10 Benefits of Having a Ritz Carlton Credit Card
Each credit card in existence has its own advantages and benefits that are designed to appeal to a certain group of people. For example, points for using the card towards hotel stays for people who are frequent bookers, air miles and credit for flying for frequent flyers and so forth. The Ritz Carlton credit card is a Visa that is backed by Chase bank for the famous Ritz Carlton hotel company. Cardholders earn greater benefits when staying at a Ritz Carlton or Marriott location. They offer a program that is beneficial for travelers from all walks of life. If you’re in the market for a new credit card but are yet undecided, here are 10 benefits of having a Ritz Carlton credit card.
1. Low APR
The annual percentage rate for the Ritz Carlton credit card is lower than many others. It’s currently set at 15.99%. While it’s not the lowest, it isn’t the highest either. This is a good rate when you consider all the rewards that the card has to offer. When bills are paid on time, the rate can be bypassed altogether, but in the event of a late payment, the world won’t come to an end with this card.
2. Ten percent return on annual spending
Ritz Carlton card holders receive ten percent of their annual spending back in the form of rewards points. This makes the card an excellent choice for travelers. It saves you a lot of money on hotel expenses because these reward points can be redeemed for money off when you stay at a Ritz Carlton or Marriott hotel and one of the best parts is that they offer free hotel credit when you use the card to pay for accommodations and services at these locations.
3. Generous sign up bonus
When you sign up for a Ritz Carlton Visa credit card and are approved, as a new member if you spend $4,000 within the first three months after approval, you are entitled to use 3 free stays in any Marriott hotel room. This is a sweet benefit that saves a lot of money. The benefit can also be used by past card members who have not cashed out any sign up bonuses within the last 24 months.
4. You can earn additional rewards points just for using the card
In addition to the Ritz Carlton rewards that you receive from being a member, you have the opportunity to earn extra points. You earn 5 points for every $1 you spend at any participating Ritz Carlton Rewards and SPG hotels throughout the world. There are also benefits for flying. You can earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on airline tickets that are purchased directly through an airline, on car rental agencies and at restaurants. You will earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases. Regardless of what you use the card for, you will earn rewards points.
5. Gold Elite Status for one year
As a new member, you will automatically be moved to the Gold Elite status. This entitles you to free room upgrades at hotels. Members who are not new can gain Gold Elite status by spending $10,000 with the card in any 12 month period, and can advance to Platinum Elite status when spending $75,000 annually. This upgrade comes with all of the benefits of Gold Elite status plus room guarantees and arrival gifts in addition to other benefits.
6. Additional bonuses for the first year
All new members receive additional bonuses and benefits for the firsts year including Dedicated reservations and guest services toll free lines, enhanced late checkout from rooms up to 4:00 pm, room upgrades at check in, complimentary in room enhanced internet access, savings on Ritz Carlton branded merchandise in gift shops and a 25% bonus on the Ritz Carlton Rewards base points you earn.
7. Troon Golf Benefits
With the Ritz Carlton Rewards Credit Card, youo can sign up for Troon rewards to get 10% off the purchase of golf instructions, golf tees and golf instruction. This also gives you access to playing at high end private courses throughout the country for a cost of $99 per round, entitling you to Troon Prive access.
8. $100 Hotel Credit
When you use your Ritz Carlton Rewards credit card for qualifying hotel recreational activities, spa services or dining, you earn $100 in hotel credit. You can use this credit to pay for any stay at a Ritz Carlton for two nights or more but advance reservations are required and you can’t combine this credit with any packages, discounts or negotiated corporate or group rates.
9. Other membership benefits
There are several other membership benefits for being a card holder. You can add authorized users to your account with no extra expense. You are not charged more for adding users to your account which is quite a benefit when compared with some other cards that do charge additional fees for this service. You also get access to Lounge Club which is an airport lounge that can be found in hundreds of location throughout the world to make traveling more comfortable.
10. Car rental privileges
You can unlock a host of special car rental benefits when you use your Ritz Carlton Rewards credit card at certain participating car rental agencies. You simply use your card to enroll in the rewards programs offered by Avis, National or Silvercar. Enrollment entitles you to a variety of upgrades, car rental discounts, savings on premium and luxury car rental rates, promotions and other special offers.
You can also read:
- The Reason Why Virtually All Credit Cards are the Same Size
- What are the Dimensions of a Credit Card and Why?
