The Chase 5/24 Rule Explained: Everything You Need to Know

The Chase 5/24 Rule Explained

If you are serious about credit card rewards, you need to understand Chase's infamous 5/24 rule. It is the single most important application rule in the hobby.

What Is 5/24?

Chase will automatically deny your application for most Chase cards if you have opened 5 or more new credit card accounts (with any issuer) in the past 24 months.

What Counts Toward 5/24?

Counts:

• New credit cards from any issuer (Chase, Amex, Citi, etc.)
• Store credit cards
• Authorized user accounts (sometimes, see below)
• Business cards from other issuers that report to personal credit

Does NOT Count:

• Chase business cards
• Amex business cards (they do not report to personal credit)
• Loans (auto, personal, student, mortgage)
• Charge account upgrades or product changes

How to Check Your 5/24 Status

1. Pull your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com
2. Count every new credit card account opened in the last 24 months
3. If the count is 5 or more, you are over 5/24

Which Chase Cards Are Subject to 5/24?

Subject to 5/24 (most cards):

• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Chase Freedom Unlimited
• Chase Freedom Flex
• All Chase co-branded cards (United, Southwest, Marriott, etc.)
• All Chase Ink business cards

NOT subject to 5/24:

• Some invite-only cards
• Certain in-branch offers (rare)

Strategy: The Chase-First Approach

Since Chase cards are the hardest to get later, prioritize them:

1. Open Chase cards while under 5/24
2. Get the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve first (strongest bonuses)
3. Add Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex
4. Consider business cards (Ink Preferred, Ink Cash)
5. Then move to Amex, Citi, and other issuers

Dealing with Authorized User Accounts

If authorized user accounts put you over 5/24:

• Call the Chase reconsideration line
• Explain you are an authorized user, not the primary holder
• Provide documentation if requested
• Many people get approved after this call

The Modified Double Dip

Chase generally limits you to one Sapphire card bonus at a time. The Sapphire Preferred and Reserve are in the same family. Choose the one that best fits your spending.

When 5/24 Slots Open Up

Cards drop off your 5/24 count exactly 24 months after the account opening date (not the application date). Plan your applications around these dates.

The Bottom Line

The 5/24 rule rewards planning. Get your Chase cards first, then branch out to other issuers. A little patience upfront can be worth thousands in bonus value.