How To Maximize Cards Under 5/24 Rule

May 14th, 2020

If you're serious about this hobby, following the advice in this one article will earn you an extra flight across the globe every 2 or 3 years. If you aren’t familiar with the 5/24 or 1/48 rule, you can read about them here.

Chase cards (and Chase Reward points) should be at the center of your point collecting strategy. As such, maximizing the points under Chase’s rules can make a big difference. Almost inevitably, after 2 years or so in this hobby, you’ll find yourself waiting to get a card to avoid the 5/24 rule. Knowing that in advance can make all of the difference.

The Sapphire cards come under both the 5/24 and 1/48 rules. So we always suggest getting those or downgrading and getting another one as soon as possible for you and anyone you are working with. This will start the clock on your next 48 months as soon as possible.

The key here is you are starting the clock

Secondly, we recommend you (wisely) select cards first that will get your personal cards to 4/24 as soon as possible. This might seem counterintuitive to staying under the 5/24 rule, but it isn’t. The key here is you are starting the clock on those cards as soon as possible.

From there, you can switch to Chase, Amex or Citi business cards, assuming you have some kind of side-hustle (which we recommend »). These don’t count towards your 5/24 rule.

This next part is key: When your oldest card under 5/24 is at 21 months, you’ll then want to get another personal card. Again, this will start the clock on that card as soon as possible. (Don't worry, we'll shoot you an email when that date hits)

We know, it is a lot to keep track of. But the good news is if you are using the Points Navigator, we keep track of all of it for you and we’ll prompt you if you are applying for a card outside of this optimal strategy. If you haven’t already, enter your current cards here »

If you do, you’ll find yourself routinely getting 15-20% back in bonus spends rather than 2% while waiting for timing on the banks credit card rules to pass by.