Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card – In-Depth 2025 Review

Quick Stats at a Glance

Card Overview & Availability

The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card was once a direct sign-up product from Chase, carrying a $450 annual fee and a suite of luxury perks. In 2018–2019, as Marriott consolidated SPG and Ritz loyalty programs, sign-ups ceased for new applicants. However, many existing cardholders kept it, while some Marriott cardholders can occasionally product-change from a Chase Marriott Boundless to Ritz if they meet certain eligibility. If you can snag it, the Ritz Card stands among the top-tier hotel cards, offering similar benefits to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex but with distinct angles (like $300 airline incidental credits and an annual free night certificate up to 50k points). In 2025, the card remains a gem for Marriott loyalists who want lounge access and top-notch travel protections.

Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points & Rates

Generally, the Ritz-Carlton Card parallels other premium Marriott co-brands:

• 6x Bonvoy points per $1 at Marriott hotels (including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Westin, etc.)
• 2x Bonvoy points on all other spending

Unlike some mid-tier Marriott cards that might offer 2x or 3x on dining/airfare, the Ritz Card usually gives 2x on non-Marriott purchases. However, combining 6x from the card with your Marriott membership (10 points/$ base for most full-service brands, plus an elite multiplier) can yield significant totals. Marriott Bonvoy points typically value around 0.7–0.9 cents each, sometimes 1¢+ at high-end Ritz or St. Regis. If you frequently stay at Ritz properties or high-tier Marriotts, 6x can accumulate quickly. For everyday spend, 2x is decent but not category-specific. Some cardholders may use the Ritz Card for all purchases anyway to consolidate points and enjoy the travel insurance perks.

Sign-Up / Upgrade Bonus & Legacy Status

New sign-ups have been discontinued. However, if you can product-change from a Chase Marriott personal card, you might see an upgrade offer—e.g., 2–3 free night certificates or 125k–150k points after spending a certain amount. Requirements vary, and success hinges on your credit history, 5/24 status, and other conditions. If you do get an upgrade, the bonus can offset the $450 fee in year one. Some longtime holders recall sign-up bonuses of 2 free nights at Tier 1–4 Ritz-Carlton or up to 100k points. Those days are mostly gone, but existing or newly upgraded cardholders enjoy legacy benefits that can outshine some modern Marriott cards.

$300 Travel Credit & Priority Pass Lounge Access

The Ritz Card’s hallmark is a $300 annual travel credit. Historically, it was broad enough to cover airfare or airline incidentals, but official T&Cs often note it’s for seat upgrades, baggage, lounge passes, or in-flight purchases. Some cardholders report it’s automatically triggered for airline-coded charges. Verify your statements or contact Chase for specifics. This credit effectively reduces your net cost from $450 to $150 if you fully utilize it yearly.

Additionally, the Priority Pass Select membership grants airport lounge access for the cardholder + 2 guests (often unlimited visits). That parallels premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum. If you travel frequently, lounge stops can offset paying for airport meals or quick relaxation. Combined with the $300 travel credit, the lounge membership anchors the card’s premium vibe.

Ritz-Carlton & Marriott Bonvoy Synergy

After Marriott acquired Ritz-Carlton’s loyalty program, both merged into the Marriott Bonvoy scheme. So your points from the Ritz Card deposit into Bonvoy, redeemable at 30+ Marriott brands (including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, W Hotels, etc.). The card typically awards an annual free night (often up to 50k points) upon renewal. Another synergy: any elite nights you earn from Marriott stays contribute to higher tiers (Gold, Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador). The Ritz Card sometimes includes 15 elite night credits each year, which can jumpstart your journey toward Platinum Elite or higher. If you pair this with other Marriott business/personal cards, you might stack night credits (though the rules limit how many you can combine). For fans of upscale Marriott stays, the Ritz Card remains a powerhouse.

