Just when we’ve all finally come to terms with Chase’s infamous application rule, the bank may be moving the goalposts. Recent reports suggest Chase may have introduced a new 3/24 rule for sole proprietors applying for business credit cards.

You might be thinking, “Wait, wasn’t it 5/24?” And you’re not alone. Some applicants who thought they were safely under the traditional 5/24 limit are suddenly getting denied, with Chase representatives citing a new restriction that hasn’t been officially announced. Meanwhile, others are sailing through the approval process without a problem.

So what on earth is going on? Has Chase really changed the rules, or is there more to the story? Let’s dig into what we know so far and what it could mean for your next Chase business-card application.

 

What’s Happening With Chase’s 5/24 Rule?

First, a quick refresher. Chase’s unofficial 5/24 rule generally prevents you from being approved for a new Chase credit card if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards across all issuers in the past 24 months.

Most business credit cards haven’t traditionally counted toward your 5/24 total, making them a popular option for earning new welcome bonuses without adding to your count. But Chase generally considers your 5/24 status when you apply for one.

But now that tried-and-true strategy may be getting thrown out the window.

On September 17, Doctor of Credit reported that several sole proprietors had been denied for Chase business cards despite being at just 3/24 or 4/24. According to those applicants, Chase reconsideration representatives cited a new 3/24 restriction.

Reports don’t stop there, though. Similar stories have surfaced on Reddit and in our own Points Talk Squad Facebook group, with some applicants being told that Chase has lowered its approval threshold or started counting business cards toward 5/24.

Here’s the real kicker: Other applicants are still getting approved at 4/24 or higher. Some have even reported getting an initial denial overturned simply by calling reconsideration again.

So either Chase has introduced a new rule that we’re still trying to figure out, or there’s more going on behind the scenes.

 

Has Chase Actually Introduced a New 3/24 Rule?

That’s the million-point question. And unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as we’d like. Chase hasn’t officially announced any changes to its 5/24 rule, and the conflicting reports have left us with more questions than answers.

One theory is that Chase has introduced a stricter 3/24 limit specifically for sole proprietors. Another is that the bank has started counting existing Chase business cards toward your 5/24 total, rather than lowering the limit altogether.

There’s also speculation that Chase may be cracking down on how frequently applicants open new cards, regardless of their overall 5/24 status.

The problem? None of these theories fully explains why some applicants are getting denied at 3/24 while others are sailing through at 4/24 or higher. And without an official explanation from Chase, we’re left trying to connect the dots ourselves.

For now, we’re still piecing together the puzzle. But one thing is clear: If you’re a sole proprietor with your eye on a new Chase business card, you’ll want to pay attention to how this plays out.

Related: Credit Card Application Rules

 

What Does This Mean for Chase Business Card Applicants?

If you’ve been eyeing a new Chase Ink, Southwest, United, or World of Hyatt business credit card, don’t panic just yet. But you may want to think twice before submitting that next application.

For starters, being under 5/24 may no longer be enough to secure an approval as a sole proprietor. And while some applicants have had success applying with an employer identification number (EIN), others have still been denied. In other words, an EIN isn’t necessarily your golden ticket around the rumored restrictions.

Already applied and received a denial? Don’t throw in the towel just yet. Some applicants have reported getting their initial decisions overturned after calling Chase’s reconsideration department again. Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll have the same luck, but it may be worth asking for another review.

For now, our advice is to keep an eye on the latest data points before making your next move. Until we have a clearer picture of what’s actually changing, there’s no surefire strategy for getting around these rumored restrictions.

Related: Best Credit Card Welcome Offers: September 2026

 

Bottom Line

Something appears to be changing with Chase business card approvals, and sole proprietors may be getting the short end of the stick.

But before you start mourning the loss of your carefully planned Chase credit card strategy, remember that a new 3/24 rule is still just a rumor. Chase hasn’t officially confirmed any changes, and the conflicting reports suggest there’s more to the story.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on these developments as more data points roll in.

Have you recently applied for a Chase business card? We’d love to hear whether you were approved or denied, your 5/24 status, and whether you applied as a sole proprietor or another business structure.

And with so many conflicting reports, every new approval or denial could help us get one step closer to figuring out what’s really going on.

Make sure to share your experience in the comments or in our Points Talk Squad Facebook group!

 

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