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 welcome bonuses and has 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 this 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 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.
Related: The best no-annual-fee business credit cards
Comparing the best business cards to stay under 5/24
| Card | Best for | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) | Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points in a variety of business-centered categories | Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
|
$95 |
| Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) | American Airlines loyalists | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. |
|
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | Marriott loyalists | Earn three free night awards (each night valued at up to 50,000 points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points) after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Certain hotels have resort fees; terms apply. |
|
$125 (see rates and fees) |
| Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees) | Earning simple cash back | Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
|
$0 |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | Hilton loylists | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. |
|
$195 (see rates and fees) |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | Earning double American Express Membership Rewards points | Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. |
|
$0 (see rates and fees) |
Related: The best business and personal credit card combinations
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account. Based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $1,845.
Annual fee: $95.
Why I 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. Plus, it earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points in a variety of bonus categories that appeal to business owners, and these points can be transferred to one of Chase’s 14 hotel and airline partners.
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You’ll also enjoy perks like primary car rental insurance when renting for business and cellphone protection. Despite having an annual fee, you can easily recoup that cost with just $3,167 in annual spending on one of the card’s bonus categories.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Related: 5 reasons to get the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Welcome offer: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. Based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $975.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter.
Why I 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 example, Danyal Ahmed, a credit cards writer at TPG, recently booked three Japan Airlines business-class seats for his family to travel from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for 60,000 American miles each.
For those who prefer American for their travels, you’ll enjoy perks like a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, 25% off inflight purchases and the ability to earn a companion certificate after renewing your card and spending $30,000 or more in your cardmembership year.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard.
Apply here: 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 three free night awards (each night valued at up to 50,000 points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points) after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Certain hotels have resort fees; terms apply. Based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this offer is worth up to $1,050.
Annual fee: $125.
Why I like it: Another solid option is the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card, as it has a generous welcome bonus. With the Bonvoy Business Amex, you’ll get complimentary 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 certificate 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 9,300 properties worldwide, including many great hotels where you can use free night certificates, such as the Sheraton Denarau Villas in Fiji. Last month, I redeemed 48,000 points for a one-night stay at this property on a trip back from New Zealand.
To learn more, read our full review of the Bonvoy Business Amex.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Related: Here’s why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
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. Plus, if you pair this card with a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), you can pool your Ink Business Unlimited rewards and have access to Chase’s transfer partners for maximum redemption value.
If you prefer a simple, no-frills approach to earning cash back, this card is a great option to stay under the 5/24 rule without paying an annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Related: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Welcome offer: Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $650.
Annual fee: $195.
Why we like it: If you stay at Hilton hotels frequently and are in the market for a cobranded hotel card for your business, the Hilton Honors Amex Business is a solid option. It has a simple earnings structure: You’ll earn 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases for the first $100,000 in spending per calendar year (then 3 points per dollar thereafter).
Plus, cardmembers receive automatic 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.
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on the card in the first three months of card membership. Based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $300.
Annual fee: $0.
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 Credit Card has a welcome offer that is attainable for most businesses, regardless of their annual spending.
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 after. If your business spends less than $50,000, this card is an excellent choice. Plus, you’ll earn Membership Rewards points and have access to Amex’s roster of 21 hotel and airline partners.
To learn more, read our full review of The Blue Business Plus from American Express.
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Related: Amex Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus: The battle of the blues
Things to consider when applying
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 eligible to apply for a business card.
Additionally, you may be wondering why no Capital One business cards are on this list. That’s because all Capital One business cards count toward your 5/24 status except the ones with no preset spending limits, the Capital One Venture X Business and the Capital One Spark Cash Plus.
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 for doing so.
Related: Reasons to get a business credit card
Bottom line
While Chase cards offer real long-term value for cardholders, it diligently monitors account applications. If you try to apply for too many cards in a short period of time, you could risk getting your account permanently shut down.
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.
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Card from American Express
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.
