Could also apply for and open a no annual fee Blue Business Plus card, which earns 2x MR on everything (max $50K) and will keep MR alive as long as the card account is open and will not affect Chase 5/24.

Gold credit card account can be closed up to 30 days after the annual fee posts without adverse consequences. If the annual fee is paid prior to those 30 days, perhaps due to making payment prior to payment due date, the annual fee will be refunded if the account is closed within those 30 days.