The Chase Sapphire credit cards have always been at the top of the list in the wallets of travel enthusiasts, points reward card holders, and regular spenders. The Sapphire credit cards have always been in the limelight for their lucrative rewards, exclusive travel benefits, and attractive welcome bonuses.

However, despite the popularity of these cards, there has been one area that has led to confusion: who qualifies for a Sapphire welcome bonus, and when.

For a long time, there has been a sense of confusion regarding Chase’s Sapphire bonus eligibility policies, which have, at times, seemed contradictory. Cardholders have reported receiving different responses based on which customer service representative they were speaking with. Chase has now issued new guidance to clarify the rules, which came into effect on January 22, 2026.

Although this update answers some of the lingering questions, it also raises new ones. Here is a concise and current explanation of what Chase has changed, what it means for applicants, and what questions remain.

Why Chase Sapphire Welcome Bonuses Matter So Much

Before getting into the details of the new regulations, it is important to understand why these kinds of bonuses receive so much attention in the first place.

The Chase Sapphire cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, are known to offer welcome bonuses that are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars in travel rewards when redeemed for travel. These bonuses are often the foundation of a points program for travelers, particularly those who book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Because of this value, the rules of eligibility play a gigantic role in whether or not it is even worth trying to apply for a Sapphire card.

The Old Problem: Inconsistent Rules and Mixed Messages

Historically, Chase limited cardholders to possessing only one Sapphire card simultaneously. Starting from 2018 onwards, Chase prohibited applicants from applying for a second Sapphire card if they already possessed one, irrespective of whether it was the old or new version.

This policy alone was confusing, but it became even more confusing when it came to welcome bonuses. Many applicants were not sure if they could earn a bonus if they:

• Previously held another Sapphire card
• Downgraded or upgraded between Sapphire products
• Closed a Sapphire card years ago

To add insult to injury, the answers provided by Chase customer service representatives were not always consistent, leaving credit card holders wondering if applying for a credit card would earn them a bonus or simply waste a credit inquiry.

A Major Shift: Multiple Sapphire Cards Can Now Be Held by an Individual

In a major policy change, Chase has recently started allowing customers to have more than one Sapphire card. This means that it is now possible, at least in theory, to have both the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve cards.

This alone was a welcome change, as it gave way to more flexibility within the Chase family. But it didn’t answer the larger question of whether having multiple Sapphire cards would also mean having multiple welcome bonuses.

It is here that the new January 2026 guideline will be applicable.

Chase Sapphire New Bonus Policy Breakdown

Beginning on January 22, 2026, Chase asserts that:

Eligible Sapphire cardmembers can earn a welcome bonus on each Sapphire card, once per card, as long as they have not previously received a welcome bonus on that card.

In other words, this is equivalent to:

• Every Sapphire card has its own welcome bonus eligibility
• You can earn a bonus on a Sapphire card that you have never earned a bonus on before
• Having one Sapphire card will no longer preclude you from a bonus on another

For instance, if you are a current cardholder of the Chase Sapphire Reserve but have never held the Sapphire Preferred card, Chase states that you will be eligible for the Sapphire Preferred welcome bonus.

What About Existing Sapphire Cardholders?

This is where things become more complex.

If you already have one Sapphire card and have never received a welcome bonus on the other Sapphire card, Chase’s new language suggests that you may now be eligible for the bonus on the second card.

However, Chase has not specifically dealt with all possible situations, such as:

• Customers who upgraded or downgraded between Sapphire cards
• Cardholders who had a Sapphire card many years ago
• Circumstances where a bonus was earned prior to policy changes being implemented

Consequently, the eligibility criteria may still differ from one individual to another.

The Big Unanswered Question: Is This a Lifetime Rule?

One of the most significant and as-yet unanswered questions is whether Chase’s new language suggests an actual lifetime bonus limit for Sapphire cards.

The words “as long as they haven’t previously received a welcome bonus offer on that card” are a clear indication of lifetime language. However, Chase does not define what “previously” means.

In contrast to American Express, which explicitly sets lifetime bonus limits on many of its cards, Chase has traditionally been less specific. Whether:

• “Lifetime” means a lifetime, and
• Or if eligibility could reset after a certain number of years

Unless Chase gives further clarification, applicants can assume that once a bonus is earned on a particular Sapphire card, it will not be available again.

Why Confusion Still Exists Despite the Update

While Chase’s announcement helps to reduce the ambiguity of policy at a high level, it does not remove the ambiguity completely. The following are factors that could still affect the outcome:

• Internal Chase review processes
• When did you previously own a credit card?
• Whether previous bonuses were formally documented
• Interpretations by customer service representatives

As such, the question of bonus eligibility may remain a “your mileage may vary” situation, at least for applicants with complicated card histories.

How to Improve Your Chances of Earning a Sapphire Bonus

If you are thinking of applying for a Chase Sapphire card under the new terms, here are a few best practices that can help you avoid surprises:

Review Your Card History

Know which Sapphire cards you have held before and if you received a welcome bonus on those cards.

Check Your 5/24 Status

Even if you have perfect Sapphire eligibility, it won’t matter if you are over the 5/24 threshold.

Avoid Product Changes Before Applying

Changing or downgrading too close to an application may affect eligibility. 

Final Takeaway:

The new guidance on Sapphire welcome bonuses from Chase is a significant step in the right direction when it comes to transparency. Allowing consumers to earn a welcome bonus on each Sapphire credit card, once per product line, is a welcome change that is more in line with how consumers use credit cards. 

However, the absence of clear definitions on lifetime limits and edge cases leaves a degree of uncertainty. Currently, Sapphire bonus eligibility is not strictly clear-cut, with results still potentially dependent on individual circumstances. If you’re considering applying, you need to think about strategy, read the small print, and be ready for some gray areas.

Although Chase has made the rules clearer than they were before, the Sapphire bonus game is still a reward for those who think ahead.