Chase Credit Cards: A Cautionary Tale and Survival Guide

You’ve got your eye on a Chase credit card —perhaps the Chase Freedom or the coveted Sapphire Preferred. You’re prepped: good credit, steady income, no red flags. You apply, expecting instant approval. Instead, Chase slaps you with a denial, citing “fraud concerns.” Sound like a nightmare? It happened to me—three times. Here’s what I learned and how you can dodge the same fate in 2025. My Chase Card Ordeal It started with a December application for the Sapphire Preferred. I’ve got good credit, no issues elsewhere—should’ve been easy. Nope. Chase rejected me over “identity verification” problems. Their fraud line (1-800-935-9935) suggested my multi-family address was the culprit. I sent proof—a utility bill—and reapplied in January. Another denial. February brought a third try (VPN off this time). Still nothing. They even hinted at an old fraud alert haunting me. Why Chase Says No Chase guards its cards like treasure. Their 5/24 rule blocks anyone with five new cards in 24 mon...