The Chase 5/24 rule restricts the number of credit cards you can be approved for over a two-year period while remaining eligible for more Chase credit cards. This article will detail how the Chase 5/24 rule works, its exceptions, and the specific cards it affects. Here’s all the information you need to understand so you can strategically plan your credit card applications and increase your chances of getting approved.
What is the Chase 5/24 rule?
The Chase 5/24 rule is an informal name given to a Chase Bank credit card approval policy. The rule states that your application for a new Chase credit card will most likely be denied if you have opened five or more personal credit cards (from any bank, not just Chase) within the past 24 months. This policy is designed to discourage individuals who frequently open new accounts just to earn sign-up bonuses, which can be costly for banks.
Key Points of the Chase 5/24 Rule
- The rule applies to most of Chase’s consumer credit cards.
- All personal cards from any issuer count towards the 5/24 limit, whether or not Chase issues them.
- Individuals can track their 5/24 status by reviewing their credit reports, which show all account openings and closings. It’s crucial to understand that being an authorized user on another person’s card can also count towards the 5/24 tally.
Applying for multiple Chase cards in quick succession can result in increased scrutiny or even account closures, regardless of your status with the 5/24 rule. Chase typically does not approve more than two new accounts within a 30-day period. For this reason, it’s recommended to stagger new account applications every three to six months. Spacing out your applications helps safeguard your credit score from the detrimental impacts of multiple credit inquiries.
Important Note: The 5/24 rule is just one of several criteria used to evaluate your eligibility for a Chase credit card. Your credit score, income, debt levels, and other financial factors are also considered. According to the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), a good credit score is between 670 and 739. Nonetheless, striving for a score above this threshold can offer extra advantages and position you above the average U.S. credit score of 718 as of 2023.
If you’re managing well under the 5/24 rule but need to improve your credit score, consider using Cushion. This app does more than just organize your bills to prevent late fees; it actively contributes to your credit history by incorporating your existing bills, subscriptions, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payments. At the end of each month, Cushion tallies all your payments and reports them to credit bureaus to enhance your credit profile.
What Chase cards are subject to the 5/24 rule?
Chase has not officially listed the cards subject to the 5/24 rule, but users often share information and list affected cards on community forums like Reddit.
Here are some of the top personal Chase credit cards known to be affected by the Chase 5/24 rule:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Freedom®
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Slate®
These co-branded cards are also reportedly affected:
- Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card
- Prime Visa
- British Airways Visa Signature® Card
- Disney® Premier Visa® Card
- Disney® Visa® Card
- Iberia Visa Signature® Card
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus 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 Club℠ Card
- United℠ Explorer Card
Does the Chase 5/24 rule apply to business cards?
Chase’s business credit cards, including those co-branded with travel partners such as United, are also subject to the Chase 5/24 rule. Business cards affected by this rule include:
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- United Club℠ Business Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
What are the Chase 5/24 rule exceptions?
While the Chase Bank 5/24 rule is strict, there are a few exceptions that can affect how it is applied. These include the following circumstances:
- Chase Private Client banking customers with very high net worth may receive approval above the 5/24 rule limit with assistance from their banker.
- Individuals may occasionally receive a targeted offer in their Chase account that bypasses the 5/24 rule.
- At times, Chase may approve applications in ways that appear random, though such cases are extremely rare.
Apart from these rare exceptions, you must have five or below personal credit card approvals from all banks over the past 24 months to gain approval.
However, there are ways to circumvent the rule. Sometimes, Chase presents targeted special offers that might override the 5/24 rule, especially if they indicate a pre-approval directly from Chase. Also, being an authorized user on someone else’s account usually counts towards your 5/24 limit, but you can ask Chase to exclude these accounts from consideration during your application process if they impact your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the Chase Southwest cards subject to the 5/24 rule?
Yes, the Chase Southwest cards are subject to the Chase 5/24 rule. These include the following:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Are hotel credit cards from other banks counted to the Chase 5/24 rule?
Yes, hotel credit cards from other banks can contribute to your 5/24 count. To clarify, any new accounts—including those with hotel credit cards from Chase or other institutions—will count towards the 5/24 limit when you apply for additional cards. However, applying for credit cards from other banks doesn’t necessarily require Chase’s 5/24 rule.
Do store cards count for the rule of 5/24 of Chase?
Yes, your 5/24 count encompasses all personal credit cards, which includes retail store credit cards and charge cards.
Summary
The Chase 5/24 rule is an important consideration for anyone looking to open new credit card accounts. By understanding how this rule works and the exceptions that might apply, you can better plan your credit activities and take full advantage of the opportunities offered by Chase credit cards. Whether you are just starting with credit cards or are a seasoned cardholder, keeping the 5/24 rule in mind will help you navigate your financial journey more effectively.
