The Chase 5/24 Rule Explained: How to Count Your Cards & Avoid Instant Denials
Applying for a Chase credit card when you are at 5/24 guarantees an automatic computer denial. Here is how to audit your credit report and timing accurately.
There is no rule in consumer credit more famous—or more feared—than the Chase 5/24 Rule.
You could have an 820 FICO score, $250,000 in annual income, and zero missed payments in your entire life. But if you have opened 5 or more personal credit cards across ANY bank in the past 24 months, Chase's automated underwriting algorithms will instantly decline your application for cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Freedom Unlimited®.
Below is the complete, verified guide on how 5/24 works, which cards count, which cards are exempt, and how to audit your status step-by-step.
1. What Is the Chase 5/24 Rule?
The 5/24 rule is an unwritten internal policy instituted by JPMorgan Chase to prevent "churning" (opening cards solely for welcome bonuses).
Note: Hard inquiries do NOT count. Only newly opened revolving accounts that appear on your credit report trigger the counter.
2. Which Cards Count Toward 5/24 (And Which Are Exempt?)
| Card Type | Counts Toward 5/24? | Why / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Credit Cards (Any Bank) | YES (Counts) | All personal cards from Chase, Amex, Citi, Capital One, Discover, etc. |
| Store Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | YES (Counts) | Co-branded store cards (e.g. Amazon Visa, Target Circle Card). |
| Business Cards (Chase, Amex, Citi) | NO (Exempt) | Do not report to personal credit bureaus. (Must still be <5/24 to apply!). |
| Authorized User Accounts | MAYBE (Auto-counts) | Auto-declines, but can be removed by calling Chase Reconsideration. |
| Auto / Mortgage Loans | NO (Exempt) | Installment loans do not count as revolving credit lines. |
3. How to Calculate Your 5/24 Status Step-by-Step
To avoid an unnecessary hard credit pull, follow this 3-step credit report audit before submitting a Chase application:
Pull Your Free Credit Report
Log into Credit Karma, Experian, or AnnualCreditReport.com and open your list of open/closed accounts.
Filter by Opened Date
Count every personal revolving credit card opened within the exact past 24 calendar months. For example, if today is August 2026, count all cards opened on or after August 1, 2024.
Wait for the 1st of the 25th Month
If your 5th card was opened on August 15, 2024, you do NOT drop to 4/24 on August 15, 2026. You fall off on the 1st of the following month (September 1, 2026).
4. Ideal Chase Application Sequence (Under 5/24)
Because Chase cards are restricted by 5/24, experienced rewards strategists apply for Chase cards first before moving to Amex or Capital One:
- Card 1 (Slot 1/24): Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Reserve® (Travel Anchor).
- Card 2 (Slot 2/24): Chase Freedom Unlimited® (1.5x Catch-all).
- Card 3 (Slot 3/24): Chase Freedom Flex® (5% Rotating Categories).
- Card 4 & 5 (Slots 4 & 5): Issuer-specific cards (e.g. United, Hyatt, or Amex/Capital One).
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chase 5/24 rule?
The Chase 5/24 rule is an unwritten internal policy where Chase will automatically decline your application for a new personal credit card if you have opened 5 or more personal credit cards from ANY bank within the past 24 months.
Do business credit cards count toward 5/24?
Business credit cards from Chase, American Express, and Citi generally DO NOT count toward your 5/24 count because they do not report to your personal consumer credit report (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax). However, you must be under 5/24 to get approved for a Chase business card.
Do authorized user cards count toward 5/24?
Authorized user accounts will initially trigger an automated computer denial if they appear on your credit report. However, you can call Chase's Reconsideration Line and ask an agent to exclude authorized user accounts from your count.
Find Cards You Qualify For
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