If you’re eligible for a Chase card, July is one of the strongest times we’ve seen to apply, as four cards are offering either their best-ever bonus or a match to a previous high.
Whether you’re after flexible travel rewards, premium travel perks or cash back for your business, there’s likely an offer that fits your goals. Here’s how to decide which one deserves a spot in your wallet.
The best Chase credit cards to apply for in July 2026
If you only qualify for personal cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the clear choice. If you’re eligible for business cards, the right option depends on your spending habits and travel goals.
Before you apply
Before choosing a card, make sure you’re eligible. Chase generally follows its 5/24 rule, meaning you’re unlikely to be approved for most Chase cards if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months.
You’ll also notice that three of the four cards on this list are business credit cards. You don’t need a large company to qualify — many freelancers, gig workers, online sellers and sole proprietors may be eligible to apply using their Social Security number.
Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should still be your first rewards card
Best for travel rewards: Sapphire Preferred
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95
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Standout benefits: The Sapphire Preferred remains one of the best travel rewards cards for its modest $95 annual fee.
Better yet, its current 100,000-point welcome offer is worth $2,050 based on TPG’s June 2026 valuations, making this one of the most compelling opportunities we’ve seen to earn a valuable stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Beyond the welcome offer, the Sapphire Preferred earns bonus points on travel, dining and select everyday purchases. Those points can be transferred to valuable airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Air France-KLM Flying Blue, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt or redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
While I’m quick to recommend this card for its excellent welcome offer, it’s the long-term value that’s kept it in my wallet for years. Between its flexible rewards, solid travel protections and reasonable annual fee, it’s still my go-to recommendation for most people getting started in the world of points and miles.
Choose this card if: You want a versatile travel rewards card with flexible points, valuable travel protections and a reasonable annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Best for high-spending businesses: Sapphire Reserve for Business
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Annual fee: $795
Standout benefits: Business owners with significant annual spending should take a close look at the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business. The current welcome offer is worth $4,100 based on TPG’s valuations, making it one of the most valuable bonuses currently available.
The card is best suited for businesses whose owners travel frequently. Benefits include airport lounge access, valuable lifestyle and travel credits that can help offset the annual fee and elevated earning rates on flight, hotel and Chase Travel purchases. Like other Ultimate Rewards cards, points can also be transferred to Chase’s 14 airline and hotel loyalty partners.
The $30,000 spending requirement means this won’t be the right fit for every business. However, businesses with planned expenses that comfortably meet the threshold can earn an exceptionally valuable welcome bonus while unlocking premium travel benefits.
Choose this card if: You travel often for business, can maximize the card’s premium benefits and expect to spend at least $30,000 within the first six months.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
Best for bonus-category business spending: Ink Business Cash
Welcome offer: Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Standout benefits: The Ink Business Cash is a solid choice for businesses whose spending aligns with its bonus categories.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year), plus 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year).
Combined with no annual fee and the current welcome offer, this is an especially attractive option for small-business owners with recurring expenses in those categories.
Choose this card if: Your business spends heavily on office supplies, internet, cable and phone services, gas or dining, and you don’t want to pay an annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.
Apply here: Ink Business Cash
Best flat-rate business earning: Ink Business Unlimited
Welcome offer: Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Standout benefits: The Ink Business Unlimited is ideal for business owners who want a straightforward rewards strategy. Rather than tracking bonus categories, the card earns at least 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases.
If you also hold a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card, such as the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve for Business, you can combine your rewards and convert that cash back into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points. That effectively turns the card’s base earning rate into 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent — a return worth 3.1%, based on TPG’s valuations.
No annual fee, paired with its historically high welcome offer, makes it a compelling choice for businesses with diverse everyday spending.
Choose this card if: You want a simple catch-all business card that earns strong rewards on everyday business spending without worrying about bonus categories.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited
Bottom line
July is shaping up to be a strong one for Chase credit card welcome offers. Whether you’re looking for a versatile travel card, a premium business rewards powerhouse, or a no-annual-fee business option, there’s currently an elevated offer that can help you accelerate your rewards earnings.
The Sapphire Preferred remains our top pick for most travelers thanks to its combination of flexible rewards, valuable travel protections and an exceptional welcome offer.
If you’re eligible for a business card, the Sapphire Reserve for Business is best for frequent travelers who can maximize its premium perks, the Ink Business Cash is ideal for businesses with significant spending in its bonus categories and the Ink Business Unlimited is a great fit for businesses that want a simple catch-all card for everyday spending.
Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses this month
