topic Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz? in Credit Cards

Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 03:23:56 GMT

After applying for the Amex Green I had some serious regrets, realizing it offers terrible rewards and still; an AF!

I must admit though, the only reason I even applied for that card was due to not educating myself. I just saw it was the charge card with the cheapest AF and applied. I now understand the error of my ways and have committed to thoroughly researching any CC in the future.

After seeing the new changes to the Amex PRG, I knew I had applied for the wrong card for sure. Up until today I was going to apply for it, but now I am a little undecided.

The bonus categoies for dining, gas and groceries are very appealing to me and the $100 airline fee credit/no FTF's were the icing on the cake; justifying the $195 AF down to prety much $95. I travel back to London from Detroit (DTW) once a year to visit family and friends. I know the $100 airline fee can be used for airline gift cards so I was planning on using it as basically $100 off my tickets every year. I also travel domestically once/twice a year too.

Anyway, I was looking at the Chase Ritz Carlton card today just out of lust and I noticed it had a $300 airline fee credit! Now with a $395 AF, I could do the same thing, and bring the AF down to virtually $95 also. It offers Lounge Club access which was the only thing that was making me consider it over the Amex PRG to be honest. The only thing is, I usually only stay at low-mid tier hotels and not Ritz Carlton hotels. What do you think? I am getting married next year and planning a honeymoon to Scotland/England so I guess I could use reward points towards a Ritz stay in central London?

EDIT*** If I was to apply for the Ritz I know I would have to wait until December of this year to apply as Chase dont approve if you've opened 5 or more accounts in 24 months.

EDIT*** Ok it doesn't apply to cobranded cards, never mind

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

myjourney — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:03:10 GMT

Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes

Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4

Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:12:44 GMT

@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO

Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:37:38 GMT

I really went back and forth about the Ritz. I know you commented on my approval thread. What pushed ME over the edge is that there's a REALLY good chance I can still get the 140k points offer rather than certificate for R-C. I'll almost definitely use the points for Marriott(s), rather than an R-C (assuming that offer still goes through). This is what I'm gambling on. No one yet has NOT gotten it.

I will likely only travel once by air through the end of the year, but I'll likely plan to do some traveling early in the next calendar year. So I should be able to use the air credit, but probably not to the extent that you can. (ETA: I think it re-sets at calendar year, so I meant to say I should be able to use most of it at least once but maybe both before the AF renewal.)

I had considered the Plat, I have the 50k offer for the PRG, but I don't want to start with MR points.

And I'm happy to get Gold status for Marriott/R-C.

Those were my reasons for choosing R-C.

(And I felt they'd give me a bigger SL),

Also, the 5-card (potential) limit is for non-co-branded cards more than likely. Many more people have gotten a co-branded card with more than 5 new cards. Though I may have pushed it by applying for Hyatt after the R-C

ETA: I started typing this before Irish, but ate dinner in the middle there somewhere

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:24:29 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO
Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.

Yes, it seems like it! The Ritz in London is classed as a Tier 3 hotel and points required are 50,000 per night, so this would be a nice benefit given I'd have easily over 150,000 points by then. Does anyone know if this is just for a standard room or could you use the points/complimentary nights for a larger suite? I mean I am guessing there is a cap for which rooms you can choose, but was just wondering?

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:31:48 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO
Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.
Yes, it seems like it! The Ritz in London is classed as a Tier 3 hotel and points required are 50,000 per night, so this would be a nice benefit given I'd have easily over 150,000 points by then. Does anyone know if this is just for a standard room or could you use the points/complimentary nights for a larger suite? I mean I am guessing there is a cap for which rooms you can choose, but was just wondering?

You can use the points for any room. The card also comes with three certificates for upgrades to Club Level rooms at a Ritz for up to 7 nights.

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:41:21 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO
Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.
Yes, it seems like it! The Ritz in London is classed as a Tier 3 hotel and points required are 50,000 per night, so this would be a nice benefit given I'd have easily over 150,000 points by then. Does anyone know if this is just for a standard room or could you use the points/complimentary nights for a larger suite? I mean I am guessing there is a cap for which rooms you can choose, but was just wondering?
You can use the points for any room. The card also comes with three certificates for upgrades to Club Level rooms at a Ritz for up to 7 nights.

