Chase issues some of the most sought-after rewards cards on the market, but the bank also has some of the strictest policies regarding credit card “churning.” It limits cardholders to earning only one welcome bonus per consumer Sapphire card and has its infamous 5/24 rule.

Chase has never officially commented on the 5/24 rule’s existence, but crowdsourced data confirms that applicants will almost certainly be denied new Chase cards if they have opened five or more accounts across issuers in the past 24 months.

All personal credit card accounts count toward this rule, including cards with no preset spending limits and certain store cards. However, many business credit cards, including those issued by Chase, aren’t considered when Chase determines your 5/24 standing.

If you’re trying to stay under 5/24, you can still rack up points and miles with business cards without affecting your ability to apply for Chase cards in the future. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it covers some of my favorite business cards available right now.

Related: The best no-annual-fee business credit cards

Comparing the best business cards to stay under 5/24

Card	Best for	Welcome offer	Earning rates	Annual fee
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card	Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points in a variety of business-centered categories	Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on advertising purchases with social media and search engines; cable, internet and phone services; and shipping and travel purchases (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1 point per dollar). Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.	$95
Citi® / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)	American Airlines loyalists	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.	Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on the following categories: cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, eligible American Airlines purchases, gas stations and telecommunications merchants. Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card	Marriott loyalists	Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 22.	Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Marriott hotels. Earn 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. shipping purchases and on U.S. wireless telephone service purchases. Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.	$125 (see rates and fees)
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)	Earning simple cash back	Earn $900 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	Earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027. Earn 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.	$0
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card	Hilton loyalists	Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 14.	Earn 12 points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases (up to $100,000 each calendar year, then 3 points per dollar thereafter).	$195 (see rates and fees)
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express	Earning a lot of American Express Membership Rewards points	Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.	Earn 2 points per dollar spent on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter.	$0 (see rates and fees)

The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best business and personal credit card combinations

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $1,845.

Annual fee: $95.

Why I like it: Although you need to be under 5/24 to be approved for this card, the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card won’t count toward this rule. Plus, it earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points in a variety of bonus categories that appeal to business owners, and these points can be transferred to one of Chase’s 14 hotel and airline partners (13 partners after Oct. 16).

You’ll also enjoy perks like primary car rental insurance when renting for business and cellphone protection. If your business spends heavily in this card’s bonus categories, this card can be a powerful addition to your wallet despite its annual fee.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.

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Related: 5 reasons to get the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.

Based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $1,163.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter.

Why I like it: Regardless of whether you fly American frequently, you can find great value in this card’s welcome bonus because the carrier is a member of the Oneworld alliance. Many great redemption options exist for anyone who can find the sweet spots in the AAdvantage program.

For example, TPG credit cards writer Danyal Ahmed recently booked three Japan Airlines business-class seats for his family to travel from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for 60,000 AAdvantage miles each.

For those who prefer American for their travels, you’ll enjoy perks like a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, 25% off inflight purchases and the ability to earn a companion certificate after renewing your card and spending $30,000 or more in a cardholder year.

To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Business Mastercard.

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Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business  World Elite Mastercard

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Related: What credit score do you need to get the Citi / AAdvantage Business  World Elite Mastercard?

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Welcome offer: Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 22.

Based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $875.

Annual fee: $125.

Why I like it: Another solid option is the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card, as it has a generous welcome bonus. With the Bonvoy Business Amex, you’ll get complimentary Gold Elite status, which includes perks like 25% bonus earnings on Marriott stays and 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability).

As a cardmember, you’ll also receive a free night award certificate every year after your card renewal month and other Marriott perks. Chase Ultimate Rewards points also transfer to Marriott, so this is a great card to pair with your existing Chase accounts.

Marriott has over 9,300 properties worldwide, including many great hotels where you can use free night certificates. That includes the Sheraton Denarau Villas, where I previously redeemed a certificate.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Bonvoy Business Amex.

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Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

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Related: Here’s why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn $900 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0.

Why I like it: The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase, perfect for those who like simplicity with earnings.

Plus, if you pair this card with a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), you can pool your Ink Business Unlimited rewards and have access to Chase’s transfer partners for maximum redemption value.

If you prefer a simple, no-frills approach to earning cash back, this card is a great option to stay under 5/24 without paying an annual fee.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.

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Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

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Related: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Welcome offer: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 14.

Based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $875.

