So you’ve got a great credit score and you’re itching to snag a new Chase credit card for those sweet rewards. But out of nowhere, your application gets denied – even though you thought you did everything right.
What gives? Chances are, you bumped into Chase’s infamous 5/24 rule. In a nutshell, this unwritten rule means Chase won’t approve you for most new cards if you’ve opened too many other credit cards recently.
It’s a big deal in the credit card world, especially for points-and-miles enthusiasts, and it can definitely throw a wrench in your plans if you’re not aware of it.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what the 5/24 rule is, why it exists, which accounts count toward it, and how you can work with (or even around) it. Let’s dive in with a friendly, straightforward rundown.
What Exactly Is the Chase 5/24 Rule?
The Chase 5/24 rule is an unofficial policy that limits who can get approved for Chase credit cards based on recent account openings. In plain English: if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the last 24 months, Chase will likely reject your application for a new card.
Those “five or more” accounts include cards from any bank, not just Chase. (Yep, that store credit card you opened two Christmases ago and the shiny travel card from another bank both count toward your total.)
Chase never officially published the 5/24 rule. Instead, credit card users figured it out by sharing data points starting around 2015–2016, when people with excellent credit suddenly started getting denied for Chase cards.
Eventually, a pattern emerged: all those folks had opened at least five new cards in the previous two years. Thus, the “5/24” rule was born from crowdsourced evidence.
Why “5/24”?
It literally stands for 5 accounts in 24 months. If you open a sixth account within a 24-month window, you’ve exceeded the limit. To get approved by Chase, you need to be at 4 or fewer new accounts in the last two years (i.e. under 5/24) at the time of your application.
Otherwise, you’ll likely see a denial, no matter how high your credit score is. Chase won’t explicitly tell you “you’re over 5/24” as the reason – they’ll just say you have “too many recent accounts” in the rejection message. But behind the scenes, that’s the rule in action.
One important nuance:
The rule only applies to Chase’s decision to approve you – it doesn’t directly stop you from applying elsewhere. If you’re 5/24 or above, you can still get cards from other issuers because this is a Chase-specific policy.
But since Chase offers some of the most popular travel and cashback cards, being over 5/24 essentially locks you out of Chase’s lineup until you drop back under the threshold.
How do you “drop under” 5/24? Only with time.
You drop below 5/24 once fewer than five of your credit card accounts were opened in the past 24 months. For example, if you opened your fifth most recent card in August 2021, that card falls off your count on September 1, 2023.
You’ll be eligible again the month after that card turns two years old. It just takes a little patience.
Now before we jump into strategy, let’s break down why this rule exists—and why Chase actually cares how many cards you’ve opened.
Why Does Chase Have a 5/24 Rule?
You might be thinking, “I have a fantastic credit score and pay off my cards, so why does Chase care if I opened five or six cards recently?” It boils down to how Chase views risk and customer behavior. This policy started around 2015-2016 as Chase’s way of dealing with credit card “churners” – people who open cards just for big sign-up bonuses and then move on.
From Chase’s perspective, someone who opens lots of cards in a short time might be gaming the system for rewards, or could even be taking on more debt than they can handle. That makes them less attractive as a long-term customer.
In fact, Chase officially put 5/24 in place in 2016 specifically to prevent folks from opening tons of Chase cards purely for the bonuses.
Prior to that, there wasn’t a hard cutoff – you could theoretically get a new Chase card as long as your credit was good. But as Chase’s cards (like the Sapphire and Freedom series) gained popularity for their rewards, people began hopping from one card to another.
Chase drew a line at five cards in 24 months as a signal: more than that, and they assume you might be chasing bonuses rather than becoming a loyal cardholder.
The Risk Behind Too Many New Credit Cards
There’s also the aspect of risk management. Statistically, opening a lot of new credit accounts in a short time can flag you as a higher-risk borrower, even if you pay on time. It could indicate financial stress or that you’re planning to rack up debt on many lines of credit. Chase, offering some very generous rewards cards, doesn’t want to take chances.
They consider 5+ new accounts in two years as a red flag – either you’re a rewards churner or possibly stretching your finances. As a result, they’ll slam the brakes on approving any new applications from you until that spree of new accounts ages out.
From an anecdotal standpoint, many in the points-and-miles community have come to accept 5/24 as Chase’s law. It’s frustrating if you love opening new cards, but it makes sense from Chase’s side. They want to invest their credit lines and sign-up bonuses in customers who will stick around (carry the card, maybe carry a balance, keep swiping it for years) – not those who open a card, grab the 100k points, and then disappear.
As one of the biggest card issuers, Chase can afford to be picky. The upside for us as consumers is that Chase’s cards remain valuable, but the trade-off is stricter approval criteria. Essentially, “with great rewards comes great responsibility” – Chase’s 5/24 rule is how they enforce that.
Alright, now that we know what 5/24 is and why it’s here, let’s get into the practical stuff: which accounts count toward that 5-card limit, how to figure out your own 5/24 status, and what to do if you’re bumping up against the rule.
Which Accounts Count Toward 5/24 (and Which Don’t)?
Not every piece of plastic in your wallet will count toward your 5/24 tally. Chase is specifically looking at new credit card accounts on your credit reports. That means some cards count and others don’t. It’s crucial to know the difference so you don’t accidentally put yourself over the limit. Let’s break it down.
Accounts That Count toward your 5/24 limit:
#1 All personal credit cards you opened in the last 24 months – from any bank
This includes Chase cards and those from other issuers (Amex, Citi, Discover, Capital One, store-branded Visa/Mastercards, etc.). Even if you’ve already closed the account, it was still a new account when opened, so it counts in that 24-month window. Example: Opened a Bank of America card, an Amex card, and 3 different Chase cards in the past two years? That’s 5 accounts – you’re at 5/24.
#2 Most business credit cards from certain issuers that report to your personal credit report
Specifically, small business credit cards from Discover and TD Bank, as well as most Capital One business cards, will appear on your personal credit file and thus count toward 5/24. These banks report business card accounts to the credit bureaus, making them look just like personal cards on your report. Example: Open a Capital One Spark Cash for Business – that account will show up on your credit report and add to your count (with a couple of exceptions noted later).
#3 Authorized user credit cards where you are an authorized user on someone else’s account if those accounts show up on your credit report.
This one surprises people. Say your spouse added you as an authorized user on their card – that account will likely appear on your credit history. Chase will usually treat it as if you opened that card yourself, bumping up your 5/24 number. (There are some ways to handle this, which we’ll discuss later.)
#4 Certain store credit cards count, depending on how the issuer structures them.
If a store card belongs to a major payment network (like Visa or Mastercard) or a bank issues it, it counts just like any other credit card. Some store cards that only work at a single retailer might also count toward 5/24. As a rule of thumb, if the card shows up on your credit report as a revolving credit line, count it. For example, the Best Buy or Amazon store card you opened could add to your total. When in doubt, play it safe—store cards can be sneaky.
In short, any new credit card account on your credit report in the last two years is usually fair game for 5/24. This is why Chase’s rule can catch you off guard – you might only have 2 Chase cards, but if you also opened 3 cards from other banks recently, you’re at 5 total and could be denied. Chase counts all new accounts, not just their own.
Accounts That Do NOT Count toward 5/24:
#1 Credit card applications that were denied
Only approved or opened accounts count. If a bank rejects your application—or you choose not to accept or activate the card—it won’t add to your 5/24 total because no new account exists. For example, if lenders denied you twice last year, those denials won’t impact your 5/24 count (though your credit report may still show the inquiries).
#2 Most business credit cards from issuers that don’t report to personal credit bureaus
This is a big one. Many banks – including Chase itself, American Express, Bank of America, Citi, Wells Fargo, etc. – do not report small business credit card accounts on your personal credit report. That means if you open a business card from one of these issuers, it won’t show up as a new account on your credit report and won’t count toward 5/24.
Example: You get the Amex Business Gold card – it won’t add to your 5/24 total. Important: You still generally need to be under 5/24 to get approved for Chase’s own business cards (more on that later), but once approved, a Chase business card doesn’t add to your count. This non-reporting is why people often pivot to business cards when they’re near or over 5/24.
#3 Authorized user accounts that you can successfully exclude
I mentioned above that authorized user (AU) cards do count by default. However, if an AU account is bumping you over 5/24, there’s a potential workaround: you can call the Chase reconsideration line and explain that you’re just an authorized user, not the primary holder. Often, the rep will ask if you are responsible for paying that account.
Since you’re not, they may decide to ignore that AU account in evaluating your application. This is a case-by-case exception (manual review), so I wouldn’t 100% count on it, but it’s a known tactic. Additionally, if you know an AU account puts you at 5, you could remove yourself as an authorized user a month or two before applying so that account is off your report.
#4 Loans and other non-card accounts
Things like auto loans, student loans, mortgages, or other lines of credit are not credit cards and don’t count toward the 5-card limit. So you don’t need to worry that your car loan and home mortgage are eating up your 5 slots. (They will show up on your credit report, but Chase is specifically looking at revolving credit card accounts for 5/24.)
#5 Existing credit cards opened more than 24 months ago
This one’s clear, but worth saying: credit cards you opened more than two years ago fall outside the 24-month window, so they don’t count toward your 5/24 total. Only accounts opened in the last 24 months matter. As time passes, older accounts age out of the rule. For example, if you haven’t opened any new cards in the past two years, you sit at 0/24, no matter how many older cards you still have.
To clear up a common misconception: closing a credit card doesn’t remove it from your 5/24 count during that 24-month period. If you opened the card in the last two years, it still counts—whether it’s open or not. Some people think, “I’ll just close a couple of newer cards to get under 5/24,” but that won’t work.
Unfortunately, no – Chase looks at the opening date, not whether you still have the card. The only thing closing might help with is if it’s an authorized user card, as mentioned (since you can get it off your report). But closing your own primary account that you opened 6 months ago won’t help; you’ll have to wait until that 6-month-ago date is more than 24 months in the past.
Now that you know what counts and what doesn’t, the next step is figuring out where you stand. Are you at 3/24? 6/24? Let’s talk about how to check your status.
How to Check Your 5/24 Status
Before applying for any new Chase card, it’s super important to know your current 5/24 status – i.e., how many accounts you’ve opened in the last 24 months. You don’t want to apply blind and pray you’re under the limit; it’s better to check and be sure (that way you save yourself a hard inquiry and disappointment if you’re not eligible yet). Here are a few easy ways to find out:
Step #1 Get a free credit report and count manually
The most straightforward method is to pull up your credit report and literally count the number of credit card accounts opened in the last two years. You can get your credit reports for free (you’re entitled to one free report from each bureau every year via AnnualCreditReport.com, and some states allow more frequent).
However, an even easier approach is to use free services from the credit bureaus: for example, create a free account with Experian or use their smartphone app. Experian’s free service lets you see your credit report details; you can sort or filter accounts by open date. Look at all the accounts (open and closed) and count those with opening dates in the past 24 months.
Do the same on TransUnion and Equifax if you want to be extra thorough, but usually the reports should have similar account info. Double-check for any accounts you might have forgotten, like that store card or an authorized user card. This manual count will give you your “x/24” number. If it’s 5 or more, you know you’re currently over Chase’s limit. If it’s 4 or less, you’re under – game on!
Step #2 Use Credit Karma or similar credit monitoring tools
Credit Karma is a free service that provides access to your TransUnion and Equifax reports. While I’d take the actual credit scores it gives with a grain of salt (CK uses VantageScore which isn’t the same as FICO), it’s very handy for viewing your account history. Once you’re logged in, you can navigate to the “Accounts” section (usually under a Credit menu).
There, you’ll see a list of all open accounts and you can toggle to view closed accounts too. Each account entry shows when it was opened. It might take a few clicks (on each account) to see the open dates, but you can compile a quick list. Some folks even export this data or write it in a spreadsheet to make counting easier. The key is to identify how many accounts have open dates within the last 24 months.
Credit Karma basically shows you the same info as your credit report, just in a more user-friendly interface. Other similar services include NerdWallet’s app, Credit Sesame, or your bank’s credit monitoring tool – anything that shows your account history can work. Just be sure to include both open and closed credit card accounts.
Step #3 Automated tracking tools or apps
If you’re deep into the credit card hobby, there are free tools (like Travel Freely, WalletHub, or even the My10xTravel dashboard mentioned in the original article) that can track your 5/24 status automatically. Typically, you input or sync your credit card accounts, and the tool will calculate your current count and even the date when you’ll drop below 5/24 again. For instance, Travel Freely’s app will prominently display something like “You are 4/24. You will be 3/24 on 09/01/2023.”
This can save you the hassle of counting every time. If you prefer not to share data with an app, a simple DIY method works too: maintain a personal spreadsheet of your cards and opening dates – then just note which ones fall within the last 24 months. Every time you get a new card, update it. This way you’ll always know your status at a glance.
However you choose to check, the important part is do it before you apply for a Chase card. If you discover you’re at 5/24 or higher, hold off on that application – it will almost surely be wasted. Wait until enough time passes to drop below the threshold. Conversely, if you’re safely under 5/24, you have the green light to apply (bearing in mind other approval factors, which we’ll cover shortly).
Pro Tip:
When counting months, note that Chase considers the actual month of opening. To be safe, many recommend waiting until the first day of the next month after an account’s 24-month anniversary to consider it “aged out.” For example, if your fifth most recent card was opened on June 15, 2021, then by Chase’s criteria you’d likely remain at 5/24 through the end of June 2023, and only on July 1, 2023 would that June 2021 account drop off your count.
It’s a bit conservative, but people have been denied for applying just a few days too early. So don’t try to cut it too close to the exact date – give yourself a cushion into the next month.
Do Card Conversions or Upgrades Count Toward 5/24?
This question comes up often: if you upgrade or convert an existing card (sometimes called a “product change”), does that add to your 5/24 count as a new account? The answer: usually no – as long as the bank doesn’t treat it like a new account. It depends on how the conversion is processed.
When you product change, say, from a Chase Freedom to a Chase Freedom Unlimited, or upgrade a card to a higher tier, you’re not submitting a new application. Typically, the bank just changes the product type on your existing account. In many cases, your account number stays the same and they don’t do a hard credit inquiry. In those instances, there’s no new account on your credit report, so it does not count toward 5/24 (you’ve just continued one old account).
However, you should always double-check with the bank before a conversion whether they will do a hard pull or issue a new account number. Sometimes, certain upgrades might result in a new account behind the scenes. For example, if the bank’s system can’t simply flip Product A to Product B, they might open a new account for Product B and close the old – effectively creating a new trade line on your report. Also, if a hard credit inquiry is involved, that’s a clue they might be treating it like a new application.
When a Card Upgrade Becomes a New Account
- If the bank tells you “No hard pull, and your account number remains the same,” then you’re safe – it won’t be reported as a new account in most cases. You can upgrade or switch without impacting 5/24.
- If they say “Yes, we’ll need to pull your credit” or “You’ll get a different account number,” then beware: that product change will be considered a new account and will show up on your credit report as such. In 5/24 terms, it counts as if you opened another card.
Usually, Chase (and other issuers) are pretty straightforward about this if you ask. Many product changes are internal and don’t require new accounts. But play it safe – ask the rep or check the terms of the upgrade offer.
People sometimes try to use product changes as a workaround to get a new card without a fresh application (especially to circumvent 5/24). For example, if you have an old card that’s not useful, you might attempt to convert it into a Chase card that you currently can’t get approved for due to 5/24.
This can work in the sense of getting the new card’s features, but remember: you won’t get any sign-up bonus when you convert. Chase (and all banks) reserve bonuses for new applications only, not product changes. So while a product change might let you acquire, say, a Chase Sapphire Preferred when you’re over 5/24, you’d miss out on that big welcome points offer – and that’s a big sacrifice. Use this strategy only if you really need the new card’s benefits and are okay with no bonus.
Are All Chase Cards Subject to the 5/24 Rule?
Chase issues a lot of different credit cards – from their own Ultimate Rewards cards (Sapphire, Freedom, etc.) to co-branded cards with airlines, hotels, and retailers (United, Southwest, Marriott, Amazon, Disney, you name it).
A common question is whether all of these cards fall under the 5/24 rule, or if any are exempt. The general consensus today is: assume every Chase credit card product is subject to 5/24 when you apply.
When 5/24 was first introduced, it apparently started with Chase’s Ultimate Rewards cards and then gradually expanded. There were periods where certain co-branded cards (like maybe a particular hotel or airline card) seemed to slip through for some people even if they were over 5/24. However, those instances have become rare. Over the years, Chase has tightened up almost across the board.
As of now, virtually all Chase personal cards and business cards will reject applicants who are over 5/24. The travel community is cautious to ever call something a true “exception,” because what might have worked for a couple of outliers could close tomorrow with no notice.
To be thorough: some reports in the past hinted that Chase’s co-branded cards (like certain Marriott or IHG hotel cards, or British Airways card) might not enforce 5/24 at times. But unless you have very recent and reliable data saying a specific card is open season, it’s safer to assume the rule applies.
Even Chase applies the 5/24 rule to its business cards—so you need to be under 5/24 to get approved, even though those business cards won’t add to your count once approved.
While Chase hasn’t officially published a list of affected cards, user reports show that nearly all Chase consumer and business credit cards fall under the 5/24 rule.
This includes popular ones like:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred / Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Freedom Flex / Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Chase Ink business card family (Preferred, Cash, Unlimited, etc.)
- Co-brands: United Airlines cards, Southwest cards, Marriott Bonvoy cards, Hyatt, IHG, Amazon Visa, Disney Visa, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Starbucks Visa, etc…
In other words, if it’s a credit card issued by Chase, plan on needing to be 4/24 or less. It doesn’t matter if the card’s for an airline or hotel or just a cash-back card – Chase applies the same scrutiny.
Are there any current known exceptions? The only things one might point to are certain Chase (J.P. Morgan) private client or exclusive cards (like the J.P. Morgan Reserve, which is invite-only) – but if you’re in a position to get that, you likely have a private banker handling your app, and 5/24 is the least of your concerns. For us regular folks, the rule is effectively universal. If you hear a rumor that “Card X isn’t affected by 5/24,” be very skeptical. Unless you’re willing to risk a hard pull and denial, it’s best to assume it is affected.
Other Factors Chase Considers (Beyond 5/24)
While 5/24 is a big hurdle, it’s not the only factor in Chase’s credit card approval decisions. You could be under 5/24 and still get denied for other reasons. Conversely, being 4/24 isn’t a guarantee of approval – it just means you’ve cleared one major checkpoint. Here are some other things Chase looks at:
#1 Your credit score and history
Like any lender, Chase will check your credit score (usually your real FICO score) and overall credit report. Typically, you’ll want a good to excellent score (often 700+ for their prime cards) for the best chances.
They’ll consider if you have any recent late payments, derogatory marks, high balances, etc. If your credit file has issues, those can lead to denial aside from 5/24 status. For example, a person at 4/24 but with a 620 credit score and recent delinquencies might still be declined.
#2 Income and debt factors
On the application, Chase asks for your annual income. They also can see your existing debts (like loans, and your other cards’ balances/limits on your report). They’ll evaluate if you have the capacity to handle a new credit line. If you have a ton of existing debt or very high utilization on current cards, that could scare them off.
They might also consider your reported housing costs (rent/mortgage) versus income. Essentially, they’re judging your ability to pay any new debt. A solid income and reasonable debt load improve your odds.
#3 Recent inquiries or “velocity” of applications
Apart from the 5/24 rule on number of accounts, Chase also informally doesn’t like to see you applying for a bunch of cards in a short time (with them or even with others). There is an often-cited Chase 2/30 rule: you generally won’t be approved for more than 2 Chase credit cards within a rolling 30-day period.
So if you try to blitz apply for several Chase cards around the same time, the third one (and beyond) will likely be automatically denied. In fact, many people report that Chase won’t even approve two business cards in 30 days; at most one business and one personal in that timeframe, or two personals.
Churning veterans usually space out Chase applications a few months apart. A good practice is to wait at least 90 days (3 months) between Chase card applications to be safe. Chase can be stricter than some other banks on this front – applying too frequently makes them nervous. As a rule of thumb, I personally limit myself to one new Chase card about every 4-6 months, even if under 5/24, to avoid raising eyebrows.
#4 Overall relationship with Chase
If you already have Chase cards or bank accounts, how you’ve managed them could matter. For instance, if you currently have several Chase cards and they are all maxed out or you barely use them, that might influence a new application review. On the flip side, having a Chase checking account or history with their products might help a bit (it shows you’re a loyal customer, and some anecdotal evidence suggests it can very slightly improve approval chances, though it won’t overcome a bad credit profile or 5/24 status).
#5 Total credit limit with Chase
Chase has an internal limit of how much total credit they’re willing to extend to you. If you already have a high credit line across existing Chase cards relative to your stated income, a new application might be denied simply because they don’t want to give you more credit. Sometimes they’ll approve a new card on the condition of shifting credit from another card or closing one.
If you get a message about “maximum credit extended,” you may need to call and negotiate moving some credit around. This isn’t directly 5/24-related, but it’s another hurdle for those who have multiple Chase cards.
#6 Business card considerations
If you’re applying for a Chase business credit card (like Ink Business Preferred), you have the extra step of proving your business legitimacy. Chase may ask for documents such as business registration papers, financial statements, or proof of income for the business. They do this especially if your business is new or small (which is often the case for folks applying just to get the points).
Be prepared to verify that you have an actual business (even a side hustle or sole proprietorship). And remember, even though a Chase business card doesn’t add to your 5/24 count, you must be under 5/24 to be approved for it.
#7 Any signs of risky behavior
Chase is known to be cautious. If they suspect things like manufactured spending (where people cycle large amounts of money to earn rewards artificially) or other suspicious activity, they might hesitate to extend more credit. In extreme cases, Chase has shut down all accounts for a user who they think is violating terms or gaming the system.
This is rare and usually only happens if you’re doing something against their rules, but it’s a reminder: don’t try to trick or cheat Chase. The 5/24 rule itself is one way they keep tabs on aggressive credit-seeking; trying to circumvent it in sneaky ways (we’ll talk about the legitimate ways next) could jeopardize your relationship with them.
So, while 5/24 is a critical gatekeeper, make sure the rest of your financial picture looks good before you apply. If your credit score is borderline or you’ve opened a bunch of non-Chase accounts very recently (even if under five), you might benefit from waiting a bit to show stability. Each Chase card application is valuable – you don’t want to waste an opportunity by applying at a time when something else might cause a denial.
Is There Any Way Around the 5/24 Rule?
Alright, so what if you’re sitting at 5/24 or 6/24 right now and really really want a new Chase card? Are you completely out of luck until time passes, or are there loopholes? This is the million-point question. Over the years, people have floated various ways to “bypass” the 5/24 rule.
Some methods worked in the past but have since been shut down, while a couple of tricks occasionally still yield success. Just keep in mind: none of these are guaranteed – your mileage may vary, and Chase’s system could block you anyway. But for the sake of completeness, here are the known ways people attempt to get around 5/24:
Targeted “Just for You” or “Selected for You” Offers
Chase sometimes gives targeted credit card offers to existing customers – these might appear when you log into your Chase account (under a section called “Just for You” or “Offers”), or you might receive an invitation by mail or email. In some cases, these offers have been known to bypass 5/24.
Essentially, if Chase pre-approves you internally and extends an offer, the normal rules might not apply. For example, maybe you’re 6/24, but you see a “You’re pre-approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred” banner in your Chase online account. There have been reports of people in that situation applying and getting approved despite being over 5/24, because it was a targeted offer.
The logic is that Chase’s marketing team wouldn’t offer it if they weren’t willing to bend the rule for you. However – caution: More recent data suggests these targeted online offers are hit or miss, and Chase’s system may still auto-reject you if you’re over 5/24, offer or not. It likely depends on how strong the pre-approval is (some say the wording “Just for You” with a green checkmark is a good sign).
If you get one of these offers, it can be worth a shot, but don’t assume it’s a sure thing. And definitely only try if it’s coming directly from Chase (random mail flyers that look like ads often still fail the 5/24 check, unless they have a specific RSVP code that bypasses it).
In-Branch Pre-approvals
In the past, visiting a Chase branch and applying in person could bypass 5/24 if the banker saw a pre-approved offer for you in their system. For a while, people had luck with in-branch approvals on cards like the Sapphire Reserve when the rule would have otherwise stopped them. The branch bankers have access to a tool that shows if you’re pre-qualified for certain cards.
If you were, they could submit an application that sometimes skirted around the 5/24 filter. This method is largely anecdotal, and in recent times Chase has tightened even those systems. Still, some folks try this: if you have a good relationship with a banker or have Chase accounts, you can ask if any pre-approved offers are showing for you.
If yes, applying in-branch under that offer might work even if you’re over 5/24. There are also reports that Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) at Chase (who handle business accounts) could submit business card applications on paper that would bypass 5/24.
Again, this is a niche strategy typically for people with business banking with Chase. As of now, consider the in-branch method something to try only if you happen to be at a branch – I wouldn’t go out of my way expecting a miracle, but successes have been reported.
Leverage authorized user removal
As discussed earlier, if an authorized user account is what’s putting you over 5/24, removing yourself from that account (so it no longer shows on your report) can instantly drop your count. If you do this a month or two ahead of a Chase application, that might put you back under the limit and you can apply normally.
If you can’t remove it in time, applying and then calling Chase recon to explain might sway them to exclude that AU account. This isn’t so much “bypassing” the 5/24 rule as it is clarifying your true situation (since Chase doesn’t know at first glance that you’re just an authorized user).
Focus on business cards from other issuers in the meantime
This is more of a workaround to keep earning rewards while you wait out 5/24. Since most business cards (outside of Discover, CapOne, etc.) don’t add to your count, you can apply for those even when you’re over 5/24, and it won’t worsen your standing. For example, if you’re 5/24 now, you likely can’t get a new Chase card today.
But you could get an Amex business card or a Citi business card – those approvals won’t be affected by your 5/24 status (because again, that’s a Chase-specific rule), and importantly, those new accounts won’t appear on your personal report to push you to 6/24.
This doesn’t help you bypass Chase’s rule directly, but it’s a strategy to keep in the game collecting other rewards until you drop below 5/24. Then you can go back to Chase with a clean count.
Wait it out and apply strategically later
Okay, this isn’t a clever hack at all, but it’s worth stating: sometimes the only “way around” 5/24 is patience. Mark your calendar for when you’ll be under again, and use that time to plan which Chase card you want most once you’re eligible. There’s a saying in the points community: “Chase cards first.”
This means if you’re starting out (and under 5/24), prioritize getting Chase’s great cards early on before you fill up your 24-month quota with others. The flipside is if you’re already over 5/24, focus on non-Chase cards for now, and come back to Chase after you’ve naturally dropped under the limit. It can feel like a long wait, but it pays off.
Lastly, one word of caution: You might come across outdated tips like “apply for two Chase cards on the same day when you’re 4/24, so the second one sneaks in as 5/24.” In the past, some people tried applying for two Chase cards literally minutes apart, hoping the second would get approved before the first account reported, thus both squeezing in while technically 4/24.
This is largely not effective anymore. Chase’s systems are pretty quick, and even if you manage to get one instantly approved, the second will likely be held for review. When the analyst sees you just opened another Chase card, they’ll realize you’re effectively 5/24 now and deny the second. Plus, multiple applications in one day can raise fraud flags or just make Chase uneasy.
The general advice now: don’t try to game the timing that tightly. It’s better to spread out applications and not appear desperate.
Speaking of which – let’s wrap up with the big picture and some parting advice.
The Bottom Line
Chase’s 5/24 rule has been around for years now and isn’t going anywhere. If you’re planning to apply for Chase credit cards, you’ll need to live with this rule and strategize around it. It might feel like a frustrating limitation, but with a bit of planning you can work within its confines and still get the cards you want.
In the end, the Chase 5/24 rule is a fact of life for credit card enthusiasts. It requires some patience and planning, but it doesn’t have to be a fun-killer. Think of it as a challenge to optimize which cards you get and when. And remember, quality over quantity – you don’t need to horde every card out there at once. Pick the Chase cards that align with your goals (travel, cashback, etc.), get those while you can, and you’ll be in great shape.
Keep an eye on your calendar, keep your credit in good standing, and you’ll find that when the time is right, Chase will be more than happy to welcome you (back) into the fold. Happy card hunting, and may your 5/24 count always be in your favor!
