Hi all,
Use this for data points, as a cautionary tale or however you like. Wanted to share a somewhat strange journey with Chase.
10.3 - applied for Amazon Prime with pre-approval, immediate 30 day message
10.4 - checked (800) 432-3117 daily, 2 week status message
10.6 - status changed to 7-10 days, called (888) 270-2127, put through minor verification, told a letter was already sent and to wait
10.7 (true weirdness begins) - called (888) 270-2127 prepared to recon > 1st analyst confirmed denial and said sole reason was "one or more recent accounts with Chase delinquent or late" > explained I was aware of account in question and politely asked for reconsideration, placed on hold > 2nd analyst immediately says "looks like application is only held up due to verification" (strange) put me through second verification, then stated it was declined but she could not provide reason > Said I believe 1st rep provided reason being lates or delinquency on a recent account and if you'll please review the account shows those lates were from a lease ending in 2018, which was ultimately PIF one month after the last late > 2nd analyst placed me on hold, came back and said she has submitted the application for reconsideration and I should hear something within 1-14 days - but she didn't actually ask me any questions so this was not the standard recon I've read about on MF?
Listen folks, I'm a realist so in my mind Chase is simply not feeling my profile regardless of pre-approval and despite having the account in question PIF in 2018. Which is ok. Instinct says this isn't going to end any differently than a decline but I will be sure to update if it does. Honestly, wish I had followed my first mind and stopped at applying for USB Connect. Approval was likely borderline and should have been a red flag to pump the brakes. I purchase from Amazon quite a bit so this card would be extremely useful but should have waited until March to apply after the lease account dropped off reports.
Pulled: EX 712 | TU 716
Util: 28%
Income: $40k
Inqs: 1/12 EX | 3/12 TU (edit: 2 USB inqs Sep 24, 1 Cap One Jan24)
New Accounts: 1/24
Collections: 0
Lates: 5 from 2018, Chase auto lease
Extra Note: reconned for Cash+ today as well, analyst was open to taking $500 from Connect to open, thought it over and decided would rather reapply in a year.
10.09 - letter arrived, gave up on recon. called attempting to get clarification on what Chase considers "recent" so I don't waste time 6 - 12 mo down the line applying under a false pre-approval, explained issue once again and rep says let me look into it further, comes back and says "hmm...I don't think this is right, what time is it there?" What?! 
Thats not what I said, just seemed like a strange question. Turns out she wanted to send me to an analyst (again) but they were closed so at 6 am PST maybe I'll finally get to have a real conversation with someone. 
Update 10.10 - at this point, I barely want the card bc this is the most problematic time I've ever had with an application and feels like I'm getting nowhere fast. Even with the verification hiccup for AAA Daily Advantage that was a smooth process compared to Chase. Ugh, see below if you dare.
Called spoke to rep, asked for recon analyst, put through verification (a bloody 3rd or 4th time now, lost count) then transferred right back to the frickin loop of prompts! Wooooooosaaaaahhhhhhhh, deep breath, pleasant voice. Called again, spoke to rep, asked once again to please speak to a reconsideration analyst, this rep was really cool though have to admit - we had a few laughs, he looked over whatever and said he had "cleared" the application and submitted it with recommendation for approval but that it wasn't 100%. Mind you, he did this unprompted after placing me on hold. I never asked to have the application reconsidered, simply said I was looking for clearer communication on the denial reason from an analyst.
Is it no longer possible to speak directly to an analyst?! At the moment I'm more interested in learning an answer to my actual question of denial vs. having to keep going through this cycle. Status line still says 7-10 days. Denial is fine, just would like some clearer communication for future planning ffs.
If anyone has a better # to speak with an actual analyst other than (888) 270-2127 feel free to inbox
Update 10.11 - ignore previous theatrics, have to remember not to post when I'm hungry and/or frustrated 
Managed to speak with a nice gentleman earlier, he noted an analyst had not yet touched the reconsideration but would likely get to it soon.
Regarding my question: case by case basis on what Chase considers recent depending on the specific circumstances, also gave me a couple scenarios to ponder. He mentioned analysts generally try to find reasons to help get customers approved by taking their overall profile into account and focusing on growth since any Chase troubles, that was somewhat comforting.
After call checked status message, still 7-10 which I expected. 6 hours later its now, "Thank you for applying. We received your application on October 3rd. You will be notified in writing within two weeks." Not going to attempt interpreting status messages any further, going to sit back and calmly wait. Fine with denial, fine with approval. ☺️
@USMCOne wrote:Like alot on here I have quite a few cards. I had no need for a Chase branded Amazon but wanted a Amazon Card and I am Amex heavy. I opted in this case for the Amazon Prime Store card..which is through Synchrony Bank. Alot have negative things to say about them but I never had a issue. They usually are pretty decent with starting limits and CLIs.
Its only a store card but can be used at Wholefoods. You get 5% cash back or access to no interest financing and more if its a promo item. Heavy Amazon user as I am overseas 6-8 months of the year and that 5% adds up fast.
@USMCOne Honestly, I regret not going with the pre-approval for the store card after this experience. Chase customer service has been absolute garbage 80% of the time. I've lucked out and gotten decent answers from all of 2 people out of idk how many anymore.
As of today, still in review. Apparently the lending departments system was down for three days, which set them back. Should officially know by Friday. Found out Chase looks back 7 years for reconsideration, which was helpful. He mentioned the lates being in 2018 with nothing but positive payment history since plus the loan being PIF are working in my favor but of course its up to the analyst. If this doesn't turn out well I will not be taking anymore chances with Chase.
@FicoMike0 wrote:Btw, you can choose Amazon for 6% cb with the Us b shoppers card. $250 sub, af waived first year.
@FicoMike0 Considered it but didn't want to PC in a year. Amazon is my third highest spend category but thats only $250 a mo so paying an AF isn't worth it.
Was sent an offer for British Airways card via mail, not sure if 125,000 Avios is targeted. I do find it amusing to receive my first Chase offer for a card I don't need while still in limbo on Amazon card that I actually wanted. Status still 2 weeks, no new account or letter yet.