Why the Ritz Carlton Credit Card is my MAIN Luxury Travel Card

[@joshuaturner6758]

Can confirm that I upgraded immediately after the 1 year mark (earlier this year) and still received the 35k certificate

[@TheCreditFrog]

Very nice! That's what I like to hear!

[@jholbrook.42istheanswer]

I also just did this exact same thing and can confirm as well.

[@isao_the_2nd]

@@TheCreditFrog 10:12 the card should also grant access to the Austin (Texas) terrace lounge. And another thing that's lacking, is a decent points currency value despite the baseline 2X multiplier

[@TheCreditFrog]

@isao_the_2nd yeah I wish it did give access to AUS terrace, but it doesn’t.

[@HST888]

@@TheCreditFrog Thank you for this video as all your great work. Is that true that the Priority Pass is downgraded to only two guest now? I came across several posts via google search claiming that only two guess are allowed in addition to the card holder!?

[@Thezestypirate]

Just got my Ritz last Thursday. I stayed at an RC this year (amazing experience) and have another one booked early next year (both point redemptions). As a data point, I got my boundless free night the next business day after my 1 year anniversary. Called the same day and was able to product change to ritz. Also, for cardholders and any authorized users, the Priority Pass cards have to be requested over the phone with an agent. Love the card and really excited to use all the benefits. Great video Stan!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hey that's awesome! Congrats on finally getting the Ritz Carlton card! It was a long wait, but it sounds like you're going to put it to good use. Thanks for sharing that you got the 35k FNA pretty quickly and then you PC'ed to Ritz right away with no issues. Enjoy the new card! 🎉

[@kennygucci]

A question if I may.. I just did the product change to Boundless to RC card - my free night is still boundless 35k in my app. When will the updated free night come in? When did it kick in for you? Thank you!

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@kennygucci RC 85k FNA is an anniversary annual free night. It will come in 12 months! Congrats on the new RC card!

[@kennygucci]

@@TheCreditFrog thank you!

[@JoseLara-k9e]

Wanted to provide a DP. Got the boundless a year ago, specifically to get the ritz in a year. Anniversary hit on the 21st, free night hit 2 days later and I product changed on the 26th. In my hand yesterday. Easy process. Love your content my friend. Super informative

[@TheCreditFrog]

Congrats on the new RC card 🎉🎉! Thanks for leaving your data point! Yeah, seems like a very easy process, and you got the free night as well. Happy to hear you’re enjoying the videos!

[@anthony.letto.]

I reached my year this past Sept 5th but they told me I could not change to Ritz until next statement Oct 5. (13 months) Did receive my free night on Sept 8. Took only 3 days. I was surprised! Excellent work on all the videos.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Just another month, and you'll be good to PC into that Ritz card! Great to hear that you got your 35k FNA already. I appreciate the support!

[@JacobsPointsAndProfit]

Those 4 free nights sound pretty sweet! Eventually I'll have to get a Marriott card and stay my first night

[@TheCreditFrog]

Once you get the cards and the anniversary nights come in, it just becomes a free night award mill, which is a pretty sweet deal! Just gotta pay those AFs up front so it's not completely free.

[@franciscomontilliano4721]

I am debating on starting my one year Marriott card and exchange. Great video Stan 👍 🐸

[@TheCreditFrog]

Sure thing Francisco! The Bonvoy Boundless is a great entry point and even if you don't like it, you can downgrade to the Bold after the first year. And then upgrade to the RC card whenever you feel ready after that!

[@kaina732]

Would you agree that the Ritz-Carlton and CSP combo is better than the CSR (and $5 less in annual fees)?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I would. The RC is pretty much like the CSR card, except you shouldn't spend on it, and is better used as a benefits card instead. The only things that I think are better on the CSR than CSP (noticeably) if you have the RC is the 3X on Travel and the 50% redemption on the Chase Travel portal, compared to the 25% on the CSP.

[@kaina732]

@ I don’t book travel thru the portal so it sounds like the RC is the one for me.

