Chase
The biggest card issuer in the US and home of Ultimate Rewards, the most beginner-friendly transferable currency thanks to Hyatt, United and Southwest.
Application Rules
- ▸5/24 rule: 5+ new personal cards across all banks in 24 months = automatic denial on most Chase cards
- ▸Sapphire bonuses: one bonus per Sapphire card per 48 months
- ▸Business cards don't count toward your 5/24 total
- ▸1-2 Chase applications per 30 days is the safe velocity
Tracked Chase Cards
The flagship premium travel card, rebuilt in 2025 with a credit stack that can out-earn its fee.
The best first travel card in the game. Full transfer partner access for $95.
1.5x on everything, and a points multiplier when paired with a Sapphire.
5% rotating categories that turn into 5x transferable points in the right setup.
The biggest routine sign-up bonus in the business. Period.
$750 for free, every so often. The churnable workhorse.
5x at office supply stores, and gift card racks live at office supply stores.
The only hotel card whose free night reliably beats the annual fee.
Free bags, expanded award space, and two lounge passes a year.
An annual 35k free night certificate for a $95 fee.
The middle child of the United lineup, with enough credits to cover the fee for regular flyers.
A United Club membership with a card attached. The 2025 refresh raised the fee and stacked on credits.
The top personal Southwest card. The travel credit and anniversary points nearly erase the fee.
The cheapest door into Southwest points and the Companion Pass.
Huge headline bonuses, an anniversary night, and a fourth award night free every stay.
The only US card that earns one of the best Star Alliance currencies directly.
5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods, no annual fee beyond your Prime membership.
Chase's front door for first-time cardholders. 1.5% on everything while you build history.
VisaA palladium-faced Sapphire Reserve for J.P. Morgan Private Bank clients. Same benefits, heavier metal.
United miles with no annual fee and no FTF.
The middle child of the Southwest lineup, and often the right pick.
The biggest Southwest bonuses live on the business side.
The legacy luxury card you can only reach by product change.