After considering this, I think it seems like a no-brainer for me now, at least for the first year of owning the card. That's awesome.

Given I was wrong about the whole 'Chase-24 month-cobranded cards' thing, I will probably be applying within the next few months now.

Something that just occurred to me though, I travel with Delta to LAX sometimes to stay with a friend and I know Delta are partnered with Amex. So I am guessing my Lounge Club wouldn't qualify with Delta purchases with the Ritz... I could always just find another airline but do like Delta. Hmm.

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

myjourney — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:44:09 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO
Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.
Yes, it seems like it! The Ritz in London is classed as a Tier 3 hotel and points required are 50,000 per night, so this would be a nice benefit given I'd have easily over 150,000 points by then. Does anyone know if this is just for a standard room or could you use the points/complimentary nights for a larger suite? I mean I am guessing there is a cap for which rooms you can choose, but was just wondering?
You can use the points for any room. The card also comes with three certificates for upgrades to Club Level rooms at a Ritz for up to 7 nights.
After considering this, I think it seems like a no-brainer for me now, at least for the first year of owning the card. That's awesome.
Given I was wrong about the whole 'Chase-24 month-cobranded cards' thing, I will probably be applying within the next few months now then.

Something that just occurred to me though, I travel with Delta to LAX sometimes to stay with a friend and I know Delta are partnered with Amex. So I am guessing my Lounge Club wouldn't qualify with Delta purchases... I could always just find another airline but do like Delta. Hmm.

Lol You'll love this answer

Sounds like you can benefit from both cards in that case

Sounds like a double app spree to me and neither card has FTF so another plus

Edit to add and you can add 50k MR points to go with the honeymoon as well

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:45:30 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO
Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.
Yes, it seems like it! The Ritz in London is classed as a Tier 3 hotel and points required are 50,000 per night, so this would be a nice benefit given I'd have easily over 150,000 points by then. Does anyone know if this is just for a standard room or could you use the points/complimentary nights for a larger suite? I mean I am guessing there is a cap for which rooms you can choose, but was just wondering?
You can use the points for any room. The card also comes with three certificates for upgrades to Club Level rooms at a Ritz for up to 7 nights.
After considering this, I think it seems like a no-brainer for me now, at least for the first year of owning the card. That's awesome.
Given I was wrong about the whole 'Chase-24 month-cobranded cards' thing, I will probably be applying within the next few months now then.

Something that just occurred to me though, I travel with Delta to LAX sometimes to stay with a friend and I know Delta are partnered with Amex. So I am guessing my Lounge Club wouldn't qualify with Delta purchases... I could always just find another airline but do like Delta. Hmm.

Keep in mind that that's for paid Ritz nights, not for points Ritz nights.

You can go on here and see the lounges: https://www.loungeclub.com/en/our-lounges/

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:48:06 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO
Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.
Yes, it seems like it! The Ritz in London is classed as a Tier 3 hotel and points required are 50,000 per night, so this would be a nice benefit given I'd have easily over 150,000 points by then. Does anyone know if this is just for a standard room or could you use the points/complimentary nights for a larger suite? I mean I am guessing there is a cap for which rooms you can choose, but was just wondering?
You can use the points for any room. The card also comes with three certificates for upgrades to Club Level rooms at a Ritz for up to 7 nights.
After considering this, I think it seems like a no-brainer for me now, at least for the first year of owning the card. That's awesome.
Given I was wrong about the whole 'Chase-24 month-cobranded cards' thing, I will probably be applying within the next few months now then.

Something that just occurred to me though, I travel with Delta to LAX sometimes to stay with a friend and I know Delta are partnered with Amex. So I am guessing my Lounge Club wouldn't qualify with Delta purchases... I could always just find another airline but do like Delta. Hmm.
Keep in mind that that's for paid Ritz nights, not for points Ritz nights.

You can go on here and see the lounges: https://www.loungeclub.com/en/our-lounges/

Oh thank you! Will be looking at each lounge.

