The BEST Marriott Credit Card Strategy? (UPDATED 2024)

[@Ricewater94]

I don't comment much but dang, you're probably pond off the top credit card channels. Would have been so lost without your help. Doing the marriott strategy and incorporating it into my construction business. Providing free trips for my family and relatives because of your videos. You actually improved our families lives by showing us all the benefits of credit cards. Thanks!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support, and I'm so happy to hear that the Marriott strategy has been helpful for you and your family! It really brings me a lot of motivation to keep creating great content to help you and others!

[@jimmyjames6492]

Thanks for the great info + strategies!!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

You're so welcome Jimmy James!

[@khanhbui2866]

I'm doing the Original 4 card set up but if I have to do it again. I would go with 2 Amex cards first year, get Boundless on year 2, upgrade Ritz on year 3, get another Boundless on year 4. You would have the Platinum status for all your stays, especially if you get the Amex business/Boundless 5 night free bonus.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Another great way to do it!

[@ElectricEye9000]

Really informative vid with easy to understand breakdowns. Thanks! I'd love to see retention offers You've gone through with some of these longer card strategies You've actually implemented IRL in Your vids. Saw Your Platinum Amex retention vid but am sure it's not the only time You've done it. Thank You again for Your work.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course! I actually am not the best one to ask about retention offers because other than the ones I publicized on my channel, I haven't really gotten any other ones from Amex. At this point, if a card is being canceled, it's being canceled, and I generally don't ask for a retention offer. If one is offered to me (like when I canceled my Gold card), I was offered something like 20k MR points for $3,000 in spend, which was not worth it to me. I also got a retention offer of 1k points from my USBAR with no spend, which is low comparatively to other offers I've heard about, but still better than nothing.

[@CostcoSamurai]

great strategy Stan, very clear. Thanks for this info

[@TheCreditFrog]

You’re welcome!

[@johnkim4175]

Not sure if this would work but US residents can also apply Canadian Marriott credit cards. We offer both personal and business credit cards. I have both Canadian Marriotts and chase boundless and amex business marriott.

[@TheCreditFrog]

It probably would! I had another commenter one time say that you can pair the elite night credits with Marriott cards from Mexico, so there should be no issue with the Canadian version of the cards, and get those benefits as well!

[@zifnabdr]

This is fantastic thank you! Currently done with Marriott and I am toying with the idea of doing Amex Delta or Amex Hilton next. Not sure if there’s a strategy to do Hilton with p1&p2, but I would also love to go to Bora Bora in 26..

[@TheCreditFrog]

Oh for sure! Climbing the Hilton ladder right now with my P2! You just start with the Hilton Honors card and refer each other up the ladder (then Surpass, then Aspire). Sprinkle a Business in there. And then also take advantage of upgrade offers! Make sure you get the Hilton card first before you upgrade to the higher tier one so you don't miss out on the welcome offer!

[@zifnabdr]

@@TheCreditFrog Thanks! i think we are in Amex PopUp Jail as we just crossed over 90 days. Might give it a week or two then try the reconsideration line. Thanks for that info. I just found your other video from 5 months ago or so!

[@sourabhrukh1002]

Hi Stan, big fan and a question, why not get AmEX brilliant in year 0 and then get boundless after 2 years, reason behind that would be to have a higher status before getting the boundless so if someone get 5 FNC from boundless those could be upgraded too. Also, raking in both the sign on bonus

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hi Sourabh! You could certainly do that if Platinum Elite status was important to you. It depends if you want to start the clock on the RC card, since you have to hold the Chase Bonvoy card for at least a year before the PC!

[@FrancoFinance]

I’m just curious. Is it 24 months after account opening or 24 months after you received your bonus from the card?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@FrancoFinance 24 months after you receive the bonus

[@FrancoFinance]

@@TheCreditFroganyway to understand what date I received the bonus? Is it recorded on the Marriott app or something? Also I really love your channel. I feel like it goes without saying but I just wanted to confirm it

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! I appreciate the support! No, there’s no way to check sadly. Usually within 3 months is considered safe since that’s how long it takes to get welcome offers, typically

[@FrancoFinance]

@@TheCreditFrog last question are the free night awards given to on the month you’ve signed up for the card or are they given to you at the beginning of the year? If the first option, how do you time it so that you can use all 3 night awards on a single stay?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@ they are usually given to you the month before your renewal date. So if you want to use them all at once, it’s best to apply for the cards within the same months of each other

[@pietrs009]

Hi Stan, thanks for showing these alternative strategies! I got the Boundless card back in 2021, which I PCed to the Ritz Carlton last year. I was planning on downgrading it to the Bold once I get the 85k FNA and then apply for the Brilliant and Business amex, but I'm confused as to how long I'll have to wait before applying. Do I only have to wait 30 days after PCing my Ritz, or does this count as "acquiring" a Bold card, which would then mean I have to wait 90 days instead? I'm also a bit paranoid about not being able to PC back to the Ritz, as it's my favorite card. TYIA!

