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
| Card | Best for | Annual fee | Welcome offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| <strong><a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/7760?pid=7760&name=The%20Blue%20Business%C2%AE%20Plus%20Credit%20Card%20from%20American%20Express&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express</a></strong> | Everyday business spending | $0 (see <a href=”/tc/7760?pid=7760&name=The%20Blue%20Business%C2%AE%20Plus%20Credit%20Card%20from%20American%20Express&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>) | Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. |
| <strong><a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6218?pid=6218&name=Ink%20Business%20Unlimited%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&issuer=Chase” target=”_blank”>Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href=”/tc/6218?pid=6218&name=Ink%20Business%20Unlimited%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>) | Simple cash-back rewards | $0 | Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. |
| <strong><a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22146206?pid=22146206&name=Citi%C2%AE%E2%80%AF%2F%20AAdvantage%20Business%E2%84%A2%E2%80%AFWorld%20Elite%20Mastercard%C2%AE&issuer=Citi” target=”_blank”>Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®</a></strong> (see <a href=”/tc/22146206?pid=22146206&name=Citi%C2%AE%E2%80%AF%2F%20AAdvantage%20Business%E2%84%A2%E2%80%AFWorld%20Elite%20Mastercard%C2%AE&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>) | <a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/loyalty-programs/american-airlines-aadvantage/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>American Airlines</a> loyalists | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. |
| <strong><a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/221211974?pid=221211974&name=Ink%20Business%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&issuer=Chase” target=”_blank”>Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href=”/tc/221211974?pid=221211974&name=Ink%20Business%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>) | Business bonus categories | $95 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| <strong><a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6771?pid=6771&name=Marriott%20Bonvoy%20Business%C2%AE%20American%20Express%C2%AE%20Card&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card</a></strong> | <a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/loyalty-programs/award-travelers-guide-to-marriott-bonvoy/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Marriott</a> loyalists | $125 (see <a href=”/tc/6771?pid=6771&name=Marriott%20Bonvoy%20Business%C2%AE%20American%20Express%C2%AE%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>) | Earn up to 125,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after spending an additional $3,000 ($9,000 total) on purchases in the first six months of card membership. |
| <strong><a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/10965?pid=10965&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20for%20Business%E2%84%A0%20PID&issuer=Chase” target=”_blank”>Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠</a></strong> (see <a href=”/tc/10965?pid=10965&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20for%20Business%E2%84%A0%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>) | Premium business travel | $795 | Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. |
Related: The best business and personal credit card combinations
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
Based on TPG’s August 2026 valuations, this offer is worth $300.
Annual fee: $0.
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.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Blue Business Plus.
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
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.
Plus, if you pair this card with a Chase card that earns transferable 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 5/24 without paying an annual fee.
To learn more, check out 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
Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
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.
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.
To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Business 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?
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
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.
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.
Plus, the card 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.
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.
To learn more, check out 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
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Welcome offer: Earn up to 125,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after spending an additional $3,000 ($9,000 total) on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Based on TPG’s August 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $938.
Annual fee: $125.
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.
To learn more, check out 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
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
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.
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.
- 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.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business.
Apply here: Sapphire Reserve for Business
Related: I’ve been using the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business for a year — here’s why I’m keeping it
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 usually 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 most Capital One business cards count toward your 5/24 status. However, the Capital One Venture Business, Capital One Venture X Business and Capital One Spark Cash Plus don’t report to personal credit bureaus as long as your account remains in good standing.
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.
Related: Reasons to get a business credit card
Bottom line
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.
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Card from American Express
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Plus, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business, 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.