Hey, at least you know – right?
In August 2018, American Express rolled out a change to its application process in which they’d let you know if you were eligible for a welcome bonus on any of its cards. Now, Doctor of Credit has reported that Chase has rolled out a similar eligibility-checker specifically for its co-branded Marriott cards. With any hope, this is a sign of things to come across all Chase cards.
Perhaps one of the more confusing aspects of the merger between Marriott and Starwood has been the insane number of rules that have been applied to their co-branded cards with Chase and American Express, respectively.
Chase Adds Bonus Eligibility-Checker To Marriott Cards
With that in mind, a bonus eligibility-checker makes total sense and will hopefully mitigate some of this confusion. Hopefully, this will make things a bit easier for people who are interested in these cards as they won’t have to read (and reread) the eligibility rules before applying.
With a simple warning from Chase, an applicant will know before their credit is pulled if they are eligible for the welcome bonus. At that point, they can either decide to proceed or cancel the application.
You Should Still Know The Eligibility Rules
While Chase has made things a little easier, we still think you should know the bonus eligibility rules so you don’t get excited about a new card only to find out it’s not going to happen. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the Chase Marriott cards.
The following rules apply to the Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card (Learn More), the Marriott Rewards Premier Business Credit Card or the Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Business Credit Card.
If you currently have or have had the following card in the last 30 days, you won’t be eligible for the bonus:
- Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
If you have opened either of these Amex cards in the last 90 days, you won’t be eligible for the bonus:
- Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card
- Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
In the last 24 months, you received a welcome bonus or upgrade bonus for the following Amex cards:
- Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card
- Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
Final Thoughts
While many have been frustrated that their actions with one bank have caused them to be restricted by the other, this is a positive development. If nothing else, it prevents people from getting an unpleasant surprise. No one likes unpleasant surprises, and people do love welcome bonuses.
Problem with Amex is they no longer really honor the pop up. They have been denying people bonuses right and left even when they have never had the card and the pop up didn’t appear. I doubt Chase follows that business plan though.
This happened to a buddy of mine. So annoying.