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, Citi and Wells Fargo use 48-month windows on many cards, Bank of America cards may not be available if you had the card in the past 24 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 |
| Capital One 48 months (Savor, Quicksilver) | Capital One | Capital One Savor and Quicksilver pages: existing or previous cardmembers are not eligible if they have received a new cardmember bonus for this product in the past 48 months. | issuer terms |
| Capital One business card holders | Capital One | Spark Cash Plus and Venture X Business pages: the bonus may not be available for existing or previous Capital One Business card holders. | issuer terms |
| Citi 48 months (Double Cash, AAdvantage Platinum Select) | Citi | Citi Double Cash and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select pages: the bonus is not available if you received a new account bonus for that card in the past 48 months, or converted another Citi card on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into it. | issuer terms |
| Wells Fargo 48 months | Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo card pages: 'You may not be eligible for introductory annual percentage rates, fees and/or rewards bonus offers if you have the card product you are applying for or opened one within the last 48 months from the date of the application, even if that account is closed and has a $0 balance.' | issuer terms |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect 5 years | U.S. Bank | U.S. Bank Altitude Connect page: 'Existing or previous U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature cardmembers are not eligible if you have 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 |
| Citi Strata Elite 'ever had' | Citi | Citi Strata Elite page: 'New account bonus offer is not available if you currently have or previously had a Citi Strata Elite account.' Citi adds that you may not be eligible based on your history of opening, closing and using credit cards. | 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 |
| BofA 24 months (have or had the card) | Bank of America | Bank of America offer terms for Premium Rewards, Customized Cash Rewards, Travel Rewards and Atmos Rewards Ascent: 'This card may not be available to you if you currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24 month period.' The Atmos Rewards Ascent terms add: 'This does not apply to the business credit card product.' | issuer terms |
| BofA one bonus per new account (no conversions) | Bank of America | Bank of America offer terms for the same four cards: 'This one-time promotion is limited to customers opening a new account in response to this offer and will not apply to requests to convert existing accounts.' Each also limits the offer to one per new account (Premium Rewards: 'Limit 1 bonus points offer per new account.'). | issuer terms |
| Discover it Cash Back 48 months ($200 bonus) | Discover | Discover it Cash Back page, on its $200 bonus statement credit offer: 'Existing or previous cardmembers may not be eligible for this bonus if they have received a new cardmember bonus for this product in the past 48 months.' | issuer terms |
| Discover match: new cardholders only | Discover | Discover it Cash Back (Cashback Match) and Discover it Miles (Discover Match) pages: 'This promotional offer may not be available in the future and is exclusively for new cardholders.' No time window is stated. | issuer terms |
| Bilt welcome bonus: never held a Bilt Card 2.0 | Bilt | Bilt Card Offer Terms (last updated September 18, 2026): 'Welcome bonuses are available only to those who do not currently hold a Bilt Card 2.0 issued by Column N.A., Member FDIC, have not previously held a Bilt Card 2.0 issued by Column N.A., Member FDIC and have not received a Bilt Card 2.0 issued by Column N.A., Member FDIC Welcome Bonus in the past.' The terms add: 'This restriction applies to Welcome Bonuses on newly opened Card Accounts.' | 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 | $200 cash back after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| 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) | Card may not be available if you have it now or had it in the preceding 24 months (counts from having the card); One bonus per new account; converting an existing account does not qualify (no time window stated) | 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 | Card may not be available if you have it now or had it in the preceding 24 months (counts from having the card); One bonus per new account; converting an existing account does not qualify (no time window stated) | BofA 2/3/4 (community-reported) | $200 after $1,000 spend in 90 days |
| Bank of AmericaBank of America Premium Rewards | Card may not be available if you have it now or had it in the preceding 24 months (counts from having the card); One bonus per new account; converting an existing account does not qualify (no time window stated) | 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 | Card may not be available if you have it now or had it in the preceding 24 months (counts from having the card); One bonus per new account; converting an existing account does not qualify (no time window stated) | BofA 2/3/4 (community-reported) | 25,000 points ($250 value) after $1,000 spend in 90 days |
| BiltBilt Palladium Card | Not available if you hold or ever held a Bilt Card 2.0 or received its welcome bonus (no time limit) | None verified | 50,000 points + Gold status + $300 Bilt Cash after $4,000 spend (not rent/mortgage) in 90 days |
| Capital OneCapital One Quicksilver | 48 months since a bonus on this card | None verified | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Capital OneCapital One Savor | 48 months since a bonus on this card | None verified | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Capital OneCapital One Spark Cash Plus | May not be available if you have or had any Capital One business card (no time limit stated) | 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 | May not be available if you have or had any Capital One business card (no time limit stated) | None verified | Up to 300,000 miles + $1,000 Capital One Business Travel credit: 150,000 after $40,000 spend in 4 months, plus another 150,000 miles and the $1,000 credit after $120,000 total spend in 4 months (limited-time offer) |
| 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 | 48 months since this card's bonus (including a bonus on a Citi card later converted into it) | None verified | 80,000 miles after $3,500 spend in 4 months |
| CitiCiti Double Cash | 48 months since this card's bonus (including a bonus on a Citi card later converted into it) | None verified | $200 after $1,500 spend in 6 months |
| CitiCiti Strata Elite | Not available if you currently have or previously had Strata Elite (no time limit) | 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 | 48 months since a new cardmember bonus on this card ($200 bonus offer); Match offer is exclusively for new cardholders (no time window stated) | None verified | $200 bonus statement credit after $500 spend in 3 months, plus Unlimited Cashback Match (Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year) |
| DiscoverDiscover it Miles | Match offer is exclusively for new cardholders (no time window stated) | 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 | Not eligible if you have this card or opened one in the last 48 months, even if it is now closed | None verified | $100 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Wells FargoWells Fargo Autograph | Not eligible if you have this card or opened one in the last 48 months, even if it is now closed | None verified | 20,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months |
| Wells FargoWells Fargo Autograph Journey | Not eligible if you have this card or opened one in the last 48 months, even if it is now closed | 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, Venture X, Savor and Quicksilver, Citi Double Cash and AAdvantage Platinum Select, and Wells Fargo's cards use 48-month windows, as does the Discover it Cash Back $200 bonus; U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is limited to once per five years; Bank of America's terms say the card may not be available if you have or had it in the preceding 24 months; Bilt's welcome bonus is only for people who have never held a Bilt Card 2.0; 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, Citi Strata Premier and Citi Strata Elite 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, Citi and Wells Fargo 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. Most time-based rules count from when you received the bonus (Wells Fargo's counts from when you opened the card, even if it's now closed), and Amex, Citi Strata Premier, Citi Strata Elite, 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?
Every card we track now has at least one rule we verified (as of October 26, 2026). Terms change, so read the offer details on the issuer page before applying.