Chase Credit Card Application Rules
5/24, the big one
Chase generally declines you for most cards if you have opened five or more personal credit cards, from any issuer, in the past 24 months. Most business cards do not add to the count, but you must still be under 5/24 to be approved for a Chase card. See the full 5/24 guide and do business cards count toward 5/24.
The Sapphire bonus rule
The Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve now award their welcome bonus once per lifetime per product. As of early 2026 Chase ended the old 48-month rule, so you can hold both Sapphire cards at once and earning one Sapphire bonus no longer blocks the other. But each specific Sapphire bonus is now a one-time lifetime offer, so take it when the offer is strong.
Velocity and the Ink cards
Chase rarely approves more than about two personal cards in 30 days, and applying too fast can trigger scrutiny, so space applications by a few months. The Ink business cards are more forgiving: you can generally earn an Ink bonus again after 24 months if you do not currently hold that card, which is why people cycle Inks for Ultimate Rewards. See the Ink guide.
Reconsideration and the Chase shutdown
If Chase denies or pends your application, the reconsideration line is worth a call: you can often get approved by moving credit from an existing Chase card. On the other side, Chase is the most aggressive issuer about shutdowns, and it can close every Chase card you hold at once if it suspects bonus abuse or manufactured spending. Keep spending normal and applications spaced. See reconsideration, retention, and shutdowns.
Frequently asked questions
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