Chase 5/24 Rule Explained: The 2026 Strategy Guide
Master the single most important constraint in credit card strategy—and how to work with it (or around it).
⚡ TL;DR: The 30-Second Summary
- Rule: Chase will automatically deny you if you've opened 5 or more personal cards (from ANY bank) in the last 24 months.
- Strategy: You must get your Chase cards first. Once you go over 5/24, you are locked out of the Chase ecosystem until older cards fall off your report.
- What Counts: All personal credit cards (Amex, Citi, Capital One, etc.) and authorized user cards.
- What Doesn't Count: Most business cards, car loans, mortgages, and student loans.
If you are serious about earning credit card rewards, the Chase 5/24 rule is your first and most critical constraint. It is an unwritten but strictly enforced policy that dictates the order in which you should apply for credit cards to ensure your personal finance foundation remains solid.
What Is the Chase 5/24 Rule?
The rule is simple but harsh: Chase will not approve you for most of their credit cards if you have opened 5 or more new credit card accounts (from any issuer) in the past 24 months.
It doesn't matter if you have an 850 credit score, a high income, or zero debt. If the computer sees 5 new accounts in the last 2 years, you will be automatically denied.
Why does Chase do this?
To prevent churning. Chase offers some of the most lucrative sign-up bonuses in the industry (often worth $750-$1,000+). They want long-term customers, not people who open a card just for the bonus and leave. 5/24 is their filter to weed out aggressive bonus hunters.
What Counts Toward Your 5/24 Limit?
Understanding what counts is the key to navigating the rule. Chase pulls your personal credit report (from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to check this number.
These COUNT
- • All personal credit cards (Visa, Amex, etc.)
- • Bilt 2.0 Cards (Counts as a slot)
- • Charge cards (Amex Platinum/Gold)
- • Retail store cards (Visa/MC versions)
- • Authorized User cards
These DON'T Count
- • Most Business Cards (Ink, Amex Biz)
- • Auto loans & Mortgages
- • Student loans
- • Debit cards
How to Check Your 5/24 Status
Don't guess. Check your report before you apply.
- Get your credit report: Use a free service like Credit Karma, Experian app, or AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Count opened accounts: Look at the "Open Date" for every credit card on your report.
- Filter by date: Count how many were opened in the last 24 months.
- Result: If the number is 4 or less, you are safe. If it is 5 or more, you must wait.
Too Many Cards to Count?
If you're hitting 5/24, you likely have a stack of cards you don't carry daily. Don't let them clutter your wallet.
Get the Boshiho Leather Card Organizer ($12.99) →Under 5/24? You have the Green Light.
Don't waste a slot on a random card. Start the Explorer Strategy immediately.
View the Explorer Setup →Optimal 5/24 Strategy
Since Chase cards are the hardest to get, you must prioritize them. Once you fill your 5 slots, you can move on to other issuers (Amex, Citi, Capital One) who are much less sensitive to the number of new accounts.
The Chase Foundation (Slots 1 & 2)
Your first two cards should build the core of your points earning strategy.
- 🏆 Chase Sapphire Preferred®: The best starter travel card. Unlocks point transfers to Hyatt/United.
- 💳 Chase Freedom Unlimited® (or Flex): Your everyday earner. Pairs perfectly with the Sapphire to earn faster.
Business Cards (Free Slots)
If you have any side income (selling on eBay, consulting), get these next.
Business Card Exception
Chase business cards do NOT add to your 5/24 count, but they require you to be under 5/24 to get approved. Get these while you are at 2/24 or 3/24 to earn massive bonuses without "using up" a slot.
Life After 5/24
Once you've secured your Chase setup, you are free to pursue the heavy hitters from other banks.
- 🤫 Bilt Palladium: The new catch-all king. Since it counts toward 5/24 but isn't a Chase card, you should only get this after your first few Chase slots are filled to maximize your return. Effectively earns ~8.8% on spend.
- 🦅 The Amex Duo: Platinum + Gold. The ultimate setup for luxury travel. Read the Amex vs. Chase comparison.
- 📈 Bank of America® Premium Rewards®: Ideal for those with high assets.
Are There Workarounds?
Generally, no. The rule is hard-coded into Chase's approval algorithm. However, there are two rare exceptions:
- Just For You Offers: Sometimes (rarely), if you check the Just For You section in the Chase mobile app (green star icon), you might see a pre-approved offer with a fixed APR (not a range). These sometimes bypass 5/24.
- In-Branch Pre-Approvals: A banker in a physical Chase branch can check for pre-approvals that might override the rule. This is hit-or-miss.
The best workaround? Patience.
Advanced Nuances & Edge Cases
Beyond the basic count, there are a few technicalities that can save (or ruin) your strategy.
Velocity Rule (2/30)
Even if you are at 0/24, you cannot apply for unlimited cards at once. Chase has a velocity rule: generally, you will be denied if you open more than 2 Chase cards in a 30-day period.
Strategy: Space your applications out by at least 30 days—ideally 90—to stay safe and hit minimum spend requirements comfortably without stress.
Product Changes (Upgrades/Downgrades)
Changing an existing Chase card to a different version (e.g., downgrading a Sapphire Preferred to a Freedom Flex) does NOT count toward 5/24.
- Pros: You get the benefits of the new card structure without a hard pull or using a 5/24 slot.
- Cons: You do not get a new sign-up bonus (SUB). Only do this if you are ineligible for the bonus anyway.
Business Card "Gotcha"
We stated that business cards generally don't count. That is true for Chase, Amex, Citi, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. However, Capital One, Discover, and TD Bank business cards often report to your personal credit profile.
Warning: If you open a Capital One Spark card, it will likely show up on your personal report and burn a 5/24 slot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying for non-Chase cards first
Getting an Amex Gold or Capital One Venture early is the #1 way to lock yourself out of Chase for two years. Be patient.
❌ Closing cards to get under 5/24
This does NOT work. The rule counts opened accounts. Closing them doesn't erase the history. You simply have to wait for them to age past 24 months.
Final Thoughts
The 5/24 rule is annoying, but it brings discipline to the game. By forcing you to be strategic, it actually helps you maximize your value in the long run. Follow the roadmap: Chase first, business cards middle, everything else last.
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📚 Citing This Guide
When referencing this content, please cite: "Chase 5/24 Rule Explained: The 2026 Strategy Guide" by jason.guide