[@TheCreditFrog]

You know, that's a really good point that I actually never thought about! The definition of "acquire" is not that clear so you may have to wait 90 days to get that Brilliant card!! Thanks for pointing that out. I don't think you'll have an issue PC'ing back to the Ritz once you obtain the Brilliant welcome offer. We just have to play by the rules 😕

[@davidmui1944]

Whats the best credit card to pair with the Ritz Carlton credit card? (I'm locked out of welcome bonus for Amex marriott since I just product changed, so those cards are out of question). I was thinking about the Chase sapphire preferred.

[@TheCreditFrog]

When you say pair, I'm thinking along the lines of benefits. The RC card isn't that great with multipliers so I wouldn't consider it for that purpose. If you want an additional FNC, getting another Boundless or another Ritz card is a nice pairing. If you want to go CSP to get the Chase Trifecta, that's what I would aim for regarding your core setup.

[@Doriginal5]

I messed up my strategy. Did Brilliant and now have Boundless that I want to switch into a Ritz Carlton. We only want to stay at the higher and hotels so we just want the two 85k free night awards. 35k room nights don’t do anything for me

[@TheCreditFrog]

Sounds like you're still in the clear! As long as you have a Brilliant already, you can PC to the Ritz at any time. At this point, you can start to try to get multiple RC cards to get those 85k FNAs! Just remember you need to wait 2-years in between Chase Boundless applications to get the card again and then 1-yr after that PC.

[@Doriginal5]

@@TheCreditFrog so I can have more than one Ritz Carlton card at the same time?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@Doriginal5 Yup! I've never tried it, but other said that they have!

[@maoworkshen2564]

My wife has AMEX Bonvoy the $95 AF card. If she upgrades to the Brilliant card, when will she get the 85K-FN? I recall you actually had dine this yourself so please clarify. Thanks so much!😊

[@TheCreditFrog]

She’ll get the FNA after a year (first cardmember anniversary)

[@maoworkshen2564]

@ Thanks for your super fast reply! I recall that you UPGRADED your Bonvoy to Brilliant yourself. If true, what was the reason?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@maoworkshen2564 I didn’t upgrade to the Brilliant, I got the card during an elevated offer period!

[@carson7498]

Thanks for all the info. Follow up question: I got the boundless card about 3 months ago and I was offered the 3 free night welcome bonus, however, I was putting all my spending on another card at the time so I didn't actually spend the required amount to get the welcome offer. Because I did not actually achieve the welcome bonus, would I be eligible for a welcome offer on the amex brilliant?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yes, you should be able to get the welcome offer on the Brilliant!

[@jmg2335]

Hello, just getting into the CC game. Love your videos. I have had a boundless card for about ten years now. Can I get the two amex cards, and upgrade to the Ritz in year 0, and then get the boundless in year 2?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hi there! Yes! You can definitely first just get at least the Brilliant, and then once that card is secured, you can PC to the Ritz. If you want to be safe about it, get the welcome offer on the Brilliant before PC'ing to the Ritz. But yeah, that's how I did it too!

[@jmg2335]

@@TheCreditFrog Thank you. Unfortunately the Brilliants welcome offer is not that great right now. :( Keep it up, I love all the content. I am trying to get my CC game in order.

[@derricktyler3577]

Feels like you could expedite the OG Strat if you could get approved for the Boundless and Brilliant on the same day, getting approved for the Boundless & it’s SUB first, then getting approved for the Brilliant and hopefully it’s SUB too… it might even be in one’s favor to not use their Bonvoy number for the second card app and, if approved for the SUB, combine the accounts later.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Definitely could try that out! Problem is if it doesn’t work out, you’ve missed out on a Brilliant welcome offer so only you can decide if that risk is worth it

[@lenadao5148]

Stan, what do you think about 2,3,4 Ritz card instead?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Certainly one way to go! You would just stick with the Chase ecosystem and get a Boundless card every 24 months and PC it to the Ritz every year. You'll get an additional 85k FNC, but also an additional $300 airline credit to deal with so it depends on how you want to structure your strategy!

