Am I eligible for the Chase Sapphire Reserve's 125,000-point bonus?
Editor's Note
Quick summary
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), an uberpopular premium travel credit card, underwent a major refresh in June.
This update ushered in numerous changes, including the addition of several statement credits, automatic elite status and an annual fee increase that typically accompanies these kinds of changes. The card now carries a $795 annual fee — up almost 45% from its previous $550 fee — but it offers numerous statement credits and benefits to offset this jump.
Plus, you'll earn one of the most valuable and flexible currencies: Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Currently, new applicants for the Sapphire Reserve can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's August 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $2,563.
If you're interested in applying, here's everything you need to know regarding your eligibility for this lucrative welcome bonus.
Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses of the month
Am I eligible for the Chase Sapphire Reserve bonus?
Chase recently updated its eligibility rules for welcome bonuses. Previously, you could only earn one Sapphire welcome bonus every 48 months. Now, Chase has implemented a new time frame greater than 48 months regarding the welcome bonus.
A representative from Chase confirmed the following to TPG: "You will be able to have both the Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees). 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."
If you have previously received a Sapphire Reserve welcome bonus, you will not be eligible to receive another Sapphire Reserve welcome bonus. Even if it's been years since you received a welcome bonus on a particular Sapphire card, you most likely will not be eligible to earn another bonus on that same Sapphire card.
This also applies to the Sapphire Preferred, so if you received a welcome bonus on the Preferred, you will not be eligible for another Preferred bonus.
Other things to note are:
- You may not be eligible for a Sapphire Reserve bonus if you're a current Sapphire Preferred cardholder.
- If you're no longer a Sapphire customer and never received a bonus on the Sapphire Reserve, you'll most likely be eligible.
For example, I currently hold the Sapphire Preferred and have never had the Sapphire Reserve. As a current, active Sapphire customer, I could apply and get approved for the Sapphire Reserve, but would almost certainly not be eligible for the bonus.
TPG Senior Editorial Director Nick Ewen currently has the Sapphire Reserve and previously held the Sapphire Preferred many years ago. He could apply for the Sapphire Preferred, but he wouldn't be eligible for the bonus, since he's a current Sapphire Reserve customer. Even if he downgraded his card, he previously earned a bonus on the Sapphire Reserve, so he almost certainly wouldn't be able to earn another one.
When applying for the Sapphire Reserve, a pop-up tool will tell you if you're eligible for a welcome bonus before you submit an application and Chase runs a credit check. This is the best way to confirm if you're eligible for a welcome bonus. If you're not eligible for a welcome bonus, you can still continue with the application and try to get approved without a bonus.
Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
The 5/24 rule
Chase is known for its infamous 5/24 rule, which states that you can't have opened five or more cards in the past 24 months across all banks and issuers.
This includes accounts you are an authorized user on; however, many business cards don't count toward your 5/24 standing. So, in order to be approved for the Chase Sapphire and eligible for the Sapphire Reserve welcome bonus, you must be under Chase's 5/24 rule.
Related: Here's how to calculate your 5/24 standing
Shifting credit lines
Additionally, if you have multiple credit cards with Chase, you may have reached your maximum total available credit limit, which can potentially cause your application to be declined when applying for the Sapphire Reserve.
If this happens, you can call the Chase reconsideration line at 888-270-2127 and ask them to shift some of your credit limit from an existing Chase card so that you can get approved for the Sapphire Reserve.
Related: What credit score do you need to get the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?
Can I hold both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred at the same time?
Previously, you were only able to hold one Sapphire card at a time. However, with this refresh of the Sapphire Reserve, you can now hold both the Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred at the same time.
You just won't be eligible to earn another welcome bonus if you have previously earned one due to the new bonus eligibility restrictions.
In addition, if you don't want to hold both cards, you can upgrade and downgrade between Sapphire products.
Related: Your biggest Chase Sapphire Reserve questions answered: From bonus eligibility to earning rates
Bottom line
The current offer on the revamped Chase Sapphire Reserve is an outstanding opportunity to earn one of the most valuable rewards currencies: Chase Ultimate Rewards points. If you're seeking a premium travel card with strong earning potential, rich benefits and robust travel protections, the Sapphire Reserve deserves a top spot on your list.
Be sure to watch for Chase's eligibility pop-up during the application process, which will confirm whether you qualify for the welcome bonus before a credit check is run.
Apply for the Sapphire Reserve to earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.