What Is the 5/24 Rule? Learn How to Work with It & Maximize Your Rewards

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I get it: sometimes navigating the world of credit cards can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. One of the trickiest pieces? Chase’s 5/24 rule. Whether you’re a seasoned rewards collector or just starting to dip your toes into the world of credit card points, understanding this rule is crucial for maximizing your rewards potential. Let’s break it down; I promise it won’t be as intimidating as it sounds.

What Exactly Is 5/24 Rule?

Put simply, Chase’s 5/24 rule means that if you’ve opened five or more credit cards from any bank within the past 24 months, your application for a new Chase card will automatically be denied.

It’s not just Chase cards that count toward this limit—cards from any bank count. So, if you’ve been busy collecting cards, it’s probably time to watch your 5/24 status.

Why Does 5/24 Rule Matter?

Your 5/24 status matters because Chase is home to some of the most rewarding credit cards on the market. The Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Freedom Flex®, and Ink Business Preferred® credit cards are all great options for earning points, miles, and cash back. By staying under 5/24 rule, you can unlock valuable sign-up bonuses and take advantage of top-tier travel rewards, rather than missing out because you’ve hit that five-card threshold.

How to Keep Track of Your 5/24 Status

Good news: You don’t have to do it all manually! The CardPointers app can help you stay on top of your 5/24 status, among many other amazing features for rewards travelers. Here’s how it works:

• Track new cards: When you apply for a new card, just log the details in the app.
• Automatic updates: The app tracks your 5/24 status and tells you when cards fall off (after 24 months).
• Beyond 5/24: It also keeps tabs on things like sign-up bonuses and helps you understand which card to use to max your rewards.

Building Your Card Strategy Around 5/24 Rule

Having a plan is key to navigating 5/24 successfully. Here’s the strategy I recommend for maximize your rewards while staying within the rule:

1. Space Out Your Applications

While Chase doesn’t officially require you to wait between applications, it’s smart to wait around 90 days between all credit card applications. This will help protect your credit score and keep your record looking polished for future applications.

2. Make the Most of Referrals

If you have a Player 2—a spouse, partner, or family member who travels with you—take advantage of referral bonuses. Both of you can refer each other to cards, earning extra points on top of your regular sign-up bonuses. Plus, it keeps both of your 5/24 counts in check, making it easier to work around the rule.

3. Business Cards Are Your Secret Weapon

A little-known tip is that business cards typically don’t count toward your 5/24 status. This means you can open business cards and stay under 5/24, which means maximizing your rewards. For example, Chase Business credit cards like Chase’s Ink Business Unlimited® or Ink Business Cash® cards can help you earn valuable points without affecting your 5/24 count. And business cards from other banks don’t count towards 5/24 either.

Sample 5/24 Strategy for Personal Cards

Ready to get strategic? Here’s a sample personal card strategy—in order of how you’d want to open them—that will help you earn rewards while staying under 5/24 rule:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
   I always recommend starting with the Sapphire Preferred for access to Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to top airlines and hotel partners. It’s the most beginner-friendly card and deserves a place in your wallet.
2. Co-Branded Hotel Card
   Choose a card for your favorite hotel brand—we love the World of Hyatt personal card. This card can come with free nights and points towards your stays. This is a co-branded card with Chase, so you can manage it within the same portal as your other cards.
3. Co-Branded Airline Card
   Consider what airline is the best option from you home airline, and then find the right card associated with that airline. For us, cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® or Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® have gotten our family a lot of nearly-free flights. If you want to stick with Chase cards, the Southwest family of cards will be your best bet.
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
   This card earns 1.5X cashback on everything, making it an ideal tool for maximizing rewards in your Chase portfolio. It’s one of my go-to cards for earning Chase points on everyday purchases.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
   This card offers amazing travel benefits, including a high sign-up bonus and 2X miles on every purchase. Apply early in your rewards travel journey, since Capital One can be sensitive to recent credit card inquiries.

Now, you’re at 5/24 and have a solid mix of cards to start earning in various ways. Keep in mind that once you hit 5/24, you won’t be able to open more Chase cards until one falls off your count after 24 months from the application date.

Card Strategy If You’re Already over 5/24 rule

If you find yourself over the 5/24 limit, don’t panic—there are still plenty of ways to earn rewards and build a valuable credit card portfolio without sacrificing your credit score or the rewards you’re after. Here’s how you can adjust your strategy and work with the 5/24 restriction.

1. Focus on Business Credit Cards

If you’re over 5/24, business credit cards are your bestie. And the good news is that business credit cards generally don’t count toward your 5/24 status. Chase, for example, has several great business credit cards like the Ink Business Unlimited® or Ink Business Preferred® that don’t count toward your 5/24 total. By opening business cards, you can bypass the 5/24 restriction and continue earning valuable points and rewards.

Pro Tip: If you don’t currently own a business, you can still qualify for these cards as a sole proprietor or freelancer. In many cases, a small side hustle or gig work qualifies you to apply for a business credit card. Learn more about applying for business cards here.

2. Apply for Cards from Other Banks

Chase’s 5/24 rule only applies to being approved for new cards from Chase. So, if you’re maxed out with Chase applications, just look elsewhere. Other banks, such as American Express, Capital One, and Citi, do not follow the 5/24 rule and are great alternatives for earning valuable points. Here’s how you can adjust your strategy:

• American Express: If you’re a fan of transferable points, consider the American Express® Gold Card for bonus categories like dining and groceries or the American Express® Platinum Card for premium travel rewards.
• Capital One: Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards card or Capital One Quicksilver offer competitive rewards rates without the 5/24 restriction, plus great benefits for travel or everyday purchases.
• Citi: The Citi Strata Premier® Card offers solid earning rates on travel, dining, and groceries.

Opening cards with these other banks can help you continue earning rewards even if you’re over 5/24.

3. Wait for Cards to Drop Off

Chase’s 5/24 rule is based on the last 24 months, so after two years, the cards you opened will no longer count toward your 5/24 limit. The key is to plan ahead and track which cards are dropping off. Using an app like CardPointers can help you stay on top of when your cards are no longer included in the count, and you’ll be free to apply for Chase cards again.

4. Maximize Existing Cards

While you wait for your 5/24 count to reset, it’s a great time to maximize the rewards on the cards you already have. Consider shifting spending to cards that offer category multipliers and utilize shopping portals and bonus offers. This strategy will help you earn points more efficiently while you’re waiting.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget about referral bonuses that can boost your points balance, especially if you’re in two player mode.

5. Get Strategic About Future Applications

Once your 5/24 count resets, you’ll be able to apply for more Chase cards. Be strategic about when you open your new cards and make sure you’re not overwhelming your credit score with multiple new inquiries. Space out your applications by at least 90 days to keep your credit healthy and maximize your approval chances.

Final Thoughts: How to Make 5/24 Rule Work For You

Staying on top of your 5/24 status can help you unlock amazing rewards without having to worry about being denied by Chase. By planning ahead, you can maximize your points, secure valuable sign-up bonuses, and travel smarter. Managing your 5/24 count gives you the best shot at getting the most out of your credit cards.

The next time you’re thinking about opening a new credit card, remember to check your 5/24 count first—and put a strategy in place.

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you.

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