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Chase has a well-documented credit card application rule known as the Chase 5/24 rule. Although Chase doesn’t officially acknowledge the 5/24 rule, it’s widely known with thousands (if not millions) of data points specifically attributed to this.
If you’re not cognizant of this rule, you could be unexpectedly denied for the new Chase card you’ve been eyeing — but there is a way you can avoid falling victim to the 5/24 rule: apply for cards that don’t count against the rule.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best credit cards you can get that don’t add to the 5/24 rule.
What Is Chase’s 5/24 Rule?
Simply put, if you’ve opened 5 or more new credit cards in the last 24 months, Chase won’t approve you for any of its credit cards.
Remember, any newly opened credit cards in the last 24 months will count, not just newly opened Chase credit cards.
Currently, all of Chase’s credit cards are subject to the 5/24 rule.
Hot Tip: New accounts take time to show up on your credit reports. So if you just learned about the Chase 5/24 rule and recently applied for your fifth credit card in 24 months, you may have a brief window when you can still apply for a Chase card and avoid instant denial at the hands of the 5/24 rule.
How To Check Your 5/24 Status
When you apply for a credit card, the bank will almost always retrieve a copy of your personal credit report — this is known as a hard inquiry or hard pull.
When you apply for a Chase card, the issuer will pull a credit report from 1 of the 3 major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Usually, Chase will pull your Experian credit report, but the exact bureau will depend on your geographic location.
Within your credit report, you can see a list of your open accounts, including mortgage loans, credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, and student loans.
To figure out your 5/24 status, just count the number of credit cards that were opened within the prior 24 months.
Chase’s 5/24 rule is one of the most restrictive in the industry. By thoughtfully following Chase’s rules, you can access some of the best credit cards around.
Between huge welcome bonuses, strong benefits, and fantastic rewards structures, it’s definitely a good idea to get your foot in the door with Chase.
Which Credit Cards Add to 5/24?
All personal credit cards add to 5/24, as does being added as an authorized user. Even store cards you’d find at JCPenney or Target add to 5/24! And finally, business credit cards issued by Capital One, Discover, and TD Bank add to your 5/24 count.
Remember, 5/24 is a credit card count, so home loans, student loans, personal loans, and auto loans don’t count.
The 13 Best Credit Cards That Don’t Add to Chase’s 5/24 Rule
The best credit cards that don’t add to your 5/24 count are business cardsnot issued by Capital One, Discover, or TD Bank.
That means all of the major business cards from American Express, Barclays, Chase, and Citi do not add to the Chase 5/24 rule, simply because these cards aren’t reported on your personal credit reports.
Let’s get to the list!
1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
120,000 points
$2,640
$695
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.
5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
Statement credits on select purchases with your card
35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
The Amex Business Platinum card is pretty much as high-end as it gets for a business card. In particular, we recommend this card for high-spending business owners who need abundant perks and benefits.
This card earns as follows:
5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
1.5x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year)
1x Membership Rewards points on all other purchases
This card has a steep annual fee, but with so many benefits and a great welcome offer, you’ll end up way ahead, no matter how you slice it.
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is hands down the best business card for airport lounge access. With the Amex Business Platinum card, you’ll get access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection with over 1,400 lounges consisting of the following networks:
The Amex Business Platinum card boasts exceptional travel insurance, ranging from trip interruption and cancellation coverage to baggage insurance and everything in between.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership
70,000 points
$1,540
$295
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.
Pros
4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
NEW! Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses , and subways
NEW! U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
NEW! Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
U.S. purchases at gas stations
U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
Trip delay insurance
Car rental insurance
Cell phone insurance
Cons
$295 ($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24) annual fee (rates and fees)
No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases.**
**4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month—or pay over time with interest.*
The Amex Business Gold card is widely regarded to be the little sibling of the Amex Business Platinum card. But in some ways, this card is actually better than its ultra-premium big sibling!
