Credit card rewards can be incredibly valuable, whether you earn points casually or strategically churn cards for maximum benefits. However, many applicants are surprised to be denied despite strong credit histories and excellent scores. The reason often comes down to the 5/24 rule, which is a little-known guideline some banks use to determine approval. Even financially responsible consumers can run into unexpected roadblocks if they’ve opened several accounts recently. Understanding how the rule works can help you avoid an unwelcome denial.
Understanding the 5/24 Rule of Credit Cards?
The 5/24 rule refers to an unofficial but widely enforced approval guideline used by Chase. Under this rule, you will likely be denied for most Chase credit cards if you’ve opened five or more personal credit card accounts — from any bank — within the past 24 months. Because Chase does not publish an official policy, most of what we know comes from crowdsourced consumer data, yet the pattern has remained consistent for years.
It’s also important to understand that the 5/24 count reflects accounts opened, not how many you still have. Even closed cards and authorized-user accounts may show up in your total, which means some applicants unknowingly exceed the limit. While other banks are not known to apply the 5/24 rule, that could change if more card issuers adopt similar restrictions to limit aggressive rewards churning.
Which Cards Are Affected?
Chase applies the 5/24 rule to most of its consumer travel cards, cashback cards, and cobranded hotel and airline cards. That means popular products such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Freedom Flex, and Freedom Unlimited all fall under the restriction. Many cobranded cards are also included, such as the Aeroplan Credit Card, British Airways Visa Signature, Disney Premier Visa, Prime Visa, and several Southwest Rapid Rewards cards.
Business cards are also frequently impacted, including the Ink Business Cash, Ink Business Preferred, Ink Business Unlimited, and cobranded products like the United Business Card and World of Hyatt Business Card. While a few Chase cards may occasionally fall outside the rule, most applicants should assume that nearly all Chase travel and rewards cards will require being under 5/24 to qualify.
How to Track Your 5/24 Status
Keeping track of your 5/24 standing is essential if you’re planning future applications. One of the easiest ways to monitor it is through a free Experian account or other reputable credit report tools. These platforms allow you to sort your open and recently closed accounts by date, making it simple to identify how many credit lines were opened within the last two years.
Remember, Chase counts any personal credit card that appears on your credit report — including store cards tied to major payment networks and authorized-user accounts. Business cards typically don’t count unless they are from issuers like Capital One, TD Bank, or Discover. Since a card only “falls off” your count on the first day of the 25th month, careful tracking prevents premature applications and unnecessary denials.
Can You Bypass the 5/24 Rule?
Although 5/24 is widely followed, there are a few scenarios where applicants report approvals even when over the limit. Targeted, pre-qualified “Just for You” offers in your Chase online account sometimes override 5/24 restrictions. These invitations are not guaranteed, but if they appear with a firm preapproval, your odds may improve. Some applicants also bypass the rule through product changes, although these do not provide a new-card welcome bonus.
However, relying on loopholes is unpredictable and should never be your primary strategy. Chase also monitors account behavior and may flag customers who apply too frequently. The safest approach is to plan your applications carefully, avoid opening unnecessary cards, and allow older accounts to age past the two-year mark before applying again.
Final Thoughts: Using 5/24 to Your Advantage
The 5/24 rule isn’t just a restriction — it’s a planning tool. Savvy cardholders use it to prioritize Chase cards early in their rewards strategy, knowing that approvals become more difficult once they’ve opened several accounts elsewhere. By tracking your card history, understanding which products are affected, and being mindful about new applications, you can position yourself for long-term success.
Whether you’re a casual points collector or a dedicated travel hacker, respecting the 5/24 rule ensures you don’t accidentally lock yourself out of some of the most valuable cards available. With thoughtful planning and responsible card management, you can maximize rewards without running into avoidable roadblocks.
