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Guides
Chase credit cards: Best time to apply based on offer history
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
August 22, 2026 • 23 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
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.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The article reviews the historical trends of introductory bonuses across a range of popular cash-back and travel rewards cards, highlighting when the most valuable offers have appeared.
It emphasizes that these introductory offers frequently change, and timing your application can significantly impact the value you receive.
The guide provides specific thresholds for what constitutes a strong bonus for each card type, advising readers to compare current offers to historical highs before applying.
It also notes that eligibility rules, such as limits on the number of new accounts opened within a set timeframe, can affect your ability to qualify for these bonuses.
What to consider
Eligibility for introductory bonuses may be restricted by rules limiting the number of new accounts you can open within a certain period.
Some of the highest historical offers are no longer available, so current offers may differ from past peaks.
Targeted or limited-time offers may provide higher value than publicly available options, but may not be accessible to all applicants.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed, card-by-card breakdown of historical bonus amounts and expert recommendations on the optimal timing for applications.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
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 have you covered.
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. Additionally, some of these offers may no longer be available.
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart; on up to $12,000 spent on these purchases) during the first year.
When the offer is at least a $200 bonus with a bonus category for extra earnings during the first year
Depending on your 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% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart; on up to $12,000 spent on these purchases) during the first year.
When the offer is double cash back, or at least a $200 bonus with a bonus category for extra earnings during the first year
Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
When the offer is more than $750
Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flexis 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 date
Offer
Value
September 2026 to now
Earn a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$250
April 2023 to September 2026
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$200
October 2022 to March 2023
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart; on up to $12,000 spent on these purchases) during the first year.
$200 plus up to $600 on grocery purchases
Highest welcome offer
With the highest welcome offer we've seen, new cardholders could earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart; on up to $12,000 spent on these purchases) during the first year.
When to apply
We suggest applying for this card when the bonus offers $200 cash back, plus a 5% cash-back bonus category during the first year from account opening.
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 date
Offer
Value
April 2026 to now
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$200
March 2026 to April 2026
Earn a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$250
January 2026 to March 2026
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$200
December 2025 to January 2026
Earn $300 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$300
May 2025 to December 2025
Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$200
March 2025 to May 2025
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 (on up to $20,000 spent) during the first year — 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.
or
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart; on up to $12,000 spent on these purchases) during the first year.
Value depends on the cash back earned in the 12-month period
or
$200 plus up to $600 on grocery purchases
December 2022 to October 2023
Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases (on up to $20,000 spent) during the first year — worth up to $300 cash back.
Up to $300
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% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart; on up to $12,000 spent on these purchases) during the first year.
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.
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.
THE POINTS GUY
Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Sapphire Preferred.
Welcome offer history
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
July 2026 to now
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,538
June to July 2026
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$2,050
June 2025 to June 2026
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,538
May 2025 to June 2025
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,230
April 2025 to May 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases 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 Travel℠ 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
May 2024 to June 2024
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,538
May 2023 to May 2024
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,230
April 2023 to May 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,640
*The bonus offer value is based on TPG’s June 2026 valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best offer allowed new cardholders to earn 100,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (no longer available).
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.
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.
THE POINTS GUY
Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Sapphire Reserve.
Welcome offer history
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
June 2026 to now
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$2,050
April 2026 to June 2026
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$3,075
August 2025 to April 2026
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$2,563
June 2025 to August 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel promo credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$2,550 (including the $500 Chase Travel credit)
June 2024 to June 2025
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,230
May 2024 to June 2024
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,538
February 2023 to May 2024
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,230
*The bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The highest-ever offer on the Sapphire Reserve allowed new cardholders to earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening (offer no longer available).
When to apply
It's good to apply for this card anytime it's offering at least 125,000 points.
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
Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Sapphire Reserve for Business.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
June 2026 to now
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
$4,100
January 2026 to June 2026
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$3,075
June 2025 to January 2026
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
$4,100
*The 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 is also the current offer: Earn 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.
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 date
Offer
Value
September 2026 to now
Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$750
June 2026 to September 2026
Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
$1,000
November 2025 to June 2026
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 on purchases 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 $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$750
September 2023 to January 2024
Earn $900 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$900
March 2023 to September 2023
Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$750
Highest welcome offer
The offer we've seen allowed new cardholders to earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening (no longer available).
When to apply
It's a good time to apply when the bonus is offering more than $750.
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 date
Offer
Value*
November 2025 to now
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$2,050
September 2024 to November 2025
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,845
July 2024 to September 2024
Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$2,460
June 2023 to July 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$2,050
April 2020 to June 2023
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$2,050
*The 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.
The Ink Business Premier is Chase's top-tier business cash-back card, offering 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 $1,000 cash back 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.
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 date
Offer
Value
September 2026 to now
Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$750
June 2026 to September 2026
Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
$1,000
November 2025 to June 2026
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
November 2024 to September 2025
Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$750
September 2024 to November 2024
Earn $900 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$900
January 2024 to September 2024
Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$750
September 2023 to January 2024
Earn $900 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$900
March 2023 to September 2023
Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$750
Highest welcome offer
The highest offer we've seen allowed new cardholders to earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening (no longer available).
When to apply
It's a good time to apply when the bonus is offering more than $750.
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.
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.
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.
Marriott credit cards are in an interesting position within the industry, since they're issued by both Chase and American Express. Chase issues three Marriott cobranded cards, two of which are currently open to applicants.
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:
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
