What is the Chase 48 month rule?

Asked by: Warren Emmerich  |  Last update: June 20, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (48 votes)

The Chase 48-month rule, now largely replaced in mid-2025, previously prevented you from getting a new Chase Sapphire bonus if you'd earned one on a Sapphire card (Preferred or Reserve) in the last four years, and you could only hold one Sapphire card at a time. The new system replaces the 48-month wait with a once-per-lifetime bonus rule for each specific Sapphire product (Preferred or Reserve), meaning you can't get the bonus for the same card twice ever, though you can now hold multiple different Sapphire cards.

What is the 4 year rule for Chase?

The four-year rule for Chase Sapphire Reserve® used to prevent you from getting another initial bonus from any Chase Sapphire card if you've received one within the past 48 months. Chase Sapphire Reserve's initial bonus is 125,000 points for spending $6,000 in the first 3 months. However, this rule no longer applies.

What is the 48-month rule for credit cards?

Citi's 48-month rule restricts certain credit card welcome bonuses to once every 48 months. So if you apply for one of the affected credit cards now and decide to cancel the card in two years, you will not be eligible to reapply and receive the bonus again until 48 months after your first application.

What is the new Chase Sapphire rule?

Under the new rules, if you are approved for a second Sapphire card, your eligibility for a new-cardholder bonus offer will be based on factors including previously earned bonuses and the number of cards opened and closed, among others, according to Chase.

What is the 24 month rule for Chase credit cards?

Chase's 5/24 rule means that you can't be approved for most Chase cards if you've opened five or more personal credit cards (from any card issuer) within the past 24 months.

Chase 48 Month Rule Gone? + 3 New Cards Leaked

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Did Chase remove the 48 month rule?

Yes, the old 48-month rule for Chase Sapphire bonuses is gone, replaced by new, stricter "once in a lifetime" rules for earning a bonus on the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve, meaning you generally can only get the bonus once for each card ever, though you can hold both cards and earn a bonus on one if you never got a bonus on the other, with eligibility also factoring in past bonuses, current card status, and Chase's 5/24 rule. 

Why is Chase Sapphire declining?

If your card is declined, that may mean it's not active. However, a declined credit card can also mean other things, such as you've reached your credit limit, or your card has expired.

What is the 2 30 rule for Chase?

The Chase 2/30 Rule is an unofficial guideline stating you can be approved for a maximum of two new Chase credit cards within a 30-day period, or risk automatic denial, though this isn't a hard-and-fast policy and depends on your overall profile. It's a key rule for credit card enthusiasts, alongside the famous Chase 5/24 rule (not being approved for more than five new cards from any bank in 24 months). Following these guidelines helps maximize your chances of approval for Chase's popular rewards cards. 

Does Capital One have a 48 month rule?

What is Capital One's 48-Month Rule? Capital One now limits welcome offers on the Venture lineup to once every 48 months, and that countdown starts the moment your welcome offer posts to your account, not when you open or close the card.

What is the Chase 525 rule?

The Chase 5/24 rule is an unofficial guideline where Chase bank generally denies personal credit card applications if you've opened five or more new credit cards (from any issuer) in the last 24 months, with the current application counting as one of those five. This rule helps Chase limit applicants who frequently open and close cards for bonuses (churners), ensuring they approve customers who are likely to be long-term profitable, and it primarily affects Chase's popular rewards cards like Sapphire and Freedom.
 

What is the 2/3/4 rule for credit cards?

The 2/3/4 rule is a guideline, primarily used by Bank of America, that limits how many new credit cards you can get: no more than 2 in 30 days, 3 in 12 months, and 4 in 24 months, helping to prevent over-application and manage hard inquiries on your credit report. While not universal, it's a useful benchmark for responsible card application, though other banks have different rules (like Chase's 5/24 rule). 

Is Chase getting rid of the 48 month rule?

Yes, the old 48-month rule for Chase Sapphire bonuses is gone, replaced by new, stricter "once in a lifetime" rules for earning a bonus on the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve, meaning you generally can only get the bonus once for each card ever, though you can hold both cards and earn a bonus on one if you never got a bonus on the other, with eligibility also factoring in past bonuses, current card status, and Chase's 5/24 rule. 

Is there a problem with Chase bank right now?

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What to replace Chase Sapphire with?

Cards to consider instead of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
  • American Express Platinum Card®
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
  • Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card.

What are the 4 major credit cards?

The four major credit card networks in the U.S. are Visa, Mastercard, American Express (Amex), and Discover, which facilitate transactions and determine where cards are accepted, though Visa and Mastercard dominate globally, while Amex and Discover also issue their own cards. These networks set payment rules, process purchases, and offer benefits like fraud protection, with Visa and Mastercard having broader acceptance, while Amex and Discover sometimes have unique issuer advantages.
 

What is the highest credit limit for Chase?

The highest reported credit limit for Chase is $100,000 on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. A limit this high is naturally only available to people with excellent credit and a high income.