the Sapphire Reserve three years ago and earned the bonus, you’ll need to wait another year before you’re eligible for the Sapphire Preferred.
This rule is based on when you got the offer, not when you opened or closed the card. If you’re unsure when you earned your last bonus, you can often find the exact date by checking your past statements or calling Chase directly.
Chase’s 5/24 Rule
The infamous 5/24 rule isn’t officially listed in Chase’s application terms, but it’s very real. If you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards from any issuer in the last 24 months, Chase could deny your application.
Before you apply, check your credit report and count how many new accounts you’ve opened. If you’re at 4/24, you’re good to go. If you’re at 5/24 or more, you may need to wait.
What If You’ve Had a Sapphire Card Before?
If you’ve had the Sapphire Preferred in the past, but it’s been more than 48 months since you earned the bonus (and you don’t currently have any Sapphire card), you’re likely eligible again.
That’s good news for anyone who downgraded years ago and is ready to return to the Sapphire scene.
💡 Pro Tip: Time your application! Chase often cycles through elevated offers on the Sapphire Preferred. Sometimes it’s 60,000 points. Sometimes 75,000. And once in a while, you might see an offer for 100,000 bonus points.
If you’re eligible and the timing aligns with a big offer, it’s worth jumping on it.
Bottom Line
The Sapphire Preferred is a favorite for a reason. It offers great travel protections, solid bonus categories, and those sweet, sweet Chase Ultimate Rewards.
If you’ve been playing the long game and you’re clear of Sapphire cards, 48-month rules, and the 5/24 situation, now might be your moment to add this card to your wallet.
