Is the Ritz-Carlton Card Worth It?
As a traveler, you're likely no stranger to the world of credit cards and their various perks. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the Ritz Carlton credit card and explore its benefits, drawbacks, and whether it's worth the investment.
Why You Might Want the Ritz Carlton Credit Card
So, what makes the Ritz Carlton credit card so appealing? For starters, it offers some amazing benefits, including:
Lounge access: With the Ritz Carlton credit card, you'll get access to Priority Pass lounges, as well as Sapphire lounges, which are operated by Chase.
Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit: This credit can be a huge time-saver for frequent travelers, and it's a great perk to have.
Travel protections: The Ritz Carlton credit card offers some of the best travel protections on the market, including auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Why You Might Not Want the Ritz Carlton Credit Card
Of course, no credit card is perfect, and the Ritz Carlton credit card has some drawbacks to consider. For example:
Earning potential: The Ritz Carlton credit card only earns Marriott points, which may not be as valuable as points earned on other credit cards.
Annual fee: The $450 annual fee is steep, and you'll need to make sure you're getting enough value from the card to justify the cost.
Earning Points with the Ritz Carlton Credit Card
So, how do you earn points with the Ritz Carlton credit card? Here's a breakdown:
6 points per dollar on Marriott hotel stays: This is a great earning rate, especially if you're a frequent Marriott guest.
3 points per dollar on dining, car rentals, and airline purchases: This is a decent earning rate, and it's great that you don't need to use a portal to earn points.
2 points per dollar on everything else: If you’re focused on boosting Marriott points, this could be good for you.
Top Line Benefits
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the Ritz Carlton credit card also offers:
$300 travel credit: This credit can be used towards travel incidentals, such as baggage fees or lounge access.
Free night award: After your first card member anniversary, you'll get a free night award worth up to 85,000 points.
Gold Elite status: You'll get automatic Gold Elite status, which comes with perks like room upgrades and late check-out.
How to Get the Ritz Carlton Credit Card
So, how do you get your hands on the Ritz Carlton credit card? Here's the process:
Get a Chase Marriott Bonvoy card: You'll need to get one of the Chase Marriott Bonvoy cards, such as the Bonvoy Bold, Boundless, or Bountiful.
Hold the card for a year: You'll need to hold the card for at least a year before you can product change to the Ritz Carlton credit card.
Call or message Chase: Once you've held the card for a year, you can call or message Chase to request a product change to the Ritz Carlton credit card.
Conclusion
The Ritz Carlton credit card is a great option for travelers who value lounge access, travel protections, and Marriott points. While it has some drawbacks, such as a high annual fee and limited earning potential, the benefits can be well worth it for the right person. If you're considering getting the Ritz Carlton credit card, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make sure it's the right fit for your travel style and budget.
What's Your Experience with the Ritz Carlton Credit Card?
We'd love to hear from you! If you have the Ritz Carlton credit card, what's your experience been like? What benefits have you found most valuable, and are there any drawbacks you've encountered?