Chase's 5/24 Rule: Business Cards Don't Count

Chase's stringent 5/24 rule, a widely recognized but officially unconfirmed policy, significantly impacts applicants seeking the bank's popular rewards credit cards. This rule dictates that individuals who have opened five or more personal credit card accounts across any issuer within the past 24 months are highly likely to be denied new Chase card applications. The 5/24 rule encompasses all personal credit card accounts, including those with no preset spending limits and certain store-specific cards. However, a crucial exception exists for many business credit cards, which are generally not factored into the 5/24 count by Chase. This distinction allows consumers to continue accumulating rewards and benefits through business credit products without jeopardizing their future eligibility for Chase's coveted consumer cards. The article highlights several business credit cards that can be used strategically to stay under the 5/24 threshold while still earning valuable points and miles. These recommendations are based on The Points Guy's (TPG) August 2026 valuations for points and miles. One such card is The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, which offers unlimited 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year, and 1x points thereafter. It has an annual fee of $0. The welcome offer for this card is 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Another recommended card is the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card from Chase. This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. It also has an annual fee of $0. The welcome offer for the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is $900 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. The article emphasizes that while Chase has never officially confirmed the 5/24 rule, extensive crowdsourced data from credit card enthusiasts and applicants consistently validates its existence and impact. This policy has become a significant consideration for anyone aiming to optimize their credit card portfolio and leverage Chase's premium rewards programs. By strategically utilizing business credit cards, consumers can effectively manage their credit applications and maintain eligibility for Chase's most attractive consumer card offerings, such as the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards, which are often the primary targets for those navigating the 5/24 rule. The article serves as a guide for individuals looking to balance their credit card acquisition strategy with Chase's application limitations, ensuring they can still benefit from the financial institution's competitive rewards.