Chase Slate review: A no-annual-fee card for paying down debt
Editor's Note
Chase Slate overview
The Chase Slate® (see rates and fees) is tailored to consumers who want to improve their financial profile by reducing their credit card debt or raising their credit score. This card comes with a lengthy introductory annual percentage rate period to help you avoid interest for 21 months (then a variable APR of 18.24%-28.24%), plus several other incentives after you make consistent on-time payments. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
At TPG, we often focus on cards that earn valuable rewards, but not every credit card is designed for points and perks. Some cards serve a more foundational purpose, like helping you get your finances back on track.
If you're carrying a balance or working to improve your credit score, choosing the right card can make a meaningful difference. Certain no-annual-fee options offer features like introductory interest-free periods and built-in credit-tracking tools that can help you chip away at debt while establishing healthier long-term habits.
The Chase Slate is one such card. It's geared toward consumers who want a straightforward way to reduce interest charges, simplify payments and gradually strengthen their credit profile. Applicants will generally need a credit score of 670 or above to qualify, but for the right person, it can be a practical stepping stone toward more rewarding cards in the future.
Let's take a closer look at the Chase Slate to see when it makes sense, and when another option might be a better fit.
Chase Slate pros and cons
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Chase Slate welcome offer
The Chase Slate doesn't feature a traditional welcome offer, which isn't unusual for cards focused on credit building and debt reduction rather than rewards. Instead of points or cash back, the card's primary value comes from its financing features and the opportunity to improve your credit profile with responsible use.
New cardholders may also be considered for a credit line increase after demonstrating consistent, on-time payments during the first several months of account ownership. While this isn't a flashy perk, a higher limit can help lower your credit utilization ratio, which is an important factor in your credit score.
Chase Slate benefits
The Chase Slate is built for function rather than flair. You won't earn rewards on spending, but the card provides several practical tools for managing debt and strengthening your credit over time.
One of its main features is an introductory interest-free period on both purchases and balance transfers. Cardmembers enjoy 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers for the first 21 months from account opening (then a variable APR of 18.24%-28.24%). This window can provide meaningful breathing room to pay down existing balances without additional interest piling up. This means you can transfer your account balance from your existing credit cards to the Chase Slate and enjoy a sweet 0% interest rate.
Just keep in mind that a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is greater) still applies, and any remaining balance after the promotional period will accrue the standard variable APR.
Beyond financing, Chase includes a few helpful account-management features:
- Credit Journey: Free access to your credit score and monitoring alerts
- Chase Pay Over Time: A tool that lets you break eligible purchases into fixed monthly payments for a set fee
- Automatic account reviews: Responsible use may lead to a higher credit limit over time
In short, the Chase Slate isn't meant to maximize spending power or travel perks. Its strength lies in providing structure, visibility and short-term financing options that can help cardholders regain control of their finances and build healthier credit habits.
Related: 6 things to do to improve your credit score
Which cards compete with the Chase Slate?
The Chase Slate is built for debt reduction and credit improvement, but it's not the only option in this space. Depending on your goals, another no-annual-fee card may offer a better long-term fit.
- For earning rewards while paying down balances: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay off your balance for those purchases). While its introductory financing period may be shorter, the ongoing rewards structure can provide more value once your balance is under control. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
- For rebuilding from a low credit score: A secured credit card like the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card can be easier to qualify for. You'll provide a refundable security deposit (up to $1,000) that typically becomes your credit limit, making it a practical starting point for establishing or repairing credit history. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Platinum Secured.
- For cash back and flexibility: The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) combines rotating bonus categories with everyday earning rates. It's better suited for cardholders who want to earn rewards immediately and who don't need extended financing. To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
For additional options, check out our full lists of the best secured cards and best starter cards.
Read more: What is a secured credit card?
Is the Chase Slate worth it?
The Chase Slate can be worthwhile if your primary goal is to reduce high-interest debt or establish healthier credit habits.
If one of your immediate goals is to reduce credit card debt, the Chase Slate can serve as a useful short-term financial tool. However, once your balances are paid off and your credit improves, you may outgrow the card. At that point, transitioning to a rewards card could provide significantly more long-term value.
Bottom line
The Chase Slate is a practical option for consumers focused on debt reduction and credit improvement rather than earning points or cash back. Its extended introductory APR period, lack of an annual fee and built-in credit monitoring tools make it a strong fit for those looking to stabilize their finances.
While it won't deliver travel perks or bonus categories, the Slate can act as a stepping stone, helping future cardholders build responsible habits and position themselves for more rewarding credit cards in the future.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.