5/24 Refresher
Chase will deny most applications if you've opened 5+ credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months. This single rule shapes optimal application order.
Why 5/24 Matters So Much
Chase offers some of the best cards in the game:
- Sapphire Preferred/Reserve — Best Hyatt transfers, solid all-around
- Freedom Flex/Unlimited — Feed into Sapphire ecosystem
- Southwest cards — Path to Companion Pass
- United cards — Status and miles
- Ink Business cards — Massive bonuses, don't count toward 5/24
Once you're over 5/24, these are off-limits for 24 months. That's why you get Chase cards first.
The Optimal Sequence
Phase 1: Under 5/24 (Prioritize Chase)
- Sapphire Preferred — Your foundation card
- Freedom Flex — 5% categories, feeds Sapphire
- Chase Ink Business (if eligible) — Doesn't add to 5/24 count
- Southwest cards — If you want Companion Pass
- Other Chase cards — United, IHG, Marriott, etc.
Phase 2: At or Near 5/24
Get your last Chase cards. Consider a "modified double dip" if you're at 4/24 and want two cards.
Phase 3: Over 5/24
Now you can freely apply for Amex, Capital One, Citi, and other banks without worry. Chase is locked out regardless of what you do.
What Counts Toward 5/24
- Personal cards from any bank — Yes
- Business cards that report — Rarely (most don't)
- Authorized user cards — Yes, but can sometimes be removed
- Store cards — Sometimes
- Chase business cards — No (but still subject to 5/24 at application)
Common Mistakes
- Getting Amex first — Amex cards count toward 5/24, locking you out of Chase
- Not checking your count — Know exactly where you stand
- Rushing — Space applications 3+ months apart for best approval odds
- Forgetting business cards — Chase Ink cards are valuable and don't add to your count
Already Over 5/24?
It's not the end of the world. Focus on Amex, Capital One, and Citi—all excellent programs. When cards fall off your count after 24 months, you can return to Chase. It just requires patience.
Key Takeaways
- Chase's 5/24 rule makes application order critical
- Get Chase cards first while you're under 5/24
- Chase business cards don't add to your count
- Once over 5/24, focus on other banks until cards age off
- Know your current count before applying for anything