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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
These 6 business cards can help you stay under Chase’s 5/24 rule
Chris Nelson is a credit cards writer for TPG. He specializes in budget travel, hotels, earning elite status through minimal spending and redeeming points for maximum value.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
also contributed to this story
August 25, 2026 • 14 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Quick summary
Chase enforces the strict 5/24 rule, limiting approvals for those who have opened five or more personal credit card accounts across issuers in the past 24 months.
Most business credit cards do not count toward the 5/24 tally, allowing applicants to earn rewards and welcome bonuses while preserving eligibility for future Chase cards.
The article highlights several business cards that offer strong welcome bonuses, valuable perks and flexible redemption options, catering to different business spending needs.
Business cards can be obtained even by those with side gigs or small businesses, not just traditional business owners.
What to consider
Some issuers have their own restrictions that may impact approval for business cards, and not all business cards are excluded from the 5/24 calculation.
Business cards generally lack certain consumer protections found on personal cards, and mixing business and personal expenses can complicate tax reporting.
Point and mile valuations referenced are based on TPG's August, September or October 2026 valuations.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of top business card options for staying under 5/24, including their unique benefits and which types of business owners they best serve.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Chase issues some of the most sought-after rewards cards on the market, but the bank also has some of the strictest application policies. It limits cardholders to earning only one welcome bonus per consumer Sapphire card and has its infamous 5/24 rule.
Chase has never officially commented on the existence of the 5/24 rule, but crowdsourced data confirm 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 this rule, including cards with no preset spending limits and certain store cards. 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 with business cards without affecting your ability to apply for Chase cards in the future. This isn't an exhaustive list, but it covers some of my favorite business cards available right now.
All point and mile valuations in this article are based on TPG's August 2026 valuations.
Comparing the best business cards to stay under 5/24
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 50,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Earn 100,000 bonus points and a free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Resort fees apply.
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 50,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Based on TPG's October 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $1,000.
Annual fee: $0.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
Earn 2 points per dollar spent on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter.
Why we like it: Reaching minimum spending requirements for welcome bonuses can be difficult for small businesses without high annual spending. However, The Blue Business Plus has a welcome offer that's attainable for most businesses, regardless of their typical budget.
Additionally, if you value simplicity with earnings, this card is a great fit. You'll earn 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases for the first $50,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter.
If your business spends less than $50,000 each year, this card is an excellent choice. Plus, you'll earn Membership Rewards points and have access to Amex's roster of 20 hotel and airline partners.
Welcome offer: Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
Earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027.
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Why we like it: The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase, perfect for those who like simplicity with earnings.
Welcome offer: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
Based on TPG's August 2026 valuations, this offer is worth $910.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on the following categories: cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, eligible American Airlines purchases, gas stations and telecommunications merchants.
Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Why we like it: Regardless of whether you fly American frequently, you can find great value in this card's welcome bonus because the carrier 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 prefer American for their travels, you'll enjoy perks like a free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to four travel companions on the same reservation, 25% off inflight Wi-Fi, food and beverage purchases when you use your card and the ability to earn a companion certificate ($99 plus taxes and fees) after renewing your card and spending $30,000 or more in a cardholder year.
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's August 2026 valuations, this offer is worth $2,050.
Annual fee: $95.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027.
Earn 3 points per dollar spent on advertising purchases with social media and search engines; cable, internet and phone services; and shipping and travel purchases (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1 point per dollar spent).
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Why we like it: Although you need to be under 5/24 to be approved for this card, the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card won't count toward this rule.
You'll also enjoy perks like primary car rental insurance when renting for business and cellphone protection. If your business spends heavily in this card's bonus categories, this card can be a powerful addition to your wallet.
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points and a free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Resort fees apply.
Based on TPG's September 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $1,125.
Annual fee: $125.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Marriott hotels.
Earn 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. shipping purchases and on U.S. wireless telephone service purchases.
Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Why we like it: Another solid option is the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card, which includes a generous welcome offer. With the Bonvoy Business Amex, you'll get complimentary Marriott Gold Elite status, which includes perks like 25% bonus earnings on Marriott stays and 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability).
As a cardmember, you'll also receive a free night award every year after your card renewal month and other Marriott perks. Chase Ultimate Rewards points also transfer to Marriott, so this is a great card to pair with your existing Chase accounts.
Marriott has over 10,000 properties worldwide, including many great hotels where you can use free night awards.
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $4,100.
Annual fee: $795.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
Earn 8 points per dollar spent on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit (minimum two-night stay required for The Edit properties)
Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027.
Earn 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct.
Earn 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising (up to $1 million per dollar spent each anniversary year, starting Nov. 15, 2026).
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Why we like it: The Sapphire Reserve for Business is a strong option for business owners who want premium travel perks without adding to their 5/24 count. Although you'll generally need to be under 5/24 to be approved, opening the card won't increase your 5/24 standing.
The card's current welcome offer is especially noteworthy, with the ability to earn 200,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after meeting the spending requirement. You'll also get premium travel benefits that can help offset the card's hefty $795 annual fee, including airport lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit.
If you can take advantage of its benefits and credits, the Sapphire Reserve for Business can be a valuable way to earn transferable Ultimate Rewards points while preserving your 5/24 slots for future personal card applications.
Pretty much any business credit card can help you continue to earn welcome bonuses while staying under 5/24. Keep in mind, though, that other issuers have their own restrictions in place that might affect your approval.
Fortunately, you don't need a traditional business to apply for a business credit card. Whether you walk dogs on the side, drive for Uber or run your own reselling business, you're usually 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.
Plus, some issuers frown on using your business card for personal expenses and may close your account if you do so.
While Chase cards offer real long-term value for cardholders, the issuer diligently monitors account applications. If you get approved for too many cards in a short period of time, you could risk getting future applications for Chase cards denied.
Business cards can come in handy when you're trying to avoid the pitfall of Chase's 5/24 rule. If you time your applications correctly, you can space out your personal card applications while still earning points and miles by applying for a business card.
That way, you're not locking yourself out of opportunities to earn valuable bonuses on Chase's consumer cards.
For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Plus, click .
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business, click .
