Chase recently added “lifetime language” to some of their Ink cards—specifically, the ones with no annual fee. If you’re not sure what “lifetime language” means, it’s a limitation on a card applicant being eligible to earn a welcome offer on a card if they’ve already had that card (or sometimes certain other cards) at any point in their lifetime. The card_name and the card_name are two of our favorite business cards, so we’re paying close attention to this change.

The new language in the card terms appears to be similar to American Express’s “lifetime language” on their credit cards. But because it is so new, we have no idea just how strictly this rule will be enforced, or even if it will be enforced. Our hopes are that, similar to what we’ve seen with American Express, there might be some offers available at times without this new language, or that “lifetime” ends up meaning a certain number of years but not literally a person’s whole lifetime.  Time will tell as we receive more data points.

Right now, when you click on “offer details” on either card, this new sentence is present: The new cardmember bonus may not be available to you if you have ever had this card or any other Chase for Business card without an annual fee. The “may not” language gives us a little hope. 🤞

Then at the end of the list of certifications found on the application it says: 

Recently a reader who previously had one of these cards (applied for using her social security number, as a sole proprietor), was still approved for the same card, but applying this time using her EIN.  She had closed the first card three months ago and reapplied after the new lifetime language appeared. So that is one data point that gives us some hope.

 

Bottom Line

Yes, Chase has added some lifetime language to two of our favorite business credit cards. We’re keeping a close eye on this, but it will take some time to gather more data points and see how it all pans out. Right now, we have our fingers crossed that it won’t be as bad as it sounds. Please send us any data points that you personally have on this new rule and we will share it with others!

 

Related Posts

American Express Lifetime Rule

American Express Family Language

Credit Card Application Rules

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