[@edward5pointoh]

Hey Stan, debating getting this one after a mediocre stay at a Marriot Fairfield’s and Courtyards even had to pay parking and no breakfast which was a bummer to which the 35k certificate mostly covers those hotels.My only issue is got the venture X which I wanted the lounge access for. Will getting this ritz cause too much overlap or will both of them go hand in hand? I usually like to extract as much value for less money. Thank you

[@TheCreditFrog]

Courtyards classically have no breakfast which sucks. Fairfields do, but their breakfast tends to not be very good. The Ritz card is primarily for that 85k FNC and the PP benefits. As the RC PP can cover Sapphire lounges, you'll have to make the call if there overap or not. The VX doesn't get you into Sapphire lounges (more than once per year)!

[@frankgrant2284]

I have the Marriott Bonvoy Premier which gives me a 25k free night award every year on the card anniversary. I believe Marriott also came out with a Premier Plus as well. As far as I know these cards came out before the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card came out. My question is, can I upgrade to the Ritz Carlton card from my Premier card, or do I have to apply for the Boundless card & then wait a full year? Also I was thinking about getting the Marriott Brilliant card, but the sign up bonus is only 95k & have heard of past promotions being in the 185k to 200k sign up bonus territory. Do you know what time of year they normally offer greater sign up bonuses? Anyways great content, thank you. Praying Marriott doesn't nerf the Ritz benefits before I have a chance to get it.

[@TheCreditFrog]

25k FNC? Not many properties for that one, unless you can top up! Since the Premier is a Chase card, there should be no issue converting it into the Ritz Carlton card. As for the Brilliant, I would wait until an elevated offer appears. Not sure when exactly those come out, but when I got mine, which was during an elevated offer, it was in the fall, for what that's worth!

[@TomSramekJr]

Is this Priority Pass membership any better than the Venture X membership.

[@TheCreditFrog]

It’s the same, except the Ritz priority pass gets you into Sapphire lounges, except the AUS Sapphire Terrace Lounge

[@MattMcGrathOfficial]

Does the balance on the Boundless card have to be paid off before product changing or will it roll over to the Ritz?

[@TheCreditFrog]

It should roll over.

[@jackmac66]

Thank you stan for the video, always appreciate your detailed explanation. Quick question, does this car allow you to upgrade rooms if you stay at a Ritz Carlton hotel?

[@TheCreditFrog]

You get 3 Club Upgrade certificates, but they're only valid on paid stays. Other than that the Ritz, typically doesn't upgrade you - even if you have status with Marriott, including Titanium and above!

[@scs9466]

Can we get a second Anniversary Free Night Award for additional spending like the Amex card?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I don’t think so

[@SleepyRod]

How would you rank Platinum status at Mariott vs gold status? Do you think it’s made your stays at Mariotts much more valuable?

[@J0HN_3_16]

Gold status has value at Hilton but almost useless at Marriott. Lesser Marriott cards also offer Gold status. Weak spend multipliers, the dishonesty of JP Morgan Chase and the anemic Gold Status are why this card was never popular.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Platinum status is where status gets important. Gold gets you free enhanced internet, but aside from that, it's pretty useless IMO. Platinum and above gets you access to M Clubs and the sort, which has free daily breakfast. These M clubs are not at every property so it's not a uniform experience like Hilton and Hilton Gold Elite status.

[@DF-bx9hd]

Is the priority pass unlimited use? Ie. If I'm at one airport, can I enter more than one lounge as many times as I want if I have a very long layover? Also does it cover some massage spas/parlors for free?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I’m not sure, but you probably get access to only one lounge per airport trip. I’d have to test this out in practice though because exceptions will exist!

[@DF-bx9hd]

@TheCreditFrog just tested it out at Doha airport and I entered with guest twice without issues!

[@lrsnypah7]

When adding authorized users to the Ritz card, do they need to be in the same household/address?

