When people think about luxury hotels, The Ritz-Carlton usually comes to mind. But did you know there is a credit card linked to this luxury brand? The Ritz Carlton credit card benefits are designed for people who love to travel in style. It offers rewards, perks, and protections that make traveling easier and more enjoyable. This article will help you understand how this card works and why many travelers consider it a top choice.
The credit card is not just about points or cashback. It provides access to exclusive travel perks that make every trip special. If you stay at Marriott hotels often, this card could make your travel experience even better. It also offers strong travel protections, special lounge access, and rewards that are easy to use. Many people are curious about these perks, and they wonder if the annual fee is worth it. In this guide, you’ll find out how the card works and whether it fits your travel needs.
What Is the Ritz Carlton Credit Card?
The card is officially called the Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card, but it is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program. This means it earns Marriott Bonvoy points, which you can use for free nights at hotels. It is issued by Chase Bank and was once open to new applicants. Today, the card is no longer available for direct sign-ups. People can only get it by upgrading from another Marriott card. This makes it a rare and special product.
Many travelers value it because of the combination of hotel rewards and travel benefits. The Ritz Carlton credit card benefits include free hotel stays, upgrades, and airport lounge access. This makes it a great choice for people who stay at Marriott or Ritz-Carlton hotels often. They also enjoy luxury experiences that go beyond basic rewards.
How Does the Earning System Work?
The card has a simple but rewarding points system. It gives you six points for every dollar spent at Marriott properties. This includes Ritz-Carlton hotels, JW Marriott, and other Marriott brands. They also give you three points per dollar for flights purchased directly from airlines. Dining at restaurants and car rentals also earn three points for every dollar. For other everyday purchases, you earn two points for each dollar you spend.
The table below shows how the earning system works:
| Purchase Category | Points Earned per Dollar |
| Marriott Hotels & Resorts | 6 |
| Airfare (Direct from Airline) | 3 |
| Dining & Restaurants | 3 |
| Car Rentals | 3 |
| All Other Purchases | 2 |
These points can be redeemed for hotel stays, room upgrades, and travel packages. The Ritz Carlton credit card benefits make traveling smoother and more enjoyable by turning regular spending into valuable rewards.
Annual Free Night Certificate
One of the top features is the free night award you receive every year. This certificate lets you book a room at a hotel costing up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. You can even add 15,000 points from your own account to book a room worth 100,000 points. This benefit often covers a luxury hotel stay worth hundreds of dollars. Travelers can use it at top hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, or JW Marriott properties.
The free night award alone can justify the card’s $450 annual fee for many people. When you combine this with other rewards, the Ritz Carlton credit card benefits provide a high level of value.
Airline Credits and Lounge Access
The card also offers a $300 airline incidental credit each year. This can be used for seat upgrades, baggage fees, or in-flight meals. Many cardholders like this perk because it reduces the overall cost of flying. They don’t have to pay out of pocket for small but important travel costs.
Another favorite benefit is Priority Pass Select lounge access. This allows unlimited visits to airport lounges around the world. It also includes access for authorized users at no extra cost. Chase Sapphire Lounges are also included in the access program. Lounge benefits make traveling more comfortable by providing free snacks, drinks, and quiet places to relax.
Hotel Upgrades and Elite Status
The Ritz Carlton credit card benefits also include three club-level upgrade certificates each year. These certificates allow you to book club-level rooms with lounge access at Ritz-Carlton properties. This benefit can turn a regular stay into a five-star experience. The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge provides free food, drinks, and personal concierge services.
In addition to club upgrades, the card gives you automatic Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. This status gives you benefits like late checkout, room upgrades when available, and extra points on hotel stays. If you spend $75,000 on the card in a year, you can get Platinum Elite status. That level offers even more benefits, including suite upgrades and breakfast at some Marriott hotels.
Travel and Purchase Protections
Many travelers use this card because of the strong travel protections it provides. The trip cancellation benefit can reimburse you up to $10,000 per person if your trip gets canceled. Trip interruption coverage can protect you when your travel is cut short for reasons like illness or bad weather.
The card also includes primary rental car insurance. This means you don’t have to use your personal car insurance for rental cars. If something happens to your rental, the card will cover it. It also provides baggage delay coverage, lost luggage insurance, and emergency medical protection while traveling. These features are part of the Ritz Carlton credit card benefits that make traveling less stressful.
Concierge Services and No Foreign Fees
Another luxury feature is the 24/7 concierge service. They can help you book restaurants, find event tickets, and plan travel activities. This personalized service adds to the high-end experience of having the card.
There are also no foreign transaction fees when you use the card overseas. This means you can shop internationally without paying extra costs on your purchases. For people who travel often, this is an important benefit that saves money.
Comparing the Ritz-Carlton Card to Other Premium Cards
Some people wonder how it compares to other premium travel cards. Many cards offer lounge access or travel credits, but few combine hotel perks with airline benefits. The Ritz Carlton credit card benefits include both, making it stand out from the crowd.
Here’s a table comparing the Ritz-Carlton Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve:
| Feature | Ritz-Carlton Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
| Annual Fee | $450 | $550 |
| Airline Credit | $300 | $300 |
| Hotel Free Night | Up to 100K points | None |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited Priority Pass | Unlimited Priority Pass |
| Hotel Elite Status | Gold Elite | None |
| Club Level Upgrades | 3 per year | None |
As you can see, the Ritz Carlton credit card benefits focus more on hotel perks while still including travel features.
How to Get the Card Today?
Currently, the card is not available for new applications. However, you can get it by requesting a product change from an existing Marriott Bonvoy card with Chase. You need to have held your Marriott card for at least 12 months before you can upgrade. Chase usually requires a credit limit of $10,000 or more to approve the upgrade. This makes it somewhat exclusive, adding to the luxury appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card still available?
No, it is not open to new applications. However, you can still get it through a product change from another Marriott Bonvoy card with Chase.
What is the annual fee for the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card?
The annual fee is $450. Many people find that the free night certificate and airline credits offset this fee.
Can I use the airline credit for tickets?
No, the $300 credit only works for incidental airline expenses like baggage fees and seat upgrades.
Does the card come with airport lounge access?
Yes, it includes unlimited Priority Pass Select membership, and authorized users can also enjoy this benefit.
Is there a spending requirement to get Platinum status?
Yes, if you spend $75,000 in a year, you can be upgraded to Platinum Elite status.
Conclusion
The Ritz Carlton credit card benefits are designed for travelers who want luxury, comfort, and peace of mind. From club-level upgrades to free nights and lounge access, this card offers perks that make every trip special. It also provides valuable travel protections and no foreign transaction fees. While it is not open to new applicants, people can still get it through a product change with Chase.
For those who stay at Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels often, this card is a powerful tool. They can enjoy rewards, upgrades, and travel perks that go beyond basic credit card offerings. The combination of hotel and travel benefits makes it one of the most unique premium cards on the market.
