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Understanding Chase’s 5/24 Rule

Chase offers some of the most rewarding credit cards available. However, they also have a strict policy known as the 5/24 rule. Essentially, if you’ve opened five or more credit card accounts (from any bank, not just Chase) in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application for a new card. While Chase hasn’t officially acknowledged the 5/24 rule, data consistently confirms its existence.

Importantly, the 5/24 rule considers all personal credit cards, certain store cards, and even authorized user accounts. However, many business credit cards, including those from Chase, do not count toward your 5/24 status. This is a game-changer for those of us who want to maximize our rewards earning potential without jeopardizing our Chase card applications.

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Why Business Cards are Your Secret Weapon

Because business cards from many banks don’t count towards your 5/24 count, you can strategically earn points and miles without hindering your ability to apply for those valuable Chase cards in the future. This strategy allows you to diversify your rewards portfolio, capitalize on lucrative welcome bonuses, and maintain your eligibility for future Chase cards. This blog post will show you some of my favorite business cards I’ve used for this purpose.

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Featured Business Credit Cards to Stay Under 5/24

Now, let’s dive into some of my top business card recommendations to help you stay under Chase’s 5/24 rule:

Card | Best For | Welcome Offer | Earning Rates | Annual Fee ——

[Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card](https://thepointsguy.com/apply-now/ink-business-preferred%e2%84%a0-credit-card/?tid=post) | Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points in various business categories | Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027; 3 points per dollar spent on advertising purchases with social media and search engines, cable, internet, phone services, shipping, and travel (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1 point per dollar); 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. | $95 [Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®](https://thepointsguy.com/apply-now/citi-aadvantage-business-world-elite-mastercard/?tid=post) | American Airlines Loyalists | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. | 2 miles per dollar spent on cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, eligible American Airlines purchases, gas stations, and telecommunications merchants; 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter [Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card](https://thepointsguy.com/apply-now/marriott-bonvoy-business-american-express-card/?tid=post) | Marriott Loyalists | Earn three free night awards (each night valued at up to 50,000 points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points) after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. | 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. shipping purchases, and with U.S. wireless telephone service purchases; 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. | $125 [Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card](https://thepointsguy.com/apply-now/ink-business-unlimited-credit-card/?tid=post) | Simple Cash Back Earnings | Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | 5% cash back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027; 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases. | $0 [Hilton Honors American Express Business Card](https://thepointsguy.com/apply-now/hilton-honors-american-express-business-card/?tid=post) | Hilton Enthusiasts | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. | 12 points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases; 5 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases (up to $100,000 each calendar year, then 3 points per dollar thereafter). | $195 [The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express](https://thepointsguy.com/apply-now/the-blue-business%e2%84%a0-plus-credit-card-from-american-express/?tid=post) | Earning Amex Membership Rewards Points | Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | 2 points per dollar spent on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter. | $0

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Diving Deeper: My Personal Takes on Each Card

Now, let me share my personal experiences and thoughts on each of these cards:

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Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred is my go-to card for earning valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Although you need to be under 5/24 to get approved for this card, this card itself won’t count towards that rule. What I love most is the bonus categories. I find it easy to maximize my points earning on everyday business expenses like social media advertising, internet, and shipping. Plus, the Ultimate Rewards points are incredibly flexible, as you can transfer them to a variety of Chase’s travel partners, including airlines like United and hotels like Hyatt. The primary car rental insurance and cellphone protection are also fantastic perks that provide peace of mind when I’m traveling for business.

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Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

I appreciate the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard because of the value of the welcome bonus. Even if you don’t fly American Airlines all the time, their AAdvantage miles are valuable thanks to the Oneworld alliance. You can redeem them for flights on partners like British Airways and Japan Airlines. A free checked bag and inflight purchase discounts add value for frequent American Airlines flyers.

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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is a winner for those of us who love Marriott hotels. The generous welcome bonus provides many opportunities for stays at amazing properties. I value complimentary Gold Elite status that comes with the card, which gives you perks like bonus points and late checkouts. It makes my travel experience so much more enjoyable. Additionally, I love the annual free night award, which I can use at a Marriott hotel each year after my card renewal. Since Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Marriott, this card pairs very well with the other Chase cards in my wallet.

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Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

If simplicity is your priority, the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is a solid choice. With its flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, you don’t have to worry about tracking bonus categories. This card is even more valuable when paired with a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred. I can combine the cash back earned on my Ink Business Unlimited with the points earned on my Chase Sapphire Preferred, unlocking even more travel redemption options. Plus, the 0 annual fee makes this a great no-brainer for those looking to keep their 5/24 count down.

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Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

As a fan of Hilton hotels, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a great option for earning Hilton Honors points. I appreciate the 12x points on Hilton purchases and 5x points on other purchases. Automatic Hilton Gold status and National Emerald Club Executive status are great perks that I have used several times.

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The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express stands out because it offers 2x points on every purchase, up to $50,000 per year. This is an excellent earning rate for a business card with no annual fee. Furthermore, the Membership Rewards points earned with this card can be transferred to a wide variety of airline and hotel partners, providing me with valuable flexibility when planning my travels. For businesses with less than $50,000 in annual spending, this is the best choice.

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Important Considerations Before Applying

Keep in mind that other credit card issuers have their own application restrictions that might affect your approval odds. Don’t worry, you don’t need a traditional brick-and-mortar business to apply for a business card. If you drive for Uber, freelance, resell items, or have any side hustle, you are eligible to apply for a business card.

Also, you might be wondering why Capital One business cards are not featured on this list. Capital One business cards (with a few exceptions) count toward your 5/24 status.

Finally, always separate your business and personal expenses to make tax season easier and stay on good terms with your card issuer.

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The Bottom Line: Maximize Your Rewards Strategically

Chase cards offer great long-term value. However, you can get locked out if you are not careful with your applications. Business cards offer a valuable workaround for staying under Chase’s 5/24 rule.

By timing your applications strategically and leveraging business cards, you can continue earning points and miles without limiting your opportunities to earn valuable bonuses on Chase’s personal cards. That’s a win-win in my book!