Annual fee: $195.

Why I like it: If you stay at Hilton hotels frequently and are in the market for a cobranded hotel card for your business, the Hilton Honors Amex Business is a solid option.

It has a simple earnings structure. You’ll earn 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases for the first $100,000 in spending per calendar year (then 3 points per dollar thereafter).

Plus, cardmembers receive automatic Hilton Gold status and National Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment in the Emerald Club program is required).

To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex Business.

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Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on the card in the first three months of card membership.

Based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $300.

Annual fee: $0.

Why I like it: Reaching minimum spending requirements for welcome bonuses can be difficult for small businesses without high annual spending. However, The Blue Business Plus has a welcome offer that’s attainable for most businesses, regardless of their annual spending.

Additionally, if you value simplicity with earnings, this card is a great fit. You’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases for the first $50,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar after.

If your business spends less than $50,000 each year, this card is an excellent choice. Plus, you’ll earn Membership Rewards points and have access to Amex’s roster of 20 hotel and airline partners.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Blue Business Plus.

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Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

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Related: Amex Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus: The battle of the blues

Things to consider when applying

Pretty much any business credit card can help you continue to earn welcome bonuses while staying under 5/24. Keep in mind, though, that other issuers have their own restrictions in place that might affect your approval.

Fortunately, you don’t need a traditional business to apply for a business credit card. Whether you walk dogs on the side, drive for Uber or run your own reselling business, you’re eligible to apply for a business card.

Additionally, you may be wondering why no Capital One business cards are on this list. That’s because all Capital One business cards count toward your 5/24 status except the ones with no preset spending limits, the Capital One Venture X Business and the Capital One Spark Cash Plus.

Remember to keep business and personal expenses separate whenever possible. Business cards do not have the same consumer protections as personal cards, and mixed expenses can get messy during tax season.

Plus, some issuers frown on using your business card for personal expenses and may close your account for doing so.

Related: Reasons to get a business credit card

Bottom line

While Chase cards offer real long-term value for cardholders, it diligently monitors account applications. If you get approved for too many cards in a short period of time, you could risk getting future applications for Chase cards denied.

Business cards can come in handy when you’re trying to avoid the pitfall of Chase’s 5/24 rule. If you time your applications correctly, you can space out your personal card applications while still earning points and miles by applying for a business card.

That way, you’re not locking yourself out of opportunities to earn valuable bonuses on Chase’s consumer cards.

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Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Card from American Express

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For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Plus, click here.

As credit card annual fees continue to climb, it’s natural to start questioning how much value you’re getting from adding a new card to your wallet. This is especially true since multiple cards out there charge no annual fee.

However, there can be solid reasons to pay an annual fee. Many popular rewards cards come with an annual fee but provide outsize value in the form of statement credits, welcome bonuses and other quantifiable perks.

Let’s examine our top cards, which actually provide more than $1,000 in value in your first year of card membership.

Methodology

Here are the four factors we considered to arrive at these values:

• Welcome offer: We assigned a dollar amount to a card’s welcome offer based on TPG’s September 2025 valuations.
• Annual statement credits: We counted credits toward travel, dining, resort stays and other categories.
• Quantifiable perks and benefits: We added benefits that can be assigned a specific dollar amount. This means we excluded factors that aren’t as quantifiable, such as lounge access and elite status. We also excluded anniversary benefits that only apply to the second year of card membership.
• Annual fee: We subtracted the annual fee from the card’s overall value. Even after subtracting this amount, all the cards listed still provide more than $1,000 in first-year value.

Finally, note that just because a card didn’t make this list doesn’t mean it can’t provide this type of value. Cards not on this list provide value on a case-by-case basis.

Related: Are premium credit cards worth the annual fee?

Cards that provide $1,000-plus in first-year value

Card	Welcome offer value*	Total potential first-year value	Annual fee	Net first-year value
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	$4,000	Up to $7,209	$895 (see rates and fees)	Up to $6,314
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Up to $3,500	Up to $6,704	$895 (see rates and fees)	Up to $5,809
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)	$4,100	$6,240	$795	$5,445
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)	$2,563	$4,873	$795	$4,078
American Express® Gold Card	Up to $2,000	Up to $2,424	$325 (see rates and fees)	Up to $2,099
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card	$1,845	$1,845	$95	$1,750
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees)	$1,520	Up to $2,340	$595	Up to $1,745
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)	$1,538	$1,804	$95	$1,709
Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card	$1,875	$1,995	$395	$1,600
United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees)	$910	$1,920	$350	$1,570
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	$1,388	Up to $1,508	$95	Up to $1,413
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	$1,388	Up to $1,808	$395	Up to $1,413
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	$750	$1,559	$550 (see rates and fees)	$1,009

*The welcome offer value is determined using TPG’s September 2025 valuations and is not provided by or reviewed by the issuer.

The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Now that we’ve introduced the 13 cards providing at least $1,000 in first-year value, let’s dive into the specifics to help you decide which is best for you.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

For small-business owners, The Business Platinum Card from American Express can yield a ton of value in the first year, thanks to the array of perks on the card.

Most benefits come as statement credits, many of which specifically connect to business-related expenses.

**Enrollment is required.
^^Eligible charges vary by property.

• Total potential first-year value: Up to $7,209
• Annual fee: $895
• Net first-year value: Up to $6,314

Along with its quantifiable benefits, the Amex Business Platinum provides elite status with Marriott and Hilton (enrollment is required) and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes access to more than 1,400 lounges.

Plus, high-spending business owners could unlock valuable perks. You can earn up to $1,200 in statement credits for flights booked through amextravel.com and up to $2,400 in One AP statement credits (subject to auto-renewal)after spending $250,000 on eligible purchases. This is valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 the calendar year after the $250,000 spending threshold is met.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.

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Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

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The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express is one of the best travel cards available for luxury travelers because of its extensive lineup of perks.

These quantifiable benefits are only part of the equation.

**Enrollment is required.
^Add your qualifying Amex card to your Uber account and pay with any Amex card.
^^Eligible charges vary by property.

• Total potential first-year value: Up to $6,704
• Annual fee: $895
• Net first-year value: Up to $5,809

Like its business counterpart, the Amex Platinum also grants lounge access and Marriott and Hilton elite status (enrollment required). You’ll also receive rental car privileges, access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, travel and purchase protections and access to the Amex Platinum concierge.

Keep in mind, our calculations did not include the value of these perks since they are not quantifiable.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.

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Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express

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Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

In 2025, Chase introduced its premium business card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, oriented toward high-spending business owners who could maximize the multiple credits offered by the product.

Many of the benefits are statement credits toward purchases that business owners may find themselves making.

• Total potential first-year value: $6,240
• Annual fee: $795
• Net first-year value: $5,445

The Sapphire Reserve for Business also offers lounge access, IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status through Dec. 31, 2027, and Visa Infinite purchase protection and travel insurance perks.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

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Chase Sapphire Reserve

The premium Chase Sapphire Reserve was revamped in 2025 to include a long list of new statement credits that help offset the card’s high $795 annual fee.

Still, the Sapphire Reserve’s annual travel credit is one of the most flexible credits available, making it easy to maximize that part of its first-year value.

• Total potential first-year value: $4,873
• Annual fee: $795
• Net first-year value: $4,078

Note that this calculation does not include perks like lounge access and complimentary IHG One Platinum elite status, as these are difficult to quantify.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

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American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card is one of the best cards out there for foodies because of its dining-focused perks.

Here’s what to know about this solid Membership Rewards-earning card.

**Enrollment is required. Terms apply.
^Add your qualifying Amex card to your Uber account and pay with any Amex card.

• Total potential first-year value: $2,424
• Annual fee: $325
• Net first-year value: $2,099

This card can provide some serious value if you’re willing to use all of the credits and make the most of the welcome bonus.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.

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Apply here: American Express Gold Card

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Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

In addition to the fantastic welcome bonus offered by the Ink Business Preferred, this card’s primary value is its earning structure.

Regardless, the Chase Ultimate Rewards points you’ll receive from the welcome bonus catapult this card’s first-year value to over $1,000.

• Total potential first-year value: $1,845
• Annual fee: $95
• Net first-year value: $1,750

Here are the related earning rates, which could be beneficial depending on your spending habits:

• 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in the following categories each account anniversary year: travel, shipping, advertising, internet, cable and phone services
• 1 point per dollar spent on everything else

Value from the earning structure can be hard to quantify since it depends entirely on your spending habits.

This card only charges a $95 annual fee, making it easy to consider keeping it for the long term.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.

