Update 9/14/18: While the link from email still states 24 months, the terms at the end of the application process state 48 months. Despite confirmations (below) from Chase reps that it’s working as per the 24 months terms, it’s hard to say with confidence what will happen. You can apply and confirm with Chase afterward, but again, you’re at the mercy of the rep knowing properly (I assume they can see it clearly on their end, but hard to know for sure that they aren’t mistaken until the bonus actually posts).
Original Post:
A reader (Reddit u/llamalamaglama) reached out with a temporary workaround on the new 48-month Chase Sapphire bonus rule whereby you can only get one bonus every 48 months, up from 24 months. Initially, referrals were still showing the 24 month language, but on September 10th Chase pulled that workaround, and referral links now show the new 48-month language.
However, email referrals (not link referrals) which were generated before the September 10 change are already set in stone with the 24-month terms. llamalamaglama verified that the same email referral can be used multiple times, and that it’s been confirmed by Chase reps that the bonus is successfully working for signups who are below the 48 month threshold. In other words, the 24-month terms showing in the email is actually still working and anyone who has such an email can continue to refer people under the old terms.
This is what the ‘Offer Details’ link brings up, clearly showing the 24-month terms.
Now, email referrals only work for around 30 days, as per the terms in the email, so this workaround will last until October 10th, at the latest – one month from when Chase changed the referral terms. The one I saw has a September 28th expiration, but until roughly October 10th should be possible if someone generated an email referral on the last date.
Of course all this only helps those who are under 5/24 and are between 24-48 months from their past Sapphire bonus.
If you have an emailed referral and would like to share it, please leave an email address below where people can contact you and you can then forward them the referral email. Please first check the ‘Offer Details’ link in the email to ensure it shows the 24 month language. As noted, only emailed referrals already generated from before the change will work. Also, please indicate whether you have a Sapphire Reserve referral available or a Sapphire Preferred referral available. And let us know the expiration date of your referral offer, as shown in the email.
[Please do not leave referral signup links in the comments below: while it is possible to just use the link from the email (at least I don’t see why not), there’s no way for readers to verify the bonus. However, if you forward them the actual email, they’ll be able to confirm the offer and 24-month terms for themselves.]
View Comments (94)
Just a DP... I applied thru a link with 24 month language... still declined and the letter said because I had the card in the last 48 months.
Chase didn't even pull any credit report for me.
Applied today and instantly declined for the CSP. My last bonus was 9/1-9/27/2016.
Did you try the recon line ?
I called recon line, this said its a hard rule and cannot make an exception even after explaining the 24 month terms.
Same thing happened to me. Used an email link but got the rejection message so I called recon line and was told that they cannot honor the 24 months terms in the email because the rule has changed.
Eh looks like something probably did shift in October. Well under 5/24, got a CSP about 2.5 years ago. Instant '7-10 day msg' rejection. Not sure about recon, may be a waste of time.
No. I figured I would just wait for the denial letter to see why. Have you tried to apply yet?
Declined will give it a shot with recon line
Have to stick with Amex for 2 more years 😏
Product Changed my freedom to preferred for the next 2 years 😑
I also applied today and was denied the CSR even with the 24 month language email
I need a CSP 24 month referral link. Please email to flyflyflies@hotmail.com if you have one. Thanks!
My statement posted Sept 21. I downgraded my CSP on Sept 19 and reduced line by $10k. Applied 9/25 via commenters referral link and was instantly approved.
do we have to consider the statement closing date or bonus posting date for the 24 month rule?
Bonus posting I believe
Thanks 👍🏻
I apooogize if this is dumb and/ or paranoid question, but is there a security risk emailing a stranger and then clicking on a link in an email that said stranger sends you?
Reporting back. Under 5/24 applied on 9/14. got the pending email. Called Recon was denied because haven't past 24 months. CS said to apply again aftero back 9/24 since my bonus posted on 9/24/16. No hp as a result.
@ nikki - do we have to consider the statement closing date or bonus posting date for the 24 month rule?
DP: Downgraded my CSP to FU 9 days ago (had it for 37 months). Applied through an email referral and was insta-approved. Hoping that the signup bonus will be honored.
DP: I applied for the CSR two days ago and just called recon today and was approved for it after moving some credit. Same situation as Billy above. I believe if you are approved for any Chase card then you are eligible for the bonus as states in their language. Also, I applied about two weeks ago and was denied and received a letter stating I was not approved because I am still within 24 months of my last bonus. My last bonus was around the end of August, beginning of September timeframe so this is a positive DP. Looks like they are going by the 24 month language on the email terms.
DP: Last Sapphire bonus 30 months ago, under 5/24. Just applied for CSR through the emailed 24 month language link. Went to the "Wait for 30 days" message and then called in and had to move some CL to get it approved. Did not ask about bonus but have screenshots of the Offer Details and planning on adamantly insisting if I don't receive the bonus. Will share if I get the bonus or not.
I believe @Jay said that if you are accepted you will get the bonus. "Chase denies" you if you are not eligible.