My Experience Applying for the Refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve

My Application Story

Last week, I decided to go for it since Chase was advertising that the 100,000 bonus points + $500 travel credit offer was ending soon. The last time I got a Sapphire bonus was 54 months ago, so I cleared the 48-month hurdle. I also downgraded my old Sapphire to a Freedom Unlimited a few days beforehand (very important, since it takes a few days for the downgrade to show in their system).

My application went into pending status, but right away I got an email alert from Credit Karma that Chase had pulled my credit. That’s a good sign — they only pull if you’re eligible for the bonus.

I didn’t feel like waiting 7–10 days for a letter, so I called the Chase reconsideration line (877-882-1890). The rep told me my application was in “system review” — usually meaning verification issues. Since I recently moved, I figured the new address was the trigger. From past experience, I knew “system review” really takes about 24 hours, not “a few days” like the rep suggested.

Sure enough, the next day I called back. This time they said it was with the lending team and I had to wait it out. I pushed a little and asked for a supervisor. That was the move — the supervisor actually reviewed my application on the spot, and after a few minutes, I was approved!

A Few Side Notes

Two friends of mine, both with excellent credit and strong Chase relationships, tried applying within 48 months of their last Sapphire bonus. They both got the pop-up denial.

Chase originally marketed the offer as “100,000 points + $500 travel credit ending August 21.” But the day after, they refreshed it to 125,000 points with no travel credit. Honestly, that’s a upgrade for many people. Points are more flexible and don’t expire, while the $500 credit expires after a year, must be used on Chase Travel, and is one-time use. Quite disappointing to rush and apply before the deadline only to find out that the bonus only got better. But the good news is that if you still haven't applied, there is no better time to apply than now! Just click here

I messaged Chase through secure message to ask if they’d match me to the new offer. No luck — denied. (Still, Chase SM is usually the best place to ask for offer matches.)

Quick Take: Applying for the Refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve

Eligibility (unofficial but still applies):

• No Sapphire bonus (Preferred or Reserve) in the last 48 months

• No active Sapphire card at the time of applying

• Now determined by Chase’s pop-up system (similar to Amex’s)

• It remains unclear whether the 5/24 rule is still being enforced on this card

My Application Steps:

• Downgraded old Sapphire → Freedom Unlimited

• Waited a few days for system to update

• Applied (credit pull = good sign I was eligible)

• Application pending → called reconsideration line (877-882-1890)

• Supervisor pushed it through → approved!

Key Takeaways:

• If pending or denied, immediately call recon; if no help, ask for a supervisor

• Always try Chase secure message for a bonus match request

• Don’t always take the first Chase rep’s word — hang up and call again

• Friends under 48 months got the pop-up denial

• Original offer: 100k points + $500 travel credit

• New offer (after Aug 21): 125k points, no travel credit

• $500 travel credit is less versatile than points

Pro Tip: Persistence pays off. Supervisors and second calls often make the difference.