Did you know you can start your points and miles trip planning with a rewards credit card and welcome bonus? Introductory bonuses allow you to begin earning points or miles right away, but a rewards credit card offers statement credits, travel insurance, and daily benefits. Vacations can be paid for with credit card points, but there are certain restrictions, especially with Chase, so check the 5/24 status first. This 5/24 rule applies to Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve, two popular rewards credit cards.

Workings of Chase 5/24 Rule

If you've opened three of the excellent American Express and the best Bank of America credit travel cards within the past 24 months, you might have a Chase 5/24 rule exception Opening five or more new card gateway within 24 months puts you in a blackout period for most Chase cards. You're out of 5/24 when the blackout ends. People may also call these 5/24 slots free again.

Calculation of Chase 5/24 Rule

Chase utilizes the 5/24 rule to accept or decline credit card applications. If you have opened five or more non-public credit score travel cards from any bank in the prior 24 months, Chase can also deny your application. To determine your 5/24 score:

• Get Your Credit Report: First, obtain a credit report from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
• Analyze Carefully: Carefully analyze all credit accounts. Check each account's "opened date" to see if it was opened within 24 months.
• Count the Accounts: Count all credit card accounts opened in the past two years, including any new card gateway you authorize.
• Include closed accounts: Accounts opened and terminated within 24 months contribute toward your 5/24 score.
• Authorized User Accounts: Your approved user accounts should also be counted. These accounts affect your 5/24 status even if you're not the primary cardholder.

Add up the accounts for your 5/24 score. If this number is five or above, you may be rejected for a Chase credit card. By restricting the number of new accounts a consumer may open quickly, Chase 5/24 rule exceptions manage risk and prevent overleveraging.

5/25 Rule Impact on Credit Cards

Chase doesn't publicize its application necessities. However, the 5/24 rule is used to maximize Chase travel cards, including its top rewards playing cards. Chase 5/24 rule exceptions, like other issuers, perform a hard credit check before accepting or declining credit card applications. This gives it account open dates for all credit lines on your credit report. Moreover, the 5/24 rule is used to check card eligibility. Opening cards carefully is key to staying "under" 5/24. Some department store credit cards count toward the 24-month five-card maximum, while student, mortgage, and vehicle loans do not.

Top Chase personal credit cards affected by the 5/24 rule:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Chase Freedom Flex and Unlimited

Moreover, Chase's commercial business credit travel cards and co-branded travel cards with tour partners like United are also affected, so check the 5/24 status. Chase cards don't count numbers closer to your 5/24 general, so you can apply even if you're at 4/24 (4 new cards in 24 months). You can apply for Chase cards till 5/24. Some good Chase business cards are:

• Ink Business Cash Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred credit card
• Credit Card for Ink Business Unlimited

Handling Credit Cards with Chase's 5/24 Rule

Apply for a Chase Card First

Since the 5/24 rule is specific to Chase credit cards, applying for them should be your first focus. If you get all your Chase cards, you can expand out. Naturally, you must follow the other banks' rules. Consider these top Chase cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card charges $95 annually. Business Insider values Chase factors at $1,080 in travel.
• Get 5% cash again on Chase TravelSM purchases, 3% on eating and medical purchases, and 1.5% on everything else with Chase Freedom Unlimited. There is no yearly charge for this card.
• An estimate is $1,080 in travel for the 60,000 bonus points you'll get after spending $4,000 in the first three months of opening your Chase Sapphire Reserve account.

Consider Changing Your Chase Card's Tier

If you're over 5/24, consider upgrading or downgrading to a Chase new card gateway that fits your lifestyle. Because it doesn't require a new Chase card, this technique can help you stay at 5/24. Exchange one Chase card for another within the Chase family to align your credit card advantages with your shifting needs without compromising your 5/24 status.

While upgrading or downgrading can be advantageous, it has limitations. Welcome bonuses and other promotions for new card applications will not be given. The card swap process is not a new account opening but a product change within the same issuer. Despite no welcome benefits, upgrading or downgrading can be beneficial. With careful credit card portfolio management, you may optimize lifestyle-friendly perks and rewards to check the 5/24 status.

Do not Ignore Chase Business Cards

If you're self-employed or freelance, consider Chase's Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and other business credit choices. Opening a Chase business card won't put you over the limit, so it's a smart method to earn Ultimate Rewards points without being banned from opening Chase consumer cards. However, if you're reaching five new accounts in 24 months, this could help you earn extra points without going crazy.

Focus on the Open Date

Contrary to popular perception, closing a new card gateway won't help you stay below Chase's 5/24 level. Chase only considers credit card opening dates, regardless of account closure. To check the 5/24 status and credit report, it is suggested to avoid being denied for a Chase credit card. Reviewing your credit report regularly lets you track account activity and prepare applications to meet Chase's requirements.