Maximize Your Credit Card Welcome Bonus
One of the easiest ways to gain significant value from your new credit card is to take advantage of a welcome bonus.
Looking at the appealing offer from Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you really don’t want to overlook this opportunity.
New applicants can earn a whopping 125,000 bonus points by spending $6,000 within the first three months of account opening. As of August 2025, this bonus is valued at about $2,563 based on the worth of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which stands at 2.05 cents each.
The value of these points can be unlocked through incredible redemptions, especially by using one of the 14 transfer partners or by redeeming them at a rate of up to 2 cents, depending on the nature of the redemption.
This is quite a strong offer, so you wouldn’t want to make any missteps that could jeopardize it. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. To help you secure this attractive Sapphire Reserve Welcome Bonus, here are seven common pitfalls to avoid.
Don’t Apply for Sapphire Reserve with Existing Sapphire Request
When the Sapphire Reserve was refreshed in June, Chase introduced a $795 annual fee, while adding the option to maintain both this and the $95 annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card at the same time.
Previously, having both sapphire cards concurrently was not an option.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of both cards, this is a positive shift. But, if you currently have the Sapphire Preferred, you need to remember that you won’t be eligible for the new Sapphire Reserve bonus.
This means that current Sapphire Preferred holders must downgrade or close their card before applying. Just make sure you clearly understand the welcome offer rules before you submit your application.
Applying for Sapphire Reserve After Earning a Bonus
If you’ve previously held a Sapphire Reserve and received a bonus, you might not be able to take advantage of the current offer.
Even if you don’t have the card now, if you’ve benefited from a bonus in the past, you’ll likely be ineligible for this one.
Neglecting Eligibility Check with Chase Tools
These bonus eligibility rules can certainly get a bit baffling.
Fortunately, Chase has added a helpful pop-up tool for Sapphire Reserve applicants, which can let you know if you qualify for a welcome bonus without affecting your credit score.
Even if you’re aware of these restrictions, this is the best way to confirm your eligibility before moving forward with your application.
Ignoring Your 5/24 Status
Chase enforces a well-known 5/24 rule that prevents approval for credit card applications from individuals who have opened five or more cards in the past 24 months.
Some accounts, like business credit cards, might not count toward your 5/24 status. If you’re denied and believe you’re under this threshold, you can reach out to Chase’s reconsideration line at 888-609-7805 for clarification.
Keep in mind that sometimes authorized user accounts can count against your 5/24 status, and it’s worth finding out how Chase categorizes your situation.
Inadequate Credit History
It’s often suggested to have at least a credit score of 670 to be eligible for the Sapphire Reserve. However, this is just one part of what Chase considers.
Some individuals who are just starting to build credit, or those who only have accounts in someone else’s name, may find it difficult to qualify for premium rewards cards.
Furthermore, because the Sapphire Reserve is a Visa Infinite card, having a credit limit of at least $10,000 is necessary. So, ensure your income reflects that potential limit.
Overlooking Spending Requirements for Bonus
Once you’re approved for the Sapphire Reserve, it’s essential to start spending right away. To earn those 125,000 bonus points, you need to meet the $6,000 minimum in your first three months.
Failing to track your spending or miscalculating could lead you to miss out on that bonus—definitely not something you want to overlook.
You can check your spending progress in the Benefits section of your Chase Online account or through the Chase app.
- Select “Rewards”
- Choose “Chase Sapphire Reserve”
- Scroll down to see your progress
Just remember:
- Your annual fee does not count toward your minimum spending requirements
- Be cautious not to get too close to the threshold, especially with online shopping, as charges may take time to appear
- Transaction methods like payments through Venmo typically don’t count
Try to shift the bulk of your spending onto your new card to reach that goal faster.
Forgetting to Lift Your Credit Freeze
A credit freeze is an effective way to protect your information from fraud, but if you forget to lift it when applying for a credit card, you may face denial.
I can personally attest to this, having forgotten to unlock mine when needed.
Final Thoughts
The 125,000 points welcome offer from the Chase Sapphire Reserve is certainly noteworthy. There’s a lot of value available through these points, so it’s essential to minimize any barriers to claiming this bonus.
Watch out for these typical mistakes as you work towards securing your points.