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Citi Strata Elite Card

Citi launched its latest premium travel card, the Citi Strata Elite Card, in 2025, with a solid list of quantifiable perks and statement credits.

Here’s what to know about the card:

• Total potential first-year value: Up to $2,340
• Annual fee: $595
• Net first-year value: Up to $1,745

The Strata Elite’s quantifiable benefits don’t include the card’s four Admirals Club Citi Strata Elite passes each calendar year, Priority Pass membership and solid points earning in multiple bonus categories.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Elite.

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Apply here: Citi Strata Elite Card

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best cards for beginners.

Much of the value of the Sapphire Preferred comes from its welcome bonus. However, that’s not the only quantifiable benefit for its $95 annual fee.

• Total potential first-year value: $1,804
• Annual fee: $95
• Net first-year value: $1,709

You’ll also receive a 10% points bonus on your cardmember anniversary based on the total amount you spent in the previous year. However, since the value of this perk depends on your spending activity, it’s not included in the above calculation.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

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Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card

The announcement of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines loyalists came with the rollout of the premium Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card.

Here’s what to know about this excellent airline card:

• Total potential first-year value: $1,995
• Annual fee: $395
• Net first-year value: $1,600

This card provides solid first-year value along with a suite of non-quantifiable benefits, such as eight Alaska lounge passes per year (two per calendar quarter), a quick path to Alaska elite status and stellar earnings on purchases abroad.

To learn more, read our full review of the Atmos Rewards Summit card.

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Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card

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United Quest Card

The United Quest Card offers multiple perks that send its first-year value over $1,000.

Here’s what to know about this airline credit card:

• Total potential first-year value: $1,920
• Annual fee: $350
• Net first-year value: $1,570

Certain non-quantifiable perks, like the PQPs included in the welcome offer, earned through spending and annual PQP boost, are not included in the card’s value here. However, if you frequently fly with United and are working toward status, these benefits could take the card over the edge.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Quest Card.

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Apply here: United Quest Card

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Capital One Venture Rewards Card

While the Venture Rewards card doesn’t have a long list of benefits, it offers a strong welcome bonus relative to its annual fee.

Transferring your miles to one of Capital One’s 15-plus loyalty partners is the best way to maximize your rewards.

• Total potential first-year value: Up to $1,508
• Annual fee: $95
• Net first-year value: Up to $1,413

This card’s benefits are similar to those of the Venture X. It’s important to weigh the value you’ll receive with the lower annual fee Venture Rewards compared to the premium option.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.

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Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Venture X makes a splash in the premium cards space thanks to its non-quantifiable lounge access perks for a more modest annual fee compared to other similar options.

Let’s tally up the value you could receive from this travel card.

• Total potential first-year value: $1,808
• Annual fee: $395
• Net first-year value: Up to $1,413

Venture X cardholders also receive complimentary cellphone protection, access to Capital One’s Premier Collection of luxury hotels, Hertz President’s Circle elite status**** and trip cancellation and interruption insurance as a Visa Infinite card.

Note that this calculation omitted the 10,000 bonus miles that you’ll receive every account anniversary since this perk doesn’t begin until you renew your card, so it’s technically a benefit in year two.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture X.

****Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note that enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

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Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors Aspire is the top-tier card in the Hilton cobranded card lineup.

If you stay with Hilton regularly, the card’s benefits can be very valuable.

**Enrollment is required.

• Total potential first-year value: $1,559
• Annual fee: $550
• Net first-year value: $1,009

In addition to the quantifiable benefits listed, you’ll also get complimentary Hilton Diamond status, a free night each year (plus a second if you spend $30,000 in a calendar year and a third if you spend $60,000 on your card in a calendar year) and complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment required).

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Aspire Card.

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Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

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Bottom line

Many popular travel credit cards can get you well over $1,000 in value in just the first year of card membership. This guide lists the dollar values of benefits when they were easily available. However, many perks are more subjective.

If you have a card where you spend a lot each year within its bonus categories, you can easily get more than $1,000 in value from a card just based on spending alone. But if you aren’t taking full advantage of the benefits offered by a card (such as lounge access, yearly statement credits or elite status), you could get less value from a specific card, as it isn’t suited to your needs.

Hopefully, this gives you a starting point to see which cards offer $1,000 or more in value in the first year to those who can use the benefits to their fullest.

Related: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using each month

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For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The American Express Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, click here.