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 between earning Sapphire sign-up bonuses, and there is also its infamous 5/24 rule.
Chase has never officially commented on the 5/24 rule's existence, but crowdsourced data confirms that applicants will almost certainly be denied new Chase cards if they have opened five or more accounts across issuers in the past 24 months.
All personal credit card accounts count toward the rule: cards with no preset spending limits, certain store cards and authorized user accounts. However, many business credit cards — including those issued by Chase — aren't considered when Chase determines your 5/24 standing.
If you're trying to stay under 5/24, you can still rack up points and miles bonuses with business cards without affecting your ability to sign up for Chase cards in the future. This isn't an exhaustive list, but it covers some of my favorite business cards available right now.
Related: The 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
While you must be under 5/24 to be approved for this card, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card won't count as one of the five. The card currently offers a stellar 100,000-point sign-up bonus (after spending $8,000 in the first three months of card membership). That's worth up to $2,050 according to TPG valuations — plus it comes with a variety of bonus categories that appeal to business owners.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
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Related: Reasons to get the 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 in purchases within the first five months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Whether or not you fly American frequently, that sign-up bonus alone is valuable because American is a member of the Oneworld alliance. Many great redemption options exist for anyone who can find the sweet spots in the AAdvantage program. For those who fly with American often, you'll also enjoy perks such as a free checked bag on domestic itineraries and 25% off inflight purchases with the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see 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 Business American Express Card
Welcome offer: Earn five free night awards after making $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card opening. Resort fees may apply.
Annual fee: $125 (see rates and fees)
Another option is the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, with a welcome bonus of five free night awards. With the Bonvoy Business Amex, you'll get complimentary Gold Elite status, a free award night every year after your card renewal month and other Marriott perks. Terms apply. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Marriott, so this is a great card to pair with your existing Chase accounts.
To learn more, read our full review of the Bonvoy Business Amex.
Related: Here's why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card
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 account opening.
Annual fee: $0
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase, perfect for those who like flat-rate cards. If you have a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, you can pool your Ink Business Unlimited rewards for the best redemption value. For those who need a flat-rate card for non-bonus category spending, this no-annual-fee card is the perfect way to stay under the 5/24 rule while still adding Chase cards to your wallet.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
Related: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards
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 rates and fees)
If you're looking for a cobranded hotel card for your business with a simple earnings structure, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is the right one for you. This card earns 12 points per dollar in spending at Hilton properties and 5 points per dollar on all other purchases for the first $100,000 in spend per year (3 points per dollar thereafter). With this card, you'll get complimentary Hilton Gold status and National Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment in the Emerald Club® program is required). Terms apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex Business.
Related: Best Hilton credit cards
Blue Business Plus Card from American Express
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 rates and fees)
Sometimes, hitting the spending requirement for most business cards' welcome offers isn't feasible for a small business. The welcome offer on the Blue Business Plus® Credit Card from American Express is easy for most businesses to obtain, even if your spending is low. This card's earnings structure is very simple: You'll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases for the first $50,000 in spending per year, then 1 point per dollar after. 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 the Blue Business Plus from American Express.
Related: Amex Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus
Things to consider when applying
Pretty much any business credit card can help you continue to earn sign-up bonuses while staying under 5/24. However, keep in mind that other issuers have their own restrictions in place that might affect your approval.
It's also important to note that you don't have to have a brick-and-mortar store to apply for a business credit card. Whether you sell used clothes or art online, tutor on the side or spend your own money on business expenses as an employee, you're eligible to apply for a business card.
Remember to keep business and personal expenses separate whenever possible. Business cards do not 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 offer real long-term value for cardholders, Chase diligently monitors account applications. If you try to apply for too many cards in a short period, you could risk getting your account permanently shut.
Business cards can come in handy when you're trying to remain compliant with the Chase 5/24 rule. If you time your applications correctly, you can space out your personal card sign-ups by applying for a business one to earn a welcome bonus.
Apply here: Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Apply here: Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express
Apply here: Blue Business Plus Card from American Express
Related: The best business and personal credit card combinations
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Plus, click here.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
