Key Takeaways for Credit Card Enthusiasts
The 5/24 rule is Chase’s way of identifying and approving customers who align with their long-term business model. While it may delay your credit card goals, understanding and working within its constraints is essential for anyone serious about credit card strategy.
Remember: patience pays off. The 24-month clock is always ticking, and your 5/24 status will improve over time. Use this waiting period to strengthen your financial foundation, research your next moves, and appreciate the cards you already have.
Whether you’re a seasoned churner or just starting your credit card journey, the 5/24 rule is a reality you need to acknowledge and plan around. With proper strategy and timing, you can still access Chase’s premium cards and maximize your rewards—you just need to be more strategic about it.
The 5/24 rule isn’t going anywhere, but neither is your ability to adapt and thrive within its constraints. Smart financial planning and patience will serve you better than any workaround attempt.
What Exactly is the 5/24 Rule?
The 5/24 rule is Chase Bank’s unofficial policy that automatically denies credit card applications from anyone who has opened 5 or more personal credit cards (from any issuer) within the past 24 months. It’s that simple, yet that devastating.
Think of it as Chase’s way of saying, “Whoa there, speed racer. Slow down on the credit card applications.”
This rule applies to most Chase personal credit cards, including their premium travel cards and popular cashback options. What makes it particularly frustrating is that Chase has never officially acknowledged this policy—it’s an open secret discovered through years of data points from the credit card community.
The Birth of an Unspoken Rule
The 5/24 rule emerged around 2015 when Chase began tightening their approval criteria. Credit card churning—the practice of opening cards for signup bonuses and then moving on—was becoming increasingly popular, and Chase wanted to focus on long-term, profitable customers.
While other banks have various approval criteria, Chase’s 5/24 rule stands out for its simplicity and strictness. It doesn’t matter if you have an 850 credit score or make seven figures annually—if you’re over 5/24, you’re getting denied.
Which Chase Cards are Subject to the 5/24 Rule?
The 5/24 rule applies to virtually all Chase personal credit cards, including:
Premium Travel Cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Sapphire
Cashback Cards:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Chase Freedom Flex
- Chase Freedom (discontinued)
Co-branded Cards:
- Southwest Airlines cards
- United Airlines cards
- Marriott Bonvoy cards
- World of Hyatt cards
Business Cards: Most Chase business cards are also subject to 5/24, though they typically don’t count toward your 5/24 status if approved.
What Counts Toward Your 5/24 Status?
Understanding what counts is crucial for managing your credit card strategy:
Cards That Count:
- Any personal credit card from any issuer that appears on your credit report
- Authorized user accounts (though these can sometimes be excluded with documentation)
- Store cards that report to credit bureaus
- Some business cards that report to personal credit bureaus
Cards That Don’t Count:
- Most American Express business cards (don’t report to personal credit)
- Most Citi business cards
- Most Bank of America business cards
- Charge cards that don’t report as credit cards
How to Check Your 5/24 Status
Checking your 5/24 status is straightforward:
- Pull your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com, Credit Karma, or Experian
- Count all credit cards opened in the past 24 months
- Note the opening dates to track when cards will “fall off”
- Consider authorized user accounts in your count
Pro tip: Create a spreadsheet tracking your card opening dates. This helps you plan future applications and know exactly when you’ll drop below 5/24.
Strategies for Working Around the 5/24 Rule
While the 5/24 rule is largely ironclad, there are a few potential workarounds:
Pre-Approved Offers
Some Chase customers receive pre-approved offers that may bypass 5/24. These typically come through:
- Chase branch visits
- Targeted mail offers
- Chase online account pre-approval sections
Business Card Strategy
Since most Chase business cards don’t count toward 5/24 (though they’re still subject to it), you can:
- Apply for Chase business cards while under 5/24
- Use business cards to space out your personal card applications
The Patience Game
Sometimes the best strategy is simply waiting. The 5/24 rule is rolling—each card drops off your count exactly 24 months after opening.
The Impact on Your Credit Card Strategy
The 5/24 rule has fundamentally changed how serious credit card users approach applications. Here’s how to adapt:
Chase First Strategy
Many experts recommend getting Chase cards first, before moving to other issuers. Since Chase is the most restrictive, it makes sense to start there.
Timing is Everything
Consider spacing out applications over time rather than applying for multiple cards in quick succession. This approach helps with credit card debt management and reduces the risk of being flagged for too many inquiries.
Business Card Opportunities
Don’t overlook business cards from other issuers. While you’re waiting to get under 5/24, you can still earn valuable rewards with cards that don’t report to personal credit bureaus.
Common Misconceptions About the 5/24 Rule
Myth 1: Closing cards will help Reality: Closing cards don’t affect your 5/24 count. Only the opening date matters.
Myth 2: High income exempts you Reality: The rule applies regardless of income or credit score.
Myth 3: Product changes count Reality: Converting one Chase card to another doesn’t count as a new account opening.
Managing Your Credit Health While Under 5/24
Being denied due to 5/24 can be frustrating, but it’s an opportunity to focus on financial health. Consider:
- Paying down existing debt to improve your credit utilization
- Building an emergency fund rather than focusing solely on credit cards
- Maximizing existing card benefits instead of chasing new bonuses
- Exploring alternative rewards programs that don’t require new cards
The Psychology Behind the Rule
Chase’s 5/24 rule reflects a broader shift in the credit card industry. Banks are increasingly focused on relationship-building rather than short-term acquisitions. They want customers who will:
- Carry balances occasionally (generating interest income)
- Use cards for everyday spending (generating interchange fees)
- Maintain accounts long-term (reducing acquisition costs)
Understanding this motivation helps explain why bypass attempts are so rare and why the rule remains firmly in place.
Future Outlook: Is the 5/24 Rule Here to Stay?
Given Chase’s continued profitability and the rule’s effectiveness at filtering applicants, it’s likely here for the long haul. In fact, other issuers have implemented similar (though less publicized) restrictions.
The credit card landscape continues evolving, but the 5/24 rule has become a permanent fixture. Smart credit card users adapt their strategies accordingly rather than fighting the system.
Making Peace with the 5/24 Rule
The 5/24 rule might seem like a roadblock, but it can actually encourage healthier credit habits. Instead of constantly chasing new cards, consider:
- Focusing on long-term financial goals
- Maximizing existing card benefits
- Building genuine relationships with issuers
- Developing sustainable money management habits
Ready to take control of your credit card strategy? Start by checking your 5/24 status today, and remember—great rewards come to those who plan ahead.
