If you’ve tried to get a Chase credit card recently, you might have heard about the infamous “5/24 rule.” It’s a simple test that Chase uses to decide if you qualify for many of its premium cards. In plain terms, Chase looks at the number of new credit accounts you’ve opened in the last 24 months. If the total is five or more, the bank will usually say no, even if your credit score is solid.
Any hard pull that creates a new revolving credit line adds to the count. This includes credit cards, some personal lines of credit, and even store cards that report to the major bureaus. Loans like mortgages, auto loans, or student loans don’t count because they’re installment accounts, not revolving credit. The key is that the account must have opened within the past two years and be reported to Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
First, keep track of every new card you open. If you’re close to hitting five, pause on any extra applications until some of the older ones age out of the 24‑month window. Second, consider “old school” cards that don’t report to the bureaus – they won’t affect your count but still give you reward points. Third, if you need a new card for a specific benefit, look at cards from banks that don’t enforce the 5/24 rule, like Capital One or American Express.
Another practical move is to close cards you no longer use – but only after they’re older than two years. Closing a newer account won’t reduce the count because Chase already logged the opening date. Also, be mindful of the timing of applications. If you have a pending application, wait for the decision before applying for another, as each inquiry pushes you closer to the limit.
Finally, if you’re determined to get a Chase card despite the rule, you can try the “post‑5/24” strategy. This involves waiting until one of your newer accounts crosses the two‑year mark, then applying right after. Make sure your overall credit health – score, utilization, payment history – is strong, because Chase still looks at those factors after the 5/24 check.
Bottom line: the 5/24 rule isn’t a mystery, it’s just a count of recent revolving accounts. Manage that count, choose your timing, and you’ll improve your odds of landing that Chase Sapphire Preferred or Freedom card without constantly hitting a wall.
The Chase 5/24 rule blocks you from approval if you’ve opened five or more credit cards with any bank in the last 24 months. This article breaks down what the rule really means, how it impacts your chances of getting a Chase card, and secret ways people manage to slip past it. You’ll get detailed tips, inside info, and clear ideas to maximize your approvals. Whether you’re new to credit cards or have been rejected before, here’s your guide on outsmarting the 5/24 hurdle. Real hacks, fewer denials.
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