[@dw4421]

Quick question, to use the Ritz Carlton Airline Incidental Credit, would I have to purchase the entire flight using Ritz? Or can I use Chase Sapphire Preferred to buy the ticket and then charge separately for…. Say seat upgrades and baggage fees?

[@TheCreditFrog]

The credit is used for incidentals. Some strategies like you suggested may or may not work.

[@Doriginal5]

I have the Boundless and the Amex Brilliant. Will I still qualify for the welcome offer on the Bonvoy Business?

[@TheCreditFrog]

It depends on when you opened the Boundless. If you got the welcome offer at least 24 months ago, then you should still qualify for the welcome offer on the Bonvoy Business.

[@Xnfe]

What would be my best option if I already have the Ritz as my only Marriott card but want the Brilliant. Can I get the bevy and upgrade to Brilliant or downgrade the Ritz. Thank you for your advise.

[@TheCreditFrog]

You need to downgrade the Ritz first. While the Ritz card doesn’t bar you from getting the Bevy or Brilliant, you are not eligible for their welcome offers if you currently hold a Ritz card

[@JoseLara-k9e]

Love your videos and have found your Marriott strategy vids to be helpful. There is something I caught there and wasn’t sure about. I got the boundless last Nov and was under the impression that was locked out of the other bonuses from Amex for 2 yrs. Was going to product change to Ritz this Dec, but will that affect me wanting the Amex brilliant or biz in the next 12-15 mos?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Happy to hear you've liked the Marriott content. Yes, once you have the Ritz Carlton card, you are no longer eligible for the Bonvoy Brilliant credit card. Technically, you could PC the RC card back down to the Boundless, wait 30 days, apply for the Brilliant, get the welcome offer, and the PC the Boundless back up to the Ritz, but that gets messy. Should work in theory though!

[@JoseLara-k9e]

@@TheCreditFrogthat is awesome information I wasn’t aware of. You are the man and always love your content and insight!!

[@MyWastedFantasy]

I’m waiting till February / March to begin the Amex marriot part - it can’t come soon enough :(

[@TheCreditFrog]

Ah dang. Just take it one month at a time, you’ll be there before you know it!

[@weekendmixology3832]

I’ve had the ritz and want to apply for the brilliant bonus, can I downgrade to a Marriott and wait a month or two to be eligible for the SUB? THANKS!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yes, I believe that should work in theory! I think to be safe you have to wait at least 90 days since you may have ‘acquired’ a Boundless or Bold card, but after you get the welcome offer, should be ok to PC back up!

[@alanwu3678]

I have Chase UR points. Is it possible to transfer my UR points from British Airways to Qantas to fly on Japan Airlines?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I’m not sure. You’d have to ask the greats like Luke from Luke’s Points and Miles or JP Knowledge!

[@cjbautista2701]

Stan, what are your thoughts on getting the Marriott Bold with a lower SUB and foregoing that. And asking for a CL increase if the bold CL isn’t at $10k starting (needed for pc to Ritz)

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hey CJ! It would be fine in my book. I personally think the Boundless is a better option, but if you want to start with the Bold, then that could be another option with a card with no annual fee!

[@spookeyboo9128]

If you were applying for the Marriot Business + the Brilliant in Year 0, does the "locked out of cards from the other issuer for 24 months" timer reset after you apply for that 2nd card? For example, in the order of Business -> Brilliant, the 24 months start after your first application. After you apply for the Brilliant, does that timer reset back to waiting the full 24 months again? (this is all assuming you have a bit of time between those two applications)

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yes, that's correct. The 24-month timer starts the moment you finish the welcome offer on the 2nd card, or in this case, the Brilliant card. So for this strategy, it's better to apply for the cards back to back if you can to minimize the amount of time spent waiting for that 24-month timer to elapse.

[@balertriton26]

I was thinking recently, how could a P2 factor in to your Marriott strategy? Could the P2 get the brilliant for platinum status while the P1 moves slowly up the ladder? I don’t think I’ve heard you talk about a P2 option 👍

[@TheCreditFrog]

There's a lot of ways to do this, but yes, this is one way. One person starts with Chase and one starts with Amex. That way you both get the best of both worlds!

[@balertriton26]

@@TheCreditFrog thank you, Stan! Do you think this would make it hard to use FNCs? I haven’t used them before so not sure if having them all under one person is best when booking say a two night stay and trying to use two FNCs.

