BonusCeilingHow long to wait between credit card bonuses (October 2026)
Short answer: it depends on the issuer. Amex welcome offers are generally once per lifetime per card, Capital One Venture bonuses are once per 48 months, U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is once per five years, many Chase co-brand cards reset after 24 months, and some Chase and Citi cards say you may not get the bonus if you've ever had the card. On top of that, Chase 5/24 and Bank of America 2/3/4 limit how fast you can open new cards. The table covers all 50 cards we track.
By Tyler Kelly · Updated · Offers checked
Waiting periods by rule
| Rule | Issuer | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex once-per-lifetime | American Express | Amex terms: you may not be eligible for a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card. Amex tells you before the hard pull if you're ineligible ('pop-up'). | issuer terms |
| Amex card families | American Express | Some terms include related cards, e.g. Gold terms list Platinum: holding Platinum first can block the Gold bonus. Hilton Surpass terms include Ascend. | issuer terms |
| Capital One 48 months | Capital One | Venture X: not eligible if you received a bonus on this product in the past 48 months. Venture: not eligible if you received a bonus on Venture or Venture X in the past 48 months. | issuer terms |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect 5 years | U.S. Bank | Not eligible if you received a new account bonus for this product in the last five years. | issuer terms |
| Chase co-brand 24 months | Chase | Many Chase co-brand cards: available if you don't have the card and haven't received its bonus in the past 24 months. | issuer terms |
| Sapphire bonus eligibility | Chase | Chase Sapphire pages: unavailable if you currently have the card; bonus may not be available if you previously held it or received its bonus. | issuer terms |
| Ink Preferred 'ever had' language | Chase | 'The new cardmember bonus may not be available to you if you have ever had this card.' | issuer terms |
| Citi Strata Premier (formerly 48-month rule) | Citi | Citi historically used a 48-month rule. Current Strata Premier page: not available if you currently have or previously had a Strata Premier or Premier account (no time limit). | issuer terms |
| Marriott cross-issuer rules | Chase | Complex 30-day / 90-day / 24-month windows across Chase and Amex Marriott cards. Read the offer details. | issuer terms |
| Chase 5/24 | Chase | Widely reported (not officially published): Chase usually denies applicants who opened 5+ personal cards from any bank in the past 24 months. Most business cards from other banks don't count; Chase business cards are still subject to it. Chase pages say only that it 'may consider the number of cards you have opened and closed'. | community-reported, not published by the issuer |
| BofA 2/3/4 (community-reported) | Bank of America | Community-reported guideline: max 2 new BofA cards per 2 months, 3 per 12 months, 4 per 24 months. Not published by the issuer; treat as approximate. | community-reported, not published by the issuer |
Every card we track: how long before you can earn the bonus again
Restated in plain English from the rules above. Your issuer's terms are what count, so always read the offer details before you apply.
| Card | Wait before earning this bonus again | Application limits | Current offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| American ExpressAmerican Express Business Gold Card | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | As high as 200,000 points after $15,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies) |
| American ExpressAmerican Express Gold Card | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card; Card family: having had a related card can also block this bonus (see the terms) | None verified | As high as 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) |
| American ExpressBlue Business Cash Card from American Express | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | As high as $500 statement credit after $5,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies) |
| American ExpressBlue Business Plus Card from American Express | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | As high as 50,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies) |
| American ExpressBlue Cash Everyday Card from American Express | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | As high as $200 cash back after $2,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) |
| American ExpressBlue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | $300 cash back after $3,000 spend in 6 months |
| American ExpressDelta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | As high as 80,000 miles + $250 statement credit after $3,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies; credit part ends Nov 4, 2026) |
| American ExpressDelta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | As high as 90,000 miles + $300 statement credit after $4,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies; credit part ends Nov 4, 2026) |
| American ExpressHilton Honors American Express Card | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | 70,000 points + Free Night Reward after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| American ExpressHilton Honors American Express Surpass | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card; Card family: having had a related card can also block this bonus (see the terms) | None verified | 130,000 points + Free Night Reward after $3,000 spend in 6 months |
| American ExpressMarriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card; Marriott cross-issuer 30-day / 90-day / 24-month windows (read the offer details) | None verified | 85,000 points after $5,000 spend in 6 months |
| American ExpressThe Business Platinum Card from American Express | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card | None verified | As high as 300,000 points after $20,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies) |
| American ExpressThe Platinum Card from American Express | Once per lifetime: you may not be eligible if you have or have had this card; Card family: having had a related card can also block this bonus (see the terms) | None verified | As high as 175,000 points after $12,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) |
| Bank of AmericaAtmos Rewards Ascent Visa (Alaska Airlines) | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | BofA 2/3/4 (community-reported) | 50,000 points + $99 Companion Fare after $1,500 spend in 90 days |
| Bank of AmericaBank of America Customized Cash Rewards | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | BofA 2/3/4 (community-reported) | $200 after $1,000 spend in 90 days |
| Bank of AmericaBank of America Premium Rewards | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | BofA 2/3/4 (community-reported) | 60,000 points ($600 value) after $4,000 spend in 90 days |
| Bank of AmericaBank of America Travel Rewards | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | BofA 2/3/4 (community-reported) | 25,000 points ($250 value) after $1,000 spend in 90 days |
| BiltBilt Palladium Card | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | 50,000 points + Gold status + $300 Bilt Cash after $4,000 spend (not rent/mortgage) in 90 days |