Ok, so with my points redemption or complimentary nights, there must be a cap?! Some of the luxury suites are well over $1,000 per night value. Surely enough I couldn't use it for those rooms? It must only be for standard rooms...

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

bobbay — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:52:56 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO
Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.
Yes, it seems like it! The Ritz in London is classed as a Tier 3 hotel and points required are 50,000 per night, so this would be a nice benefit given I'd have easily over 150,000 points by then. Does anyone know if this is just for a standard room or could you use the points/complimentary nights for a larger suite? I mean I am guessing there is a cap for which rooms you can choose, but was just wondering?
You can use the points for any room. The card also comes with three certificates for upgrades to Club Level rooms at a Ritz for up to 7 nights.

Now you are talking Honeymoom

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:56:24 GMT

@myjourney wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
Not to sway you one way or the other but the Ritz also includes
Enjoy Two Complimentary Nights at any participating Tier 1-4
Can you say honeymoon

Both cards are great IMHO
Chase will still you the 140K point offer instead of the two night one and that's a better deal. The Ritz card is great and the 140K offer makes it tough to turn down along with the other benefits.
Yes, it seems like it! The Ritz in London is classed as a Tier 3 hotel and points required are 50,000 per night, so this would be a nice benefit given I'd have easily over 150,000 points by then. Does anyone know if this is just for a standard room or could you use the points/complimentary nights for a larger suite? I mean I am guessing there is a cap for which rooms you can choose, but was just wondering?
You can use the points for any room. The card also comes with three certificates for upgrades to Club Level rooms at a Ritz for up to 7 nights.
After considering this, I think it seems like a no-brainer for me now, at least for the first year of owning the card. That's awesome.
Given I was wrong about the whole 'Chase-24 month-cobranded cards' thing, I will probably be applying within the next few months now then.

Something that just occurred to me though, I travel with Delta to LAX sometimes to stay with a friend and I know Delta are partnered with Amex. So I am guessing my Lounge Club wouldn't qualify with Delta purchases... I could always just find another airline but do like Delta. Hmm.
Lol You'll love this answer
Sounds like you can benefit from both cards in that case
Sounds like a double app spree to me and neither card has FTF so another plus

Edit to add and you can add 50k MR points to go with the honeymoon as well

Hahahaha!

I mean I feel I wouldn't be using both cards that much to benefit, but I guess the Amex PRG's fee would be waived the first year; which is tempting.

I don't want to go overboard though, as I would have to close one card before the year in that case. Trying to focus roughly $30k of yearly spending across more than 3 cards would be diluting my potential rewards too much for my liking, even with say, $10k of yearly spending per card. My CSP still needs love as well. I wish they would offer an airline credit with the Sapphire otherwise I could just garden for another 1-2 years

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:57:39 GMT

I don't know. I'm absolutely guessing. But I'm pretty sure the certificates would be for standard rooms. The points, however, you could put towards whatever you want. I've been unsuccessful figuring out the points for RC London. I went to RC Laguna Niguel and 60k a night doesn't get you a room, you have to kick in cash.

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:59:51 GMT

^^^

Ouch! I would have to research this for the Ritz London before applying as it could be a dealbreaker...

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 03:12:47 GMT

I am guessing I would have to call to find out, as the point redemption option only shows Marriott rewards for standard rooms at 50k per night at the London Ritz. Ritz points could be different and the promotion could include better rooms etc. But maybe not, otherwise staying in say, the penthouse suite, for just a $395 annual fee does seem a little too good to be true don't you think?

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

jsucool76 — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 06:02:22 GMT

It sounds like that hotel is sold out of standard rooms (for points redemptions) and is only offering upgraded rooms.

Be aware, the $300 airline incidental credit with the ritz CANNOT be used for gift cards. While people (myself included) have had success, it is not guaranteed, and that should definitely play a role in your decision.

Reports have been that chase has STOPPED matching the 140k offer for now.

Free night certificates are ONLY good for standard rooms.

