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We get a lot of questions regarding credit card application rules, especially about Chase’s “5/24” rule. That’s no surprise, because each bank has their own set of guidelines and requirements! And Chase has some of the best travel rewards credit cards.
Million Mile Secret Agent AJB asked:
Will adding my wife as an authorized user to 1 of my Chase business cards, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card or Chase Ink Plus (no longer available) card, count against her Chase 5/24 status?
Thanks for the great question!
Authorized Users and Chase’s 5/24 Rule
With Chase’s stricter application rules, dubbed “5/24,” if you’ve opened 5+ cards from any bank (NOT counting Chase business cards and these other business cards) in the past 24 months, it’s unlikely you’ll be approved for most Chase cards.
Because Chase business cards do NOT count toward the 5/24 rule, adding AJB’s wife as an authorized user to 1 of his Chase business cards should NOT affect her 5/24 status.
In fact, being an authorized user on small business cards from other banks shouldn’t count either!
You’ll Both Get More Perks
Adding an authorized user to your account can be a great way to boost your miles & points balances. And get other benefits like:
- Easily track spending and manage expenses
- Help the authorized user learn how credit cards work
- Access to savings and deals with AMEX Offers when you add an authorized user to an AMEX card
- Meet minimum spending requirements faster
Plus, the authorized user can benefit from a potential boost to their credit score.
That said, you’re responsible for any charges made by the authorized user on your account. So make sure you only add someone you trust!
And remember, adding an authorized user to a personal card WILL appear on the authorized user’s credit report. And could affect their 5/24 limit. So if your authorized user wants to earn the sign-up bonus on a Chase card in the future, you might want to hold off on adding them to lots of accounts. Although I’ve heard folks having success asking Chase to reconsider applications if their recent new accounts are only authorized user cards.
Bottom Line
Adding an authorized user to your small business card account should NOT affect their Chase 5/24 status.
Plus, there are benefits to adding authorized users, as long as they’re trustworthy, like boosting your rewards balances, meeting minimum spending requirements faster, and more!
Just remember, an authorized user account on a personal card will appear on the authorized user’s credit report. And could negatively affect their 5/24 status.