[@TheCreditFrog]

No they do not

[@syzygy1776]

Hey Stan, thank you so much for providing this video on Marriott! It’s always informative and easy to understand as usual. If you’re booking a Marriott hotel with cash/card. Am I understanding that you’d rather use the Chase Sapphire reserve which gives you three time points as opposed to using the Bonvoy card, which could potentially give you up to 17 times points since the point redemption on Chase can go much farther than just strictly Marriott hotels right? What points have you valued the most when you’ve had to redeem them for awards? I asked because I’ve been booking Marriott hotels with my boundless card and I’m currently a platinum member. The points are really nice, but I just haven’t really made use of them. It’s like I’m waiting for a big moment to use them like get married. But now you’ve got me wondering whether I should be using a different card to maximize travel points and then use those points instead to help me book award flight. Which I’m always on the lookout for a good deal.

[@TheCreditFrog]

You're welcome. Since the RC card earns 6X points on Marriott, that's the only thing you're missing. You get 10X points back from being a Bonvoy member and then 2.5X from the Gold Elite bonus then 6X from the RC card. If you use a CSR/CIP, then you earn 12.5X Bonvoy points and 3X UR points. Depends on what you're looking for, but I think the UR points is more helpful due to the flexible transfer partners. The points I valued the highest are the ones I used. The Bonvoy program does not get good CPP back, which is why the focus is more on free night awards. The best Bonvoy point is a point used .. hopefully for more than 0.8cpp. I mainly use Marriott Bonvoy points to top off my FNAs so they are 50k and 100k, instead of 35k and 85k. I would prefer URs or Bonvoy points any day!

[@alyssabenshoff1012]

Honestly, this is genius 💡 Not for my needs, but impressed by the strategy 👏🏼

[@TheCreditFrog]

I appreciate that! Hope it works for you some day!

[@ConnerHanley]

Hey Stan, I can’t wait to upgrade to the ritz card in may! But I have a question I have the Amex platinum but I want to get the Amex platinum business but I’m not sure if I would get the sign up bonus since I have to regular one. If i were to get the business card could i cancel the regular one?

[@TheCreditFrog]

The Platinum Business welcome offer is not dependent on the personal Platinum so you should be good to go! 👍

[@ConnerHanley]

@@TheCreditFrog i thought so thank you so much!

[@SolidLiquidFox]

I see you touched upon a very important fact: much like me, you also dont use this card at all. Only for the $300 incidental fee or if I purposely want to charge taxes and fees for the flight to be covered by the travel insurance. Its a specific benefit card. No organic spend.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Absolutely! It's important to distinguish which cards are used for spending, and which one should be used for benefits. The RC card is a benefits card!

[@travelpointsfamily]

How have you made use of the travel credit? Strictly by the T&Cs or by being creative?

[@Olafdaschneemann]

You don’t need to call in to receive the airline credit. You can send a secured message

[@TheCreditFrog]

Very cool! Didn't know that, will have to try that out next year!

[@joefong5611]

But the airline accidental credit doesn’t work like the Amex platinum, right? 😜 I am still waiting to see if they will eventually include hotel lounge access like like Brilliant even if they raise the price. 😁

[@gustavovallejo503]

Do they cover tolls with the 300 travel credit?

[@TheCreditFrog]

No, it has to be an airline incidental.

[@surferc100]

In terms of co branded cards… which is more appealing? Aspire, Boundless (with hopes to PC to RC), or Hyatt as first option?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I would go Boundless first to start the clock on both the PC option as well as the anniversary free night award. Then I would go Hilton ladder next, but that's just me! Hyatt card is ok if you want to focus on Hyatt, but I think getting the CSR or CIP would be a better option.

[@Xavier_ID.]

Great video Stan 👍🏼

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks so much Xavier! 👍

[@Gangrenous_Hank]

Love watching your videos! I value your videos very highly. I was curious as to what you think of an Amex platinum, usbar, BBP trio? Love MR but the usbar is too great not to use for domestic travel.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! Yeah, if you need Centurion lounge access and can use the credits on the Platinum, that's a great luxury travel card to have! Then you can use USBAR for most spending through MW, and BBP for everything else that's non-MW. That's how I would run it anyways. Would still use the Platinum for flights.

