When it comes to maximizing your points and miles strategy, Chase is one of the most powerful players in the game. With a portfolio of credit cards that offer some of the most lucrative rewards and sign-up bonuses, Chase is often at the top of the list for savvy travelers. However, there is a crucial rule you need to be aware of before you start adding these cards to your wallet: the Chase 5/24 Rule.

This rule can be a game-changer, dictating whether you are able to capitalize on the valuable credit card offerings from Chase or miss out entirely. Whether you are just starting your points and miles journey or you are a seasoned pro, knowing how this rule works will allow you to plan your card applications more effectively and ensure you do not get caught off guard.

What Is The Chase 5/24 Rule

The Chase 5/24 Rule is an unofficial, yet well-known guideline that significantly impacts your ability to be approved for new Chase credit cards. According to this rule, if you have opened five or more personal credit cards across any bank (i.e. not just with Chase) within the last 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application for most of their credit cards. This applies regardless of your credit score, income, or relationship with Chase.

Related: A Guide To The Unusual American Express Application Rules

Understanding The Unofficial Nature Of The Rule

Despite its widespread recognition, Chase has never officially published the 5/24 Rule. It is more of an internal policy that has been inferred by customers over time based on their experiences. This can make navigating it a bit tricky.

Why Does The 5/24 Rule Exist

The 5/24 Rule is believed to be part of the Chase strategy to curb what is known as “credit card churning” — the practice of opening multiple credit cards solely to earn sign-up bonuses and then closing them shortly after. By limiting the number of new accounts you can open within a two-year period, Chase aims to ensure that customers are genuinely interested in using their cards for the long term, rather than just for a quick welcome offer.

How It Affects Your Card Applications

If you exceed the 5/24 limit, your chances of being approved for most Chase cards drop significantly. This can be particularly frustrating for those who are actively building a portfolio of rewards cards, as Chase offers some of the most valuable options on the market. Understanding where you stand in relation to the 5/24 Rule allows you to plan your applications more strategically, ensuring you do not miss out on valuable credit card offers from Chase.

Note: The Chase 5/24 rule is only one of many factors which determines if your credit card application is approved. Your credit score, income, debt levels, existing relationship with Chase, and many other variables are also considered. Business credit cards sometimes require additional documentation, such as financial statements or articles of organization. 

Which Chase Cards Are Subject To The 5/24 Rule

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The majority of credit cards offered by Chase fall under the 5/24 rule for approval, including co-branded credit cards. The following is a list of Chase credit cards subject to the 5/24 rule:

• Chase Freedom Flex®
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card*
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United℠ Business Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Gateway℠ Card
• Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card
• Disney® Premier Visa® Card
• Disney® Visa® Card
• Iberia Visa Signature® Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card*
• Prime Visa
• World of Hyatt Credit Card
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Chase Ultimate Rewards

How Do You Check Your Chase 5/24 Status

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Unfortunately, there is no official tool provided by Chase to check your 5/24 status. However, you can estimate your status by reviewing your credit report from one of the three major bureaus — Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Here is how you can do it:

1. Obtain Your Credit Report: You can get a free credit report from each bureau once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Alternatively, some credit monitoring services provide regular updates.
2. Review Your Opened Accounts: Look at the date when each credit card was opened. Count all personal credit cards opened in the last 24 months.
3. Exclude Non-Personal Cards: Exclude business cards that do not report to your personal credit report and any authorized user accounts that you might have.

For those with existing credit cards, almost all major credit card issuing banks (i.e. American Express, Capital One, Citi, etc) offer a free credit report and monitoring service for customers with open credit cards.

Note: Chase may or may not count authorized user accounts towards your 5/24 status. If an authorized user account pushes you over the limit, you can call the reconsideration line at Chase and ask them to exclude it from consideration. Alternatively, you can remove yourself as an authorized user and reapply. 

What Accounts Add To Your Chase 5/24 Status

Any personal credit card account opened within the past 24 months counts towards your 5/24 status, regardless of the issuer. This includes:

• Personal Credit Cards: From any issuer, including, but not limited to American Express, Bank of America, Barclays, BILT, Capital One, Citi, Discover, and Wells Fargo.
• Authorized User Accounts: Generally count but can sometimes be excluded by contacting Chase.
• Store Cards: Depending on how they report, these may also count toward your 5/24 total.

As a general rule, if it shows up on your credit report, Chase will count it against your 5/24 status.

Note: Business cards typically do not count toward the 5/24 limit. However, there are some business credit cards from Capital One, Discover, and TD Bank which do show up on a personal credit report, and are therefore included in your 5/24 count.

Do Card Conversions And Upgrades Count Against 5/24

Product changes, such as converting a card to a different product or upgrading to a more premium version, typically do not add to your 5/24 count. However, this only applies if the change does not involve a hard inquiry on your credit report or result in a new account being opened.

For instance, if you convert your Chase Freedom Unlimited® to a Chase Sapphire Preferred®, or vice versa, without a new application, this would not count against your 5/24 status. However,  if you close your Chase Freedom Unlimited® and open a Chase Sapphire Preferred®, this would contribute to your 5/24 count.

Are There Any Methods To Bypass 5/24

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While the Chase 5/24 Rule is known for being strict, there are a few methods that could potentially help you bypass it.

Pre-Approved Offers

One of the most reliable ways to bypass the 5/24 Rule is through pre-approved offers from Chase. These offers can be found either in the mail or when you are logged into your Chase account. If Chase has pre-approved you for a card, it is possible to get approved even if you are over the 5/24 limit.

In-Branch Applications

Another potential method is applying for a Chase card in person at a branch. Occasionally, Chase bankers can see offers in their system that might not be available online, and some of these offers may bypass the 5/24 Rule. However, success with this method can vary by location and the specific banker you are dealing with.

Chase Private Client

If you are a Chase Private Client, you might have a better chance of bypassing the 5/24 Rule. This service is offered to clients with substantial assets managed by Chase, and it comes with perks like dedicated banking services and potentially more leniency with credit card applications.

It is important to remember that these methods are not foolproof. Even with a pre-approved offer or an in-branch application, there is no guarantee of success if you are over 5/24. Additionally, these opportunities can be inconsistent, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Chase 5/24 Rule is crucial for anyone looking to maximize rewards with Chase credit cards. This unofficial, but consistently enforced rule can be a roadblock if not managed carefully. By knowing which cards are subject to the rule and tracking your 5/24 status, you can plan your applications strategically and avoid unnecessary denials. While there are ways to potentially bypass the 5/24 Rule — like pre-approved offers or in-branch applications — these methods are not guaranteed. The key to success lies in careful planning and informed decision-making, ensuring you can unlock the full potential of the valuable Chase credit card offerings.