Many wonder if being an authorized user on a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card impacts their ability to get their own – and claim the valuable welcome bonus. The answer is surprisingly encouraging: being an authorized user doesn’t automatically disqualify you, as long as you meet Chase’s current eligibility requirements.
Currently, new Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn a substantial welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months. These points aren’t just numbers; they hold significant value, potentially reaching up to $1,538 when redeemed for travel through Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
The core reason you *can* apply even as an authorized user lies in how credit card issuers view the account. The primary cardholder owns the credit line, meaning you, as an authorized user, don’t technically “have” the card yourself. This distinction opens the door for you to establish your own independent credit relationship with Chase.
You don’t even need to remove yourself as an authorized user before applying. In fact, removing yourself could potentially *lower* your credit score by shortening the average age of your credit accounts – a key factor in creditworthiness. It’s a delicate balance, and staying put can often be the smarter move.
If you encounter an issue during the application process, don’t hesitate to contact Chase’s reconsideration line. A representative may be able to clarify your situation and potentially approve your application, explaining the authorized user status.
However, two key Chase rules could affect your eligibility. The first, and often discussed, is the “5/24” rule. This restricts approval if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards in the past 24 months. Every successfully opened card counts against this limit.
Authorized user cards *can* count towards your 5/24 status, even though you aren’t the primary cardholder. But there’s a potential workaround. Explaining your situation to a reconsideration line representative might result in them excluding the authorized user card from the count, though approval isn’t guaranteed.
The second rule pertains specifically to Sapphire cards. Chase allows you to hold multiple Sapphire cards simultaneously, but earning welcome bonuses isn’t automatic. If you’ve previously earned a bonus on the Sapphire Preferred, you likely won’t qualify again.
Similarly, holding another Sapphire card as a primary cardholder could disqualify you from a new bonus, even if you haven’t received a bonus on the specific card you’re applying for. Crucially, authorized user status doesn’t count against this rule – it’s about primary cardholder status.
To maximize your chances of approval and the welcome bonus, aim for a credit score of 670 or above. Chase even offers a pre-approval tool that allows you to check your eligibility for the bonus *before* submitting a full application, without impacting your credit score.
In essence, being an authorized user doesn’t create an obstacle to obtaining your own Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and its rewards. Success hinges on staying under the 5/24 limit, maintaining a good credit score, and avoiding prior bonuses on the same card or current primary ownership of another Sapphire card.
