Is Chase Introducing Its Own Version of the Amex Welcome Bonus Pop-Up Window?

Updated: June 17, 2025, 3:37pm CDT

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Chase To Change Sapphire Welcome Bonus Eligibility Requirements
Chase May Add Other Welcome Bonus Restrictions
Final Thoughts

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Chase made waves earlier today when it announced its first premium business credit card — the Sapphire Reserve for Business ℠ Card — and significant changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®. Among these changes was another interesting tidbit: Consumers can have the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and, when it launches, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card open at the same time.

Previously, the bank only allowed consumers to have one Sapphire-branded card at a time. The bank also confirmed that members can earn the welcome bonus on each of the 3 cards, so long as they’re new card members.

However, Chase may be implementing other restrictions that could make some consumers ineligible for welcome bonuses on these cards. Based on Chase’s wording, this could function similarly to American Express’ infamous pop-up windows that notify existing Amex cardholders that they’re ineligible for a new member welcome offer, with only vague reasoning provided.

Let’s take a closer look at changes to Sapphire welcome bonus eligibility and how Chase might introduce its own version of the Amex pop-up window.

Chase To Change Sapphire Welcome Bonus Eligibility Requirements

For reference, in the past, you could only have one Sapphire card at a time. Likewise, you could only receive a new member welcome bonus once every 48 months across the Sapphire card family.

For example, if you opened a new Chase Sapphire Preferred card and earned the welcome bonus in May 2025, you’d have to wait until May 2029 to earn the welcome offer on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. You’d also have to close your Chase Sapphire Preferred card in order to be approved for a new card in the Sapphire family. Thankfully, this is no longer the case, as Chase now treats each card separately.

Instead, the bank will move away from card family welcome offer restrictions in favor of per-card welcome offer restrictions. Theoretically, you could be approved for all 3 Sapphire cards and earn their bonuses when these new rules are in place.

Hot Tip:

We expect Chase’s 5/24 rule to continue to apply to cards in the Sapphire family even after these changes take effect. This unofficial rule means you can only be approved for a Chase credit card if you’ve opened 5 cards or fewer over the past 24 months.

Chase May Add Other Welcome Bonus Restrictions

But it might not be as straightforward as it sounds. According to an article on View From The Wing, Chase may be implementing other restrictions around earning the welcome bonus. The bank told the travel publication the following:

“Beginning June 23, 2025 you will be able to have both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred cards. New account bonus offer eligibility for either card will be based on factors including previously earned bonus offers and the number of cards opened and closed, among others.“

The second part of this statement is concerning. Chase could soon — at least in theory — approve you for a new Sapphire card but use vaguely worded reasoning to deny you a new member welcome bonus.

Later in the article, View From The Wing notes that a Chase spokesperson also said consumers “will be notified during the application process if they are not eligible for a bonus offer and given the choice to continue the application or cancel the application with no impact to their credit score.”

As mentioned in the intro, this is oddly similar to American Express’ infamous pop-up windows. Existing American Express cardholders applying for a new card sometimes receive a pop-up during the application process that notifies them that while they may be approved for a new account, they’re not eligible for a welcome bonus.

The reasoning? Well, it’s vague, to say the least:

Amex Pop Up Jail Brett — An example of the pop-up window stating you’re not eligible for a welcome bonus. Image Credit: American Express

Chase’s statement to View From The Wing notes a few factors the bank might consider when deciding if a customer can receive a welcome bonus with their new card. These include previously earned bonuses and the number of cards the consumer has opened and closed. At the same time, the statement ends by stating that “other” factors could be considered.

A Chase spokesperson confirmed to Upgraded Points that consumers may be notified that they’re ineligible for a welcome bonus during the application process and can cancel their application without impacting their credit score. However, the spokesperson did not comment on what other factors are considered for welcome bonus eligibility.

Final Thoughts

It’s been a big week for Chase. The bank announced massive changes to its popular Chase Sapphire Reserve card, including a higher annual fee and various new benefits. It also announced the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, its first foray into the premium business credit card space.

Further, the bank announced it’s now possible to have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card simultaneously. However, as discussed here, Chase may notify some consumers that they’re ineligible for welcome bonuses based on vaguely worded factors, similar to American Express.