Metamagic and Bonus Spell Slot Interaction

[neurosis]

Quick question about the legality of a level 3 sorcerer with 20CHA using metamagic to cast a level 1 Spell at Spell level 5. With 20CHA the Sorcerer has 1 bonus slot for a level 5 spell.

So it seems to me that even though they don't innately gain any level 5 spells until level 10, they would still be able to use metamagic to use up the higher level bonus spell slots while still at a lower character level.

Is this correct? Thanks in advance.

[Jayder22]

From the prd "In addition to having a high ability score, a spellcaster must be of a high enough class level to be able to cast spells of a given spell level."

He may have a high enough stat to get the bonus spell slot, but until he gains a high enough class level he does not have access to it.

[neurosis]

Right, I thought that might be the case for the sake of balance.

I feel a bit silly now - thanks very much for your help :)

[darth_borehd]

No, sorry. Bonus spell slots for high stats cannot be used until you are high enough level to cast them.

Only upon reaching level 10 can you use metamagic that raises the effective level of the spell to fifth level.

[Nefreet]

It's also in the FAQ.