Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most-recommended starter travel rewards cards in the US, and its current welcome offer is a big reason why: new cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. Using The Points Guy's valuation of Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, that stash works out to roughly $1,538 in travel value — against a $95 annual fee.
The catch is that Chase has some of the strictest approval and bonus rules of any major issuer, so it pays to check your eligibility before applying.
First, the basics: you won't be approved if you currently hold a Sapphire Preferred, and if you've earned the bonus on this card before, you're unlikely to get it again. Chase also weighs your broader card history, including how many accounts you've opened or closed recently.
The rule most people trip over is Chase's 5/24 policy. If you've opened five or more new credit cards in the past 24 months, your application will likely be denied regardless of your credit score. Business cards generally don't count toward that total, which gives frequent applicants a bit of breathing room.
There's good news on two fronts. Being an authorized user on someone else's Sapphire Preferred doesn't block you from getting your own card and bonus, as long as you meet the other requirements. And holding — or having held — the premium Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't disqualify you either. You can even carry both cards at once and earn each one's welcome bonus separately, despite them being siblings in the same Sapphire family.
Beyond these card-specific rules, the usual applies: a weak credit score or a shaky credit profile can still sink an application, so it's worth reviewing your report before you hit submit.
Why should a traveller care? Seventy-five thousand Chase points is enough for a meaningful trip — think multiple domestic flights across the US or a serious dent in an all-inclusive resort booking — and the card also carries solid earning rates and strong travel protections for a mid-tier product. If you're under 5/24 and haven't previously claimed this bonus, you're in a good position to qualify. If you've recently been on a card-opening spree, it may be worth waiting until you drop below the threshold before chasing this offer. Details via The Points Guy.
