Chase Sapphire 48-Month Rule: What You Need to Know

If you're holding out for another sign-up bonus with Chase’s popular Sapphire cards, there’s a rule you need to know—the Chase 48-Month Rule. This policy limits the frequency at which you can earn the sign up bonuses on the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards. By understanding this rule, you’ll be able to better plan when to apply and maximize your rewards. Let’s dive into why this rule exists and how it impacts your bonus eligibility!

How the Chase 48-Month Rule Works

The Chase 48-Month Rule restricts the frequency of bonuses on Chase’s Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards. Here’s how it applies:

• Eligibility Timer: You can only receive a new bonus after 48 months (four years) from when your last Sapphire bonus was awarded, not the card's opening date.

• Sapphire Card Family Restriction: This rule applies across both Sapphire cards, meaning if you received a bonus on one, you’ll need to wait 48 months to earn a bonus on either.

Chase Sapphire Card Restrictions Overview

Chase’s Sapphire card rules go beyond just the 48-month bonus limitation. Cardholders are limited to one Sapphire card at a time, meaning you can’t hold both the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve simultaneously. Additionally, Chase’s 5/24 rule may apply, limiting card approvals if you’ve opened five or more cards within 24 months.

Key Differences from Other Restrictions:

• 5/24 Rule: This affects card applications, not bonuses. The Chase 5/24 rule states that if you've opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks within the past 24 months, you will be automatically denied for most Chase credit cards. This rule applies to credit cards from all issuers, not just Chase cards.

• Sapphire Family Rule: No dual cardholding for Sapphire products. So you cannot hold the Sapphire Preferred card AND the Sapphire Reserve card.

Checking Your Bonus Eligibility

To make sure you’re clear for another Sapphire bonus, it’s best to confirm when you last received a welcome bonus. Here’s how:

• Review Past Statements: Check your credit card statements for the month you received the bonus, often labeled as a reward or bonus posting.

• Contact Chase Support: Reach out to Chase directly for a definitive answer on when your last bonus was received.

These steps will help ensure you meet the 48-month requirement and avoid unnecessary applications.

Why the Chase 48-Month Rule Is So Important

The 48-month rule plays a key role in Chase’s rewards structure, preserving the value of its sign-up bonuses and encouraging customers to focus on long-term value rather than frequent churn. For cardholders, it means planning for maximum benefit with each application. By carefully timing sign-up periods, you can optimize the value of Chase Sapphire bonuses, earning high rewards without risking bonus ineligibility.

However, you can maximize your point earning with this rule. Once you’ve had either Sapphire card for 48-months, simply call Chase and downgrade your card to one of their Flex Freedom Cards. Then wait a month or so and then reapply for one of the Sapphire cards and you should be eligible for the sign up bonus.

Keep in mind that if you downgrade your Sapphire Card into a Freedom Flex card and if you don’t have the Chase Business Ink Preferred Card, then you will not be able to use your Chase Membership Rewards.

Action Plan While Waiting During The 48-Month Rule

While waiting for your 48-month bonus window, there are strategic ways to keep building rewards:

• Consider Other Chase Cards: Cards like the Chase Freedom Flex or Ink Business Preferred offer valuable Ultimate Rewards points that can be combined with Sapphire accounts.

• Use Chase Travel Partners: Partnered cards allow you to earn additional points for specific spending, helping you maintain high rewards.

• Plan Applications Carefully: Avoid applying for new Sapphire cards if close to the 48-month mark to avoid bonus eligibility issues.

• American Express, Citi and Capital One Cards: Look to opening a card from these banks. But keep in mind of the Chase 5/24 Rule. If you go over the Chase 5/24 Rule after you have waited the 48-months, then you’ll be out of luck opening a new Sapphire card. You’ll have to wait longer - ugh!

Our Take

Understanding and planning around Chase’s 48-month rule is essential for cardholders eager to optimize their Sapphire rewards. By tracking the timing of your last bonus and exploring alternative Chase cards or other bank cards to keep points growing, you can make the most of Chase’s reward system even within the rule’s limitations. With a bit of strategy, the 48-month rule becomes less of a hurdle and more of an opportunity to deepen your Chase benefits and the ability to obtain a Sapphire sign up bonus, even if you had it in the past.

We love hearing from you! Share your travel stories, tips, or ask us burning travel questions. Ask me a question or advice on points and miles or other travel questions. Who knows, your story might be featured in our next newsletter!

[email protected]

✨ Safe Travels & Happy Landings! Thank you for flying with us on this newsletter journey. Until next time, keep your passports ready and your adventures grand!