Using Marriott card to get Gold Elite Status?

[nitrov]

So, I just got approved for the Chase Marriott card, and I'm hoping due to the SPG merger it'll come in even more handy. I'm new to Marriott's loyalty program, so I could use some advice on how people may have maximized the card's benefits to translate into status with Marriott Elite. 

So, I know the card states it gives you 15 elite credits per year, which gets you past the min. threshhold of 10 for Silver, but Gold Elite requires 50 nights. So, at $3000 of spend per 1 elite credit, by my math, I'd have to spend $105k in a year to secure Gold Elite status assuming I didn't stay in any Marriots that year. YIKES! So, that's not going to happen for me. Has anyone had any luck with any tricks or tips for how to get to a more elevated status with them? I'm spoiled now because I have Platinum Elite status free from my IHG card, so I want to make my way up the Marriott ladder to make it more attractive for me to stay there. Staying at a Marriott 35 nights in a year, or even half that and spending $50k on the card seems unlikely for me, so I'm hoping there's a loophole somewhere. Can you use points to upgrade status?

Can anyone share their experiences with the Silver Elite or Gold Elite status in Marriott hotels?

Any help would be much appreciated!

[Anonymous]

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@nitrov wrote:

So, I just got approved for the Chase Marriott card, and I'm hoping due to the SPG merger it'll come in even more handy. I'm new to Marriott's loyalty program, so I could use some advice on how people may have maximized the card's benefits to translate into status with Marriott Elite. 

So, I know the card states it gives you 15 elite credits per year, which gets you past the min. threshhold of 10 for Silver, but Gold Elite requires 50 nights. So, at $3000 of spend per 1 elite credit, by my math, I'd have to spend $105k in a year to secure Gold Elite status assuming I didn't stay in any Marriots that year. YIKES! So, that's not going to happen for me. Has anyone had any luck with any tricks or tips for how to get to a more elevated status with them? I'm spoiled now because I have Platinum Elite status free from my IHG card, so I want to make my way up the Marriott ladder to make it more attractive for me to stay there. Staying at a Marriott 35 nights in a year, or even half that and spending $50k on the card seems unlikely for me, so I'm hoping there's a loophole somewhere. Can you use points to upgrade status?

Can anyone share their experiences with the Silver Elite or Gold Elite status in Marriott hotels?

Any help would be much appreciated!

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The way to get Gold status with Marriott using the Marriott card is to cancel the Marriott card and apply for the Ritz Carlton card and spend $10K per year on that card.  Problem solved.

[nitrov]

DARN IT, really?! I had no idea! Can I PC to Ritz from Marriott or is it a separate app? 

[Anonymous]

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@nitrov wrote:

DARN IT, really?! I had no idea! Can I PC to Ritz from Marriott or is it a separate app? 

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Separate app

[nitrov]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@nitrov wrote:

DARN IT, really?! I had no idea! Can I PC to Ritz from Marriott or is it a separate app? 

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Separate app

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you're breaking my heart...I wonder if I app now since it's been less than 30 days if they'd use the same HP. Is it worth me trying to app for it, and if approved move the CL from Marriott over to Ritz? How does that 80k signup bonus from Marriott compare to the 2 free nights for Ritz?

[Anonymous]

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@nitrov wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@nitrov wrote:

DARN IT, really?! I had no idea! Can I PC to Ritz from Marriott or is it a separate app? 

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Separate app

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you're breaking my heart...I wonder if I app now since it's been less than 30 days if they'd use the same HP. Is it worth me trying to app for it, and if approved move the CL from Marriott over to Ritz? How does that 80k signup bonus from Marriott compare to the 2 free nights for Ritz?

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Doubtful that they would use the same HP.  If I were you I would finish the spend requirement on the Marriott, get the 80K points and then apply for the Ritz.  I wouldn't necessarily cancel the Marriott right away so as not to draw the ire of Chase and you can always close it down the road and then transfer the limit over.  The offers are very similar but you also get three club level upgrades at a Ritz with the RC card.  Of course the AF is much higher but there are quite a few benefits to offset the AF.

[jacetx]

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@nitrov wrote:

DARN IT, really?! I had no idea! Can I PC to Ritz from Marriott or is it a separate app? 

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This is why is always prudent to ask questions and do proper research before applying for any card. Congrats on the approval though!

[nitrov]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@nitrov wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@nitrov wrote:

DARN IT, really?! I had no idea! Can I PC to Ritz from Marriott or is it a separate app? 

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Separate app

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you're breaking my heart...I wonder if I app now since it's been less than 30 days if they'd use the same HP. Is it worth me trying to app for it, and if approved move the CL from Marriott over to Ritz? How does that 80k signup bonus from Marriott compare to the 2 free nights for Ritz?

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Doubtful that they would use the same HP.  If I were you I would finish the spend requirement on the Marriott, get the 80K points and then apply for the Ritz.  I wouldn't necessarily cancel the Marriott right away so as not to draw the ire of Chase and you can always close it down the road and then transfer the limit over.  The offers are very similar but you also get three club level upgrades at a Ritz with the RC card.  Of course the AF is much higher but there are quite a few benefits to offset the AF.

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Alright, I guess I'll do that. I honestly wrote the Ritz card off before due to the AF but I didn't realize it got you Gold while Marriott only got you to Silver. Kicking myself. Since I just got Prestige I didn't want to sign up for over $800 in AFs between 2 cards, but Ritz card does make sense with all they give you back. Kinda bummed...appreciate your help though! You know you're the best!

[nitrov]

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@jace8602 wrote:

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@nitrov wrote:

DARN IT, really?! I had no idea! Can I PC to Ritz from Marriott or is it a separate app? 

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This is why is always prudent to ask questions and do proper research before applying for any card. Congrats on the approval though!

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When I apped for Marriott I did it the same time I apped for a CLI on Freedom and a new app for CSP. I thought for sure it wasn't even going to get approved when I did it, but someone on here recommended apping for a co-branded card the same time I did the CSP, and I'm glad I did cuz it turned the HP into at least one good approval. It was pretty spur of the moment. I normally do research and ask questions, and telling someone they should've done that after-the-fact is basically akin to an "I told you so." I looked at Ritz, but as I said above, the AF didn't immediately make it something I really wanted to do. I'm very happy with the Marriott approval and the great CL, so now I was just trying to figure out a way to maximize what I'm getting out of the card.

[pakprotector]

There are a lot of people on the forums like that... unfortunate. 

thanks,

BLH