This card earns 4x Membership Rewards points on the top 2 categories in which your business spends the most every month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year):
NEW! Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
NEW! U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
NEW! Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
U.S. purchases at gas stations
U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
If you spend $150,000 in a calendar year on advertising or shipping, for example, you would end up with 600,000 Amex points every year! Beyond that, you’d earn 1 Amex point per $1 spent.
A unique benefit of this card is that you don’t need to select any bonus categories — Amex does it automatically for you based on where you’d earn the most points.
This card doesn’t come with the flashy lounge access perks, big statement credits, and hotel elite status of the Amex Business Platinum card, but it does have travel insurance, secondary rental car insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty benefits, no preset spending limit, and no annual fee to add 99 total employee cards after the first employee card at $50 (see rates & fees).
The Amex Business Gold card outclasses most other business cards in rewards from spending, which is critical for business owners who spend a lot.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash-back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
100,000 points
$2,000
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.
Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.
Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.
Pros
3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
Cell phone protection
Purchase protection
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Rental car insurance
Extended warranty coverage
Cons
No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Our favorite Chase business credit card is the Ink Business Preferred card. It offers a solid welcome bonus, fantastic bonus categories on business purchases, and strong overall perks.
You can earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on the following categories:
Internet, cable, and phone services
Shipping
Travel
Ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
You’ll also earn 5x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025. All other purchases earn 1 point per $1.
The Ink Business Preferred card boasts excellent cell phone protection insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, primary rental car coverage, other travel insurance benefits, and no foreign transaction fees.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$900
$900
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.
If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.
Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Pros
1.5% cash-back on all purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Employee cards at no additional cost
Earn flexible rewards
Cons
3% foreign transaction fee
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
If you’re a business owner with a lot of odd expenses here and there, the Ink Business Unlimited card has you covered as you’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all business purchases you make.
The best part about this is that if you also have an Ultimate Rewards-earning credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can convert your 1.5% cash-back to 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points.
This means you’ll get a 3% return on spending, considering we value Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece.
Also, the Ink Business Unlimited card offers primary rental car coverage when renting for business purchases, purchase protection, extended warranty, zero liability fraud protection, no-cost employee cards, and an introductory APR offer.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
$900
$900
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 24.49% variable thereafter.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.
When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.
Pros
Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
Travel insurance and purchase protection
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Employee cards at no additional cost
No annual fee
Cons
Spending caps in bonus categories
Low points earning outside of bonus categories
3% foreign transaction fees
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 24.49% variable thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
The Ink Business Cash card offers exceptional bonus categories for the business owner who makes specific types of purchases.
Beyond the amazing welcome bonus, you’ll earn 5% cash-back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable, and phone services and at office supply stores every cardmember year.
Additionally, you’ll earn 2% cash-back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants every cardmember year. All other purchases earn 1% cash-back.
Remember, the Ink Business Cash card’s 5%, 2%, and 1% cash-back categories can be converted to 5x, 2x, and 1x Ultimate Rewards points if you have a card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
The Ink Business Cash card also offers primary car rental insurance when renting for business purposes, travel insurance, purchase protection, and no-cost employee cards.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The World of Hyatt Business card provides a solid option for business travelers that are looking to put their expenses on a small business card.
The World of Hyatt Business card provides a solid option for business travelers that are looking to put their expenses on a small business card.
60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 points
$900
$199
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Hyatt loyalists who do their fair share of business travel have been clamoring for the addition of a co-branded Hyatt business credit card for quite some time — and now it’s finally here.
9x points per $1 spent total for Hyatt stays and experiences: Earn 4x points at Hyatt hotels, participating Small Luxury Hotels of the World, participating Exhale locations, and eligible Lindblad Expeditions. Plus, 5x points spent just for being a World of Hyatt member.