2025 Updates & Potential Changes

1. Annual Fee Adjustments:$450 has been stable for years, but Marriott/Chase might raise it if they enhance benefits. Keep an eye out for official changes, though none are confirmed yet.
2. Expanded Credits or Dining:Some cardholders hope the $300 credit might broaden to general travel or partial dining. In 2025, the trend among premium cards is multiple monthly or category-specific credits. This is speculative but worth watching.
3. Upgrade Offers:Occasional waves of upgrade offers from Marriott Boundless to Ritz could reappear. If you want the card, check your Chase messages or call to see if you’re targeted. The deal might differ from past ones (less free nights, or more points instead).
4. Marriott Bonvoy Shifts:By 2025, Bonvoy might further adjust how many points are required at Ritz or other top-tier properties. If dynamic pricing expands, your 50k free night or your 6x earn might yield varying real value. Always confirm current redemption rates or off-peak deals for best ROI.

Historically, the Ritz Card has changed little. The main watch item is whether or not they’ll reintroduce public sign-ups or raise the fee. For now, it’s a hidden gem for those who hold or can upgrade to it.

Real-Life Example: Annual Spend & Points

Suppose you put yearly:

• $5,000 at Marriott/Ritz properties
• $15,000 in all other general spending (2x category)

Approximate Marriott Bonvoy points from the Ritz Card perspective:

That’s 60k from the card alone. Add your base Marriott membership points (say 10 points/$1 for full-service Marriott, plus an elite bonus if you’re Platinum?), so you might see another 15–20k from the $5k hotel spend. At 0.8¢ each, 60k from the card alone is ~$480 in value. Factor in the $300 airline credit you use each year, plus a free night certificate (worth up to 50k points), and your net out-of-pocket for the $450 fee could be well justified if you appreciate Ritz-level stays or lounge visits.

Competitor Analysis

Comparable high-end hotel/travel cards:

The Ritz Card stands out for those specifically wanting Marriott Bonvoy synergy and Ritz-themed benefits but at a slightly lower fee ($450) than the $650 Bonvoy Brilliant. If you want an 85k free night or immediate Platinum Elite, the Brilliant might be better. But if you’re okay with a 50k free night and a $300 airline credit, the Ritz might be the more economical approach if you can get it. Meanwhile, if you prefer brand-agnostic travel or a heavier lounge emphasis, you might consider Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum. For exclusive Ritz property perks at a moderate premium, the legacy Ritz Card remains a hidden gem.

Additional Benefits & Travel Protections

The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card is known for robust protections:

• Trip Delay/Cancellation Insurance:Covers nonrefundable expenses if your trip is canceled/interrupted for a covered reason. Also reimburses up to $500 per ticket for delays of 6+ hours (or overnight), typically.
• Primary Auto Rental CDW: Great for domestic and international rentals. Decline the rental agency coverage, pay with your Ritz Card, and you’re covered if your vehicle is damaged or stolen.
• Baggage Delay/Lost Luggage Reimbursement:Up to certain amounts for delays over 6 hours or lost baggage on a common carrier.
• Purchase Protection & Extended Warranty: Usual top-tier coverage from Chase, helpful for big-ticket items. Check the T&Cs for claim limits and time frames.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: Up to $100 every four years to expedite airport security lines.

These benefits rival those of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, making the Ritz Card a champion in travel coverage. If you rely on your credit card’s insurance for flights, car rentals, or large purchases, the Ritz product outperforms many co-branded hotel cards. This is a prime reason existing cardholders rarely downgrade despite its $450 fee.

APR & Carrying a Balance

Like other premium rewards cards, the Ritz Card’s variable APR is typically 20.99–27.99%. Interest charges quickly overshadow the value of your 6x or 2x earn if you revolve a balance. If you anticipate large financing needs, a lower-interest or 0% APR solution is better. Best practice: treat the Ritz as a pay-in-full monthly card. Meanwhile, cash advances at ~29.99% plus fees are rarely advisable. The card is meant for travelers maximizing lounge visits, upgrades, and $300 credits, not for carrying big debts month-to-month.

