On June 17, Chase introduced a new business credit card called the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business. This card is promoted alongside the already popular Chase Sapphire Reserve, a premium travel card. New cardholders can look forward to a welcome bonus that includes benefits like statement credits and information about annual fees.
Chase is also updating its eligibility policy, which could affect how many Sapphire Card Welcome Bonuses one might qualify for. However, these changes will only apply to consumer Sapphire cards and won’t affect the business version.
Let’s break down these changes.
New Chase Sapphire Qualification Bonus Rules
Previously, Chase had a 48-month policy regarding welcome bonuses for Sapphire Cards. This meant that if someone had received a bonus within the last 48 months, they couldn’t receive a new one. Additionally, this rule also applied to both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred cards.
Starting June 23, 2025, it will be possible to hold both Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred Cards. However, eligibility for bonuses will depend on factors like past bonuses earned and the number of cards opened or closed, as confirmed by Chase representatives.
So, what does this imply?
If you previously received a Sapphire Welcome Bonus:
If you’ve received a welcome bonus for a specific Sapphire Card in the past, you won’t qualify for another bonus if you reapply for that same card, even after more than 48 months have passed.
For instance, a senior travel editor, who downgraded her Chase Sapphire in April, won’t qualify for a welcome bonus again, despite downgrading for 48 months. She was eligible for the bonus before downgrading, but the new policy now impacts her application for a Sapphire Preferred.
If you currently have a Sapphire credit card:
Having any Sapphire card currently may affect your eligibility for the bonus. However, if you’re no longer a Sapphire cardholder, you could be eligible again, provided you haven’t received a welcome offer for that card.
So if you’ve held a Sapphire Reserve in the past, you can now apply for both the Reserve and another Sapphire card, but you won’t qualify for the bonus on the Reserve if you still hold it. Conversely, if you downgrade and then apply for the Sapphire Reserve, you could receive a welcome bonus.
If you have previously held both Sapphire cards:
If you’ve had both Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred cards, you can still apply for recommendations for new Sapphire cards, but you won’t be eligible for a bonus since you’ve already received bonuses on both.
For example, an editor previously held the Sapphire Reserve, downgraded to a Freedom Unlimited, and applied for a Sapphire Preferred. Although she could apply for the Reserve again, bonus eligibility is unlikely since she already received one before and currently holds a priority card.
It’s important to note that these new policies only apply to consumer Sapphire Cards and not to the new business Sapphire card.
Check your Sapphire eligibility with Chase’s Card Tool.
In light of the new bonus eligibility updates, Chase has introduced a helpful pop-up tool during card applications. This tool lets users check if they’re eligible for a welcome bonus before moving forward with an application, and it won’t affect their credit score. It’s a practical way to verify bonuses.
Conclusion
The revised bonus eligibility rules may not be favorable for current Sapphire cardholders. However, those who meet the criteria could still see substantial benefits. If you’ve already received a Sapphire bonus, chances are, you’re not likely to get another on that specific card.
Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see such offerings, as they allow both Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred holders to maximize their rewards and take advantage of the added perks.
