Why do I love The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card?

I have enjoyed utilizing the benefits from my Ritz-Carlton Rewards credit card for over six years. I felt it important to share my positive experiences about the benefits of owning this credit card. For this past year, I have planned several stays at various Ritz-Carlton hotels. I am looking forward to maximizing these benefits again in 2019!

🌟 Important Note: I have not been compensated by the JP Morgan Chase Credit Card or the Ritz-Carlton Hotels. The following information is based on my personal opinions and experiences, which I have paid for myself.

These are the Always5Star benefits that I have enjoyed and would love to share them with all of you who are a Ritz-Carlton Chase Rewards Credit Card Awards Cardholder:

*Special Note: These benefits are only available for current cardholders. JP Morgan Chase is no longer accepting new applications to be a Ritz Carlton Chase Rewards Credit Cardmember.

🌟 Upgrade to the Club Lounge:

You can upgrade to the Club Lounge three times annually on paid stays up to 7 nights. You will need to pay the standard rate (discount rates do not qualify). You can call this number
to upgrade 1-800-542-8680.

I have used this every year and have found it to be a big benefit. It is a bit of work to receive the benefit. You must first see if there is availability online for Club lounge rooms when you are booking dates. Then you must call 1-800-542-8680 and make sure it is available in their system as well. I have been told only twice that it didn’t qualify over the six years I have owned the card, so availability has not been an issue for me.

🌟 Automatic “Platinum Elite” status on Ritz Carlton Hotel reward program.

This status has been recently updated by the Marriott Corporation. It used to be “Gold” status. Recently it has changed to Platinum Elite status. It is evident to me that they seem to be very respectful of the card and it’s status, as I have been upgraded each time at not only Ritz Carlton’s but Marriott’s and SPG properties as well.

🌟 6 points per $1 spent at participating Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, Marriott and SPG® hotels worldwide.

These points come in handy for future Always5Star Ritz Carlton hotel nights and/or upgrades.

🌟 3 points for every $1 on dining, car rentals and airline purchases.

You can use your airline loyalty number to get miles added to your airline purchase. This is a double reward as you are earning miles with the airlines and then points with the credit card.

I can earn points on two reward programs with this benefit. First, I earn points with the Ritz-Carlton Rewards program. I am also able to earn airline miles as well.

Example: I am an American Airlines Advantage rewards member. When I purchase my ticket with the Ritz-Carlton Rewards card, I receive 3 points per $1 spent. With every $100 spent, I will receive 300 points to my account. I will also earn points for my American Airlines AAdvantage account for the miles I traveled. This has provided me with the ability to upgrade my flight experience with American Airlines as well and enjoy champagne in my business class seat! Cheers!

🌟 Earn a Free Night Certificate

Awarded every year on your credit card account anniversary.

Note: Valid for one-night stay at a property with a redemption level-up to 50,000 points.

I have taken advantage of this benefit every year. Example: I have enjoyed this free night at Washington D.C. Tyson Court Ritz-Carlton property.

🌟 A $300 annual travel credit

A credit you can use for baggage fees, seat upgrades, access to your preferred airport lounge and more.

This is one of the best values on the card. I have used this benefit every year for upgrading seats on a plane, and airport lounges in small airports. The advantage over the American Express Platinum Card is that you do not have to designate just one airline.

🌟 Priority Pass airport lounge access – complimentary membership

A significant advantage for over 1000 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass™ Select. You qualify for lounge access regardless of airline or ticket class. Relax in a place that offers complimentary refreshments (including champagne sometimes).

This benefit is best utilized and works well in lounges if you are flying to and from international destinations.

🌟 A $100 reimbursement for Global Entry TSA fee (including family members)

I am a big believer in this benefit. I have enjoyed the speedy TSA pre-check lines at the airport security. The Global Entry is fantastic when leaving or returning from an international flight!

For more information about Global Entry and precheck:
Speedy way to avoid the lines and hassles at TSA airport security

🌟 $100 Hotel Credit

Enjoy a complimentary $100 credit for qualifying dining, spa or other hotel recreational activities. Use the credit with any paid stay at The Ritz-Carlton of two nights or more. Reservations are required in advance. Not valid on corporate or promotional rates. To reserve your hotel credit, please call or have your travel professional contact The Ritz-Carlton Reservations at 1-800-542-8680.

I have used this credit several times toward a spa treatment and dining.

🌟 Exclusive VIP Events

One of my favorite perks! These events are genuinely Always5Star VIP experiences. I have attended several events (Los Angeles – James Beard event in 2015, Grand Cayman – Cookout 2017, Montreal, Canada – Grand Prix) and each one was amazing! It is one of the top benefits that I enjoy.

Note: I will be attending the Santa Barbara event on November 3rd with a special concert by Sarah McLachlan (I will be posting about this event soon)

Final Thoughts:

The Ritz Carlton Credit Card’s annual fee is $450. That may seem rather high, but I find it is worth the cost for the following reasons:

🌟 I love the Club Lounge experience at a Ritz Carlton and have had some amazing culinary experiences at various properties around the world plus the unlimited drinks (I enjoy champagne, and my hubby goes for the top shelf vodka). An upgrade to the club for one night usually starts at $150 per night. If I use this benefit 3 times a year, I have already saved the entire annual fee.

🌟 The $300 travel credit is impressive! Last year I used it to purchase $300 in flight upgrades. This saved me an additional $300 beyond what I achieved with the club upgrades.

🌟 I used the $100 hotel credit and enjoyed spa and dining experiences.

🌟 I have attended VIP events that experienced that I would not have had the opportunity to experience had it not been for this benefit.

🌟 First Class Airport Lounge access has been a game changer when it comes to relaxing at the airport before a flight.

I have been extremely impressed with the Ritz Carlton hotels and resorts. Owning this card so that I can maximize my experience at the Ritz Carlton has been a very positive experience. I was surprised when they announced that they were no longer accepting new card members. However, if you currently are a card member, you will see that in 2019 they have announced a few more benefits. Such as 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year*.

Cheers to enjoying this card and its benefits! An Always5Star credit card!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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