[@TheCreditFrog]

@balertriton26 sure! having two different people with FNAs is not too difficult. The only thing is that only the person that booked the FNA will get their individual status recognized. If you wanted to, you could probably merge the bookings so you don’t have to check out and check in, but not sure how that would work out when it comes to status

[@balertriton26]

@@TheCreditFrog thank you, you are awesome! 💯💯

[@Micahaiu]

Hi. I currently have the AMEX $95 Marriott personal card and AMEX Marriott business card. I have had both of these for over two years. Any strategies to continuing my Marriott plan? I was thinking cancel the $95 Marriott personal card to get the Brilliant. Any tips for getting into the Chase ecosystem? I am also at the 5 Amex card limit. Under 5/24.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, if you want to target a higher FNC and get Platinum status. Canceling the current Bonvoy card and applying for the Bonvoy Brilliant makes sense. After you secure the Bonvoy Brilliant welcome offer, you'd have to wait 24 months to start getting Chase Marriott Bonvoy cards. Alternatively, you could start down the Chase path first and get the Boundless card, but then you'd be locked out of the Bonvoy Brilliant welcome offer for 24 months so I don't like that option as much as the first one.

[@Micahaiu]

@@TheCreditFrog Thanks for the advice. Going to do it this week.

[@thejokerspeaks]

Not much of a Marriot person, but we are staying at the Westin in Vancouver Saturday night, right next to a festival of food trucks, started by Hong Kong immigrants.

[@TheCreditFrog]

I'm so jealous. I want to join you 🤣. Westin is one of my favs and I will never say no to Asian food trucks!

[@heyitsyeh]

I had to do a modified, slower strategy due to Chase 5/24 where I get Brilliant/Business Year 0, then Boundless Year 2, then Ritz Year 3, then Boundless Year 4. I do like having Platinum status right away and no ambiguity about getting the Brilliant SUB.

[@TheCreditFrog]

That's a great way to look at it when getting the Brilliant first! There's so many variation, but I really like the one you mentioned if you want to get Platinum status early.

[@randytirado5373]

Stupid question, let’s say we do any of these strategies. Which card would we essentially use primarily for booking to maximize everything? Am I wrong? Still learning guys. Thanks.

[@TheCreditFrog]

It's best to use none of them. Cards to consider are the CSR, Amex Green, or Chase Ink Preferred for that 3X earnings for a flexible point currency.

[@randytirado5373]

Wouldn’t we miss out on the multiplier for using the card at Marriott properties? Or are we primarily just reaping the free night and SUB benefits? What about the US Bank Altitude Reserve for mobile pay option? So many options and strats!!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

@randytirado5373 you would, but the idea is that you’d get more value from a 3X flexible point currency than 6X Marriott. The Marriott cards are mainly for the benefits and FNAs! AR could work too if you wanted to go easy cash back!

[@ryanmartin7033]

Lol...wish I had thought of this last yr when I came across your video bc I just missed the 5 night offer on the Boundless and have been waiting ever since for it to come back. Unfortunately the SUB'S have sucked since then which has kept me from getting any of their cards. Meanwhile I've accumulated 700k Hilton points with the Hilton Honors 100k and Hilton Business 175k SUB's and spend/stays. To kill time I've got 3 Ink cards and just got the Southwest Performance Biz with 120k bonus. I was able to change my due date to where I should be getting all 120k to post in January so I'll have companion pass for nearly 2 years.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Dang Ryan, you've been busy with those welcome offers! I hope you have a great redemption in mind! Yeah, I'm also still waiting for the 5-night offer to return, although I'm not able to get that card until at least May 2025. Way to go getting all those Ink cards, I'm sure all with elevated bonuses. Also, it's time to make some Hilton redemptions. I thought about the SW Biz card for the Companion Pass strategy, but I decided against it because $15k MSR was a little steep for me.

[@ryanmartin7033]

@TheCreditFrog yeah I got the 120k on Preferred, 90k on Unlimited and 75k on ink cash. I know what you mean on SW biz but free flights for a partner for 2 years is pretty lucrative. I typically have $5-10k business expenses per month so it'll go quick.

[@Excalibur_86]

Hi stan. I would like advice on who in our family should get the brilliant card. My wife currently has the Marriott boundless (got the sign up bonus in march 2024) and is planning to product change to ritz card by march 2025. We would like to get the brilliant card so someone in the family will have Marriott platinum status. Should i get it later this year/early next year or wait until she is eligible for the sign up bonus and apply for the brilliant? TIA

[@TheCreditFrog]

If you plan on staying at Marriotts soon, I'd recommend you getting the Brilliant card for Platinum status. This is a great time because you can still get that 185k welcome offer, which is a fantastic offer! And Platinum is where things get good with Marriott. If she wants to change to RC next year, that's fine, but she would have to PC back to Boundless and wait 30 days before applying for the Brilliant to qualify for the welcome offer herself.

