You Can’t Apply for It, But Here’s How Travelers Are Still Snagging the Ritz Card

The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card stopped accepting new applications in 2018 when Marriott took over Starwood and merged their loyalty programs. This merger led to the creation of the Marriott Bonvoy program, which consolidated the credit card offerings under Chase and American Express. As a result, the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card was no longer issued to new applicants, though existing cardholders were allowed to keep and continue using their cards. The focus shifted to Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, making the Ritz-Carlton card a rare gem for those who still have it.

With a $450 annual fee, this card isn’t cheap, but the benefits can easily justify the cost. Let’s break it down.

Reward Points

• Earn 6x points at Marriott properties
• Earn 3x points on dining, car rentals, and airfare
• Earn 2x points on everything else

Airport Lounge Access

• Unlimited Priority Pass access for you and unlimited guests
• At the Sapphire Lounge? Skip the line—just flash your card and boarding pass

Elite Status

• Automatic Gold Elite status
• Fast-track to Platinum Elite

No Foreign Transaction Fees

• Spend abroad without extra charges

Anniversary Free Night Award

• Receive a Free Night Award (up to 85,000 points) each year on your account anniversary
• Allow up to 8 weeks from your account anniversary date for the reward to post

Upgrade to The Ritz-Carlton Club® Level

• Get Club Level access on up to three qualifying paid stays per account anniversary year
• Stay must be booked with The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
• Maximum stay of seven nights per use; subject to availability
• E-certificate required; non-transferable and cannot be combined with other offers

$100 Hotel Credits

• Receive $100 in hotel credit per stay at participating Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels
• Requires a minimum two-night stay booked with your Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
• Only valid on member and non-discounted rates (not valid on special, group, government, or promotional rates)

Travel Protections

• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per traveler for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage
• Primary Rental Car Coverage: Up to $75,000 for theft and collision
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per person, $20,000 per trip for non-refundable travel expenses
• Trip Delay Reimbursement: If delayed 6+ hours or overnight, get up to $500 per traveler for meals and lodging
• Emergency Evacuation & Transportation: Up to $100,000 for medical emergencies 100+ miles from home
• Emergency Medical & Dental: Up to $2,500 for medical expenses, with a $50 deductible
• Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 in coverage when using the card for transit
• Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $100 per day for five days when baggage is delayed 6+ hours

Annual Travel Credits

• 80,000 Annual Travel Credit: Covers airline fees, seat upgrades, and lounge memberships
• $300 Annual Travel Credit: Covers airline fees, seat upgrades, and lounge memberships
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Get $120 back when paying the application fee with the card

Car Rental Perks

• Special privileges with Avis, National, and Silvercar
• Discounts, free upgrades (when available), and exclusive promotions

Purchase Protections

• Extended Warranty: Adds one year to eligible U.S. warranties of three years or less
• Return Protection: Up to $500 per item and $1,000 per year for items a store won’t take back
• Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days, up to $500 per item

Exclusive Events

• Access to Marriott Bonvoy Chase credit card experiences

Now, here’s the kicker—this card isn’t available to new applicants. The only way to get it is through a product change. If you have a Chase Marriott card with at least a $10,000 credit line, you can request an upgrade after holding the card for at least 12 months.

If you don’t already have a Chase Marriott card, you’ll need to apply for one, wait a year, and then call Chase to make the switch. It takes patience, but for luxury travelers, it might be worth it. The Bonvoy Boundless is a great option at only $95 a year.

Note: Some links in this post may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you, as we participate in affiliate programs. All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may change over time. Always check for the latest details before making travel plans.