The application rules each issuer runs: the Chase 5/24 rule, Amex lifetime language, Citi and Capital One 48 month clocks, and the business card exemption that threads between them. Application order follows from these rules, so start here before applying for anything. Two of these rules are published by the issuer: the Citi 48 month clock and the Amex once per lifetime language. Every other threshold on these pages is observed from applicant reports, and each guide states which it is and where the claim comes from.
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Chase: 5/24, 2/30, business cards and 5/24, reconsideration.
Amex: once per lifetime, pop-up jail.
Citi and Capital One: the Citi 48 month rule, Capital One rules.
Other banks: Bank of America, US Bank, Wells Fargo, Barclays.
Across issuers: every rule ranked, shutdown risk.
Capital One runs the strictest application gate of the major issuers: about 1 new card every 6 months, with hard pulls at all 3 credit bureaus.
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Citi blocks you from earning the same card’s welcome bonus twice within 48 months, and it times those months from the day the first bonus posted.
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American Express pays each card’s welcome offer only once per lifetime, and the count runs per card. Before you apply, take the time to confirm the offer will actually pay on your application history.
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Chase declines most credit card applications once your credit reports show 5 or more new personal cards opened in the past 24 months.
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