The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most sought-after travel credit cards in 2025, and for good reason: it combines powerful rewards, a relatively low annual fee, and premium protections—without requiring ultra-premium credit scores or income.

But despite its accessibility, many applicants make mistakes that lower their chances of approval—or miss out on ways to maximize benefits after getting the card.

This comprehensive guide covers lesser-known perks, approval requirements, and strategies to get approved faster and easier—information rarely found on standard review sites.

More Hidden Perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred

While most reviews cover bonus points and travel categories, these features are often overlooked:

1. Ultimate Rewards Insider Access

As a Sapphire Preferred cardholder, you get early access to exclusive events via Chase Experiences. Think VIP concert presales, culinary tastings with celebrity chefs, or invite-only NFL tailgates—all redeemable through points or cash.

2. Chase Travel Portal Price Matching

Few know that Chase occasionally price-matches travel rates through its Ultimate Rewards portal. If you find a lower rate within 24 hours of booking, you can submit a request for a partial refund—saving you money and points.

3. Extended Warranty Beyond Manufacturer Coverage

Chase extends eligible manufacturer warranties by an additional year, covering electronics, appliances, and more. Most cards don’t offer this unless they have a high annual fee.

Eligibility Requirements to Apply

Before clicking “Apply,” ensure you meet these baseline prerequisites:

1. Credit Score Requirement

A FICO score of 690+ (Good to Excellent) is typically required. However, approvals have been reported as low as 670 if other factors (like high income or long credit history) are favorable.

Tip: Chase uses a mix of Experian and internal banking history. If you’re already a Chase customer with strong standing, your approval odds increase.

2. 5/24 Rule

Chase applies its strict 5/24 rule: if you’ve opened 5 or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, you’ll likely be denied—regardless of your credit score.

3. Stable Income

While Chase doesn’t publish exact income requirements, most approved applicants report $40,000+ in annual income. Self-employed individuals should be ready to provide documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get approved if I already have another Chase card?

Yes, but you may be subject to Chase’s internal credit limits across your accounts. In some cases, they’ll shift credit from one card to another instead of denying your application.

Will applying for this card hurt my credit score?

You’ll receive a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your score by 2–5 points temporarily. Over time, responsible use may actually improve your score.

Is the Sapphire Preferred better than the Sapphire Reserve?

For most people, yes. Unless you travel heavily and can offset the $550 annual fee of the Reserve, the Preferred offers nearly identical point transfer options and a better rewards-to-cost ratio.

Can I downgrade or upgrade later?

Absolutely. Many users start with the Preferred and later upgrade to the Reserve once their spending increases. This preserves your account history and credit age.

How to Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Step-by-Step)

Follow this optimized process to improve your approval odds and speed:

📌 Step 1: Check Your Credit Report

Use a free service like AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit history. Look for:

• No recent missed payments
• Low credit utilization (under 30%)
• Age of accounts over 1 year

📌 Step 2: Go Incognito or Use Chase Pre-Approval

Open an incognito/private browser window and check for pre-qualified offers on the Chase website. Some users report higher approval chances when using this method.

📌 Step 3: Complete the Application Honestly

Include total gross income (not just salary), and don’t round numbers unnecessarily. Being precise boosts legitimacy and reduces approval delays.

📌 Step 4: Wait for Instant Decision—or Call Recon Line

If you get a “pending” message, don’t panic. Call Chase’s reconsideration line (1-888-270-2127) to speak directly with a credit analyst. Be polite, and be prepared to explain why you want the card and how you’ll use it responsibly.

Pro Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved

These advanced tips are often overlooked:

✅ Open a Chase Checking or Savings Account First

Establishing a relationship with Chase builds internal trust, especially if your credit profile is borderline. Many users report near-instant approvals when they’re existing banking customers.

✅ Lower Credit Utilization for 30 Days Before Applying

Make large payments on other credit cards before applying. Chase loves to see low balances across existing lines—under 10% utilization is ideal.

✅ Avoid Multiple Credit Applications

If you’ve recently applied for other cards, wait at least 90 days. Too many inquiries signal risk.

✅ Time Your Application Strategically

End-of-quarter and year-end periods (March, June, September, December) often yield better results due to internal Chase targets for new accounts.