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Over the past few weeks, the points and miles world has been buzzing about a possible new Chase rule. Many people applying for Chase business cards as sole proprietors are being denied for opening three or more cards in the last 24 months. Rumors are swirling about a new “3/24 rule,” and if it’s real, it may change how families plan their card strategy.

Chase hasn’t officially announced anything, but Chase representatives have been stating it over the phone when people call the reconsideration line. So let’s walk through what we know and what it means for your family.

First: What Is Chase’s 5/24 Rule?

The 5/24 rule is one of the most well-known rules in the points and miles world. It states that if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards from any bank in the last 24 months, Chase will almost always deny you for a new card.

A few important details:

• It counts cards from every bank, not just Chase. This can include store cards, like a Kohl’s card that you opened to get a discount on your purchase.
• Most business cards don’t count toward your number, including Chase business cards. However, a few business cards (a few Capital One and Discover cards) do count, so that’s something to be aware of.
• Authorized user cards count, however, you can call Chase and explain that you’re only an authorized user, and they won’t count it.

This is why I always tell families to be strategic about the order you open cards and never add a spouse/partner as an authorized user. Your 5/24 slots are precious, and Chase cards are some of the most valuable for family travel.

Related: Business Cards Are Easier to Qualify For Than You Think

The 3/24 Rumor for Sole Proprietors

We started noticing Chase tighten the rules around business cards in 2025. But like many other things with Chase, they didn’t advertise a specific set of rules. We pieced together some ideas, like not having more than two business cards open and waiting a year between applying for the exact same card.

Then Chase did released new rules saying that you couldn’t open Ink cards if you’d had them before. But we noticed this only seemed to apply to sole proprietors, and possibly only to the two no-fee Ink cards. Those with LLCs, S Corps, and other registered businesses were still getting approved again.

Then reports started popping up in mid-September about people who applied for a Chase business card as a sole proprietor, got denied, and called the reconsideration line. Chase reps were telling them there’s a new rule: sole proprietors who have opened three or more cards in the last 24 months won’t be approved. As we’ve continued collecting data points, many people have said that Chase reps have confirmed this new rule over the phone.

Sole Proprietor Vs. LLC/S Corp

Almost all of the 3/24 denials so far have come from people applying as sole proprietors. If you apply that way, assume Chase may deny you if you’ve opened three or more cards in the last 24 months.

If you apply as an LLC, S Corp, or other registered business, current reports suggest Chase is still using its regular 5/24 rule. But again, none of this is confirmed, so there’s always a chance that you could be denied.

Either way, always apply with your real business structure, and don’t form an LLC just to get around a credit card rule. If you’re a sole proprietor, you’re not out of luck. You’ll just want to plan your card order more carefully.

What The Data Shows So Far

After nearly 200 survey responses, here’s the patterns we’re seeing:

• 2/24 still looks safe. Sole proprietors who applied at 2/24 or under were consistently approved.
• 3/24 and 4/24 are risky for sole props. Most sole proprietors who applied at 3/24 or 4/24 were denied.
• It’s not just Ink cards. There are many 3/24 denials with co-branded business cards, too
• Your existing Chase business cards don’t seem to count against you. Approval rates stayed about the same no matter how many Chase business cards people had open.

Again, this is all anecdotal, but we are starting to see patterns emerge.

What This Means for You

It may not be confirmed, but it’s increasingly likely, so it’s smart to plan with it in mind. Here are some thoughts.

If you’re just getting started, the order of your cards matters more than ever. If 3/24 is the new rule, you can only open two personal cards before you lose access to Chase business cards as a sole proprietor. For most beginners, the smartest move is to start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Then, if you have a business (remember, many things count as a business), grab the Chase business cards you want. After that, you can move on to popular cards from other banks, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

If you’re at 1/24 or 2/24 right now, you’re in the sweet spot. If a Chase business card is on your wish list, it might make sense to apply for it before you open any personal cards. This is especially important if you want to earn the Southwest Companion Pass with two cards.

If you’re at 3/24 or 4/24 and planning to apply as a sole proprietor, you may want to hold off on applying for a Chase business card. A denial is likely, unfortunately. If you’re wanting a new card, I’d consider business cards from other banks while you wait for your number to be back under 3/24.

If you’re already over 5/24, this doesn’t change much for you right now. You were already locked out of most Chase cards. It does mean that getting back in the Chase business card game later will take longer, since you’d have to drop all the way down to 2/24 instead of 4/24.

If you have an LLC or another registered business type, you’ll likely still be judged under the regular 5/24 rule.

<All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has been collected independently by The Traveling Hansens. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.>

How to Check Your Number

My favorite way to track my 5/24 (or 3/24) number is the Travel Freely app. It’s free and doesn’t require any sensitive credit card information.

Additionally, most banks let you check your current score and credit report for free. This is an easy way to see exactly which cards are showing on your report in the last 24 months.

Which Chase Business Cards Are Affected?

Chase has a strong lineup of business cards, and many are family travel favorites that I recommend. Here are the most popular ones.

Cards that earn Ultimate Rewards:

• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

Co-branded business cards:

• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
• United℠ Business Card and United Club℠ Business Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card and Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

<All information about the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, United℠ Business Card, United Club℠ Business Card, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has been collected independently by The Traveling Hansens. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.>

Wrapping Up

Chase hasn’t officially confirmed this rumor, but we now have many data points showing that Chase representatives share it as a rule when applicants call the reconsideration line.

If you’ve applied for a Chase business card after September 15th, 2026, we’d love you to fill out this survey to help us continue to gather data. Otherwise, keep this new rule in mind as you plan your card strategy. Focus more on Chase business cards at first, then move on to other banks and cards.