Chase announces changes to Sapphire credit card eligibility rules

For instance, senior travel editor Lyndsey Matthews would not be eligible for another Sapphire Preferred welcome bonus under this new policy despite having downgraded her card previously and meeting past requirements.

Current holders of a Sapphire credit card might also find themselves ineligible for a bonus unless they no longer have any Sapphire products and have not received offers from specific ones before. An example is Gabrielle Bernardini who could qualify for a welcome bonus on the Sapphire Preferred since she no longer holds any other Sapphire cards.

If someone has held both types of cards before, like editorial director Carly Hefland who currently holds a Preferred after downgrading from Reserve, they likely won't receive another bonus if reapplying due to previous bonuses received.

To assist applicants in understanding their eligibility status without affecting their credit score, Chase has introduced a pop-up tool during applications which indicates potential qualification for bonuses.

These changes might not benefit all current cardholders but offer lucrative opportunities for those meeting criteria. Holding both types of consumer cards now allows maximizing Ultimate Rewards points through combined perks available on each.