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 both Chase's cash-back cards and those earning 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 the offers listed here. 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.

Consider your current wallet setup and cross-check with the terms of whichever card you decide to apply for.

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.

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

Welcome offer history

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.

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

Welcome offer history

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

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.

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

Welcome offer history

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's May 2026 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 on purchases 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.

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

Welcome offer history

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's 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 150,000 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 anytime it's offering at least 125,000 points.

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.

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

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

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer was 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 is incredibly solid — so now is still a good time to apply.

Learn more: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Ink Business Cash

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.

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

Welcome offer history

Highest welcome offer

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

When to apply

It's a good time to apply when the bonus is offering more than $750.

Learn more: Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred

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.

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

Welcome offer history

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's 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

Ink Business Premier

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 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 on purchases 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, it may not be worth waiting for a higher offer.

Learn more: Ink Business Premier Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited

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

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

Welcome offer history

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 more than $750.

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 large number of bonus points or cash back.

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

• The best time to apply for these popular American Express credit cards based on offer history
• The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
• The best time to apply for these popular Citi credit cards based on offer history

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.