Potential Downsides

• $450 Annual Fee:You need to use the $300 credit and other perks to justify this. If you can’t, it’s expensive compared to $95–$125 mid-tier hotel cards that might offer a free night certificate.
• No Public Sign-Up:The Ritz Card is closed to new applicants, limiting it to existing holders or product-change. Not everyone can do that, especially if you don’t have the right Marriott card or credit profile with Chase.
• 2x on General Spend:Some might prefer a card offering 3x or 4x in dining, airfare, or groceries. If you want the best returns across multiple categories, a flexible travel card might surpass the Ritz for non-hotel purchases.
• Redemption Caps on Free Night:Typically ~50k points. While that can cover many Marriott properties, top-tier Ritz or St. Regis might exceed 60k+ points in peak times, requiring additional points or a top-up if they allow it.
• Marriott’s Dynamic Pricing:By 2025, if Marriott fully implements dynamic rates, the value of 6x or a 50k certificate might fluctuate heavily. You could find redemptions that yield under 0.6¢ each or must top up for top-tier stays.

Advanced Tips & Strategies

1. Use the $300 Airline Credit Thoroughly: Cover baggage fees, seat upgrades, or lounge passes. Some users find it triggers for airline gift cards or partial ticket charges, but results can vary—always check official T&Cs.
2. Maximize Priority Pass Visits:If you travel frequently, relaxing in lounges can offset pricey airport meals and beverages. Consider bringing a partner or friend for free if your membership covers guests.
3. Redeem Free Night for High-Value Marriott Stays:A 50k free night can net $350–$400 at a prime property if you time off-peak or standard pricing. If you find a 60k–70k property, see if you can top up with points (recent Marriott features sometimes allow certificate + points). That can yield a more lavish stay at a minimal cost.
4. Product-Change from Marriott Boundless:If you have the Boundless card and meet certain spending or time-in-holding requirements, call Chase to request an upgrade. Some disclaimers: you might lose your current Boundless free night or have to wait until your next anniversary for certain perks. Evaluate carefully before switching.
5. Consider an Additional Flexible Card:2x on non-Marriott spend is decent, but you might want a Sapphire Reserve or Freedom Unlimited for bigger multipliers. Then use the Ritz Card for Marriott bookings, big travel purchases (for insurance coverage), and especially the $300 airline credit usage.

Another Example: Luxury Traveler’s Annual Spend

Suppose you:

• $8,000 at Marriott/Ritz properties
• $12,000 on other general spend

Points from the card:

• Marriott Spend ($8k at 6x): 48,000 Bonvoy points
• All Else ($12k at 2x): 24,000 Bonvoy points

That’s 72,000 from the card alone. Meanwhile, your Marriott membership base + any elite multiplier could be another 80k or more from the $8k in room rate. If you value Bonvoy points at 0.8¢, that’s ~$576 from the card portion. You also get the $300 travel credit used on seat upgrades or baggage each year, plus the 50k free night. If you redeem the free night at a property that might cost $350, you’re effectively negating most or all of the $450 fee. Add lounge coverage, primary auto rental coverage, and it’s an extremely solid proposition for a luxury traveler.

Synergy with Other Chase or Marriott Cards

The Ritz Card can combine effectively if you hold other Chase or Marriott products:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve / Preferred: Earn flexible Ultimate Rewards on dining or travel categories. Then transfer UR to Marriott at 1:1 in a pinch (though it’s typically not the best partner). Or simply leverage the better multipliers from Sapphire for non-Marriott travel, and use the Ritz Card for Marriott bookings + the $300 credit usage.
• Chase Freedom (Flex or Unlimited): You could earn 5x rotating categories or 1.5x on everything with Freedom. Convert those UR to a Sapphire account, or keep them separate. Some prefer to keep the Ritz Card purely for big travel purchases that need robust coverage or for Marriott stays.
• Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or Business: Not recommended to hold two premium Marriott products simultaneously due to overlapping benefits, but some advanced collectors do. Typically, you either hold the Ritz or the Bonvoy Brilliant, not both, unless you want multiple free nights and are comfortable paying both fees.

The main synergy is using the Ritz Card for Marriott spend, enjoying the travel credit + lounge coverage, and possibly pairing it with a general travel card for better category multipliers outside Marriott. Also, watch how your annual 15 elite nights from a personal Marriott card might or might not stack with a business Marriott card. If you’re chasing Platinum or Titanium, the combined nights can accelerate your status climb.

