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Chase credit cards: Best time to apply based on offer history

With many of the best credit cards on the market, earning a generous welcome bonus is a quick way to receive a lot of value. These cards from Chase are no exception.

It’s important to know, however, that welcome offers often change.

Let’s say you’re considering adding a new Chase card to your wallet. When is the best time to apply so you can earn the best offer? We’ve got you covered.

Read on to learn more about the welcome offer history across Chase’s suite of credit cards, earning both cash back and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Best Chase credit card welcome bonuses

Below are some of the most popular Chase credit cards, along with their highest-ever offers and our recommendations for when to apply.

Note that these are all publicly available offers; some individual, targeted bonuses may be higher than what we’ve found. In addition, some of these offers may no longer be available.

Also, keep in mind that Chase factors in its 5/24 rule when you apply. Other factors can dictate whether or not you’re eligible for a Chase welcome bonus.

It’s worth considering your current wallet setup and cross-checking with the terms of whichever card you decide to apply for.

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CardBest welcome offer we’ve seenWhen to apply

Earn $200 back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart), on up to $12,000 spent during the first year.

When the offer has $200 back, plus a 5% cash-back bonus category during the first year from account opening.

Depending on a person’s spending habits, the best offer is either:

Earn unlimited double cash back for the first 12 months from account opening.

or

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) during the first year (on up to $12,000 spent on these purchases).

When the offer is at least a $200 bonus and a bonus category for extra earnings during the first year, or when double cash back is offered.

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.

When the offer is more than 75,000 bonus points.

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

When the offer is at or above 125,000 bonus points.

Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

This is the only publicly available offer we’ve seen in the card’s history.

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

When the offer is at or above $750 cash back.

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening.

When the offer is at or above 100,000 points.

Earn a $1,000 cash bonus after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

This is the only publicly available offer we’ve seen in the card’s history.

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

When the offer is at or above $750 cash back.

The information for the Ink Business Preferred and Ink Business Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex is a solid, no-annual-fee cash-back option for cardholders who want to maximize rotating quarterly bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter; activation is required each quarter).

If you have a card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, the cash back you earn on the Freedom Flex (and any Chase cash-back card, with the exception of the Ink Business Premier, which doesn’t combine rewards with any other Chase card) can be turned into Ultimate Rewards points.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Freedom Flex:

Welcome offer history

Approximate dateOfferValue

Earn $200 back after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.

$200

October 2022 to March 2023

Earn $200 back after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% back on grocery purchases (not including Target or Walmart), on up to $12,000 spent during the first year.

$200 plus up to $600 on grocery purchases

July 2021 to October 2022

Earn $200 back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% back on gas station purchases, on up to $6,000 spent during the first year.

$200 plus up to $300 on gas purchases

Highest welcome offer

With the highest welcome offer we’ve seen, new cardholders could earn $200 back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart), on up to $12,000 spent during the first year.

When to apply

We suggest applying for this card when the bonus offers $200 back, plus a 5% cash-back bonus category during the first year from account opening.

Learn more: Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a flat 1.5% cash back on most purchases, with simple bonus-earning categories for certain everyday purchases. The card doesn’t charge an annual fee.

The Freedom Unlimited’s bonus offer has matched the offer on the Freedom Flex in the past, but they aren’t always identical. So, it’s worth comparing the two if you decide to apply.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Freedom Unlimited:

Welcome offer history

Approximate dateOfferValue

Earn $300 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer ends Jan. 15, 2026, at 9 a.m. EST.

$300

May 2025 to December 2025

Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$200

Earn $250 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$250

January 2024 to March 2025

Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases during the first year (on up to $20,000 of purchases) — worth up to $300 cash back.

Up to $300

October 2023 to January 2024

Earn unlimited double cash back for the first 12 months from account opening.

Value depends on the cash back earned in the 12-month period

December 2022 to October 2023

Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases during the first year (on up to $20,000 of purchases) — worth up to $300 cash back.

Up to $300

October 2022 to December 2022

Earn $200 back after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% back on grocery purchases (not including Target or Walmart), on up to $12,000 spent during the first year.

$200 plus up to $600 from grocery store purchases

July 2021 to October 2022

Earn $200 back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% back on gas station purchases, on up to $6,000 spent during the first year.

$200 plus up to $300 from gas station purchases

Highest welcome offer

This card has offered two welcome bonuses that could be considered the highest, and it depends on what you prioritize.

One bonus offered unlimited double cash back for the first 12 months from account opening. The other offered a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus 5% back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) during the first year (on up to $12,000 of these purchases).

When to apply

This card could be worth applying for when the bonus is at least $200 with a bonus category for extra earnings during the first year, or when it offers double cash back for the first year.

Learn more: Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a solid entry-level travel rewards card for anyone ready to dive into the world of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The card provides good value for many at a modest $95 annual fee.

With the new welcome bonus eligibility changes for the Sapphire cards, you won’t be able to earn the Sapphire Preferred’s bonus if you already hold the Sapphire Reserve.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Sapphire Preferred:

Welcome offer history

Approximate dateOfferValue*

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,538

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$2,050

November 2024 to April 2025

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

October 2024 to November 2024

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus up to a $300 statement credit on Chase Travelâ„  purchases within the first year.

$1,530

June 2024 to October 2024

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$1,538

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$1,640

March 2023 to May 2023 (in-branch only)

In-branch only: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 total on purchases made in the first six months.

$1,845

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$1,640

October 2021 to April 2022

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s December 2025 valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The best offer in the Sapphire Preferred’s history gave new cardholders the chance to earn 100,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

The best time to apply for the Sapphire Preferred is any time the bonus comes with more than 75,000 points, which is its standard offer.

Learn more: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The premium Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a host of benefits and is a great option for Chase Sapphire Lounge access and elevated earning rates in multiple travel categories. It comes with a $795 annual fee.