| Capital OneCapital One Quicksilver | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Capital OneCapital One Savor | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Capital OneCapital One Spark Cash Plus | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | $2,000 after $30,000 spend in 3 months |
| Capital OneCapital One Venture | 48 months since a bonus on Venture or Venture X | None verified | 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months + $300 Capital One Travel stays credit |
| Capital OneCapital One Venture X | 48 months since a bonus on Venture X | None verified | 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
| Capital OneCapital One Venture X Business | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | 150,000 miles after $30,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseChase Aeroplan Card | 24 months since you received this card's bonus (and you can't currently have the card) | Chase 5/24 | Up to 115,000 points: 75,000 after $4,000 spend in 3 months, plus 40,000 after $20,000 spend in 12 months |
| ChaseChase Freedom Flex | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | $250 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseChase Freedom Unlimited | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseChase Ink Business Cash | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | $750 (75,000 points) after $6,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseChase Ink Business Preferred | May not be available if you have ever had this card (no time limit) | Chase 5/24 | 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseChase Ink Business Unlimited | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | $750 (75,000 points) after $6,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseChase Sapphire Preferred | No time window stated: not available while you have the card; may not be available if you previously held it or received its bonus | Chase 5/24 | 75,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseChase Sapphire Reserve | No time window stated: not available while you have the card; may not be available if you previously held it or received its bonus | Chase 5/24 | 100,000 points after $6,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseChase Sapphire Reserve for Business | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | 200,000 points after $30,000 spend in 6 months |
| ChaseIHG One Rewards Premier | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | 180,000 points after $3,000 spend in 3 months + 10,000 for adding an authorized user |
| ChaseMarriott Bonvoy Boundless | Marriott cross-issuer 30-day / 90-day / 24-month windows (read the offer details) | Chase 5/24 | 3 Free Night Awards (up to 50,000 points each) after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseSouthwest Rapid Rewards Plus | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | 50,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseSouthwest Rapid Rewards Priority | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | 60,000 points after $2,000 spend in 3 months |
| ChaseUnited Explorer Card | 24 months since you received this card's bonus (and you can't currently have the card) | Chase 5/24 | 70,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months + 10,000 for adding an authorized user |
| ChaseUnited Quest Card | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | 80,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months, plus 500 PQP after first purchase + 10,000 for adding an authorized user |
| ChaseWorld of Hyatt Credit Card | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | Chase 5/24 | Up to 60,000 points: 30,000 after $3,000 spend in 3 months, plus up to 30,000 more (2X on up to $15,000 in 6 months) |
| CitiCiti / AAdvantage Platinum Select | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | 80,000 miles after $3,500 spend in 4 months |
| CitiCiti Double Cash | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | $200 after $1,500 spend in 6 months |
| CitiCiti Strata Elite | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | 75,000 points after $6,000 spend in 3 months |
| CitiCiti Strata Premier | Not available if you currently have or previously had Strata Premier or Premier (no time limit) | None verified | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
| DiscoverDiscover it Cash Back | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year (no minimum spend) |
| DiscoverDiscover it Miles | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | Unlimited Miles Match: Discover matches all miles earned in your first year (no minimum spend) |
| U.S. BankU.S. Bank Altitude Connect | 5 years since you received this card's new account bonus | None verified | 20,000 points after $1,000 spend in 90 days |
| Wells FargoWells Fargo Active Cash | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | $100 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Wells FargoWells Fargo Autograph | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | 20,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months |
| Wells FargoWells Fargo Autograph Journey | No card-specific waiting period verified in our data; read the offer terms | None verified | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to wait between credit card bonuses?
It depends on the issuer and the card. In the terms we track: Amex welcome offers are generally once per lifetime per card; Capital One Venture and Venture X bonuses are limited to once per 48 months; U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is limited to once per five years; Chase co-brand cards with 24-month language (in our data: United Explorer Card, Chase Aeroplan Card) allow a new bonus 24 months after the last one; Chase Sapphire, Chase Ink Business Preferred and Citi Strata Premier terms say the bonus may not be available if you've had the card before, with no time limit stated.
Can you get the same credit card bonus twice?
Sometimes. Time-based rules (Chase co-brand 24 months, Capital One 48 months, U.S. Bank five years) let you earn a card's bonus again once enough time has passed since you received it. Amex's once-per-lifetime language and the 'ever had' or 'previously held' language on some Chase and Citi cards make a repeat bonus unlikely.
Does closing a card reset the waiting period?
Not for the rules we track. Time-based rules count from when you received the bonus, and Amex, Citi Strata Premier, Chase Sapphire and Chase Ink Business Preferred terms refer to having had the card at all, so closing it doesn't help.
How long should I wait between Chase applications?
Chase has no published waiting period between applications, but the widely reported 5/24 rule means Chase usually denies applicants who opened 5 or more personal cards from any bank in the past 24 months. Some Chase cards also carry their own 24-month or prior-cardholder rules (see the table).
Is there a limit on how many Bank of America cards I can open?
Community-reported guideline: max 2 new BofA cards per 2 months, 3 per 12 months, 4 per 24 months. Not published by the issuer; treat as approximate.
What if a card has no waiting rule listed?
13 cards in our data have no prior-cardholder rule we could verify. That doesn't mean there isn't one; read the offer terms on the issuer page before applying.