Rules · Chase · Welcome bonus eligibility
Chase: Ink business cards, once per lifetime
The Ink Business Preferred bonus is once per lifetime, and the no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited share one lifetime bonus between them.
In the issuer's terms The issuer states this, in a card's terms or an official statement.
What counts, and what doesn't
Applies to: Ink Business Preferred, Ink Business Cash, Ink Business Unlimited
“The new cardmember bonus may not be available to you if you have ever had this card.”
From the card's terms
- The two families don't cross: having had the Ink Business Preferred doesn't block the Ink Business Cash or Unlimited bonus, or the other way round.
- Applicants report the language isn't always enforced. Chase shows a notice during the application if you won't get the bonus.
- Ink cards still need you to be under 5/24 to be approved.
Recently changed. Lifetime language reached the Ink Business Preferred in November 2025, after the no-annual-fee Inks.
Sources
- Doctor of Credit: Chase Ink Preferred now includes once per lifetime language
- Frequent Miler: Chase adds lifetime language to Ink cards
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 Chase rules
The 5/24 ruleReported by applicants
Chase will usually decline you for a new card if you have opened 5 or more personal credit cards, with any bank, in the last 24 months.
Two cards in 30 daysReported by applicants
Chase usually approves no more than 2 personal cards in any 30 days, and no more than 1 business card in 30 days.
The 24-month bonus ruleIn the issuer's terms
On most Chase cards you can earn the welcome bonus only if you don't have that card now and haven't received its bonus in the last 24 months.
Sapphire bonus, once per cardIn the issuer's terms
You can earn the welcome bonus on each Sapphire card once, as long as you have never earned that card's bonus before. Holding the other Sapphire card no longer stops you.
Southwest personal cardsIn the issuer's terms
You can't earn the bonus on a personal Southwest card if you have any personal Southwest card now, or received a personal Southwest card bonus in the last 24 months.
IHG personal cardsIn the issuer's terms
You can't earn the bonus on a personal IHG card if you received a bonus on any personal IHG card in the last 24 months, and you can't hold two of the same IHG card.