These business cards can help you follow Chase’s 5/24 rule
Chase issues some of the most sought-after rewards cards on the market, but the bank also has some of the strictest policies regarding credit card “churning.” It makes you wait 48 months to get the Sapphire sign up bonus and also the infamous 5/24 rule.
Chase has never officially commented on the existence of the 5/24 rule, but data from the community confirms that applicants will almost certainly be denied a new Chase card if they have opened five accounts or more at issuers in the past 24 months.
All personal credit card accounts count towards the rule: the card has no set, preset spending limit card shop and authorized user accounts. However, many business credit card — including those offered by Chase — are not considered when Chase determines your 5/24 position.
If you’re trying to stay under 5/24, you can still accumulate points and bonus miles with a business card without affecting your ability to apply for a Chase card in the future. This is not an exhaustive list, but it does include some of my favorite business cards out there.
Related: Best no-annual-fee business credit cards
Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Sign up bonus: Earn 100,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Annual fee: $95
Although you must be under 5/24 to get approved for this card, but Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card will not be counted as one in five. The card currently offers a cool 100,000-point sign-up bonus (after spending $8,000 in the first three months of card membership). It is worth up to 2,050 USD according to TPG valuation — plus it comes with various bonus categories that appeal to business owners.
To learn more, read our Full review of Ink Business Preferred.
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Related: Reasons to own an Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Sign up bonus: Earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0 annual introductory fee for the first year, then $99
Whether you fly the US often or not, that sign-up bonus alone is worth it because American is a member of oneworld alliance. There are great redemption options for anyone to find Interesting points in the AAdvantage program. For those who frequently fly with American, you’ll also enjoy perks like free checked bags on domestic itineraries and 25% off in-flight purchases with Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see exchange rates and fees).
To learn more, read our Full review of the Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard.
Related: What credit score do you need to get the Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard?
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Business Card
Welcome offer: Earn five free night awards after making $8,000 in qualifying purchases within the first six months of card opening. Resort fees may apply.
Annual fee: $125 (see exchange rates and fees)
Another option is Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, with a welcome bonus of five free night prizes. With Bonvoy Business Amex, you’ll receive free Gold Elite status, a free annual awards night following your card’s renewal month, and other Marriott perks. Terms apply. Chase the ultimate bonus score transfer to Marriott, so this is a great card to pair with your existing Chase accounts.
To learn more, read our Full review of Bonvoy Business Amex.
Related: This is why you need both personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Sign up bonus: Earn $750 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening your account.
Annual fee: $0
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase, perfect for those who prefer a fixed-rate card. If you have a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, you can combine your Ink Business Unlimited rewards for the best redemption value. For those who need a fixed-rate card for non-bonus category spending, this no-annual-fee card is the perfect way to follow the 5/24 rule while still adding a Chase card to your wallet.
To learn more, read our Full review of Ink Business Unlimited.
Related: Instructions for using your Chase Ink Business credit card
Hilton Honors American Express business card
Welcome offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $8,000 on the card in the first six months of card membership.
Annual fee: $195 (see exchange rates and fees)
If you’re looking for a co-branded hotel card for your business with a simple revenue structure, then Hilton Honors American Express business card is the right one for you. This card earns 12 points per dollar on spending at Hilton hotels and 5 points per dollar on all other purchases with the first $100,000 spent each year (3 points per dollar after that ). With this card, you’ll receive complimentary Hilton Gold status and National Emerald Club Executive status (Emerald Club® program enrollment required). Terms apply.
To learn more, read our Full review of Hilton Honors Amex Business.
Related: Best Hilton credit card
American Express Blue Business Plus Card
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on the card in the first three months of card membership.
Annual fee: $0 (see exchange rates and fees)
Sometimes, meeting the spending requirement for most business card welcome offers isn’t feasible for a small business. Welcome offer above Blue Business Plus® credit card from American Express Most businesses are easy to get, even if your spending is low. This card’s earnings structure is simple: You’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases up to the first $50,000 spent each year, then 1 point per dollar after that. la. This card is a good choice if your business doesn’t spend more than $50,000 per year.
To learn more, read our Full review of Blue Business Plus from American Express.
Related: Amex Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus
Things to consider when applying
Almost any business credit card can help you continue to earn a sign-up bonus for less than 5/24. However, remember that it’s different Publishers have their own limitations on-site may affect your consent.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to have a brick-and-mortar store to apply for a business credit card. Whether you sell used clothes or art online, tutor, or spend your own money on business expenses as an employee, you’re eligible to apply for a business card.
Remember to separate business and personal expenses whenever possible. Business cards don’t have the same consumer protections as personal cards, and mixed expenses can get messy during tax season.
Related: Why you should get a business credit card
Bottom line
While Chase cards provide real long-term value to cardholders, Chase is diligent in monitoring account applications. If you try to apply for too many cards in a short period of time, you may risk having your account permanently closed.
Business cards can be helpful when you’re trying to comply with the Chase 5/24 rule. If you time your registration correctly, you can shorten your personal card registration time by signing up for your business card to receive a welcome bonus.
Register here: Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Register here: Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Register here: Marriott Bonvoy American Express Business Card
Register here: Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Register here: Hilton honors American Express
Register here: American Express Blue Business Plus Card
Related: The best combination of personal and business credit cards
For Marriott Bonvoy Business rates and fees, click This.
For Hilton Honors American Express Business rates and fees, click This.
For American Express Blue Business Plus rates and fees, click This.