2x points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/24, then your top two categories each quarter. Eligible categories include: Dining, Shipping, Airline tickets when purchased directly with the airline, Local transit & Commuting, Social Media & Search Engine Advertising, Car Rental Agencies, Gas stations and Internet, Cable & Phone Services.
2x points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships.
1x point per $1 on all other purchases
Automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status
Gift World of Hyatt Discoverist status to up to 5 employees
Up to $100 annual Hyatt credit — broken up into 2 $50 statement credits
Access to the Hyatt Leverage program
Earn 5 Elite Night Credits for every $10,000 you spend on the card in a calendar year
10% back on redeemed points after spending $50,000 in a calendar year (with a cap of 20,000 points back per year); this rebate is only valid on stays after spending $50,000 on the card, and any stays prior to meeting that threshold will not be retroactively credited
Primary rental car insurance
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
Cons
$199 annual fee
Bonus categories and benefits are very similar to the personal card
60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
2 Bonus Points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/24, then your top two categories each quarter.
2 Bonus Points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships
1 Bonus Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits - spend $50 or more at any Hyatt property and earn $50 statement credits up to two times each anniversary year.
5 Tier-Qualifying night credits toward status and Milestone rewards for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year.
World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open. Plus, Discoverist status to up to five employees
One of the newest Chase credit cards is the World of Hyatt Business card — and it’s one of the most anticipated new credit card products.
This card boasts a decent welcome bonus, as well as the following bonus categories:
9x spent at Hyatt — 4 bonus points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
2x spent on the 3 categories you spend the most on in each calendar quarter through December 31, 2024 (then it drops to your top 2 categories)
Eligible categories include dining, airline tickets purchased directly with the airline, car rental agencies, local transit and commuting, gas stations, internet, cable and phone services, social media and search engine advertising, and shipping
2x spent on fitness club and gym memberships
1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
It doesn’t end there, though. You’ll get automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status, as well as the ability to gift World of Hyatt Discoverist status to up to 5 employees.
There’s also up to $100 in annual Hyatt credits (2 $50 statement credits), the ability to earn 5 Elite Night Credits for every $10,000 you spend on the card in a calendar year, a 10% points rebate after spending $50,000 in a calendar year (up to 20,000 points per year), and access to the Hyatt Leverage program for discounts.
Furthermore, you’ll get top-shelf travel coverages, including primary rental car insurance, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
The card also comes with purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Hot Tip: If you make a lot of business purchases, you can spend your way to top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist status with the World of Hyatt Business card.
7. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
15,000 points
$330
No annual fee
18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).
The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.
Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.
Pros
2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
Cons
No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
Charges foreign transaction fees
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
Financial Snapshot
APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
One of our favorite overall business credit cards is the Amex Blue Business Plus card, especially if you don’t spend tens of thousands of dollars every month.
With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases with a cap of $50,000 in total purchases per calendar year (1x points after that).
There are a couple of other perks, too, including secondary rental car coverage, purchase protection, extended warranty, access to Amex Offers, expanded buying power, and no-additional-cost employee cards (see rates & fees).
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.
Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
$250
$0
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Looking for a way to keep tabs on your office supply costs and business travel expenses while earning cash-back? Then The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card could be a good fit.
This card offers expense management solutions that are designed to give companies more control, along with a much clearer picture of their business spending. In doing so, the more you spend, the more cash-back you can earn.
Pros
2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in spend, then 1% back thereafter
No annual fee
Travel and purchase protection
Cons
Not ideal for those who spend a lot on a specific category like groceries or gas
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Instead of normal cash-back, get an unlimited 1.5% discount when you pay early for eligible days within 10 days of your statement closing date. The discount will be applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
Instead of normal cash-back, get an unlimited 1.5% discount when you pay early for eligible days within 10 days of your statement closing date. The discount will be applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
No Welcome Offer
No Welcome Offer
$0
$250
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-840)
Cash flow can be unpredictable. Sometimes you can pay bills right away, and other times it may be easier to wait. Either way works out in your favor with The Plum Card® from American Express!
