Chase’s 5/24 rule: Everything you need to know

In the world of points and miles, the notorious 5/24 rule often comes up when discussing Chase cards. This rule suggests that if you have opened five or more new credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny your credit card application.

Since there is no official policy from Chase regarding this, understanding the 5/24 rule relies on data gathered from users, which can sometimes present outliers. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Chase’s 5/24 guidelines.

Understanding the Chase 5/24 Rule

To be eligible for any Chase card under the 5/24 rule, you must have opened fewer than five personal credit cards at any bank in the last 24 months (we’ll get to business cards in a moment).

This means you need to be under 5/24 for approval. The rule applies specifically to Chase cards, but your count includes cards from all banks.

Related: Top ways to use your 5/24 slots

Which Chase Cards Are Subject to 5/24?

Most Chase travel cards, including co-branded cards, fall under the 5/24 rule. The following types of cards are commonly reported as subject to this guideline:

*The information regarding these cards has been independently collected and is not reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Additionally, trying to apply for multiple Chase cards in a short time frame could trigger account reviews and potential shutdowns, regardless of your 5/24 status. Some reports indicate that Chase generally won’t approve more than two new accounts within a 30-day window.

As a rule of thumb, it’s wise to avoid applying for a new account more frequently than every three to four months.

Keep in mind that 5/24 is just one of several factors that Chase considers when evaluating card applications. Your credit score, income, debt levels, and various other factors also play a crucial role.

For business cards, Chase may request documentation (e.g., financial statements) to verify the legitimacy of your business.

Related: Completing a Chase business credit card application

How to Check Your 5/24 Status

The easiest way to check your 5/24 standing is through Experian’s free credit report service. (Be cautious of signing up for paid services unless necessary.)

Within the Experian app, you can see all your accounts sorted by the date they were opened. Count any accounts opened in the last 24 months—Chase considers any account opened, regardless of whether it’s since been closed.

To clarify, you won’t fall below 5/24 until the start of the 25th month after your fifth account was opened. For instance, if your fifth most recent account opened on October 17, 2023, wait until at least November 1, 2025, to apply for a new card.

Related: Calculating your 5/24 status

Which Accounts Count Toward Your 5/24 Status?

• All personal credit cards opened at any bank in the past 24 months (even if now closed).
• Business cards from Discover and TD Bank, plus most Capital One small-business cards, excluding Capital One Venture X Business and Spark Cash Plus.
• Authorized user cards from another person’s personal accounts opened in the past 24 months, as these are reported on your credit report. You can request that Chase exclude these accounts during reconsideration.
• Certain store cards that can be used nationally and may count toward your 5/24 standing. If the card appears on your credit report, assume it may count.

Which Accounts Do Not Count Toward Your 5/24 Status?

• Cards you applied for but were denied (credit inquiries aren’t counted).
• Small-business cards from most issuers, except those noted above.
• Auto loans, student loans, and mortgages.

Related: Business cards to help you stay under 5/24

Card Conversions and Upgrades

Depending on the bank’s handling of card upgrades (referred to as product changes), a conversion might not count as a new account. Before making such a change, confirm with the bank if a hard credit pull will occur and if a new account number will be assigned.

If either is a yes, that could indicate the account will be treated as new and impact your 5/24 status.

Related: Downgrading a Chase credit card

Ways to Bypass 5/24

There have been instances where cardholders bypassed the 5/24 rule with targeted “Just for you” offers. Check for targeted offers in the “Just for you” section when logged into your Chase account.

If you need a card urgently and exceed 5/24, consider a product change within the Chase Ultimate Rewards card family (assuming you’ve held your current card for at least a year).

However, be aware that without specific offers, you won’t receive a welcome bonus for product changes.

Related: When to disregard the 5/24 rule

FAQs About Chase 5/24

Can I apply for two Chase cards on the same day if I’m at 4/24?

Some historical data suggests you can apply for two Chase cards on the same day while at 4/24; however, one application may still be declined automatically. If you reach out to the reconsideration line afterward, the agent might see your approved account, affecting your eligibility for the second application (while still incurring a hard inquiry).

In any case, it’s wise to apply for one Chase card at a time to avoid scrutiny.

I applied on the day I dropped below 5/24 and was denied. What can I do?

Wait until the first day of the next month to contact the reconsideration line, or see if you can reapply after that date.

I’m at or over 5/24. Can I get a card from a different bank?

Yes, your 5/24 status does not affect approvals for credit cards from banks other than Chase, though each bank has its own criteria.

Do Chase business cards count toward my 5/24?

No, approvals for Chase business cards should not add to your 5/24 count, but you need to be under 5/24 for most Chase business cards.

What if I’m under 5/24 but have authorized user accounts that make me appear at 5/24 or more?

Your application might face denial or further review. In such cases, call the reconsideration line to clarify which accounts are authorized user accounts. The agent might approve your request if verification confirms that another person is the primary cardholder. This process is manual and may not always succeed. Planning ahead to remove yourself as an authorized user at least a month before applying is advisable.

Related: Best cards to consider after hitting 5/24

Conclusion

Chase’s 5/24 rule is well-established and unlikely to change soon. You’ll need to strategize your credit card applications to make the most of your five available Chase slots.

If you’re new to credit card rewards and not close to 5/24, consider prioritizing Chase cards first. But remember to pace yourself—don’t rush to fill those slots without careful consideration.

For more tips, explore our recommendations for the best credit cards.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve