The 5/24 Rule Explained: What It Is and How to Beat It
In This Guide
What Is the 5/24 Rule?
Chase's 5/24 rule automatically declines your application for most Chase credit cards if you've opened 5 or more personal credit card accounts (with any issuer) in the past 24 months.
This includes cards from all issuers, not just Chase. Business cards from most issuers (except Capital One and Discover) typically don't count toward 5/24.
Which Chase Cards Are Affected?
Most popular Chase cards are subject to 5/24, including the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex, and most co-branded cards like United and Southwest.
A few cards are reportedly NOT subject to 5/24, including certain business cards and the Ritz-Carlton card, though this can change without notice.
How to Count Your 5/24 Status
Pull your credit report and count all new credit card accounts opened in the last 24 months. Include store cards, authorized user accounts, and cards from all issuers.
Authorized user accounts can sometimes be removed from your 5/24 count by calling Chase reconsideration and explaining you're just an authorized user.
Pro Tips
- Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com for free
- Set a reminder for when accounts will age past 24 months
- Prioritize Chase cards when you're under 5/24
Strategic Application Order
Since Chase cards are the most restrictive, apply for them first when your 5/24 count is low. Get the Chase cards you want, then move on to Amex, Citi, and others that don't have similar rules.
The optimal order for most people: Chase Sapphire Preferred first (for the massive bonus), then Freedom Flex, then branch out to other issuers.
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