The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
This card is not open to new applicants and can only be obtained by product changing from a Chase Marriott card after one year. Despite the high $450 annual fee, the 85K free night award and various other perks can easily offset the cost, making it a strong keeper card for those loyal to the Marriott brand.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
This card isn’t available to new applicants. The only way to get it is by product changing from a Chase Marriott card after holding it for at least one year, which means no signup bonus. Most cardholders are Marriott loyalists who plan this upgrade in advance.
For those who make the switch, the card offers a strong set of benefits that can offset the high $450 annual fee:
- Annual 85,000-point free night award (can be topped up with 25,000 points)
- $300 annual airline incidental credit
- 3 Ritz-Carlton Club Level upgrade certificates each year
- Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Priority Pass Select membership and unlimited access to Chase Sapphire Lounges (with 2 guests; authorized users also get access with 2 guests and are free to add)
- $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- 15 Elite Night Credits each year
- $100 on-property credit for Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis stays (two-night minimum on qualifying rates)
Cardmembers also get strong travel protections comparable to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, along with solid earning rates:
- 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy properties
- 3x points on dining, car rentals, and airfare
- 2x points on all other purchases
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- You don’t stay at Marriott properties or value luxury hotel benefits
What to Know About Marriott Bonvoy
Their poor points redemption value leaves Bonvoy near the bottom of our rankings.
- There are multiple cards with great point transfer options. In theory, this is good.
- Finding a solid value for a Marriott stay is a challenge. A one night stay at desirable destinations can match the number of points from one card bonus.
- Values can be found, but they can be frustrating to find, so it isn’t a terrible system. It just doesn’t have the usefulness of many of the other hotel systems.
How The The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card Fits In The Marriott Bonvoy Ecosystem
Marriott is unique in that both Chase and American Express issue co-branded cards. However, the Ritz-Carlton card is only accessible through Chase.
To get it, you’ll first need to open and hold one of the following Chase Marriott cards:
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold: This is the no annual fee card that comes with a 30,000 point signup bonus, complimentary Silver Elite status and several spending multipliers
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: This is our favorite Chase Marrriott card outside of the Ritz-Carlton, with 3 Free Night Awards (up to 50k points each) as a signup bonus, a $95 annual fee, an annual free night certificate up to 35k points, and Silver Elite status
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful: The Bountiful has the highest annual fee of the Chase backed cards (outside of the Ritz-Carlton), with a 85,000 point signup bonus, a $250 annual fee, Gold Elite status, and a free night certificate that you only earn after spending $15,000 per year on the card
You’ll need to hold one of these cards for at least one year before calling Chase to request a product change to the Ritz-Carlton card.
There’s also a $10,000 minimum credit line requirement, so starting with a higher-tier card or reallocating credit from other Chase cards can improve your chances of approval when you’re ready to convert.
Card Information
Differentiating Perks
Rules
Card Extras
No extras to display for this card.
Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
The Ritz-Carlton Application Rules
Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months.
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days
Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months