[@Excalibur_86]

@@TheCreditFrog thanks for the reply stan! Say if the free night is booked with her account (gold) with both of us as guests and if i have platinum will the platinum status be honored?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@Excalibur_86 No, sadly, it has to be booked on your end. Remember, you can transfer 100k points from her account to yours per year though so that may help out a little with those redemptions.

[@Excalibur_86]

@@TheCreditFrog thanks stan!

[@cchai1]

What’s the best strategy for 2 and then 3 85K FNA? I’m not interested in 35K FNA certs. Thanks Stan, love your videos!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Honestly, it's Amex Brilliant first, then Boundless to Ritz Carlton, and then keep getting Boundless then PC to Ritz Carlton cards until you want to stop.

[@cchai1]

@@TheCreditFrog and I need to wait 24 months after getting Brilliant to get Boundless SUB?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@cchai1 Yup, unfortunately that's how it works.

[@nubianpwr]

Hey Stan - great comparison contrast on strategies! I have the Amex Brilliant and Bus cards. My strategy is more TCF, as I want the Boundless bonus next yr, with the Ritz card to follow. I've picked up "all" the Chase Ink card bonuses in the interim, including the recent 90k CIU! Since I'm Titanium thru Feb 2026 not too worried... appreciate your patient (& strategic) analysis bro👍🏾

[@TheCreditFrog]

Very cool Nkosi! Getting all those Ink bonuses is great, and you've really maximized your spend in that way. Good to be smooth, patient, and controlled with this, in my opinion! Wouldn't want to miss out on those Ink welcome offers. Awesome to hear you're Titanium through 2026! I think mine will be expiring at the beginning of 2025, but that's ok, it didn't really get me much anyways haha!

[@nubianpwr]

@@TheCreditFrog 😄

[@WhatsThePoints1]

I’m at month 13 on the boundless and counting the months till I can open the Amex cards and hopefully not get pop up jailed

[@TheCreditFrog]

Very nice! Yeah, Amex pop-up jail is for the birds, but if you wait that long, and keep Amex happy, hopefully that won't be an issue! Great to meet you in NOLA, btw!

[@PDXBeach]

How would you optimize for 2-Player mode, if you were to start over with your wife? My focus would be Amex and her’s Chase?

[@PDXBeach]

And, If at some point I decide to cancel my Amex cards, how do I keep the points alive? Could I then transfer to P2?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@PDXBeach Yes, I would have one person start with Amex to get the Brilliant status and then one person start with Chase. It's going to depend on the situation though. Even if you cancel the Amex cards, the points will be kept alive in your Bonvoy portfolio. You can transfer up to 100k Bonvoy points to another person per calendar year.

[@AhmadKhwajazada]

First

[@TheCreditFrog]

Congrats Ahmad! You are first! 🥇🏆

[@Chrisyou22]

For the 2 year strategy, I forgot to add that if you want to take another 5/24 spot and speed up the 2 year Marriott process even further, you can also get the Marriott Bountiful without sub (product change it to Boundless then Ritz) in Year 0 and then by Year 2, you’ll have the 4 big Marriott credit cards (Ritz, Boundless, Brilliant and Business or 2 Ritz, Brilliant and Business). And then year 2, you should be eligible to apply for another Chase Boundless for a 5th Marriott card

[@TheCreditFrog]

The thing is, I'm not sure if you can PC a card before the 12 month mark. You have to wait at least one year so not sure if that strategy would pan out. The one from your question though is pretty cool. Thanks for sharing your strategy with us!

[@UTubeVidWatcher]

@@TheCreditFrog He can't product change up during the first year, because The CARD Act of 2009 is a law that prevents banks from increasing the fees on your card account during the first 12 months. If the bank upgraded the card the fee of the card would increase and they would be breaking the law. It's a different card but it's still the same account.

[@Xavier_ID.]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheCreditFrog]

💯😀

[@cchai1]

What’s the best strat to get Brilliant, Ritz and Bonvoy Business quickest? After doing some further research I may be able to make use of the 35K FNA certs but definitely less of a priority for me than the 85K ones. Still Boundless -> Brilliant/ Business -> PC Boundless to Ritz? It just stinks to delay the 85K certs for so long when those are my priority..

[@TheCreditFrog]

I think that strategy was laid out in this video! Brilliant, Business, Boundless (no offer) the first year, then PC Boundless to Ritz after 12 months.

[@nubianpwr]

Btw: there's that addt'l 40k FNC U get when turning Titanium

[@TheCreditFrog]

That's right! You get a FNC with 75 nights if you choose that award. Thanks for bringing that up!