[@jameelharris8834]

Valuable content as always.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks!

[@adt0903]

all depends on who you talk to on the phone, when talking to chase on the phone, I got them to apply the $300 credit to a courtyard marriott basic room cost... card is nutz

[@TheCreditFrog]

Agree!

[@nicoitsuka4148]

Does 24 month counts towards when you sign up or when you receieved the sign up bonus ?

[@joshuaturner6758]

It’s based off the bonus

[@TheCreditFrog]

What Josh said.

[@MrsKawaiiWorld]

Hi @TheCreditFrog awesome video! I have a question, when should I PC to the RC, my Boundless was approved on 24 April 2023 (but I haven't checked when I got my welcome offer), and I want to apply for the Amex Brilliant and get the welcome offer. Should I PC to the RC right after I get approved for the Amex Brilliant or after getting the welcome offer? or should I consider the date I got the welcome offer of the chase Boundless? thank you for your help!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hi there! You should be fine to PC to the RC once you get your Brilliant card (before getting the welcome offer), but if you want to be safe, you can wait until after you've confirmed that you have the welcome offer. You should definitely wait until after (you think) you received the welcome offer on the Boundless to get the Brilliant just to be safe.

[@WhatsThePoints1]

Wow that’s ultra pro tip on waiting to PC to Ritz until 35k posts first! The 85k FNA won’t come till year 2 anyway right?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yup! Gotta wait for that 35k FNC first!

[@tango123t]

Hey Stan ! Does this card come with any Marriott status.. else that can be a bummer to many people for owning a hotel card with no hotel status benefits ..

[@TheCreditFrog]

It comes with Marriott Gold, but Marriott Gold Elite is kind of terrible - that's why Bonvoy Brilliant is important too for that automatic Platinum Elite satus!

[@syzygy1776]

@@TheCreditFrog something to add to this too is that if you do own the Marriott business AMEX card and then also a visa Marriott card. You can stack both those up to get gold status, but you’re a few nights closer to getting platinum. Which you’ve explained in a different video. I’m coming up on year one of owning the boundless, I’m going to wait until year two to apply for the AMEX ones and then product changed to Ritz. I’m really excited to have four FNA

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@syzygy1776 That's awesome! It's my goal as well!

[@captmrgn7040]

I just got my annual award 35k and am still within my 30 day window. I'm using my award next week anyway, so I'll upgrade after that. Thanks for the info!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Awesome! Looks like someone is ready for the Ritz Card!!

[@manfa]

I have the chase boundless. I applied for Amex brilliant and they said I’m not eligible for the 185k welcome offer because I already have a bonvoy card with chase, the attendant said that if you have any bonvoy card with chase, you shouldn’t get the welcome points anymore. Bummer

[@TheCreditFrog]

You probably just need to wait a little longer. You can certainly get a bonus on an Amex card if you have a Bonvoy card with Chase because I've done it myself!

[@BillyShears]

I've done both call and secure message to redeem from my incidental credit balance.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Great! Nice to know secure message is an option!

[@tgeorge95]

Such a great video!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thank you!

[@GEN512X]

I have found Ritz and St regis properties are the best point redemptions depending on when you book. Usually get 1.2 cpp or more at Ritz and almost 3cpp at St Regis

[@TheCreditFrog]

Ooh very nice CPPs there! Those are some top notch properties that I need to stay more at!

[@GEN512X]

@@TheCreditFrog You might know the answer to this question. I'd like to have brilliant? Ritz, business, boundless and amex bonvoy 95 annual fee card. As long as I wait to get my 2nd welcome offer on the boundless in the future; I can then apply for a 2nd brilliant and pc the first brilliant to amex bonvoy 95 fee card with no issues holding all 5 right?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@GEN512X You should be good with that sequence! 👍

[@_iErik]

Sure, this is true if you value the stay at close to the retail price… I struggle to get >$300 worth of value from any hotel stay, no matter how luxury.

