Now, I'm just curious as to how many others have experienced this so I can better understand how the Chase banking relationship goes in the future w/ new cardholders.
I acquired the CSR in late August, 2018. I love the card and all the benefits with it so no worries there. When I was approved for it, I had no banking relationship or history with Chase previously, so you're now up to speed in that regard. As of now, this is only into the 2nd month of ownership. Knowing that these cards require a good bit of spend (Well, normal really for those whom travel) I've already put a few thousand on it in just 6 weeks. The first amount of approximately $1050 was cut to the first statement 2 weeks ago and subsequently a PIF amount was made. This time, after 2 weeks of use another $1600 was put on the card and I PIF as well Sept. 28.
Fast forward to now, Oct. 4th, and I noticed in my Chase account that the balance available is still reflective of that payment not being made, although the balance is in fact $0, and a $0 balance was already reported to the CRA's yesterday which is nice. I was not worried that my full CL was not available, but to be certain everything was on the Up and Up, I called Chase for the first time. I asked if this was normal that the balance available was less than my CL, being as this is a travel card I found it a bit odd it took so long be reflected as a full CL available. It was especially odd as the first $1k payment cleared within a day. The CSR via phone first asked if the payment cleared my account already, to which I confirmed yes and that it cleared October 1st. She nicely stated the payment was on hold, and then transferred me to another dept.
The new CSR asked if I was trying to release those funds for immediate use and if so, she could call my bank to confirm the payment cleared. I said that wasn't necessary as I didn't need that at the moment, I had only requested to know if this was normal that payments take a week espceially when it's expected to spend a high dollar amount to reach a SUB on this card. I also confirmed the payment cleared Oct. 1st, to which she said (Which in one aspect makes sense) that they hold payments on a new card for 8 days to establish a relationship with you. This I fully understand, no problem with that. My issue hence me asking if others experienced this is that;
1- The first payment wasn't an issue for them.
2 - I asked how long I can expect this 8 day hold on payments to occur, since I am a new client for my future knowledge, and she said 4 months.
This is not end of world stuff here, obviously. Common sense / business perspective however, I am a bit surprised that a CSR which is marketed as a higher-end card actually holds payments for 8 days each time over a 4 month period when the soul purpose is for heavy travel use. I don't antipicate an issue, but being told by a CSR it takes 8 days for them to ever receive payment is less than accurate now-a-days 
. This put a slightly unfavorable taste in my mouth and it's far too early for that. As for my background... 715 TU / EQ and 714 EX. 1% Util, PIF, put $4,000/month minimum on cards. I've been putting the same amount of spend on the Amex Platinum as well and have not had an issue after 3 large payments to them.
So, a long data point filled explanation for a simple question... Is this normal for Chase and/or a new cardholder relationship? - Asking for a friend
@Anonymous wrote:Never heard of that before, and to me its unusual especially for Chase's premium card. I always caution people not to make frequent or multiple payments when you've just opened a credit cards. They will never admit it but when banks see such activity they start looking for signs of money laundering.
This was my thought, I've read a ton over the months but nothing about Chase holding payments. It felt like I was in steerage on the Titanic, only my journey is much brighter thankfully. Minus being 2 payments in a 2 week time frame, as for laundering... any eyes on the charges can easily see that's not the case; Dinner costs, utilities, fuel, transportation, airfare, etc.
@Anonymous correct: These are payments pulled directly from a PNC Checking account owned by yours truly. If you're meeting a SUB that's $4,000 in 90 days, it would seem pretty self explanitory that if only 3 statements were cut, and 3 payments made, they would each be well over $1,000.
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:To clarify, I had also never had any prior relationships with Chase (same as OP), which is the reason for the holds, I'm assuming. I pull the payments from the same source (BoA checking account) every time, so I don't see why they should think it's any suspicious. Good to learn that there is a '4 month' window for payment holds.
I've worked in various parts of the financial industry and I understand how clearance and settlement systems work. When a bank credits your account for a payment in a day, they are essentially operating on trust that when they present the payment for settlement from your bank the funds will be there to cover it. You don't have a history with Chase so they don't trust you yet that when you pay you have funds available. And yes, banks are always on the lookout for suspicious payments but they wouldn't admit it for obvious reasons.
Appreciate the information. If that's the 'norm' as a new Chase client, then that answers my question. I remain surprised however that meeting a SUB and making 1k payments on a high-end card would be that unusual. . there is no other way to meet a SUB otherwise let alone regular business travel costs. 
@CreditInspired wrote:
OP
When I had Chase FU, I pushed payments through my bill pay and never had a problem of a hold. Updated CL posted In 24 hours.
Excellent point as well. I believe they stated on the phone that was one of the payment methods, so that's an option if I ever truly needed it. Regardless, no emergency for me to have it post immediately just hadn't heard of 8 day holds from a CSR on here before. Maybe today's my Unicorn data point day.
@Cred4All wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:To clarify, I had also never had any prior relationships with Chase (same as OP), which is the reason for the holds, I'm assuming. I pull the payments from the same source (BoA checking account) every time, so I don't see why they should think it's any suspicious. Good to learn that there is a '4 month' window for payment holds.
I've worked in various parts of the financial industry and I understand how clearance and settlement systems work. When a bank credits your account for a payment in a day, they are essentially operating on trust that when they present the payment for settlement from your bank the funds will be there to cover it. You don't have a history with Chase so they don't trust you yet that when you pay you have funds available. And yes, banks are always on the lookout for suspicious payments but they wouldn't admit it for obvious reasons.
Appreciate the information. If that's the 'norm' as a new Chase client, then that answers my question. I remain surprised however that meeting a SUB and making 1k payments on a high-end card would be that unusual. . there is no other way to meet a SUB otherwise let alone regular business travel costs.
I don't know that its the "norm". I'm a Chase customer with multiple accounts but I always pay from a chase checking account so I've never encountered that specific problem. I'm curious though; how long have you had the CSR and how many payments have you made so far?