You CANNOT use points for ANY ROOM. You can use points for a STANDARD room, OR, IF THE HOTEL OFFERS IT, you can use points or cash to upgrade (much like at the ritz you've listed above). NOT ALL HOTELS OFFER THIS.

When you book ANY paid Ritz stay (over 2 nights) using your ritz carlton card, you will get a $100 hotel credit (for restaurant, spa, room service, bar, so on).(Z34 code, CAN BE COMBINED WITH CLUB LEVEL)

the 7 night club level upgrade cert is only good on elligible rates (you can look these up using the Z38 corporate/promo code, must book over phone, CAN BE COMBINED WITH $100 CREDIT)

The ritz carlton card also comes with marriott gold status (normally achieved at 50 nights) free for the first year (and each year after that with 10k spend on the ritz card).

Gold status includes

25% bonus on base points

Free enhanced wifi at all marriott family hotels (excluding certain hotels listed in the T&Cs)

guaranteed lounge access/free breakfast at ALL full service properties (JW Marriott, Marriott, Autograph Collection, Rennaissance) Excluding resorts, other hotels include free breakfast for all guests (fairfield, springhill, residence inn, towneplace suites (who just recently revamped their breakfast offerings) NO FREE BREAKFAST AT COURTYARD hotels) DOES NOT INCLUDE RITZ CLUB LEVEL

Some hotels may waive or reduce resort and/or parking fees for elite members

Priority Late Checkout (as late as 4pm, but you'll almost never get that)

Room Upgrades (based on availability) - Ritz excludes suite and club level upgrades (unless you use club level upgrade certificate)

Some other stuff. That's the meat and potatoes though.

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 07:04:10 GMT

Ritz is a great card but as the previous poster said it appears they have stopped the 140k offer. I would wait a few months until it shows back up and apply then. Gardening a bit more can only really help you there. The points you avhieve can and do apply to Mariott hotels as well so you might be able to get a full week in London at another mariott property for those points. Also, you can get airline gift cards but it depends on the airlines. Do a bit of research and you should be able to figure out just who works and just who doesnt and how to do it. It is a great card and is on my list as Chase isn't too happy with me right now due to number of inquiries.

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 11:43:36 GMT

@jsucool76 wrote:
It sounds like that hotel is sold out of standard rooms (for points redemptions) and is only offering upgraded rooms.

Be aware, the $300 airline incidental credit with the ritz CANNOT be used for gift cards. While people (myself included) have had success, it is not guaranteed, and that should definitely play a role in your decision.

Ok, so if I purchase a United Airlines gift card for $100, they might not grant that? Do you have a thread or proof backing this up? I am confused as to why they would grant that to everyone so far and now stop. This would definately be a dealbreaker for me then. I am thinking of just calling or chatting them to find out what they have to say about it. I am going to keep gardening until I find out more about the gift card situation and also the 140k points offer.

Thank you everyone for all your input

UPDATE*** I have just emailed Chase asking about this so hopefully will have an answer in the next few days

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 12:32:23 GMT

Well that's too bad about them not matching the 140K offer any longer. Hopefully the people recently approved will still have luck.

Re: Help me decide. Amex PRG or Ritz?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 12:33:56 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@jsucool76 wrote:
It sounds like that hotel is sold out of standard rooms (for points redemptions) and is only offering upgraded rooms.

Be aware, the $300 airline incidental credit with the ritz CANNOT be used for gift cards. While people (myself included) have had success, it is not guaranteed, and that should definitely play a role in your decision.

Ok, so if I purchase a United Airlines gift card for $100, they might not grant that? Do you have a thread or proof backing this up? I am confused as to why they would grant that to everyone so far and now stop. This would definately be a dealbreaker for me then. I am thinking of just calling or chatting them to find out what they have to say about it. I am going to keep gardening until I find out more about the gift card situation and also the 140k points offer.

Thank you everyone for all your input

UPDATE*** I have just emailed Chase asking about this so hopefully will have an answer in the next few days

Definitely don't try the airline credit with United Gift Cards. Because Chase has a relationship with United they get different reporting for those purchases and clearly see that they are gift cards.