[@jonVegas76]

I was able to get the 5/nights bonus with the boundless and we are using those nights for a trip to Waikiki in March. Planning on getting the Ritz after two years of having the Boundless and applying for the Brilliant first to get the sign up bonus.

[@TheCreditFrog]

That's awesome! Enjoy the 5 nights in Waikiki! Great way to use that bonus!

[@PDXBeach]

Just scored the Amex business, does that also have family language for welcome offers?

[@TheCreditFrog]

It doesn't have family language within Amex. Just the language that Chase Bonvoy cards are out for 24 months after you get the welcome offer.

[@PDXBeach]

@@TheCreditFrog so business bonvoy doesn’t impact chase welcome offers?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@PDXBeach it does like I said in my previous comment

[@L8onL8on]

I'm currently at 7/24 and just got the Brilliant first at the end of September to get the 185K bonus. I know this locks me out of a Chase Marriott SUB for 24 months. Will be at 4/24 in January. If you were me, would you-- a) Sacrifice the Chase Marriott SUB and apply for the Boundless in January, to "start the clock" to PC to Ritz in January 2026? or b) Get a Marriott Bonvoy Business from AMEX and just milk that and the Brilliant for the next two years, until September 2026, with a PC to Ritz in Sep 2027?

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@L8onL8on get the Business. The Brilliant/Business combo is worth it for easier access to Titanium elite and it will only take 10 nights to get to the annual 50 night reward (5 NUAs or 5 extra elite nights)

[@aaron.phelps]

Great videos. I love seeing your subscription number increase. If I product change at 366 days and before the 35k free night is issued, will I get a 85k free night at my first annual renewal instead or the 35k free night or will I miss out on a free night at my first annual renewal and need to wait until my second annual renewal to get my first free night?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! Appreciate the support, haha! So you should wait until the 35k deposits into your Bonvoy account before PC'ing to the Ritz from the Boundless. Regardless, you will have to wait 12 months to get that anniversary 85k FNA so might as well get the 35k while you're there.

[@jimmyjames6492]

❤Chase Ritz Carlton Card ❤ Thanks for the info + video!

[@TheCreditFrog]

You’re welcome Jimmy James! Happy to see you love this card as well!

[@TheZombaslaya]

Does the United travel bank hack people use on the Platinum's incidental credit work on the Ritz Carlton card too?

[@Lifeissorich.]

Yes, but people lie and say it was a seat upgrade.

[@TheCreditFrog]

👀👀

[@travelpointsfamily]

​@@TheCreditFrogWhat are you looking at Stan? 😂

[@johnny_ma]

Have other cards that I am planning on getting once I am below 5/24 but this ione is on the radar of eventually getting

[@TheCreditFrog]

It's a good one to keep in mind! Just wait for a good Boundless offer.

[@Tim0tay]

I did the product change when the free night cert posted to my bonvoy account.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Not wasting any time I see 😅

[@Ricewater94]

Too bad if i get this next year, i can't get the brilliant welcome offer until 2 years later from now. So difficult to be patient

[@TheCreditFrog]

For sure, I know what you mean, but when you have both, you know you've made it! (at least in the Marriott ecosystem)

[@drexplordinaire]

If my friend is able to grant me Hyatt globalist status via guest of honor, is there a Hyatt strategy or is it basically chase redemption

[@TheCreditFrog]

I haven't really looked into it, but I would stick with URs. But I'm not the expert on Hyatt so I'd check out other content covering that topic specifically.

[@drexplordinaire]

@@TheCreditFrog i searched, not much other than how to get globalist status..seems like a lot of maintenance notworthwhile if friend has it. i looked into your hilton/marriot strategies, seems like its more end game bc they are all personal cards and take up 3/24 or more, 1) do you agree? 2) what do you think about keeping 3 hilton cards = 3AF but 3 FNC..That is the point isn't it?

