Barclays: The 6/24 rule
Barclays may decline you if you have opened 6 or more cards, with any bank, in the last 24 months, though it applies this unevenly.
Reported by applicants The issuer has never stated this. It is a pattern many applicants have reported, consistent enough to plan around, but not a guarantee.
What counts, and what doesn't
Applies to: Barclays cards
- Applicants also report Barclays prefers about 6 months between its own cards.
Sources
- Frequent Miler: Complete guide to credit card application rules by bank (Feb 2026)
- Thrifty Traveler: Credit card application rules, bank by bank (Jan 2026)
Issuers can approve, decline or withhold a bonus for any reason. These rules describe what usually happens, not a promise of what will. Last verified September 26, 2026.
More Barclays rules
24 months, and the card closedIn the issuer's terms
To earn a Barclays card's bonus a second time, it must be more than 24 months since the last bonus on that card, and the card must be closed.