Chase Bank has stopped issuing its Chicago Skyline debit card, ending a decades-long tradition for many of its customers in the city. The change was communicated to Chicago-area Chase customers by email last week. Those who already have the card can continue using it until it expires, but no new cards featuring the iconic skyline design have been issued since February 13.
Chicago was the only market where Chase offered a debit card with a local skyline image, according to a bank spokesperson. “The way we process and produce debit cards has evolved,” the spokesperson said. “That image became outdated and updating it would have required a significant investment. Rather than invest in a single card design, we’re focusing our resources on enhancing the overall customer experience for all our cardholders.”
Despite discontinuing the skyline card, Chase says it remains committed to Chicago as it moves forward with building a new flagship branch at 830 N. Michigan Ave., along the Magnificent Mile. The two-story facility will feature a ground-level Chase branch and a J.P. Morgan Financial Center on the second floor.
“We share Chicagoans’ deep appreciation for one of the world’s great skylines — and we’re proud to have helped build that skyline over our more than 160-year history serving Chicagoland,” said the Chase spokesperson.
On Reddit, some customers voiced disappointment about losing what they considered an emblematic part of banking in Chicago. One customer said, “For me as corny as it sounds, I’m upset because it’s been a tradition for whoever in Chicago has banked with Chase or Bank One or as early as First Chicago to get the card that features the skyline.” Another commented, “I’m glad there are other people who feel the disappointment as I do. I’ve had the Chicago skyline card since I got my first debit card in high school so it breaks my heart.” A third added, “That card is [as] much a part of us as Marshall Fields was or the Sears Tower or Comiskey Park (this Cub fan can admit that) or the Magikis[t] sign.”
