Chase offers some of the most desirable rewards cards available, but it also enforces strict policies concerning credit card “churning.” Cardholders can earn only one welcome bonus per Sapphire card and must adhere to the notorious 5/24 rule.
While Chase has never publicly confirmed the 5/24 rule, numerous reports indicate that applicants are likely to face denials for new Chase cards if they have opened five or more accounts with any issuer in the prior 24 months.
This rule applies to all personal credit card accounts, including those with no preset spending limits and certain retail cards. However, many business credit cards, including those from Chase, do not count toward the 5/24 limit.
If you’re aiming to remain under the 5/24 threshold, you can still accumulate points and miles with business credit cards without affecting your future ability to apply for Chase cards. Here’s a selection of my favorite business cards currently available.
Related: The top no-annual-fee business credit cards
Top Business Cards to Help You Stay Under 5/24
| Card | Best For | Welcome Offer | Earning Rates | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards points in diverse business categories | Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months. |
|
$95 |
| Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® | American Airlines enthusiasts | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first five months. |
|
$0 for the first year, $99 thereafter |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | Marriott supporters | Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. Offer ends Oct. 22. |
|
$125 |
| Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | Simplified cash back | Earn $900 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months. |
|
$0 |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | Hilton fans | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. Offer ends Jan. 14. |
|
$195 |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | Maximizing Membership Rewards points | Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. |
|
$0 |
Information about the Ink Business Preferred has been independently sourced by The Points Guy. Card details have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
Related: Best combinations of business and personal credit cards
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card Overview
Welcome Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months.
According to Flying Frugal’s October 2025 valuations, this offer is worth approximately $1,845.
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Annual Fee: $95.
Why It Stands Out: Although you must stay under the 5/24 limit for approval, the Ink Business Preferred does not count against it. This card earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points across various appealing categories for business owners and allows for transfer to one of Chase’s 14 partners (13 effective Oct. 16).
Enjoy benefits like primary car rental insurance when renting for business and cellphone protection. If your spending aligns with its bonus categories, this card can be a strong addition to your portfolio despite its annual fee.
For further insights, check out our complete review of the Ink Business Preferred.
Related: Five compelling reasons to consider the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card
Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard Overview
Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months.
Based on Flying Frugal’s October 2025 evaluations, this offer is valued at about $1,163.
Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $99.
Why It Stands Out: Even if you don’t frequently fly American Airlines, you can find significant value with this card’s welcome offer, as the airline is part of the Oneworld alliance, offering various excellent redemption options.
For example, Flying Frugal writer Danyal Ahmed used 60,000 AAdvantage miles for three Japan Airlines business-class tickets from Japan to Los Angeles.
American Airlines travelers enjoy perks like a free checked bag and a 25% discount on in-flight purchases. You can also earn a companion certificate after spending $30,000 annually.
For more details, check out our complete review of the AAdvantage Business Mastercard.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Related: What credit score is needed for the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard?
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card Overview
Welcome Offer: Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. Offer ends Oct. 22.
This offer is valued at approximately $875 based on Flying Frugal’s October 2025 evaluations.
Annual Fee: $125.
Why It Stands Out: The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card is an attractive choice due to its robust welcome bonus. Cardholders enjoy complimentary Gold Elite status with benefits like 25% bonus earnings on Marriott stays and 2 p.m. late checkout (upon availability).
Each year after card renewal, you receive a free night certificate and other Marriott benefits. Additionally, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Marriott, making this card an excellent complement to your Chase accounts.
With over 9,300 properties worldwide, including prestigious hotels where you can utilize free night certificates, it offers ample redemption options. I’ve previously redeemed a certificate at the Sheraton Denarau Villas.
For further insights, refer to our review of the Bonvoy Business Amex.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Related: The benefits of having both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card Overview
Welcome Offer: Earn $900 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $0.
Why It Stands Out: The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card offers a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all business purchases, making it ideal for those who favor a simple approach to earning rewards.
Additionally, when paired with a Chase card earning Ultimate Rewards points, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can consolidate your rewards for optimal redemption opportunities.
This card is an excellent choice for those wanting uncomplicated cash back while staying under the 5/24 rule without incurring an annual fee.
To explore more, check out our complete review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Related: Your complete guide to Chase Ink Business credit cards
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Overview
Welcome Offer: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. Offer ends Jan. 14.
This offer is valued at about $875 based on Flying Frugal’s October 2025 evaluations.
Annual Fee: $195.
Why It Stands Out: For frequent Hilton guests seeking a cobranded hotel card for business, the Hilton Honors Amex Business is a fantastic option.
The straightforward rewards structure offers 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties and 5 points on other purchases (up to $100,000 annually, then 3 points).
Cardmembers receive automatic Hilton Gold status and must enroll in the National Emerald Club to gain that status.
For more details, refer to our complete review of the Hilton Honors Amex Business.
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express Overview
Welcome Offer: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
This offer is valued at roughly $300 based on Flying Frugal’s October 2025 evaluations.
Annual Fee: $0.
Why It Stands Out: The Blue Business Plus is ideal for small businesses that may struggle to meet high spending requirements for welcome bonuses. Its offer is manageable for most businesses, regardless of annual spending.
If you appreciate simplicity in rewards, this card is a good fit. It provides 2 points per dollar on all purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1 point thereafter.
If your business expenses are under $50,000 annually, this card is an excellent choice for earning Membership Rewards points while having access to American Express’s 20+ hotel and airline partners.
To find out more, check out our complete review of the Blue Business Plus.
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Related: Amex Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus: Which is better?
Key Considerations When Applying
Most business credit cards can help you keep earning bonuses while adhering to the 5/24 limit. However, be aware that other issuers have their own restrictions that may affect your approval status.
Interestingly, you don’t need a traditional business to apply for a business credit card. Whether you engage in side gigs like dog walking or driving for ride-share services, you can apply for a business card.
Also, it’s important to note that Capital One business cards generally count toward 5/24 status, except for those with no preset spending limits, such as the Capital One Venture X Business and Capital One Spark Cash Plus.
Always keep your business and personal expenses separate when possible, as business cards lack the same consumer protections as personal ones, and mixing expenses can complicate tax preparations.
Furthermore, some issuers may close your account if they catch you using a business card for personal expenses.
Related: Compelling reasons to get a business credit card
Conclusion
While Chase cards provide substantial long-term value, the bank closely monitors account applications. If you obtain too many cards too rapidly, future Chase applications may be at risk of denial.
Business cards can be beneficial if you want to navigate around Chase’s 5/24 rule. By strategically spacing your applications, you can continue earning points and miles while not jeopardizing your chances of approval for Chase consumer cards.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Plus, click here.
