You now have more reasons to sign-up for the Chase Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card. The new benefits include increased statement credits, an annual point bonus, and the ability to earn Platinum status through spending on the card.
The 70,000 Ritz-Carlton points you earn with this card are good for at least 1 free night at any Ritz-Carlton hotel. However, you could also get 2 free nights in a tier 1 Ritz-Carlton hotel.
With the Chase Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card you still get:
- 70,000 Ritz-Carlton points (1 free night at any Ritz-Carlton hotel)
- 5X points at Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels
- 2X points on flights purchased directly from airline, rental cars, and restaurants
- Lounge Club membership
- $100 hotel credit when you stay at least 2 nights a Ritz-Carlton
- Gold elite status at Ritz-Carlton & Marriott (after the 1st year you have to spend $10,000 on the card to keep Gold status)
- $395 annual fee
What’s New?
1. $300 Statement Credit
You used to get a $200 statement credit with the Ritz-Carlton card, but now you get a $300 credit. The credit can be used toward flight upgrades, Global Entry, baggage fees, and airport lounge access.
Some folks have purchased airline gift cards and received the credit.
2. 10% Annual Points Bonus
You will get a 10% bonus on all points you earn with the card each year.
3. Earn Platinum Status (If You’re a Big Spender)
When you spend $75,000 on the card within a year a you will earn Platinum status. This means you get a 50% bonus on all base points you earn for staying at Ritz-Carlton hotels. You will receive Platinum benefits at both Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels.
Is This a Good Deal?
The Ritz-Carlton card comes with a hefty $395 annual fee. But the $300 statement credit for airline incidentals and $100 hotel credit effectively cancel out this fee. Additionally, you get a free night stay which you can use at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park and save ~$895.
So this card is a good deal. But with so many great Chase credit cards, is this 1 of the best deals?
Personally, I would prefer any of the Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards because you get more flexibility with your points.
For example, you can now get 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $5,000 within 3 months on the Chase Ink Plus & Chase Ink Bold cards. You can transfer those points for a free night at most Ritz-Carlton hotels or you can transfer to several other airline and hotel partners.
Not only that, but you can also earn points faster on the Chase Ink Plus & Chase Ink Bold. With these cards you can get 5X points on phone & internet bills and at office supply stores. You can shop at Office Depot and buy gift cards to restaurants, movie theaters, and clothing stores and still earn 5X points.
And just like the Ritz-Carlton Card, the Chase Ink cards give you free membership in Lounge Club.
Of course it depends upon your personal spending habits, but I spend a lot more money in these categories than I do at Ritz-Carlton hotels.
This could be a good card for folks who enjoy luxury hotels and who already have the Visa versions of the Chase Ink Bold, Chase Ink Plus and Chase Ink Cash cards.
Bottom Line
You can now get more benefits with the Chase Ritz-Carlton Rewards card. For the $395 annual fee you get 70,000 Ritz-Carlton points, a higher $300 statement credit for airline incidentals, a $100 hotel credit, and more!
This is a good card with a lot of benefits. But with so many Chase credit cards, this card is not at the top of my list. Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards like the Chase Ink Plus & Chase Ink Bold give you more flexibility and the ability to earn more points.
However, folks who frequently stay at Ritz-Carlton hotels or already have the Chase Ink cards could get a lot out of the Ritz-Carlton card.