Ritz Carlton Rewards

[DomLS3]

I've been reading around the forum and see that a lot of people think that the 140k offer will come back sometime in mid December. I'm curious if I should get this card simply just for the offer? I currently have 3 cards: Amex BCP - $25,000CL, Citi Diamond Preferred - $11,100 CL, and a Kohl's card from years ago with a $300 CL. I don't do any travelling, although I would like to start. I can't think of any other cards out there right now that would/could really benefit me much as  I get some pretty good cash back rewards on my BCP. I believe my last statement credit for my cash back on BCP was $470.00+ for one year. The $395 annual fee for this card really doesn't bother me too much, since I would like to start travelling (not sure how often/how much I'm planning to spend if I do.... this is why I'm asking if it would be worth me even getting the card). Since the 140k offer is so scarce, if it comes back up, should I just go ahead and app for it? Getting approved won't be a problem - (771 EQ, 779 TU, 766 EX) fico scores as of today. Plus it'd be cool to be carrying around a heavy metal card that's much more impressive than CSP. (Note: I would ONLY consider apping for this card if it came with the 140k offer.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

[TrialByFire]

Sounds like you're sitting on go lol

Yeah if the AF doesn't bother you and you think it might benefit you, there's nothing wrong with trying it out and reevaluating when the next AF is due

[CreditCuriosity]

Many people are waiting for this 140k offer to hopefully come out tomorrow or something VERY soon and ready to pounce on this card...  If you get it before the end of the year is up and can use the Airline credit you can use it once this year and once next year which equals 600 dollars right there for a 395 AF card..  Keep in mind this card also has many other benefits also including primary renters car coverage as well for free.  It is one of the best travel cards out there, so at the very least you really have nothing to lose if you want to try a travel card for a year and you can utilize the 600 travel credit between the two years as you would come out ahead.  you can use it for any lounge access, seat upgrades and possibly even GC's although a bit more risk involved in that whether credited or not.. Plenty of other people will pipe in here as well regarding this card.. If you want it I would suggest applying like ASAP to get the two calendar years of credit as most likely it will not be instant approval and then it has to be linked to your marriott account and verification with that add another 5 days for that and then shipped... So you want to make sure to get it before the 31st as this is the slowest card I have ever personally received I applied on the 16th and got it on the 30th of November.

[DomLS3]

I currently do not have a Marriot account, so would I need to sign up for one?

With regards to the airline credit for $600. What does this actually mean? I can go to an airport and spend $600 in shops actually in the airport and then request that I be reimbursed that $600? And with the AF, is this tacked on starting at the beginning, as in as soon as I'm approved and get the card? Has anyone been able to successfully get the first year waived? I saw on another thread where somebody said they go **bleep** waived but haven't seen any others.

Also, If I did app for it now, I read that if the 140k offer comes up AFTER i've apped/been approved, they will apply the promo anyway? Is this true?

[CreditCuriosity]

They will create you a ritz/marriott # if you don't already have one

No you can't buy stuff at the airport shops, I explained what qualifies for it such as lounge access, seat upgrades aka coach for business class, gift cards(careful on this one as they aren't suppose to be), luggage fees, WI-fi,  and the likes.

They will typically honor the promotion 99% of the time if it comes out a month or so after you apply with it, not 3+ months down the line.

Regarding getting the AF waived there are ways, but you can google that and find out how to do that if you don't think the card already justifies the AF which is clearly does for most people.  I think that is just cheating the system / card IMO to get past it thus don't condone it, but not one to judge.. You can find that info yourself if you would like to do it as I don't believe it can be talked about on this forum either although I could be wrong.

[elim]

If you travel a couple times a year there is no AF for this card.    10k spend per year guarantees gold status for the following year.       :]

$300	Annual travel credit*Make the most of your trip with a $300 annual travel credit to use for baggage fees, Global Entry fees, seat upgrades, access to your preferred airport lounge and more.
$100	Hotel credit on paid stays of two nights or longer*Allow us to treat you during your time away with a $100 hotel credit toward dining, spa or other hotel recreational activities on paid stays of two nights or longer, when reserving this offer.

[jsucool76]

That hotel credit is only good for ritz carlton hotels, not marriott hotels though, so be aware.

It's a great card, in my opinion, though some disagree. for the 140k offer, I recommend it to everyone.

[Anonymous]

I'll add one thing.  If you want to be able to get the travel credit in 2015, then you better apply for the card soon.  Chase is notoriously slow in sending this card and you have to do the travel expense and have it post in December.  Not a whole lot of leeway in terms of time.

[jsucool76]

The transaction doesn't need to post. You just need to swipe the card (or key in your card # and MAKE the purchase) in 2015 for it to count for your 2015 travel credit (to my knowledge). At least that is what they told all of us in dec 2014 unless anything changed.


@DomLS3 - this thread might provide more insight into the rewards program as a whole.

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Comprehensive-Guide-to-Marriott-Ritz-Carlton-Rewards-an...

[Anonymous]

What a boatload of poor information on this thread. This is a horrible card for a starting travler! OP, just get a CSP!