Last month was a busy month for premium credit cards. On one hand, we saw Chase refresh the Sapphire Reserve and increase the annual fee. Chase also launched a brand new business credit card – The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, with a massive annual fee of $795, offering a huge welcome bonus of 200,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Not surprisingly, we saw some rumors circulating on Reddit that the Ritz Carlton credit card could also see an increase in annual fee.
No Annual Fee Increase
It was a believable rumor back then as it seemed logical that Chase was refreshing some of their other premium cards as well. So it was logical for some folks to believe that even the Ritz Carlton card would see changes.
The Ritz Carlton credit card is slightly different compared to other co-branded Chase cards. It’s not available for new applicants. You can only upgrade if you have held another personal co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card by Chase for more than 12 months.
However, the rumors about the annual fee increase seemed plausible as one thought that Chase might hike the fee and bring it a lot closer to Amex’s premium product – the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
As per Upgraded Points, Chase has confirmed that no changes are imminent to the Ritz Carlton credit card by Chase.
The Ritz Carlton credit card is a great option if you’re looking to get a premium credit card, with a comparatively lower annual fee of $450. Similar to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, you get one free night certificate each year, valued up to 85,000 points per night, in addition some amazing lounge access benefits and elite status perks. Moreover, you also get a $300 credit for airline incidentals. However, you cannot apply for the card but can have a look here if you’re interested in upgrading.
The Pundit’s Mantra
While it’s great that Chase isn’t hiking the annual fee on the Ritz Carlton credit card for now, there’s no guarantee that we won’t see any changes to the product in the near future.
Given that Marriott Bonvoy already has a co-branded premium credit card with Amex, there could well be contractual obligations for now, thereby preventing Chase from making any changes to the Ritz Carlton credit card with immediate effect.
Which is you favorite co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card? Tell us in the comments section.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Have an interesting travel story? Subscribe to my podcast and join the conversation
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New Credit Card Offers
Chase Sapphire Cards
- Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $500 statement credit with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
- Earn 200,000 bonus points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card for Business
Co Branded Hilton Honors Cards
- Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit with the Hilton Honors American Express card
- No fee for the first year, earn 130,000 bonus points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card
- Earn 175,000 bonus points with the Hilton Aspire card, in addition to 1 free night certificate each year
- Earn 175,000 bonus points with the Hilton Business Card
Co-branded Delta SkyMiles cards
- No annual fee for the first year, earn 80,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- No fee for the first year, earn 90,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
- Earn 110,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
Marriott Credit Cards
- Earn 60,000 points and 1 free night with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card by Chase
- Earn 5 free nights with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss out on the deals, news and travel industry trends. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter to keep getting the latest content!
