The Ritz-Carlton credit card

Not as a new application. Marriott’s support page says the card “is no longer accepting applications, but is still active and being serviced”, and Marriott’s program terms still list it among the US cards. Chase’s own pages don’t say either way.

Chase doesn’t publish whether you can switch to it from another Chase card, so ask on the number on the back of your card. Chase’s Boundless offer terms say a switch between Chase Marriott cards rules out that card’s welcome bonus.

• A free night every year after your account anniversary, at a standard room up to 85,000 points. Add up to 25,000 of your own points for a pricier night. It arrives within 8 weeks and lasts 12 months.
• Gold Elite every calendar year, and 15 Elite Night Credits by March 1, toward a higher tier.
• $300 a calendar year back on airline extras (see below).
• Lounges: Priority Pass Select for you and each authorized user, with up to 2 guests each, plus Chase Sapphire Lounges.
• 3 Club Level upgrades a year at The Ritz-Carlton.
• A $100 credit on stays of 2 nights or more at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels.
• A $120 credit toward Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck.
• No foreign transaction fees.

• 6 points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 3 points per $1 on dining, car rentals and airline purchases
• 2 points per $1 on everything else

That’s on top of what you earn as a member when you stay. Authorized users earn on their own spending into your account.

It pays back airline extras, not tickets: airline lounge day passes or a yearly lounge membership, seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight internet and entertainment, in-flight meals. Pay for them with the card, then call Chase on 1-855-896-2222 (or the number on your card) within 4 billing cycles to claim it. The credit posts in 5 to 7 business days.

Only the main cardholder can claim, and the $300 resets each calendar year, not on your card anniversary.

You get 3 certificates a year to move up to Club Level at The Ritz-Carlton, each for one paid stay of up to 7 nights. Book by calling The Ritz-Carlton on 1-800-542-8680. The rules: paid stays booked with the card, one room and up to 2 guests per certificate; not on corporate, package, group or advance purchase rates, and not with Nightly Upgrade Awards.

The $100 credit works at participating Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels: a stay of 2 nights or more, booked in advance and paid with the card; for dining, spa or other activities, not the room rate, alcohol, taxes or tips. Book the rate that includes it. Which Ritz-Carlton hotels are worth the points?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is the closest card you can apply for. Its night is worth up to 85,000 points, like the Ritz-Carlton card’s, and it gives Platinum Elite rather than Gold Elite, for $650 a year. It has no airline credit or Club Level upgrades.

Want the night without the big fee? The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card costs $95 for a night up to 35,000 points. Which Marriott card pays for itself?

For most holders who fly, yes. Use the $300 credit and the card costs $150 a year. Valued at our Fair line of 0.70¢ a point, a night that uses the full 85,000 points is worth $595, and you keep Gold Elite, lounge access and the Club Level certificates on top.

It’s harder to justify if you don’t fly: then you pay the full $450 for the night, so use it on a night priced close to 85,000 points. See where Free Night Awards go furthest. Close the card and you can’t apply for it again.