Be sure to note that those who already hold the Sapphire Preferred won’t be able to earn the welcome bonus on the Sapphire Reserve, given the welcome bonus eligibility rules.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Sapphire Reserve:

Welcome offer history

Approximate dateOfferValue*

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

$2,563

Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$2,550 (including the $500 Chase Travel credit)

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,538

February 2023 to May 2024

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

October 2022 to January 2023

Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,640

June 2022 to October 2022

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,230

October 2021 to June 2022

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,025

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s December 2025 valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The current publicly available offer on the Sapphire Reserve allows new cardholders to earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

When to apply

It’s good to apply for this card any time it’s offering 125,000 points or more as a bonus.

Learn more: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business is a premium business card option for business owners looking for top-tier perks. The card charges a $795 annual fee.

THE POINTS GUY

The only bonus we’ve seen on this card offers the chance to earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

TPG’s December 2025 valuations deem this offer as worth $4,100.

Highest welcome offer

This card’s welcome offer has never changed, so the highest offer is the current offer of 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

When to apply

If the Sapphire Reserve for Business runs a limited-time offer higher than its current bonus, it’s worth applying. That said, the current offer for the new rollout of this card is incredibly solid — so now is still a good time to apply.

Learn more: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash earns bonus cash-back rewards for business owners in popular spending categories, such as office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services, for no annual fee.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Ink Business Cash:

Welcome offer history

Approximate dateOfferValue

Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$750

September 2025 to November 2025

Earn $900 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$900

March 2024 to September 2025

Earn up to $750: $350 after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening and an additional $400 after spending $6,000 in the first six months from account opening.

Up to $750

January 2024 to March 2024

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$750

September 2023 to January 2024

Earn a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$900

March 2023 to September 2023

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$750

October 2022 to March 2023

Earn a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$900

December 2020 to October 2022

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $7,500 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$750

Highest welcome offer

The best bonus on the Ink Business Cash offered a $900 cash bonus after $6,000 in spending on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

We recommend applying for the Ink Business Cash when the bonus is $750 or higher.

Learn more: Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Small-business owners who are Chase Ultimate Rewards points enthusiasts could find their perfect match in the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. For a $95 annual fee, you can collect Chase points across multiple bonus categories.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Ink Business Preferred:

Welcome offer history

Approximate dateOfferValue*

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$2,050

September 2024 to November 2025

Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$1,845

July 2024 to September 2024

Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$2,460

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$2,050

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in the first three months from account opening.

$2,050

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s December 2025 valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The highest offer we’ve seen in the Ink Business Preferred’s history gave new cardholders the opportunity to earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

The best time to apply for the Ink Business Preferred is any time the welcome bonus is above 100,000 points.

Learn more: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card review

Ink Business Premier Credit Card

The Ink Business Premier is Chase’s top-tier business cash-back card, offering an unlimited 2% cash back on business purchases on top of other bonus categories for a $195 annual fee.

THE POINTS GUY

The only offer we’ve seen on this card allows new cardholders the chance to earn a $1,000 cash bonus after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Highest welcome offer

This card’s welcome offer has remained steady since its launch, so the highest offer is the current offer of $1,000 cash back after spending $10,000 in the first three months of account opening.

When to apply

If the Ink Business Premier ever runs a limited-time offer above its typical $1,000 (the only offer we’ve seen in its history), you should definitely apply. That said, don’t hold your breath waiting for a higher offer.

Learn more: Ink Business Premier Credit Card review

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

For business owners seeking a flat-rate cash-back card, the no-annual-fee Ink Business Unlimited is a good option to consider.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Ink Business Unlimited:

Welcome offer history

Approximate dateOfferValue

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$750

September 2025 to November 2025

Earn a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$900

November 2024 to September 2025

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$750

September 2024 to November 2024

Earn a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$900

January 2024 to September 2024

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$750

September 2023 to January 2024

Earn a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$900

March 2023 to September 2023

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$750

October 2022 to March 2023

Earn a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$900

December 2020 to October 2022

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $7,500 on purchases within three months from account opening.

$750

Highest welcome offer

The Ink Business Unlimited has previously offered new cardholders the chance to earn a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

When to apply

It’s a good time to apply when the bonus is offering $750 or more cash back.

Learn more: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Hyatt Chase cards

Chase is the issuer of the only two Hyatt cobranded cards on the market — one personal card and one business card. These two cards will occasionally offer elevated welcome bonuses.

If you’re interested in one of Chase’s Hyatt cards, check out our guide to the offer history on the World of Hyatt cards to help you decide when to apply.

IHG Chase cards

IHG loyalists have three card options, all cobranded with Chase. Two of the cards are personal cards, and there’s one option for business owners.

If you’re interested in one of Chase’s IHG cards, see our offer history guide for IHG cards to help you make your decision.

Southwest Chase cards

All Southwest Airlines credit cards are cobranded with Chase, which issues three personal options and two business cards for Southwest loyalists. These cards will receive new welcome offers somewhat frequently.

If you’re interested in one of Chase’s Southwest cards, our guide to the offer history of Southwest cards can help you choose a time to apply.

United Chase cards

Chase issues all United Airlines credit cards, which often feature solid bonuses for frequent flyers. The Chase-United suite includes four personal card options and two business cards.

If you’re interested in one of Chase’s United cards, see our guide to the United cards’ offer history to decide when to apply.

Bottom line

Welcome bonuses often fluctuate, so if you’re interested in applying for a new card, it’s worth checking out its offer history and comparing it to the present offer.

Since so much of a card’s value is found in the welcome offer, you may find that the best strategy is to hold off until a lucrative limited-time bonus appears so you can earn a swath of bonus points or cash back.

For more information on credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:

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