[@WhatsThePoints1]

My free suite upgrade at the Ritz NOLA booked with 2 50k FNAs felt like lightning in a bottle. I’m not sure if my bonvoy gold was a factor but the front desk said it was a “glitch” upgrade whatever that means and it would only be the first night since booked 2 separate bookings unless I wanted to pay $150. When I went down to change rooms day 2, surprise! Someone had extended my suite stay for free. Well it was a Monday and Tuesday night so 🤷

[@TheCreditFrog]

That’s awesome! You definitely lucked out with that suite upgrade! Happy to hear that it was extended. I almost stayed at that property, but decided to with IHG for the 4th night free!

[@Doriginal5]

So we can’t use the $300 airline fee credit towards Southwest tickets

[@TheCreditFrog]

You may be able to. I cannot confirm or deny.

[@Doriginal5]

Any strategies for extracting the full $300 credit? I usually don’t travel with that many bags or purchase that many meals on flights? We also have PP and Centurion lounge access through AmEX Plat

[@Doriginal5]

9:57 I wonder if this means we have to create a new priority pass account I order to have the access updated when getting the RZC card

[@Olafdaschneemann]

@@Doriginal5 incidentals, seat upgrades, baggage fees, etc. There are plenty of ways to extract value (even if you fly infrequently). Google -> Reddit should give you plenty of options

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@Doriginal5 The strategies that you use for the Amex Platinum may or may not be helpful when using the airline credit on the RC card.

[@lifeofsui3864]

Ritz Carlton get ride of priority pass restaurants? I thought it had it

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah it got rid of it o July 1st, 2024

[@nubianpwr]

Stan, you've just made the best case for the RC card I've heard to date👏🏾👍🏾 You never told me U were a lawyer😄I have been musing over the Amex BB vs the Chase RC. The Amex BB $25/mth restaurant credit has always felt awkward, as do most Amex credits... like I'm forced to spend for my own $$ rebate, in the way they want me to😎 I dislike this and cancelled the Gold because of it. The Chase RC $300/yr travel credit just feels right - even with the personal phone call😀 Since I do stay at RC a cpl times/yr it makes sense, and I luv the RC lounge (another bene). I'm in Bro!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Haha, I am certainly not a lawyer! Yeah, the Bonvoy Brilliant dining credit led me to cancel my Amex Gold because the statement credits were getting just too much! I'm really happy that the airline credit for the Ritz card is still annual. It makes it so much easier to use! I need to one day pony up and experience the Club lounges at the Ritz, but so far they've been so costly that I've shyed away from it. Maybe one day!

[@nubianpwr]

@@TheCreditFrog It's worth a try, especially during off-season booking. Imagine Michelin quality cuisine the entire day morning, noon, and eve with a great ambience (which I'm thinking u'd appreciate). I have had no addt'l food costs when booking club lounge stays. The RC cc would get me this with reg booking. The food quality (& service) is generally 4.5-5 star.

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@nubianpwr Nice! One of my life goals is to stay on a Ritz Carlton Yacht collection boat. It looks super nice.

[@PingPingTravel]

Luxury travel card or (luxury) hotel card only?

[@TheCreditFrog]

In my situation, I'm using it as a luxury travel card, but also as a part of my luxury hotel card collection that generates FNAs!

[@lewis20002000]

Just send them a secure message with the dates and amounts, and they will credit you the travel credit.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! Yeah, someone else mentioned that. I gotta try that out when my credits reset next year!

[@lewis20002000]

@@TheCreditFrog Works for me, as I have two Ritz Carlton cards, one since 2015 when it was probably the heaviest metal card on the market.

[@travelpointsfamily]

Everyone seems to talk very carefully about ways they've used the $300 credit. It leaves me wondering how exactly I would use it, so I haven't upgraded yet.

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@travelpointsfamily You could always use it for incidentals. Then you know it will be covered!

