What is the Chase 5/24 rule?

Chase's 5/24 rule means Chase will typically deny your application if you have opened 5 or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. This applies to most Chase cards, especially the premium Ultimate Rewards cards like the Sapphire Preferred and Reserve. Business cards from Amex, Chase Ink, Citi, and Barclays generally do not count against the 5/24 limit.

What is the current Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred historically offers 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. At 1.25 cents per point through the Chase Travel portal, that is $750 in travel — or more if transferred to airline and hotel partners. Bonus offers occasionally increase to 75,000–80,000 points through in-branch or referral offers.

Can I get a Chase Sapphire bonus again after already having one?

The Sapphire family has a 48-month rule: you cannot earn a new Sapphire welcome bonus if you have received one in the past 48 months (4 years), or if you currently hold a Sapphire card. If you downgraded your Sapphire to a Freedom card more than 48 months ago, you may be eligible again. Always check your eligibility before applying.

What Chase card has the highest sign-up bonus?

The Chase Ink Business Preferred regularly offers 90,000–100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $8,000 in spending in the first 3 months — the highest standard offer in the Chase ecosystem. At 1.25 cents per point, that is $1,125–$1,250 in travel, often more via transfer partners. Business cards do not count against your 5/24 total.

How long do I have to meet the spending requirement?

Most Chase cards require you to meet the spending threshold within the first 3 months of account opening. The clock starts on the account opening date (not when the card arrives). Plan large purchases — tax payments, insurance premiums, or business expenses — to fall in the first 3 months if needed.

Chase Sign-Up Bonuses 2026 — Best Welcome Offers and How to Earn Them

Chase credit card sign-up bonuses in 2026 range from 60,000 to 100,000+ Ultimate Rewards points, worth $600–$2,000 or more in travel depending on how you redeem. The key eligibility rule is Chase’s 5/24 policy — you are generally denied if you have opened 5+ cards from any bank in the last 24 months.

Card	Bonus	Spend Required	Time Frame	Annual Fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred	60,000 pts	$4,000	3 months	$95
Chase Sapphire Reserve	60,000 pts	$4,000	3 months	$550
Chase Ink Business Preferred	90,000–100,000 pts	$8,000	3 months	$95
Chase Ink Business Unlimited	$750 cash back	$6,000	3 months	$0
Chase Ink Business Cash	$350 cash back	$3,000	3 months	$0
Chase Freedom Flex	$200 cash back	$500	3 months	$0
Chase Freedom Unlimited	$200 cash back	$500	3 months	$0

Bonuses change frequently — verify on Chase.com before applying.

Bonus Value Comparison

Card	Bonus Points	Portal Value (1.25¢)	Transfer Value (est. 1.7¢)
Sapphire Preferred	60,000	$750	$1,020
Sapphire Reserve	60,000	$900 (1.5¢)	$1,020
Ink Business Preferred	100,000	$1,250	$1,700

The Ink Business Preferred consistently offers the highest point bonus in the Chase lineup.

Understanding Chase’s 5/24 Rule

Chase will not approve most cards if you have opened 5 or more credit cards in the past 24 months across all banks. To check your standing:

Pull your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com
Count new card openings in the last 24 months
If at 4 or fewer, you are likely eligible for Sapphire cards

Business cards that do NOT count toward 5/24 (when you are approved): Chase Ink cards, Amex business cards, Citi business cards, Barclays business cards. These let you earn bonuses without burning a 5/24 slot.

Sapphire 48-Month Rule

You cannot earn a new Sapphire bonus if:

You currently hold a Sapphire card (Preferred or Reserve), or
You received a Sapphire bonus in the past 48 months

Strategy: Apply for the Sapphire Preferred, hold for 1–2 years, product-change to Freedom Unlimited (keeping points alive), wait until 48 months have passed from your original bonus, then apply for the Reserve.

How to Maximize the Spending Requirement

If you need to spend $4,000 in 3 months and your normal spending is $2,000/month:

Prepay insurance premiums
Pay quarterly estimated taxes with the card (IRS charges a ~2% processing fee — only worthwhile if the bonus value is high)
Rent — if you have the Bilt card, you cannot pay rent on a Chase card without a fee; instead use the Chase card for all other expenses
Gift cards from grocery stores (counts as grocery spend)

Internal Links

Chase Ultimate Rewards Guide — how to use points after earning the bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred — Is It Worth It? — full card review
Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses — across all issuers
Airport Lounge Access — Reserve lounge perks

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy