What is the Chase 5/24 rule, and how does it work?

While most issuers have some sort of rule for how many accounts you can have open with them before qualifying for a new card, Chase is even stricter than most, holding applicants to what is commonly known as the “5/24” rule.

This rule – which is one of the most limiting in terms of accounts you can have open – can make it difficult for rewards card enthusiasts to open multiple accounts in a short period of time.

However, by understanding how Chase’s 5/24 rule works and how you can abide by it, you can boost your chances of being approved for one of the bank’s popular credit cards.

What is the 5/24 rule?

Chase is known for requiring applicants to meet the 5/24 rule, which means that if you’ve opened five or more credit cards with any issuer in the last 24 months, it is likely you won’t be approved for a new Chase card (even if you’ve since closed the cards).

Unfortunately, there aren’t any sure-fire ways to circumvent this requirement; you must wait the required amount of time before applying for a Chase credit card.

Which cards are subject to the 5/24 rule?

While there is no way to know for sure which cards fall under Chase’s 5/24 rule (the bank doesn’t publicly announce this restriction), reports from The Points Guy show that the following credit cards abide by the policy:

• AARP Credit Card from Chase*
• Aer Lingus Visa Signature Credit Card*
• Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card*
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card
• Chase Freedom®*
• Chase Freedom Flex®
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Slate®
• Disney Premier Visa Card*
• Disney Visa card*
• Iberia Visa Signature Credit Card*
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card*
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
• Starbucks Rewards Visa card*
• The World of Hyatt Credit Card
• United℠ Explorer Business Card*
• United℠ Business Card*
• United℠ Explorer Card
• United MileagePlus Club Business Card*
• United MileagePlus Club Card*

Chase has not always held its airline and hotel co-branded cards, such as the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card, to the 5/24 rule, but recent accounts have found that all Chase credit cards are now subject to the restriction.

Exceptions to the 5/24 rule

Beating the 5/24 rule is no easy feat, but some Chase applicants have had success being approved for targeted credit card offers – even if they have too many recent accounts. While this has happened on a case-by-case basis, it is not a guaranteed way around the rule, and we recommend against using tricks like these to try to skirt the requirements.

• Apply for a Chase small business credit card: While these cards do require you to meet the 5/24 rule when you apply, they won’t count against your 5/24 standing. That means you can still technically have more than five open accounts in the last 24 months and still be under 5/24 – if some of those accounts are business cards. Plus, qualifying for a small business credit card is easier than you might think, and even sole proprietorships are eligible.
• Opt for a product change rather than a new card application: If you don’t meet 5/24 – but you already have a Chase credit card that no longer suits your needs – you can upgrade or downgrade a card with Chase. Just keep in mind that you won’t be eligible for the new card’s introductory offer by choosing this option.
• “Just for you” offers: You may be able to avoid the 5/24 rule by checking your targeted offers. When you’re logged in to your Chase personal account, check the “Just for you” tab under “Explore products” to see your targeted offers.
• Authorized users: If you’re an authorized user on one of your five new accounts and are over 5/24, you may be able to plead your case to a credit analyst. However, the authorized user card will likely need to be closed and removed from your report, which can take between 60 and 90 days.

How to check your 5/24 standing

The easiest way to see if you are within the five open accounts rule in the last 24 months is to check your credit report. You can request a free copy of your credit report from any one of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com, for example.

How to calculate your 5/24 standing

When you’re reviewing your credit report, check the list of all of your credit card accounts and the dates they were opened. Count the accounts opened in the last 24 months – even those that were opened and closed within that period. Note that the cards you carry as an authorized user will add to your 5/24 standing, too, so be sure to consider them when calculating. Further, car loans, student loans and mortgages do not count toward your 5/24 limit.

Tips for improving your approval odds for a Chase card

• Wait out the time you need to fall under 5/24 rather than trying to circumvent the rule. While some people have had success using tricks like applying for targeted offers, you’re better off waiting to meet the qualifications to increase your chances of approval.
• Keep a close eye on your credit report and open accounts.
• If you need a new card but want to stay under five open accounts, consider applying for business cards – many don’t count toward 5/24.
• Avoid applying for too many cards at once. Sign-up bonuses and new rewards schemes can be tempting, but you should think carefully before opening any new credit card.
• On top of meeting 5/24 rules, make sure your credit score is within the new card’s suggested range before applying. This rule is one of many factors Chase considers for approval.

Bottom line

The Chase 5/24 rule is one of the strictest requirements for new applicants among card issuers, so it’s important to know where you stand before applying for a new card.

As long as you’re strategic about applying for cards and do not exceed five applications in a 24-month period, you can ensure you won’t be hindered by the Chase 5/24 rule.