What is the Chase 5/24 rule?
5/24 is an unwritten Chase policy: if you've opened five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, Chase will almost always deny your application. It's the single most important rule to know before you apply for cards.
Plain-English explainer · updated 2026-09-16
What counts toward 5/24
The count includes most personal credit cards from any issuer that show on your credit report — not just Chase cards. Being added as an authorized user can count too, though Chase can sometimes overlook those. It's the number of new accounts opened in 24 months, rolling — old accounts age off as they pass the two-year mark.
What usually doesn't count
Most business credit cards don't report to your personal credit and so don't add to your 5/24 count — which is why experienced applicants often get business cards after they're already over the line. Store cards vary. This is folklore-level detail that issuers can change at any time, so treat any "doesn't count" claim as a rule of thumb, not a guarantee.
Why it matters for the order you apply
Because Chase runs some of the most valuable cards and welcome offers, the common advice is to open the Chase cards you want first, while you're still under 5/24, then move on to other issuers. Apply in the wrong order and you can lock yourself out of Chase for years. If you're planning multiple cards, plan the sequence.
How to check where you stand
Count every personal card you've opened in the last 24 months (a free credit report lists open dates). Five or more and you're "over 5/24" for Chase purposes. Under five and you have room. The number only falls as older accounts cross 24 months.
Put it to work
Which card should this spending actually be on? The demo re-scores a year of realistic spending against every card in a wallet — free, no signup. See it on sample data →
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