Redemption & Bonvoy Value Insights

Marriott Bonvoy points can vary from 0.6–0.9 cents each, sometimes hitting 1¢ or more at luxury properties or peak travel dates. Key pointers:

• Dynamic Pricing:Marriott continues phasing in dynamic rates, meaning top-tier Ritz-Carlton might cost 70k–120k points in peak times. If your free night is limited to 50k, you might top up with extra points or pay cash for the difference if Marriott allows that combination.
• Look for Off-Peak Windows:If you can do a weekend or mid-week trip that’s less in demand, your points might stretch further. Certain Ritz or St. Regis can dip near 60k in off-peak times, letting you apply your certificate with a smaller top-up.
• Fifth Night Free:Marriott offers a 5th night free on award stays (pay for 4 nights in points). If you can plan a longer stay at a lavish Ritz, your nightly cost in points can average down, boosting your point’s worth significantly.
• Shorter Stays & Suite Redemptions: Some travelers use points for suite or upgraded rooms, though the cost might jump. If you’re aiming for maximum cent-per-point, standard rooms typically yield a better ratio.

Overall, the Ritz Card’s synergy with Bonvoy is best for cardholders who can target high nightly cash rates at mid-level to upper-tier Marriott properties. If you only redeem for lower-tier brands or pay peak rates in points, your per-point value might shrink.

Competitor & Alternative Cards

If you can’t get or keep the Ritz Card, consider:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ (Amex) ($650 AF): Includes Platinum Elite automatically, 85k free night, $300 dining credit. More expensive fee, but bigger top-tier status. Some prefer the free night’s higher cap, plus additional monthly statement credits for dining.
• Hilton Honors Amex Aspire ($450 AF): Diamond status, $250 resort + $250 airline credit, big lounge coverage. If you prefer Hilton’s footprint or want simpler top-tier status, the Aspire might outdo the Ritz for cheaper net cost (some say $0 net if you use $500 total credits). But that’s a different chain altogether.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 AF): A flexible travel card with 3x on travel/dining, $300 universal travel credit, Priority Pass, top-tier insurance. You can transfer UR to Marriott 1:1 if needed, though it’s not the best ratio. Lacks the Marriott-specific free night or elite synergy, but brand-agnostic coverage is excellent.
• Amex Platinum® ($695 AF): You get Marriott Gold Elite status automatically (lower than Platinum), plus a bunch of airline/lifestyle credits and Centurion Lounge access. No free nights or direct route to Marriott Platinum, but you can combine it with personal stays to push for higher status if you spend nights at Marriott.

Each alternative addresses different needs. The Ritz Card excels for those locked into Marriott Bonvoy—particularly the Ritz brand—and wanting a moderate $450 fee (versus $650 from Bonvoy Brilliant). If you want a bigger free night or immediate Platinum, the Brilliant might be your best bet. If you love flexible points, Reserve or Amex Platinum are stronger. But if you can still snag or keep the Ritz Card, it’s a unique sweet spot bridging luxury perks with a slightly lower fee than other premium hotel cards.

Who Should Keep / Get the Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card?

Final Thoughts & Disclaimer

The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card remains a prized relic for those in the Marriott Bonvoy world seeking high-end benefits. At $450, it offers a $300 airline credit, Priority Pass lounge membership, robust travel insurance, a 50k free night upon renewal, and up to 6x Bonvoy points on Marriott purchases. While new sign-ups ceased, some can access it via upgrade from certain Marriott co-branded cards. For many existing cardholders, it’s worth keeping if you exploit the $300 credit, lounge visits, and that free night, effectively reducing your net cost. In 2025, with Marriott continuing dynamic pricing, you’ll want to confirm your points or certificates still yield strong redemption at prime Ritz/Marriott properties. If you consistently enjoy luxe stays, seat upgrades, and lounge access, the Ritz Card’s synergy could easily surpass its fee.

Disclaimer: Terms, APR, and upgrade offers can vary. Always verify details with Chase or Marriott. We may earn affiliate commissions for certain links but maintain editorial independence. Marriott points typically hover ~0.8¢ each, though dynamic pricing might push that range. If you revolve balances at ~20–28% APR, interest quickly erodes your reward advantage. The Ritz Card is currently closed to new public applications, so only existing holders or certain upgrade routes might apply. Evaluate your travel patterns, loyalty preferences, and ability to use the $300 credit before deciding.