With this card, you can pay your bill early and get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges within 10 days of your statement closing date. You’ll see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the please pay by date. Alternatively, you can take up to 60 days to pay with no interest, when you pay your minimum due by the payment due date.
For those who run seasonal businesses or whose incoming cash flow is unpredictable, the card can provide you with payment alternatives that most other cards don’t.
Paying early pays off: get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest‡, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
Use the power of the Plum Card to buy big for your business.
There is no special rewards center for this card; the cash-back earned will be applied directly to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
One of the most interesting cards available is the Amex Plum card, a business card that’s used more for cash-flow management.
With this card, you can take up to 60 days to pay your bills off interest-free! Also, if you pay your bill off early, you can get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
This card also offers travel insurance, additional employee cards for no annual fee (rates & fees), and more.
10. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
130,000 points
$650
$95
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Not only will the card help you earn more points on all of your Hilton stays, but you’ll also receive automatic elite status, complimentary Priority Pass visits, travel protections, and the opportunity to earn free night certificates.
Here’s a detailed look at all the benefits this card offers so that you can determine if it’s a good fit for you.
Pros
12x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
6x points per $1 at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchases directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
6x points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, and the ability to spend your way to Diamond status
10 complimentary Priority Pass visits
Free Weekend Night Reward after $15,000 in spend in a calendar year, and a second after you spend $60,000
Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Earn another Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
This card is jam-packed with value, starting with a strong welcome offer.
Beyond that, you can earn up to 12x Hilton Honors points as follows:
12x Hilton Honors points per $1 spent at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
6x Hilton Honors points per $1 at U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants, on wireless phone services from U.S. providers, on U.S purchases for shipping services, on flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies
3x Hilton Honors points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Also, this card confers automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and offers the ability to earn Diamond status if you spend $40,000 or more in a calendar year.
It’s rounded out with 10 complimentary lounge visits per year with a Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.
A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
50,000 miles
$600
$99
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
The United Business card is a compelling option for traveling business owners that are also frequent United flyers. Not only will the card help you earn more United miles, but it also offers great perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, a discount on inflight purchases, and much more.
Pros
2x miles per $1 on United purchases
2x miles per $1 on dining
2x miles per $1 at gas stations and office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting
1x mile per $1 all other purchases
Free checked bag
2 United Club 1-time passes each year
25% back on United inflight purchases
Complimentary Premier Upgrades
Priority boarding
$100 United Annual Travel Credit after you make 7 United flight travel-related purchases, each totaling $100 or more, with your card
5,000 anniversary bonus miles when you have the United Business card and a personal United credit card
Employee cards at no added cost
Earn 500 PQPs towards United status for every $12,000 you spend on your United Business card (up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year).
Travel and purchase protections
Cons
Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
Other United cards are more rewarding for United purchases
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
$100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
The United Business card is a terrific choice for United loyalists looking to enjoy United-specific benefits.
Start with the eye-opening welcome bonus and enjoy the ability to earn:
2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), gas stations, office supply stores, and local transit and commuting
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
You can also enjoy a free first checked bag, a 5,000-mile “better together” bonus when you have both the United Business card and a personal United credit card, no foreign transaction fees, and no-cost employee cards.
12. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Southwest frequent flyers will love the upgraded boarding positions, inflight Wi-Fi credits, and bonus points on each cardmember anniversary.
Southwest frequent flyers will love the upgraded boarding positions, inflight Wi-Fi credits, and bonus points on each cardmember anniversary.
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
80,000 points
$1,040
$199
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a phenomenal option for business owners who are Southwest frequent flyers. It helps you earn more points on all of your business expenses, offers upgraded boarding certificates and Wi-Fi credits, and helps you reach higher levels of Southwest elite status.
