What is Credit Card Churning?
Churning is the practice of signing up for credit cards primarily to earn their sign-up bonuses (often called SUBs), then closing or downgrading the cards and repeating the process with new cards.
A typical sign-up bonus might be "Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months" – worth $600–$1,200 depending on how you redeem. Multiply that across several cards per year, and you can easily earn $5,000-$10,000+ annually.
Key insight: Churning is 100% legal. Credit card companies offer these bonuses to acquire customers, knowing some people will maximize them. You're simply playing by the rules they set.
Is Churning Right for You?
Churning is great if you...
- Have good credit (700+)
- Pay your balance in full monthly
- Can track spending requirements
- Are organized and detail-oriented
- Won't be tempted to overspend
Avoid churning if you...
- Carry credit card debt
- Have poor/limited credit
- Are applying for a mortgage soon
- Can't resist spending temptations
- Don't want to track details
⚠️ Never carry a balance. Interest charges will wipe out any bonus value. Churning only makes sense if you pay in full every month.
How to Start Churning (Step by Step)
Check Your Credit Score
You'll need 700+ for most premium cards. Use Credit Karma or your bank's free score tool.
Learn the Rules
Each issuer has rules. Chase's 5/24 rule (denies if you've opened 5+ cards in 24 months) is the most important.
Pick Your First Card
Start with Chase cards (due to 5/24). The Chase Sapphire Preferred or Freedom Flex are popular first choices.
Meet the Spending Requirement
Use the card for normal expenses: bills, groceries, gas. Don't buy things just to hit the requirement.
Track Everything
Use Churning Hub to track bonuses, spending requirements, and your 5/24 count. Stay organized.
Rinse and Repeat
After earning the bonus, decide whether to keep, downgrade, or close the card. Then apply for the next one.
Important Rules to Know
Chase 5/24: Chase will deny most applications if you've opened 5+ personal cards (any issuer) in the past 24 months. This is why churners often start with Chase. Learn more →
Amex Once-Per-Lifetime: You can only earn each Amex bonus once per lifetime, so choose carefully when to get each card.
Annual Fees: Many premium cards have annual fees ($95-$695). Often waived the first year. Downgrade before year 2 if you don't want to pay.
How Much Can You Earn?
A conservative beginner might earn $2,000-$3,000 in their first year with 3-4 cards. Experienced churners regularly earn $5,000-$15,000+ annually by optimizing their applications and including bank bonuses.
Ready to Start Tracking?
Churning Hub helps you track bonuses, monitor 5/24, and see your total earnings. 100% free.
Start Tracking Free →Next Steps
Once you're comfortable with credit cards, expand to bank account bonuses, often $200–$500 each with easier requirements. Many churners earn as much from banks as from credit cards.