WHAT IS THE CHASE 5/24 RULE?

The 5/24 rule is an unofficial, but strictly enforced Chase policy that can make or break your ability to get some of the most valuable travel credit cards available.

If you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards (from any issuer, not just Chase) in the past 24 months, Chase will automatically deny your application for many of their cards.

Why Does This Matter?

Some of the best travel cards in the game are issued by Chase, and you won’t be eligible for them if you’re over 5/24. Here are a few you don’t want to miss:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Reserve® — These cards earn Ultimate Rewards® points, which are flexible and can be transferred to dozens of airline and hotel partners, including United, Southwest, Hyatt, Air Canada, and more.

• Southwest® Credit Cards — The key to earning the Companion Pass, which lets you fly with someone for nearly free (just pay taxes and fees) for up to two years. It’s one of the best deals in domestic travel. See my full blog post on how to earn it.

• World of Hyatt® Credit Card — Known for some of the best hotel redemptions in the points world. Hyatt has a generous award chart, making it easier to stretch your points for luxury stays or longer trips.

• IHG One Rewards Premier® & Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® — Great for frequent hotel stays. Both cards often come with free night certificates each year, which can easily offset the annual fee.

If you don’t plan your applications strategically, you could miss your shot at some of these high-value cards.

How to Check Your 5/24 Status

The easiest way to track your status is to count how many personal credit cards you’ve opened in the past 24 months.

• Annual Credit Report— Get a free credit report from all three bureaus, 100% free.

• Experian or Credit Karma— These apps are also free and show the dates each card was opened.

• Travel Freely App — This free app does not require any bank or sensitive information. It calculates your 5/24 status for you and provided card recommendations. I use it and highly recommend it.

What Counts Toward 5/24?

• All personal credit cards opened in the past 24 months, even if they are now closed.

• Authorized user accounts — These show up on your credit report and can push you over 5/24. You can call Chase’s reconsideration line and ask them to remove you as an authorized user

• Store cards (Target, Old Navy, Costco etc). If the card shows up on your report as a credit card account, assume it counts.

• Some business cards — Specifically, Discover, TD Bank, and most Capital One business cards (except the Venture X Business and Spark Cash Plus) will show up and count toward 5/24.

What Does Not Count Toward 5/24?

• Business credit cards from American Express, Citi, Bank of America, and most Chase business cards do not appear on your personal credit report and won’t count against 5/24.

• Loans — Mortgage, auto loans, and student loans do not count.

Recommended cards

If you're under 5/24, these cards are top priorities because of their high-value bonuses, flexible points, and transfer partners.

Flexible Points Cards- These earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be transferred to airline and hotel partners.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred®

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Chase Freedom Flex℠

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®

• Ink Business Cash®

• Ink Business Preferred®

• Ink Business Unlimited®

Co-Branded Cards- These offer travel perks with specific airlines and hotel brands.

• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

• IHG One Rewards Premier® Credit Card

• World of Hyatt® Credit Card

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Pro Tips

• Don’t add your partner (Player 2) as an authorized user unless necessary. It can count against their 5/24.

• Timing is key if you want the Southwest Companion Pass:

  • If you’re at 4/24, apply for one of their Southwest Business Credit Cards first. It won’t count toward 5/24.

  • Then apply for a Southwest personal card, which will take you to 5/24—but by then you’ll already have both cards needed for the pass.

  • If you apply for the personal card first, you may no longer qualify for the business card due to hitting 5/24.

• If you’re over 5/24, you can either:

  • Wait for one of your old cards to fall off after 24 months.

  • Apply for business cards that don’t count toward 5/24 (like Amex or Citi business cards) to keep earning points in the meantime.

By understanding how Chase’s 5/24 rule works, and planning your card applications strategically, you can unlock thousands of dollars in travel benefits—flights, hotels, upgrades, and more. Whether you're chasing the Companion Pass, dreaming of luxury Hyatt stays, or aiming for free flights to Europe, knowing your 5/24 status is your first step to smarter travel.