The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card stopped accepting new applications in 2018, leaving it available only through a product change from another Chase Marriott card after at least one year of ownership. This restriction has kept the card out of reach for most travelers despite its strong collection of hotel and travel perks. Frequent Marriott guests who already hold an eligible Chase card can still access the benefits, but the process requires planning and a credit profile that meets Chase standards.
Obtaining the Card Through Upgrade
Cardholders must first open one of several Chase Marriott cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or Bold, and hold it for a full year before requesting the upgrade. Chase does not require a special invitation or code, though applicants generally need a credit score of 670 or higher and a credit line of at least $10,000. The change itself triggers no new credit inquiry and avoids counting against Chase’s 5/24 rule. The timeline matters because eligibility rules between Marriott cards can block welcome bonuses on other products. Travelers who want the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card should secure that offer first, then pursue the Ritz-Carlton upgrade later to avoid a 30-day waiting period. This sequence protects access to sign-up bonuses while still delivering the Ritz-Carlton benefits.
Core Perks That Offset the Fee
The $450 annual fee is offset by several high-value benefits that activate each account year. Cardholders receive a free night award worth up to 85,000 points, a $300 airline incidental credit, and three club-level upgrade certificates at Ritz-Carlton properties. Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold status adds room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on stays, while a $100 hotel credit applies to qualifying two-night stays at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties. Priority Pass Select membership provides lounge access worldwide, and the card includes a Global Entry application credit every four years. Authorized users can be added at no extra cost and share lounge privileges. These features deliver the most value to travelers who stay at Ritz-Carlton hotels regularly and can use the airline credit without difficulty.
Comparison With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant carries a higher $650 annual fee but offers automatic Platinum status instead of Gold. The following table highlights the main differences between the two cards.
| Feature | Ritz-Carlton Credit Card | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $450 | $650 |
| Automatic status | Gold | Platinum |
| Club upgrades | 3 certificates per year | None |
| Airline credit | $300 annual | None |
| Dining credit | None | Up to $300 yearly |
Travelers who prioritize club access at Ritz-Carlton properties often favor the lower-fee option. Those who stay across many Marriott brands may prefer the Brilliant for its higher elite tier and broader upgrade potential.
Limitations and Who Should Skip It
The card earns Marriott Bonvoy points, which generally hold lower value than flexible currencies such as Chase Ultimate Rewards. Without regular Ritz-Carlton stays, the club upgrades and hotel credit lose much of their appeal. The upgrade requirement also means new applicants cannot obtain the card directly, limiting its audience to existing Chase Marriott customers. Travelers who rarely use hotel loyalty programs or who prefer transferable points may find better returns elsewhere. In those cases, a lower-fee hotel card or a premium travel card with broader redemption options often proves more practical. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card remains a strong choice only when its specific perks align with actual travel patterns. Cardholders who maximize the free night, airline credit, and club access can comfortably justify the fee, while others may find the upgrade path leads to limited returns.