Pros
4x points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases
3x points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
2x points per $1 spent on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services
2x points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services
9,000 bonus points each year after your cardmember anniversary
Up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits per year
4 Upgraded Boarding certificates per year
Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points towards Southwest status for every $10,000 spent on the card
Up to a $500 fee credit for points transfers when you use your card to transfer points to another Southwest Rapid Rewards member
Employee cards at no additional cost
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit
No foreign transaction fees
Lost luggage reimbursement
Baggage delay insurance
Extended warranty protection
Purchase protection
Cons
$199 annual fee
Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
Earn 4X pts on Southwest® purchases.
Earn 3X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
Earn 2X points on rideshare.
Earn 2X points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services and 1X points on all other purchases.
When you open this card, you can take advantage of a solid welcome bonus and earn up to 4x points on purchases:
4x Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases
3x Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
2x Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on rideshare purchases, social media/search engine ads, and internet, cable, and phone services
1x Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Also, you get 4 Upgraded Boardings for Southwest flights, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS application fee reimbursement, a $500 fee credit for Rapid Rewards points transfers per year, and a card anniversary bonus of 9,000 bonus points. Lastly, you have the ability to earn unlimited Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status at a rate of 1,500 TQPs per $10,000 spent on the card.
13. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Business owners who fly Southwest often can earn extra points for all of their spending, and add employee cards at no additional cost.
Business owners who fly Southwest often can earn extra points for all of their spending, and add employee cards at no additional cost.
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000 points
$780
$99
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is built for business owners that regularly fly with Southwest and are looking for a card that helps them earn more points while providing benefits such as 25% back on inflight purchases and EarlyBird Check-In certificates.
Pros
3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
2x points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners
2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare, passenger trains, buses, taxis, tolls, and parking lots and garages
1x point per $1 on all other purchases
6,000 anniversary points
2 EarlyBird Check-In certificates per year
25% back on inflight purchases
$500 fee credit for points transfers per year
1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent
Employee cards at no added cost
No foreign transaction fees
Lost luggage insurance
Baggage delay insurance
Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
Cons
$99 annual fee
Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
6,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
Earn 3X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
The last card we’ll discuss is the Southwest Premier Business card, a lower-annual-fee version of the Southwest Performance Business card.
This card has an impressive welcome bonus and the ability to earn up to 3x Rapid Rewards points:
3x Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases
2x Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners and on rideshare purchases
1x Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The card has a variety of other perks, including 2 EarlyBird Check-In opportunities each year, 25% back on inflight purchases, a $500 fee credit for points transfers per year, no foreign transaction fees, and no-cost employee cards.
Final Thoughts
Staying under Chase’s 5/24 rule can preserve your ability to access a fantastic landscape of credit cards, rewards, and benefits.
In order to stay under 5/24, you should strive to apply for business cards that are not issued by Capital One, Discover, or TD Bank. Stick to business cards from Amex, Chase, Citi, or Barclays, and you’ll be in great shape.
We’ve outlined our top picks for the best credit cards that don’t add to your 5/24 count, but the best card for you will ultimately depend on your exact needs.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Plum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Stephen Phillips - Hostreviews.co.uk via Unsplash
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chase's 5/24 rule?
Chase’s 5/24 rule is unwritten, but it’s understood that Chase will not approve a credit card application if you’ve opened 5 or more new credit card accounts in the last 24 months.
Does Chase count authorized users for 5/24?
Authorized users count towards 5/24, but if you get rejected because of an authorized user account adding to your 5/24 count, you can call Chase and ask them to exclude these accounts and submit a reconsideration request.
Does a Chase product change affect 5/24?
Generally, product changes do not affect your 5/24 status.
Do rejections count towards 5/24?
No, only newly opened or approved credit cards count towards your 5/24 status. If you applied for a credit card but got rejected, it doesn’t count.
Do Amex business cards count towards Chase 5/24?
No, Amex business cards do not count towards the 5/24 rule, which is great news! Also, business cards from Chase, Citi, and Barclays do not count towards the 5/24 rule.
Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.