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CHASE · GUIDE

Your first Chase card: where to start

Choose a Chase card around your spending, annual fee and plans for using rewards.

The short answer

Choose a Chase card around your spending, annual fee and plans for using rewards.

For readers comparing U.S. credit card costs and rewards

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Based on official sources, with AI-assisted writing. Examples are illustrative, not first-hand reviews or personalized advice. Original source-review dates are retained; translating a page does not reverify an offer.

Compare the key conditions

Your first Chase card: where to start · Key considerations
TopicWhat to check
Start with your budgetGroup your last three months of purchases into dining, transportation, travel and other spending. Decide whether you want cash back or travel rewards. Pay statements in full: interest and fees can outweigh rewards.
Choose the role before the bonusCompare annual fees, everyday earning categories and how you will redeem rewards. A large welcome bonus does not make an unsuitable card a good long-term choice. Value a credit only to the extent it saves money you would otherwise spend.
Check before applyingRead the exact card name, eligible spending requirement, deadline, APR, fees and bonus eligibility on the application screen. Approval and earning a welcome bonus are separate decisions. Read preapproval and credit scores and bonus eligibility.

Read the full conditions and original review date. A summary does not establish eligibility or guarantee benefits.

Start with your budget

Group your last three months of purchases into dining, transportation, travel and other spending. Decide whether you want cash back or travel rewards. Pay statements in full: interest and fees can outweigh rewards.

Choose the role before the bonus

Compare annual fees, everyday earning categories and how you will redeem rewards. A large welcome bonus does not make an unsuitable card a good long-term choice. Value a credit only to the extent it saves money you would otherwise spend.

Check before applying

Read the exact card name, eligible spending requirement, deadline, APR, fees and bonus eligibility on the application screen. Approval and earning a welcome bonus are separate decisions. Read preapproval and credit scores and bonus eligibility.

Illustration: can planned spending meet the bonus?

A planned monthly budget of $800 totals $2,400 over three months. A hypothetical $4,000 requirement would leave a $1,600 gap. These are illustrative numbers, not a current offer.

Do not treat the full bonus as profit if reaching it requires unnecessary spending.

Frequently asked questions

Should I compare only the welcome bonus?

No. Compare recurring fees, usable benefits and extra spending separately from a one-time bonus.

Can this guide predict approval?

No. Approval depends on the issuer’s review of your individual application.

Sources and update history

Official sources reviewed:

Official source 1 · creditcards.chase.com (opens in a new tab)Official source 2 · creditcards.chase.com (opens in a new tab)

· English editorial edition prepared September 28, 2026. Review the current provider terms before applying or ordering.

Check the final terms when applying or ordering. Corrections policy

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Approval, purchases and rewards are subject to the provider’s eligibility rules and terms.