Complete Guide: Chase 5/24 Rule (2021)

Chase 5/24 Rule Guide

This Chase 5/24 Rule Guide will cover everything you need to know about the rule and how to deal with it. The Chase 5/24 Rule is one of the most talked about topics in the credit card industry because it has a very big affect on a large majority of credit card users. While every major credit card issuer has it’s own unique set of rules with respect to approving new applications for their cards, Chase’s 5/24 is one of the most restrictive policies. I don’t have to tell you how amazing some of the Chase cards are for earning rewards, travel perks and even helping you earn status. In my recent post: Complete List: Best Credit Cards to Help You Earn Airline Elite Status I detailed how the co-branded United and Southwest cards helped you earn status.

Prefer to watch a video explaining 5/24? Check out my YouTube channel!

Chase 5/24 Rule Explained

If you apply for a Chase Card you will be denied if your credit report shows that you have opened 5 or more credit card accounts in the past 24 months.

All Chase Cards Are Affected by 5/24 Rule (Even Business Cards)

Related: How to Downgrade Chase Credit Cards (Upgrade & Downgrade Options)

Chase 5/24 Rule – What Counts & What Doesn’t

Any credit card account that shows up on your personal credit report counts towards your five card limit. This includes store cards and personal credit cards. Luckily for us there are some accounts that don’t show on your credit report so they don’t count towards your 5/24 limit.

Most Business Credit Cards Do Not Count

Most issuers do not report small business credit cards on personal credit reports. This is the case for almost all of the major banks (Chase, Citi, Amex, Bank of America). However Capital One and Discover report small business cards on your credit report.  It’s definitely a good idea to consult google before applying for a business card to make sure nothing has changed in this regard.

Authorized User Accounts Do Not Count (Kind of)

Unfortunately, in most cases authorized user accounts can cause you to be automatically denied by Chase if they put you over the 5 card limit. There are two ways to deal with your authorized user accounts so that you can still get approved by Chase.

• Prior to submitting an application
  • In most cases, you can get authorized user accounts removed from your report after you’ve closed them or have been removed as an authorized user.
• After Submitting an App
  • Chase will reconsider your application if you call in and explain that the accounts are not yours- meaning you are not the primary account holder and are not financially responsible.
• Chase Reconsideration Line Phone Numbers
  • Reconsideration (Personal): 1-888-270-2127
  • Reconsideration (Business): 1-800-453-9719

Related: Simple Tips to Avoid these Costly Miles and Points Mistakes

Chase Application Strategy: Under 5/24?

Get Chase Credit Cards First

If you’re under 5/24, you should get the Chase cards you want before other issuer cards

• Decide which Chase cards you want and apply for those first, you never know when great sign-up offers will come around and you may not be able to take advantage of them if you’re close to 5/24.

Stick to Business Cards

For anyone who is close to being under 5/24, you should apply only for business cards while you wait. Though Chase Business cards are subject to 5/24, they do not count towards your 5/24 status. There are plenty of lucrative sign up bonuses available on business cards.

• If it’s not reported on your personal credit report, it should not count against you. (Doc has a good post with a lot of data points.)

Also Read: Chase Luxury Hotel And Resort Collection Service Issue

Over 5/24? Try These Strategies

Product Change within Chase Reward Families

You may be able to product change on an existing account from a current Chase card to the one you prefer. This generally works when you’re switching cards within the same product family.

Maximize Benefits and Bonus Categories on Existing Cards

You put a lot of thought and effort into deciding which cards to get and when you should take advantage of the perks of the cards you already have. By focusing on bonus spend and offers you’re able to maximize rewards and any special spending offers you receive. This strategy offers an opportunity to get under 5/24.

Conclusion

Chase has some amazing cards and it would be a missed opportunity if you completely excluded yourself from being eligible for them. Due to the 5/24 restrictions some people shouldn’t close their applicable accounts with Chase because they may not be able to get another.