Best first credit cards for churning (under 5/24)
If you’re new to earning sign-up bonuses, the order you apply matters. The single most important rule is Chase 5/24: once you’ve opened 5+ personal cards (from any bank) in 24 months, Chase stops approving you. So most experienced churners get the cards they want from Chase first, while their count is low.
Below are strong starter cards — high value relative to their spend and (mostly) beginner-friendly. Run your numbers through the eligibility checker first so you don’t waste a 5/24 slot on the wrong card.
| # | Card | Bonus | Est. value | Min. spend | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IHG One Rewards Premier Chase | 185,000 points | ~$1,751 | $6,000 / 6mo | $99 |
| 2 | Sapphire Reserve Chase | 150,000 points | ~$1,455 | $6,000 / 3mo | $795 |
| 3 | Southwest Personal Cards Chase | 85,000 points | ~$1,275 | $3,000 / 3mo | — |
| 4 | IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card Chase | 125,000 points | ~$1,250 | $4,000 / 6mo | None |
| 5 | Iberia Visa Signature® Card Chase | 90,000 miles | ~$1,075 | $5,000 / 3mo | $95 |
| 6 | Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card Chase | 90,000 miles | ~$1,075 | $5,000 / 3mo | $95 |
| 7 | British Airways Visa Signature® Card Chase | 90,000 miles | ~$1,075 | $5,000 / 3mo | $95 |
| 8 | Rewards Credit Card Northwest Federal Credit Union | 50,000 points | ~$1,000 | $5,000 / 4mo | — |
| 9 | United Explorer Chase | 85,000 miles | ~$955 | $3,000 / 3mo | $150 |
| 10 | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Chase | 80,000 miles | ~$941 | $1,000 / 3mo | $99 |
| 11 | Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Chase | 50,000 points | ~$905 | $3,000 / 3mo | $95 |
| 12 | Sapphire Preferred Chase | 100,000 points | ~$905 | $5,000 / 3mo | $95 |
| 13 | JP Morgan Reserve Credit Card Chase | 100,000 points | ~$905 | $4,000 / 3mo | $595 |
| 14 | Hilton Honors American Express Card American Express | 80,000 points | ~$800 | $2,000 / 6mo | None |
| 15 | Aeroplan Card Chase | 85,000 points | ~$755 | $4,000 / 3mo | $95 |
Don’t apply blind — the biggest reason applications get denied is issuer eligibility rules. Check which of these you can actually get →
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Values are estimates based on our point valuations and current offers, which change frequently. See how we value rewards. Verify terms on the issuer’s site before applying.