[@Triple.7]

Once you get the 35k Free night (upgrade)

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yes, then you want to PC to the Ritz!

[@Cody.Little]

I’ve been saying this! Pairing the Ritz with the CIP or CSP is the move. I don’t need the CSR cause the Ritz covers everything I need and the AF is pretty low compared to the competition. Ritz gang 😤

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeahh!! 👍. Also that IHG card for the 4th night free. Gotta have options haha

[@u_taitata652]

Friend of my brother added 16 AU on his Ritz card😅 that is highest number of AU that I know of

[@TheCreditFrog]

That's insane. Insane value!!

[@joelkaepernick-russell80]

What is an 85k free night award?

[@TheCreditFrog]

A free night award that comes on the Ritz Carlton every account anniversary year worth up to 85k Bonvoy points in value

[@kyletavarez]

I thought this card did get the priority pass restaurants ? Other KZbinrs always mention it

[@jarrod499]

Chase got rid of it across the product line.

[@kyletavarez]

@@jarrod499 damn that sucks

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, it used to until they dropped them on July 1st!

[@travelingwith_lv9917]

Debating on upgrading to the Ritz Card. But idk if I want an increased annual fee. Lol

[@TheCreditFrog]

If it fits you (and your wife's) travel habits with that powerful Priority Pass, I think it may be a good one to consider!

[@michaelsyip]

Why not add the $95 Amex Bonvoy card to get 3x 35K certificates and 2x 85K certificate? Just curious Great video Stan!

[@TheCreditFrog]

You certainly could! But I don’t need another 35k FNA. 4 is enough for me. I also have ones from Hilton and IHG I need to use every year

[@davidmui1944]

Great video, Stan! I love how you're a huge supporter of the Ritz Carlton Card. I have a question about Free Night Rewards (FNR). Can they be used for consecutive nights at the same hotel? I typically stay for weekends (two nights) only. If this is possible, would you recommend opening Marriott credit cards on the same anniversary date to maximize FNR benefits?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hi David! So yes, you can stack free night awards back to back, and you can do this by booking online as well as over the phone if you'd like! This is one of the main reasons why my Marriott strategy has 2 85k and 2 35k FNAs so that I can take book a weekend stay only on certs if I want!

[@tidusfantasy]

your teleprompter is too far from the camera lens :P try to put it above the camera lens, this way it looks more natural

[@TheCreditFrog]

Trust me, it looks worse that way. The farther away it is, the less you see my eyes going left to right. I appreciate the feedback! More natural is no teleprompter! Check out my Shorts, Lives, and Live clips for that type of content!

[@patienceisalpha]

Lots of similarities with the venture x. I have still 5 months on my boundless. Might try it for a year

[@TheCreditFrog]

Sure does! It depends on which one fits you better, especially Sapphire lounges vs. C1 lounges.

[@patienceisalpha]

@@TheCreditFrog I have maxed out AU on the venture x. I need moar

[@Raven_623]

It will knock Amex out if they give plat status even with AF increase

[@lewis20002000]

Totally agree. When that $650 af hit, I felt Titanium would of been a fair deal. The Brilliance is the first card to go once I hit lifetime Platinum on Jan 1, 2025.

[@TheCreditFrog]

That would be such an amazing addition to this card! Would really make the Brilliant obsolete as lewis2000 said!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Congrats on almost being at Marriott lifetime Platinum!

[@Raven_623]

@@TheCreditFrog Not impossible - Ritz as a “obsolete” card does not update as frequent as Brilliant and if I remember correctly Ritz was updated before Brilliant ravamp

[@MattWelterOfficial]

The Ritz Card is super underrated- The Free Night Award itself can get you to the annual fee not to mention some of the additional benefits like the Airline Credit. I got the Bonvoy Business within the past year so I'm locked out of Marriott bonuses for now, but once I'm out of "Marriott jail" I'll be starting the clock toward the Ritz by applying for the Bonvoy Boundless! Like you mentioned the Priority Pass Membership with Free AU's attached is a sneaky good benefit as well. Great video Stan!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Appreciate it Matt! Yeah, hopefully you can get out of Marriott jail for the boundless. Alternatively, you could get the Brilliant with that really nice bonus right now, but then it would reset your clock again, and you probably don't want to deal with that! RC card incoming in a few years for you!

