My Journey with Chase Credit Cards in the USA: A 5/24 Breakdown

Over the past year and a half living in the United States, I’ve opened four different Chase credit cards! As I approach my 5/24 limit, I thought it was time to share my experiences and insights here. If you’re navigating the world of credit cards in the USA, especially under the Chase umbrella, here’s my summary of each card I’ve acquired.

1️⃣ February 2024: Chase Freedom Unlimited (CFU)

I started my journey with the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, which came with a special in-branch offer of 200 points along with 5x cashback on groceries and gas for the first year. Contrary to many online recommendations, I strongly advise against opening a Discover card as your first one. Under Chase’s 5/24 rule, every slot for a new card is incredibly precious, so save those slots for Chase products only!

My advice: visit a branch to apply; it significantly increases your chances of approval compared to applying online. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I might opt for the Chase Freedom Flex (CFF) instead of the CFU, as earning 1.5x points doesn’t compare to the thrill of getting 5x back!

2️⃣ September 2024: IHG Rewards Club Card

This was a card I hesitated to apply for, mainly because of the reputation that IHG points aren’t particularly valuable in North America. However, I succumbed to the temptation of its 5 free night (FN) offer, applying on the last day of the promotion. In hindsight, when it comes to traveling enthusiasts, the ability to stay at hotels for free outweighs the quality of those hotels!

3️⃣ October 2024: Hyatt Credit Card

Shortly after my IHG application, the Hyatt card’s special offer caught my eye for 5 free nights in categories 1-4. Initially, I regretted not applying for Hyatt first instead of IHG. However, I quickly decided to go all in, as this translates to ten nights of free lodging—a fantastic opportunity for anyone with upcoming travel plans!

That said, if you don’t have travel plans within the year, consider that points offers might be more beneficial than free nights.

4️⃣ March 2025: Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP)

I found out about the 100k points offer for the CSP through a post in a U.S. credit card forum. By early morning on March 23, I was at the branch. The parking lot was packed—evidently, many others had the same idea! When I spoke to the manager about opening a CSP, he just smiled. After a few quick procedures, I was approved on the spot for $8K, bypassing the lengthy reconsideration call!

My advice for fellow credit card enthusiasts is to never apply just for the sake of getting a card. Stay updated on forums and wait patiently for those excellent offers to come around before making your move.

What’s Next?

With travel plans in May, I am debating whether to pursue a United Airlines Explorer card to rack up miles or hold out for a higher Marriott offer and switch to Ritz after a year. The UA card seems a bit underwhelming, and I question if it’s worth occupying a slot in my lineup.

Have you had similar experiences with Chase cards, or do you have suggestions for travel cards worth considering? Let’s share our thoughts and tips in the comments below! 🤑✈️