7 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want the 125000-Point Chase Sapphire Reserve Offer
The Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point offer is one of the most valuable travel credit card bonuses available right now in the USA. New cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months. With Chase Ultimate Rewards® points valued at over 2 cents each when redeemed through Chase Travel or with transfer partners, this welcome offer is worth more than $2,500 in free travel. However, many applicants lose out on the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point bonus simply because of avoidable mistakes. If you want to unlock maximum value, you need to understand the common pitfalls.
Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-Point Offer Matters
The Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point bonus can cover luxury flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and exclusive experiences through Chase’s 14 airline and hotel transfer partners. For frequent travelers, this single bonus can easily fund a round-trip business class ticket to Europe or Asia. The value is unmatched compared to other premium credit cards, making it one of the most talked-about travel rewards opportunities in 2025.
Mistakes That Could Cost You the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-Point Bonus
Many Americans apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point offer without understanding Chase’s approval rules, credit history requirements, or spending guidelines. If you don’t prepare carefully, your application could be denied, or worse—you could miss out on the bonus even after approval. Below are the seven mistakes that U.S. applicants must avoid to secure the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point bonus.
1. Applying While You Still Have the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase allows you to hold both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, but you cannot earn the new 125000-point bonus if you currently hold the Sapphire Preferred and have not downgraded or closed it. To qualify for the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125,000-point offer, applicants must ensure they do not have an active Sapphire Preferred earning bonus at the same time.
2. Applying if You’ve Already Earned the Sapphire Reserve Bonus Before
If you previously held the Sapphire Reserve and already received its bonus, you cannot get the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point offer again. This rule applies even if your old account is closed. Chase has strict restrictions on repeat bonuses across Sapphire products.
3. Ignoring Chase’s Eligibility Tool
Chase provides an online eligibility tool that alerts applicants if they qualify for the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point bonus before submitting the application. Not checking this could lead to disappointment after a hard credit inquiry. Always verify bonus eligibility through this tool to ensure you meet Chase’s requirements.
4. Forgetting the Chase 5/24 Rule
Chase will likely deny your application if you have opened five or more new credit card accounts in the past 24 months. This “5/24 rule” is one of the biggest reasons applicants miss out on the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point bonus. Authorized user accounts sometimes count toward this limit, so it’s important to track your status before applying.
5. Applying Without Enough Credit History
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a Visa Infinite card that requires at least a $10,000 minimum credit limit. Applicants with a limited credit profile or short credit history often face denials. Without a strong credit background, your chances of qualifying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point offer decrease significantly.
6. Missing the $6,000 Minimum Spending Requirement
You must spend $6,000 within the first three months to unlock the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point bonus. Purchases like annual fees and peer-to-peer payments typically don’t count. Chase makes it easy to track progress through the app, but failing to meet this requirement is the fastest way to lose out on the 125,000-point offer.
7. Forgetting to Unfreeze Your Credit Report
Many U.S. consumers freeze their credit for security reasons, but if you forget to unfreeze it before applying, Chase will not be able to approve your application. Always unfreeze your credit reports before applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point offer to avoid delays or denials.
Value of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-Point Offer
| Benefit | Value of 125,000 Points | Redemption Method |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Travel℠ portal | $2,500+ value | 2 cents per point via Points Boost |
| Airline transfer partners | $2,600+ value | Business/first-class flights |
| Hotel transfer partners | $2,300+ value | Hyatt, Marriott, IHG |
| Cash back option | $1,250 value | Redeem at 1 cent per point |
| Everyday purchases (after bonus) | Ongoing rewards | 3x points on travel & dining |
Bottom Line
The Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point offer is one of the most lucrative welcome bonuses available in 2025. With over $2,500 in potential travel value, it can unlock luxury trips and unforgettable experiences. However, simple mistakes like ignoring the 5/24 rule, missing the $6,000 spend requirement, or applying while holding a Sapphire Preferred can cost you the bonus. By carefully planning your application and avoiding these errors, you can successfully earn the Chase Sapphire Reserve 125000-point bonus and maximize its full potential.