Bonvoy 1/24

Understanding the Bonvoy 1/24 rule:

Bonvoy rules can be challenging to understand. Reading them is sometimes like a logic puzzle, but if you consider the history, it isn't quite so bad. Before merging into Bonvoy, both Marriott and Starwood (SPG) had each built their own brands, complete with their own loyalty cards and bank relationships. When they merged, they didn't want to abandon those relationships. But they also wanted to prevent abuse of their point system. If you think of Bonvoy as allowing you only one of several variations of a business and a personal card, things get much simpler.

To keep all of their card offerings, however, they created a myriad of rules to mimic what most other companies do by just having fewer card offerings.

Basically, they don't want you to have more than one card bonus (of any kind) within 24 months. Additionally they won't let you have more than one business or one personal card. One additional layer of complexity for Bonvoy is this: You're also restricted by Amex's once per lifetime (1/10) rule, which in this case applies across similar and old versions of the cards. Put another way, your allowed only one Amex personal and one business Bonvoy card per "lifetime".

Here's a simple 4-part breakdown to understand the Bonvoy rule:

1. You can hold only one personal and one business Bonvoy card at a time (one of each is ok)
2. Wait at least 30 days after cancelling one Bonvoy card before applying for another
3. Wait 24 months from the last Bonvoy BONUS (of any kind) before applying again *
4. Chase and Amex application rules also apply to their brand cards, including 5/24 for Chase and 1/10 for Amex

* If you read the actual rules, Bonvoy separately covers both the 90 days where you haven't yet received your bonus, and the 24 months after you have received it

Ok, so that is still a bit complicated, but it should keep you clear of any rules violations if you adhere to all four points. As always, if you load your card history, we'll keep track of the rules for you.

About Approval Rules

Collecting credit card points is largely driven by understanding and abiding by bank rules regarding approval (or disapproval) of cards.  So here’s what you need to know:

• Approval rules are rarely fully publicized by the banks
• We use our own research and data points from other users in creating the rules listing
• Our goal in sharing/using the rule listings is to provide you guidance to avoid getting declined
• There can sometimes be exceptions to the rules, but we try to take a more cautious approach in advising you.