The Chase Sapphire (specifically the Preferred and Reserve) cards are difficult to get primarily because of Chase's infamous "5/24 Rule." This internal, unwritten policy states that Chase will automatically deny any credit card application if the applicant has opened five or more new credit cards with any bank in the last 24 months. Beyond 5/24, these cards are considered "Premium" or "Ultra-Premium" products, requiring a high credit score—typically 720 or higher—and a significant income-to-debt ratio. Because the Sapphire Reserve is a Visa Infinite card, it carries a minimum credit limit of $10,000; Chase will not approve the card unless they are confident the applicant can handle that level of revolving credit. Furthermore, Chase often looks for an existing banking relationship and a "clean" credit history without recent late payments. The difficulty in obtaining the card is part of Chase's strategy to maintain a high-value customer base that is less likely to default, ensuring the profitability of the generous travel rewards and "transfer partner" benefits that make these cards so popular in the first place.