[@Leoprieto74]

Brother Stan, I ❤ the beautiful Chase Ritz Carlton,.. the savings that I get with the Three Club Level Upgrade Certificates is close to $2,000 for my first year with this beautiful card. Even the Ritz Carlton Customer service professionals are unbelievable amazing. And about the free night award certificate from the Boundless card it appears in my Marriott account two days after I called to product change to the beautiful Ritz Carlton. I called exactly the day after my Boundless anniversary. Cheers 🥂

[@Olafdaschneemann]

@@Leoprieto74 I’d love to know how you arrived at $2K for club room upgrades considering there’s a slightly inflated price on the accompanying room over the non-club variant. You must have consumed a lot of alcohol/food 😂

[@Leoprieto74]

@@Olafdaschneemann 😂, one booking alone at the Ritz Carlton South Beach saved me over $1k when comparing the room I booked with the club level room I got upgraded. I also have two additional Ritz Carlton bookings where I got upgraded to club level where the rate difference from club level was over $250 per night. And these savings don’t include the 🍺🥃🍷 at the Ritz Lounge 😄

[@TheCreditFrog]

Congrats on the new Ritz Carlton card Leo! You've waited for a whole year for this card, and I'm so happy you have it, and you're making good use of those Club level certificates! I need to figure out a way to use mine, but having to book a paid stay with RC is so hard for me to do when there are so many other cheaper Marriott properties in the same area! I guess it's what you're looking for though!

[@Leoprieto74]

@@TheCreditFrog 👍. I understand you. Those Ritz Carlton are expensive.

[@Olafdaschneemann]

@@Leoprieto74 hopefully I’m understanding you correctly, but if not please let me know. Are you saying you saved money because the price for a Club room on the app/website was more than what you paid with the cert (after calling in)? I suppose I’m a bit conservative and don’t necessarily justify that as saving money because I wouldn’t normally pay that amount for club access. Now, if you’re saying the difference between the club cert price and a normal (non-club) room was that amount, then yes I’d say you saved a pretty penny. Either way, hopefully you made up any difference in price through food and drinks (which could be easy to do if you visit 2-3x a day).

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

W

[@TheCreditFrog]

👍

[@DaIton-]

1st

[@TheCreditFrog]

Congrats Dalton! You are FIRST! 🏆🥇

[@DaIton-]

@@TheCreditFrog the timing of the video is perfect, I just hit the necessary spend for my SUB on the Bold card yesterday and the points are already pending for my account Something you didn’t cover in the video when product changing after the product change is approved can you have part of your credit limit moved back to your other Chase cards or do you have to always maintain a minimum 10K limit on the card at all times

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@DaIton- You only need 10k limit on the Chase Bonvoy card at the time of the product change. Other than that, it can be whatever you want.

[@DaIton-]

@@TheCreditFrog that’s good to know, like you after I year passes I could definitely consider product changing to the Ritz card but not putting much spend on it so having a 10k limit on it wouldn’t really make since for me, I’d rather spread it out to more frequently used cards like my Freedom Unlimited

[@Eltartaro_2050]

It’s a great card, however it’s no match to the Hilton Aspire, the Aspire card provides better value even with a higher Annual Fee Free night: $350 at least Resort credit : $200(one time use might be $400) Airline credit : $200 united travel bank or Delta airlines Diamond status is the cherry 🍒 on the top excellent card

[@TheCreditFrog]

Not doubting that the Aspire is better overall. But the Aspire doesn't help you when you stay at Marriott properties.

[@bigbuckguyfan]

The absolute goat. Only wish I could get a SUB for this card beyond the boundless welcome offer since I am a marriott loyalist.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, same! Maybe one day!