Great news for travel hackers and points enthusiasts — Cardless has officially dropped its infamous “one card per lifetime” rule. If you’ve been holding back on applying for another Cardless product because of this restriction, the game has changed.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- How we confirmed the rule change
- What the new Cardless application guidelines are
- Strategic tips for applying
- Final thoughts for rewards cardholders
What Is Cardless?
For those unfamiliar, Cardless is a fintech credit card issuer (like Chase or Citi, but without physical branches). They’re known for niche co-branded cards with international airlines, sports teams, and more. Until recently, their biggest drawback was a harsh limitation: one card per customer, forever.
That Rule Is Officially Gone
Recently, ToP Blog tested the waters. Already holding the Qatar Airways Cardless card, he decided to apply for the Avianca Cardless card — fully expecting to be denied. But to his surprise, he got approved!
To verify whether this was a fluke, he reached out directly to Cardless customer support, who confirmed the change:
“We now support opening a second Cardless card… You’re welcome to apply and be considered for another card.”
New Cardless Application Rules
While the old rule is gone, Cardless has implemented new application criteria to ensure fair use:
✅ You must wait 60 days after your most recent approval to apply again
✅ If you were recently declined, wait 45 days before applying again
✅ You can only hold one card per brand (e.g., one Qatar, one Avianca)
✅ You cannot apply for the same card you already have or had
These changes are far more reasonable and align Cardless more closely with industry standards.
What About a Limit on Total Cards?
The email response didn’t mention a specific total card cap (e.g., only two cards max). However, based on the phrasing, it’s possible that a soft cap exists. We’ll be monitoring new reports from cardholders and updating this post as more data rolls in.
Important Tip: These Are Personal Cards
It’s worth noting that all Cardless credit cards are personal accounts, meaning they count toward your Chase 5/24 status. If you’re trying to stay under that limit for Chase approvals, time your applications strategically.
Final Thoughts: Why This Change Matters
This is a huge win for the miles & points community. As Cardless continues to expand partnerships — especially with international airlines — being able to pick up multiple cards increases the earning potential significantly.
We’ll continue to keep an eye on additional rule changes or caps as Cardless evolves. In the meantime, it might be time to revisit your strategy and see if a second Cardless card fits into your travel rewards plan.